Championship Recap: Thrilling 3A and 4A Matchups Unpacked

The seminal action continued into the second session as both 3A and 4A teams suited up in the afternoon. The crowd started to roll in as they were excited to see some solid matchups take place. The lights were on bright in the Glass House as teams got after it. With championship implications on the line, kids were ready to battle for the opportunity to advance to the next round.   Here is a recap from both the 3A and 4A classifications.   Game 1   Heritage vs. South Gibson   Both teams had a feeling-out process early as neither could get on track. However, the second quarter made all the difference as Heritage was able to get some high % shots to fall while winning the quarter. That run, along with their tenacious defense, is what kept South Gibson from catching fire. It was a low-scoring affair that saw Heritage come out victorious.   Heritage 36, South Gibson 29   Player of The Game    Hit some big-time buckets when her club needed it the most. Though she only finished with 9 points it was her defense that stood out as she played 29 minutes out of the game. She owned the boards, pulling down 9, as she eliminated any second-chance opportunities South Gibson tried to make. Her play helped fuel her ball club as they advanced to the next round.    Game 2   Northview Academy vs. Dyersburg   One of the most exciting matchups of the day saw two teams who were hungry with championship aspirations.   Both clubs came out swinging right from the start. Dyersburg came out strong as they displayed a lethal guard attack. However, Northview settled in and started to chip away little by little. Dyersburg took the lead into the half, up 22-18. Northview went into the locker room and came out and made some adjustments. Their strategy fueled a run as they slowed down Dyersburg and forced them into making some tough shot attempts. As the 4th quarter rolled around, it was all about converting and seeing which club had the most gas left in their tanks. It was close down the stretch however, Northview made some key free throws that saw them take the lead and hold on.    Northview Academy 52, Dyersburg 51   Player of the Game    She was big-time from the field as she got to the rim and finished against contact. She was an exciting player, and her ballclub fed off of her energy. She was able to get downhill and attack, causing the defense to shift to either stop her, or they found themselves in a tight position where she drew the foul. She was seven of thirteen from the free throw line and finished with 19 points and 6 assists. She is a heady ball player who makes the right reads. Plays with a sense of urgency and is the engine that helps this team run efficiently.    Game 3   Bartlett vs. Cookeville    The two teams are coming into this contest as hot as all get out. Cookeville was on an impressive run where they had knocked off Cleveland in OT to get to Murfreesboro, as well as a talented Lincoln Co. team. Bartlett faced a tough first game against Oak Ridge, so both of these teams were coming in looking to take the next step.   Early on, you could tell Bartlett came out with the juice. They displayed their size and athleticism which posed as a threat for the Lady Cavaliers. The 1st half was all Bartlett, but  Cookeville hung in there, hitting some key buckets before the close of the half. Coming out of the break, Cookeville did make it a game, but Bartlett was able to tap into their bench to use some fresh bodies that saw them contribute and play some tight D. Bartlett moves on to the championship game.   Bartlett 55, Cookeville 43   Player of the Game    She had a stellar performance that saw her playing at a high level. She hit some key 3s down the stretch while finishing at the rim against contact. Her confidence was there as you could see her set up to knock down the kickout 3. She was solid on the defensive end as well, getting 3 steals that led to transition buckets. A great performance that saw a kid take it to another level.    Game 4   Bradley Central vs. Bearden   Two years ago, Bradley barely screeched by with a 55-53 win over this Bearden ball club. Well, right from the start, you could tell Bearden wasn't afraid of the mighty Bearettes. They pounced on them early, using their speed and quickness. [player_tooltip player_id='513233' first='Natalya' last='Hodge'] led the charge as she was able to attack downhill and get to the rim multiple times, finishing with pretty moves. Bearden held Bradley to single digits in the first and took a 2 point lead going into the half.   The Bearettes came out of the break strong, looking to cause havoc and get back on top. Coach sent a message to his players as they came out at the half, looking impressive. They went into a press that saw Bearden turn the ball over and make mental mistakes. One thing led to another, and the Bradley Central route was on.   Bradley Central 66, Bearden 39   Player of the Game    Had a double-double as she dominated the paint against Bearden. She finished with 27 points and 13 boards, along with 2 steals and 1 block. When I tell you she was on the boards, she cleaned them up, especially on the offensive end. She converted 7 put backs, giving her squad the needed boost. This highly-touted kid is one of the best in her state. She is up for the Miss Tennessee award and she showed why. With a stellar performance like this, she should be the MVP of the tournament.

The seminal action continued into the second session as both 3A and 4A teams suited up in the afternoon. The crowd started to roll in as they were excited to see some solid matchups take place. The lights were on bright in the Glass House as teams got after it. With championship implications on the line, kids were ready to battle for the opportunity to advance to the next round.