By Michael Lindsay
For the first time in program history, the Cookeville Cavaliers are region champions as they defeated LaVergne 62-42 in Thursday’s Region 4-4A title game at Oakland High School.
“It feels great to have those boys be a part of that,” said Cookeville head coach Joshua Heard. “Knowing the work they put in to get that is awesome.”
Thursday was the Cavaliers’ fourth victory against LaVergne this season following two regular season games and last week’s District 7-4A championship.
“Playing somebody four times is tough because you know them, but they know you,” said coach Heard. “We did a great job of continuing to run with the ball and did even better getting stops and rebounds. LaVergne is a tough team; to have two teams from the same district make the region championship is big.”
Cookeville was led in scoring by all-region selection Jaren Davis, who poured in 20 points off the bench. Point guard Colin Ayers also hit double figures with 12 points, followed by Josh Heard with 8.
“That’s one of the beautiful things about having those experienced guys,” said coach Heard. “They’ve played in so many high-caliber games and they were confident in each other. Jaren Davis and Joseph Owens, even though they come off the bench, we consider them starters.”
The Cavaliers held a 13-12 lead after one quarter before extending their lead to 7 points by halftime, 29-22. Davis hit three three-pointers in the second period along with a fourth three by Jack Oakley.
Cookeville’s lead grew to double figures in the third quarter as they led 41-31 entering the fourth, where they outscored LaVergne 21-11 to close out the 62-42 victory.
“We talked in the locker room about having our fun tonight, but that was just one of the goals we have,” said coach Heard. “It’s great to see them have fun, but it’s even better to see how they spoke in the locker room about not being done.”
Cavalier senior Josh Heard surpassed a career milestone Thursday as he became the program’s all-time leading scorer with 1,650 points. Heard passed Mitchell Hill, who recorded 1,649 points.
Cookeville improves to 29-3 overall following the first region championship victory in program history. The Cavaliers will host Monday’s Class 4A sectional contest with a state tournament berth on the line against Bradley Central (22-9) on Monday at 7 p.m.
“This is our seniors’ true senior night,” said coach Heard. “To have that means a lot. We have to come out and do what we do.”
Cookeville (62): Jaren Davis 20, Colin Ayers 12, Josh Heard 8, Jack Oakley 6, Jalen Heard 5, Bennett Reeves 5, Joseph Owens 2, Layne Garrett 2, Bryce Herren 2
