2024-25 State Playoff Recap: Class 2A Highlights

As you all know, yesterday marked the opening day of the 2024-25 state playoffs for Division l public schools. Classes 1A and 2A kicked off the tournament in classic fashion as there were some closely contested matchups. Those in attendance saw some pretty good games as clubs from all over the state went at each other on their quest to bring home the gold ball trophy.   Here is the recap from the Class 2A division.   Game 1    Loretto vs. McMinn Central   They are two teams that have similar qualities and play a similar style. Right from the start, these teams got after each other ,swinging back and forth. In the second, Loretto extended the lead and slowed MC down just a tad. Halftime adjustments were made, but in the 4th, Loretto went on a big scoring run and shut down the McMinn Central comeback. They played bully ball in the second half which ultimately led their team to win.    Loretto 59, McMinn Central 48   Player of the Game    Was a bully throughout the game as she dropped 23 points and had 10 rebounds. She was a monster for McMinn Central on both ends of the floor. She helped neutralize the McMinn attack by making shot attempts tough and eliminating them to one possession. Offensively, she was big-time, hitting shots when her squad needed it, and being available on swing actions that saw the ball end up in her hands. A tremendous player who advances onto the next round.    Game 2   Westview vs. East Nashville   These two schools met almost 10 years ago, so the feelings and thoughts were in the minds of the faithful from these two schools. Westview, coming into the contest, was 30-,1 and they continued on their hot streak as they announced their presence early in the first quarter. From then on out, they won each quarter except the fourth, where they dominated and extended their lead. The Lady Eagles tried to mount a comeback, but Westview was just too much.   Westview 48, East Nashville 30   Player of the Game    Played with relentless energy on both ends of the floor. She was active on D, which led to easy buckets going on the other way. She shot confidently from 3, hitting big-time shots when her squad needed a bucket. Maddie played with poise as she picked her spots to exploit, especially down the stretch. Her performance was great, and look for her to come out in the next round and putting together a similar body of work as Westview looks to capitalize on this impressive season.    Game 3   Gatlinburg-Pittman vs. Summertown   Both teams come into the contest playing a similar style of play. However, the one outlier that Summertown didn't have was a young lady who has been on the up and up this entire year (More on that here in a bit). The 1st half was close as both teams went back and forth answering each other on each possession. GP took a two-point lead into the half and then took off from there to start the second. They won each quarter in the second half and never looked back. The one kid who led the way, well she is the player of the game.   Gatlinburg-Pittman 50, Summertown 36   Player of the Game    She was on a tear, as she was the X factor in the ballgame in more ways than one. Maliyah has amazing court vision as she is able to get to spot utilizing her quick first step as well as knock it down from the arc. She was active on D, led the charge, as her squad pulled away from Summertown, especially in the second half. You could tell this young lady was on a mission and the mission isn't complete. She has had a tremendous season thus far and isn't done yet. Look for her to build upon this performance and be stellar as GP looks to rewrite history.    Game 4   York Institute vs. Memphis Business Academy   Out of all the games of the day, this game had the true storylines. A upcoming coming program from West Tennessee that got after it creating havoc on the defensive end. They battled throughout the course of the game, giving York Institute fits as they tried to run their stuff. In the end, York who is no stranger to the big stage, kept their poise and handled adversity. They rose challenge and came out victorious.   York Institute 44, Memphis Business 43   Player of the Game    Was consistent from the field as she made 5 of 9 shots. Though the York offensive was held in check, Cali was able to knock down clutch baskets when her team needed them the most. The heady point guard was able to get a few paint touches along with her ability to knock it down from the field. She was solid on the defensive end, contributing big-time as well. Look for her to go into the next contest with confidence as York moves onto the next round.

As you all know, yesterday marked the opening day of the 2024-25 state playoffs for Division l public schools. Classes 1A and 2A kicked off the tournament in classic fashion as there were some closely contested matchups. Those in attendance saw some pretty good games as clubs from all over the state went at each other on their quest to bring home the gold ball trophy.