Opening Day at the State

Brandon Tinnon March 4, 2022 @ 08:30 AM

The DII Final Four 1st day is in the books. The gym was live as attendees saw some incredible young ladies take the court. The teams who competed today, dazzled the crowd as they performed. When the stakes are high, teams have to minimize their turnovers or costly mistakes. You have to value each possession. Hit the open shots. Play lockdown defense , and of course control the boards. With advancing to the championship game on the line, these young ladies left it all out on the court. Game 1 saw two very talented squads take the court. Ensworth vs. Knoxville Catholic took the floor first. 1st period saw a game where it was neck and neck. Both teams capitalized on opportunities before Ensworth busted the game wide open by going on a impressive scoring run. The Lady Tigers never looked back as they held Knox. Catholic to single digit scoring until the 4th quarter. Ensworth will advance to the championship game on Saturday as they look to defend their title and back it back to back. Standout Players Knoxville Catholic [player_tooltip player_id="245355" first="Sydney" last="Mains"]- FInished the game with a game high 20 points and six rebounds. She was 10-10 from the free throw line. This very talented young lady is someone to keep your eye on. Multi-level scorer who is just a sophomore. Look for her to help lead her team back to the final next year as she continues to get better. [player_tooltip player_id="245303" first="Jazmine" last="Williams"]- 10pts, 5 rebounds. She has grown over the past couple of years into a prospect. Someone who can handle the ball, distribute, knock down shots, and defend. Tough kid who helps provide Knox. Catholic with a solid 1-2 punch. Ensworth [player_tooltip player_id="245351" first="Jaloni" last="Cambridge"](5’6/ So./ PG)- Dynamic player who had 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 steals. Hard to defend. With amazing court vision, she knows how to manipulate and control the pace of the game. From slashing to the lane to knocking 3s, she is one of the most talented young ladies across the Tennessee landscape right now. Look for her to carry this momentum into the finals as she looks for state championship #2. [player_tooltip player_id="245234" first="Kamil" last="Collier"] (6’0/ Sr./ C)- This post player posted a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds. She was all over the boards, leaving her mark as she solidified her presence down low. The Lipscomb signee truly showed all the tangibles the Lady Bisons liked. Game 2 The second game saw Lipscomb Academy and Knox. Webb take the court. This one was a close matchup where the game was truly about valuing the possession. The game was tied at the half with Knox Webb looking like they would have the momentum coming out of the break.. With 2:30 left to go in the 3rd, LA hit some key shots down the stretch and never looked back. Capitalizing on turnovers, missed shots, and free throw opportunities, the Lady Mustangs were able to convert and finish the game winning 47-37. Standout Players Knoxville Webb Meeyah Green(5’8/8th Grader/ G)- The 5’8 8th grader was the leading scorer for her team. Shooting 50% from the field and beyond the arc, Meeyah brought in 18pts and 7 rebounds. She played a phenomenal game and truly the catalyst for her squad. This young lady wasn’t scared when the lights shined bright, as she battled every possession she was in the game. Meeyah is someone to keep your eye on as she continues to grow. Being an 8th grader and competing on this level, speaks volumes on what is more to come with this young star. Lipscomb Academy [player_tooltip player_id="392569" first="Ella" last="Grace Thompson"] (5’5/Sr./ PG)- Led her team with 12 points and 6 rebounds. Hit key free throws down the stretch to help her team prevail. Ella Grace displayed great court vision as she conducted the Lady Mustang attack. She got 2 steals and helped slow down the Knox. Webb offense during their runs. Her senior leadership provided a spark for her team as they took the victory and will go onto play in the championship game. [player_tooltip player_id="392534" first="Mallye" last="Merritt"] (5’8/ Sr./ G)- The senior had a solid performance on both ends of the floor. Finishing the game with 11 pts, she was 100% from the field. Playing assignment basketball and with poise, Mallye stepped her game to contribute to the Lady Mustangs victory. Her senior leadership and defense ability came into play as she stifled the Knox. Webb wings. Using her size, she was able to take away passing and driving lanes, making Webb settle for low percentage shots.