Battle For The Top Spot

Big game. Big stage. The Rutherford County AAA district is one of the toughest divisions in the state. Over the weekend, the Lady Blaze and the Lady Patriots battled it out, trying to secure the top spot in their district. It was a hard-fought game that had the crowd on the edge of their seat until the very end. Both Coach Jennifer Grandstaff (Blackman) and Coach Shelby Campbell (Oakland) did their best to deploy different attacks to combat each team’s strengths. Each had different tactics that tried to exploit the other’s weaknesses. At the end of the day, the game was won by the players and their awesome efforts to excel. From dazzling moves to deep threes, even doing the simple things, this game had all the makings of a great ballgame. Each team went back and forth battling each other every possession. Girls dove for loose balls, jumped passing lanes, crashed boards, dialed it deep for 3, had killer crossovers moves, and finished at the rim. Such characteristics are the reason why this district and both ballclubs have multiple young ladies going to play at the next level. You saw girls sacrificing for the betterment of their team, yet at the end, it was the Lady Blaze who finished on top of this first meeting for them this season. With a great crowd in attendance for this women’s game, here are a few of the standouts who shined bright. Blackman High School Iyanna Moore (CG, Sr.)- The senior combo guard who committed to Vanderbilt displayed poised throughout the game. Her style is so fluid and she knows when to strike. She had a game-high 22 points, which she also dished 5 assists, and grabbed 5 boards. Iyanna was also disruptive on the defensive end getting 5 steals as well. Look for her to garnish many end of the year awards, which one very well could be Ms. Tennessee. [player_tooltip player_id="245267" first="Gracie" last="Hamby"] (F, Jr.)- Gracie was battling all over the place. She had a few putbacks, a few nice mid-range shots, and a deep three. Gracie brought down 4 rebounds in the game as well. She played a solid game and did the little things that helped propel her team to victory. Kaylee Odom (C, Sr.)- She is just a lunch pail type of girl. The Freed-Hardman commit had 10 points and 7 boards. She caused havoc down low as well as created extra opportunities for her teammates. She had a few nice mid-range shots, but her efforts on defense changed the way Oakland tried to score. Other notable standouts [player_tooltip player_id="245156" first="Victoria" last="Page"] (PG, Sr.) - Though she wasn’t the leading scorer on her team, she was the floor general that created opportunities for her ballclub. She had poise with the ball and handled the pressure so well. Vic has such excellent basketball IQ and court awareness. She played hard disrupting Oakland’s attack on the defensive end. The Dartmouth commit was essential in helping her team to victory. Kaelyn Flowers (CG, Fr.)- Played some big minutes for the Lady Blaze. She brought in 7 points in her effort. She is one of the best lockdown defenders in the county. She has a nice mid-range game and a beautiful floater game. She attacks downhill, which leads to dump down opportunities for her post teammates. Look for her to add to her game and be one of the next best guards that come from this Blackman program.   Oakland High School [player_tooltip player_id="245149" first="Claira" last="McGowan"] (SG., Sr.) - Though her team came up short, Claira was a gamer. She had 22 points in her effort, but she displayed the heart of a lion. She shot the ball at a high clip from 3, finished at the rim, and balled out on defense. The Murray State commit has a shooter’s touch. Claira game is very impressive and she leaves it all out on the court. [player_tooltip player_id="245309" first="Ni’Kiah" last="Chesterfield"] (C, So.) - The 6’0 post player is a threat on both ends of the floor. She has great footwork that allows her to work from block to block. She was essential in the pick and roll game, as well as shot the ball deep a couple of times. Ni’Kiah finished the game with 12 points. Ni’Kiah is an impressive talent that will have many offers by the end of her high school career. Myah Sutton (PG, So)- Myah had 6 points in her effort against Blackman. The young PG is quick and a very heady player. She plays the game with poise and is a true floor general. Myah can shoot the ball at a high clip, but can also slash through the defense. She is a great defender who anticipates well. Other Notable Standout Beth Nelson (PF, Jr.)- The 6’0 power forward crashed the boards well. She had 6 points in her effort to help her Lady Patriots team. Beth is a very unique talent who uses her size to take advantage of mismatches. Beth has a nice shooter’s touch and shoots the ball well from all 3 levels. With her high motor, look for Beth to contribute even more down the stretch for her team going into the district tournament.