Highlights from Day 2 of the 4A Matchups

Day 2 saw the 4A class in action and let me tell you all we're excited for these matchups. Highly touted kids took the floor to showcase their skills as they were on a quest to move onto the next round. Each matchup had big-time implications tied to it, as well as the opportunity to show everyone that you belonged. These four games in 4A were tremendous.    Here is a recap of the 4A matchups from opening day.   Game 1   Bartlett vs. Oak Ridge   Oak Ridge came out hot, throwing the first punch, and just went on a tear early. Bartlett eventually settled in and chipped away at the lead. You would have thought Oak Ridge had this secret sauce that would be able to keep Bartlett at bay, but it was Bartlett who went old school and owned the painted area. Though Oak Ridge went to the half with the lead, it was Bartlett's length and athleticism that allowed them to stay strong and pull away in the 4th. This was a real close game throughout, but Bartlett's bench was the difference in this outcome.   Bartlett holds on and moves on to the next round.   Bartlett 52, Oak Ridge 50   Player of the Game    Just big-time in the painted area. Oak Ridge didn't have an answer for the physical presence she brought to the court. She played solidly throughout, making it tough for OR to score. It was her ability to work the low blocks as well as the mid-range area that was all the difference. Samiya has been consistent throughout her career and has grown tremendously. She has been battle-tested and has learned from past performances in times like these. This kid is hungry, she's going to make a difference. She brings the physicality, energy, and effort that her teams feed off of. She has some unfinished business and you better believe she will look to capitalize off this opportunity.    Game 2   Lincoln Co. vs. Cookeville   Lincoln started out the gate fast, getting high percentage shots and causing chaos on the defensive end. Eventually, the Lady Cavaliers settled in and unleashed their balanced attack. They were able to hit a few big-time 3s, but it was their work on the interior that made all the difference. Displaying sensational senior leadership, this class wouldn't allow their ball club to go out this way. At the start of the 2nd, it was all she wrote as Cookeville started getting hot and cookin'. Their D turned up a notch, they got a few second-chance opportunities that they were able to capitalize on. Cookeville just played with poise and battled. They move on to the next round, ready to rewrite history.   Cookeville 49, Cookeville 37   Player of the Game    She's a special PG who can do all things. Poised with the ball in her hands, she has a great court presence where she knows what's going on at all times. Yesterday, her team needed her to score the rock, which she did by shooting impressively from the field. She had 9 points from three and got in done on the inside by driving into the lane and finishing. She contributed on the boards as well, gaining rebounds that led to valuable possessions. This young lady has had a stellar season and a sensational postseason. Her confidence is riding high, and look for her to carry this momentum into their next contest.    Game 3   Bearden vs. Whitehaven   There was a feeling our process early, but the girls from the East were just too much for the [program_tooltip program_id='712426' first='Bluff' last='City'] girls. Though the first quarter was close, that was the closest it would ever be as Bearden got hot. Their defense held Whithaven in check as they eliminated their offense and kept them to single-digit scoring from the second quarter on. Effort and consistency were big as Bearden got after it, displaying their championship caliber of play. Bearden moves on and looks ready to compete in the next round.   Bearden 59, Whitehaven 24   Player of the Game    One of the best guards in the state, she is just tough to deal with. She is so impressive, and her presence alone makes a huge impact. She didn't score much early, but her playing-making abilities made all the difference. Whitehaven couldn't handle her as she was able to create for others and then go to work for herself. She finished the game with 19 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals. A stellar performance from a top-tier talented player.    Game 4   Coffee Co. vs. Bradley Central   Well, this was the big granddaddy (grandmomma) of them all. The number 1 and number 2 teams in the state battled it out on the first day in Murfreesboro. People came from near and far to see this matchup and neither team disappointed. Bradley came out strong right from the start, dropping 21 points in the first, holding  Coffee Co. to only 9 in the first quarter. Coffee Co. settled down and got down to work, upping their defense and holding Bradley to only 5 points in the 2nd quarter. It was a back-and-forth match, with Bradley winning each quarter in the second half. Bradley dominated the paint, which made all the difference down the stretch. This team is on a mission to capture another trophy and bring it back to Cleveland, TN. Bradley moves on to the next round.   Bradley Central 53, Coffee Co. 44   Player of the Game    Though she wasn't the high point scorer for her team, she was the defensive juggernaut that slowed down the Coffee Co. attack. She doesn't get a lot of credit for her ability to battle in the trenches. She was the X factor in her ability to neutralize their low post play. She was physical, established a dominant presence. When she got into foul trouble, that's when Coffee Co. made their run. When she was inserted back into the game, the run stopped and that was all she wrote from the Lady Red Raiders. She only had six points, but her selfless style of play was the difference in this game.

Day 2 saw the 4A class in action and let me tell you all we're excited for these matchups. Highly touted kids took the floor to showcase their skills as they were on a quest to move onto the next round. Each matchup had big-time implications tied to it, as well as the opportunity to show everyone that you belonged. These four games in 4A were tremendous.