More Than Basketball Tournament

Brandon Tinnon December 24, 2021 @ 11:46 AM

The More Than Basketball Tournament hosted by Lipscomb Academy displayed two-state contention teams in their championship game. Both Cookeville HS and Stewarts Creek, went toe to toe, leaving fans in attendance on their feet. The game went back and forth, with girls hitting clutch shots down the stretch. Throughout the course of the game, you saw young ladies battle adversity, rise to hit big-time shots, and fly around on defense. The Cookeville attack was led by [player_tooltip player_id="245313" first="Jordan" last="Gillies"]. The 5’11 combo guard was tremendous with the ball in her hands. From knocking down clutch 3s to driving to the rim, she was on point all night as she looked to attack the basket. Her sister, a senior Bailey Gillies, knocked down some clutch 3s from deep, to change the momentum for the Lady Cavaliers. [player_tooltip player_id="285379" first="Cassie" last="Gallagher"], was outstanding from inside the arc, grabbing boards and knocking down mid-range shots. Tournament MVP KK Graves used her motor to drive to the hoop all night. She was awesome from the field and provided a spark for the Lady Cavaliers on the defensive end. The Stewart Creek Lady Redhawks were led by [player_tooltip player_id="245224" first="Zyion" last="Shannon"]. The TSU signee slashed through the defense as she got to the rim. Both Taylor Turner and [player_tooltip player_id="245356" first="Alonna" last="Poole"] battled through injuries to come back and hit clutch shots for the ladies in red. Taylor hit some nice corner 3s, while Alonna used her body to get to the rim and finish through contact. [player_tooltip player_id="245359" first="Madison" last="McNeal"], was all over the court, driving to the lane and then picking up full court, locking her girl down. In the end, the Lady Cavaliers won it in the final seconds 54-53. These teams had met previously with the Lady Cavs winning by 9. Both teams provided such an entertaining performance for all in attendance. This was truly an outstanding championship game. Big props to all the girls on both clubs and good luck for the rest of the season. The More Than Basketball All-Tournament Team (From left to right) KK Graves (5’10/Sr./SF/ Cookeville)- Tournament MVP, KK Graves plays with a motor on her. She can defend, contribute on the boards, excels in the mid-range game, and can finish at the rim. Smart player who flys around. [player_tooltip player_id="285379" first="Cassie" last="Gallagher"] (5’11/Jr./PF/ Cookeville)- Stretch 4 who can shoot from beyond the arc. Can handle the ball, shoot the 15 footers, and display great footwork in the painted area. Contributes on the boards on both ends. [player_tooltip player_id="245313" first="Jordan" last="Gillies"](5’10/Jr./CG/ Cookeville)- Heady player who is a multi-level scorer. Uses her quick first step to get downhill. Can knock down shots from multiple areas on the floor. Can distribute well and set her teammates up for success. Taylor Turner (5’6/Jr./CG/ Stewart’s Creek)- Scrappy kid who is a tough ballplayer. Can create havoc on the defensive end and pickpockets of her opponents. With the ball in her hands, she can attack downhill and finish at the rim, as well as hit from 3. [player_tooltip player_id="245356" first="Alonna" last="Poole"](6’0/So./W/ Stewart’s Creek)- Long and rangy kid who excels at the game of basketball. Uses her deceptive speed to get to the rim and can finish against contact. Has a nice touch that she unleashes from 15ft and beyond. Can handle the ball and start transition breaks. Phenomenal kid with a lot of upsides. [player_tooltip player_id="245224" first="Zyion" last="Shannon"] (5’8/Sr./CG/ Stewart’s Creek)- Dynamic player who can attack the rim. A multi-level scorer who has a sweet stroke. Plays the game with a motor and is an excellent defender. Abby Smith (5’9/Sr./W/ Lipscomb Academy)- Sharpshooter who is clutch for her club. A scorer on all 3 levels, Abby is a catalyst for her team. Great, fundamentally sound player who doesn’t force her game. [player_tooltip player_id="245217" first="Reghan" last="Grimes"](5’9/Sr./G/Ravenwood) (Not pictured)- The Tennessee Tech signee is a high motor kid who is a grinder. She can shoot the 3 ball or get downhill with a vengeance. Anticipates well on D, by getting steals, deflecting passes, and creating chaos.