Close Games and Top Performers at Day 2 of the 3A Tournament

Day two of the State tournament in Murfreesboro, TN saw both the 3A schools and 4A schools get after it. Talk about a day that saw some close ball games, these contests were great as all those who played laid it all out on the line. The vibe was different as the fans filled the stance, providing the energy, making the Glass House have an electric atmosphere. Some of the state's best were putting on a show as all were there to witness some good basketball.    Here is a recap from day 2 in the 3A classification.   Game 1   South Gibson vs. Cocke Co.   This was the first meeting ever between the two schools. This was an old-fashioned ballgame as each team battled possession by possession. Both coaches scouted well as offensive sets had to be run thoroughly, with the 1st and second options not being available. In this game, it was the little things that made all the difference as these two teams were physical and scored the majority of their points in the paint. It was in the 2nd quarter where South Gibson took the lead, however, Cocke Co. stayed close right behind them the entire game. Defense was the name of the game as South Gibson capitalized on turnovers. In the end, South Gibson holds on to advance to the next round.   South Gibson 43, Cocke Co. 39   Player of the Game    Left her fingerprints all over this game as she was the leading catalyst for her South Gibson squad. She was great inside, finishing 6 of 8 from the field. She brought in a total of 15 points, but what stood out was her ability to help neutralize her opponent. She grabbed 6 defensive boards and got 5 steals. She had an impactful day that spearheaded her club into the next round. A solid kid whose stock is rising for sure, especially after performances like this.    Game 2   Portland vs. Heritage    Both teams have had a solid regular season, but Heritage has been on a tear this year as they have only lost two games thus far. Their balanced attack and great guard play were on display as they got after it right from the start. They owned the 1st half as they got what they wanted, scoring high percentage shots and knocking down 3s. Both teams came out of the half scoring in double figures, but Heritage's defense was just too much for Portland. Heritage moves on to the next round as they continue on their mission.   Heritage 60, Portland 36   Player of the Game    She might as well get used to playing under these lights as she will be suiting up for the Lady Blue Raiders next season. She and her batterymate, [player_tooltip player_id='409073' first='Chloe' last='Heath'], were feeling it. Carsyn dropped 22 points, getting paint touches and knocking down shots from multiple spots. She got her teammates solid looks as she made timely passes that led to great shot attempts. She was a pest on the defensive end, getting 5 steals that led to transition buckets. A sensational performance by one of the top kids in the state.    Game 3   Dyersburg vs. White Co.   This closely contested ballgame saw two talented squads go toe-to-toe against each other. In the 1st, both teams came out answering each other back and forth. Their guards were on display as they were both attacking down hill finishing or dishing it off to their low post presence. The game stayed close throughout, but when Dyersburg's athleticism kicked it up a notch in the second half, White Co. couldn't answer. Both teams played solidly throughout, however, it was White Co. who had some empty trips down the floor without scoring on the possession, which led to Dyersburg capitalizing on it. This was a great game that saw Dyersburg move on.   Dyersburg 52, White Co. 42   Player of the Game    One of the top guards in her class. She is as athletic and dynamic as they come. She played all 32 minutes, scoring 17 points. She was active on the boards, grabbing 4 offensive rebounds and pulling down 11 on D. She was just active, being impactful in every facet of the game. A sensational talent who is hard to handle. A tough kid with such a high ceiling.    Game 4   Northview Academy vs. Jackson South Side   Talk about a tremendous battle, this game was a back-and-forth seesaw match. Both teams got it done in the paint, answering shot for shot. Both teams tried their best to gain an advantage, but the other answered the bell the majority of the time. Talk about a close game, this game was tied 4 times. Both teams battled, but late in the 4th, Northview Academy went on a run and slowed down the SouthSide attack. There wasn't enough time left for JSS to mount a comeback as Northview Academy took care of the ball and capitalized down the stretch.    Northview Academy 55, Jackson South Side 48   Player of the Game    Though it was a team effort, her ability to finish down low stood out amongst the performances. Her size was a big factor, as JSS couldn't match her physicality. In the minutes she played, she was impactful not only by scoring but also by getting it done on the defensive end. She didn't slow second chance shot opportunities as she grabbed 10 boards. She also had 3 key blocks and one steal. It was not a bad double-double performance from a tough player who is becoming a household name. Look for her to come out strong in the next contest, displaying a similar body of work.

Day two of the State tournament in Murfreesboro, TN saw both the 3A schools and 4A schools get after it. Talk about a day that saw some close ball games, these contests were great as all those who played laid it all out on the line. The vibe was different as the fans filled the stance, providing the energy, making the Glass House have an electric atmosphere. Some of the state's best were putting on a show as all were there to witness some good basketball.