CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The stage has been set for the region 7-4A championship following semifinal games Monday night in which the Rossview Lady Hawks defeated Henry County, and the Clarksville Lady Wildcats beat out Dickson County.
The Rossview High girls’ basketball team fought through adversity all year and Monday night was no different. Henry County controlled the game early on against Rossview due to dominate defense in the first half. The Patriots hot start led to them acquiring a 26-19 halftime lead.
While Rossview head coach Clay Head was frustrated with his team’s play early on, he knew a few small adjustments could fuel the Hawks comeback.
“We just told them to attack the gaps and drive,” Head told Clarksville Now. “In the first half, we did too much passing around the arc. Once we started driving, shots started to fall. Good defense turned into good offense.”
In the second half, the Hawks came out like a team that would do anything to extend their season. They were able to take advantage of a strong paint presence from Ellie Hankemeier and Torri James.
Hankemeier led the Hawks in scoring on the night while James led the team in rebounds. With the help of some with intense defense and some timely free throw shooting, the Hawks pulled out the win in a thriller, 49-45.
“I’m just proud of them,” Head said. “They worked so hard and when it didn’t come easy, we fought and worked, and it worked out for us in the end.”
Top scorers
Rossview High: Ellie Hankemeier – 17 points; Torri James – 12 points; Madisyn Thomason – 10 points; Jai Jordan – 3 points; Ailani Davis – 3 points; Neveah Brown – 2 points; Baylee Williams – 2 points.
CHS advances, steamrolls Cougars
Up to this point in the 2023-24 season, the Clarksville Lady Wildcats have not met a team that can beat them quite yet. Coming into the regional semifinal on Monday, CHS sat at 28-0, but Dickson County was prepared to test the Wildcats in the first quarter of action.
After the first quarter concluded, Clarksville High only had a five point lead over the Cougars. Clarksville head coach Brian Rush knew his team just needed to settle in and continue to stay calm and play their game.
“Credit to them, they shot the ball well early,” Rush said. “We just had to get our defensive game plan down. We always preach a stop, a score and another stop. If you do that enough, the score will come out in your favor.”
Clarksville got plenty of stops over the next three quarters, including outscoring the Cougars 23-0 in the 2nd quarter. From there, it was all the Lady Wildcats. CHS ended up pulling away for a 72-24 win. It adds another notch to their perfect record, but Rush continues to acknowledge that nothing is given in the postseason.
“The goal tonight was just to advance,” said Rush. “Every night we have these games we’re cutting down the teams, we’re in the sweet sixteen now. The goal at this point is to take nothing for granted and keep advancing.”
Top Scorers
Clarksville High: Malon Smith – 19 points; Ella Moore – 12 points; Shakia Vance – 12 points; Imari Berry – 11 points; Keira Garinger – 7 points; Ally Howard – 7 points; Ella Muiznieks – 2 points; Avery Hawkins – 2 points.
Rossview will face Clarksville High Wednesday night for the regional championship.