Key Highlights from 1A and 2A Semifinal Games

Semifinal action kicked off day 3 of the tournament from Murfreesboro, TN. With being one game away from the finals, you could feel it in the air how much this game meant to everyone. The kids had that determination look in their eyes as they looked to hunt and go at their opponent. As the National Anthem played and the starting lineup was called, it was game on from there on out.   Here are the recaps from the 1A and 2A semifinal matchups.   Game 1   Coalfield vs. Van Buren Co.   Two teams that were looking to leave their mark and make history for their school. Right from the top, both teams got after it, trading buckets back and forth. At the end of the first, Coalfield was up 14-12, displaying a solid attack from both inside and out. However, VBC battled back and kept it close, trailing by one going into the half. Coalfield, with their solid guard play, came out hot in the 3rd. I'm talking about they took the wind right out of Van Buren Co.'s sails. However, VBC chipped away and caught fire in the 4th. Playing with stifling defense, they held Coalfield at bay and made a big run to help them come out on top.   Van Buren Co. 54, Coalfield 52   Player of the Game    She had 30 points as she put her team on her back. This young star in the making is so talented. She is a multilevel scoring threat who can create her own shot or dominate in sets where she utilizes screens very effectively. She was on a heater as she was 4 for 7 from 3 while getting mid-range jumpers with ease. A tough competitor whose stock is on the uptick.    Game 2    Richland vs. Greenfield   This was an exciting match as these two teams had been filling it up in previous matchups. Right from the start, you could tell this game would be tight. Both teams were built very similarly, so it was tough to get anything going early. The first half saw a low-scoring affair as neither team could really catch fire or pull away. Going into the half, the score was 17-17. In every game, the first 4 minutes coming out of halftime are crucial. However neither one of these teams could extend their lead. It wasn't until the 4th when Greenfield's D kicked it up a notch and was able to slow down the Richland attack. They went on a run and never looked back.   Greenfield 47, Richland 40   Player of the Game    Has been on a heater ever since her team arrived in Murfreesboro. This kid has been taking it to her opponents, averaging double figures along the way. She scored 23 points in this game, slicing up the opposition. She was the spark her ball club needed as they made an impressive run. Look for her to take this same energy into the next contest, especially with the gold ball up for grabs.    Game 3   Westview vs. Loretto   Two teams who met last year, so not only was their some familiarity, but also some bad blood amongst the two squads. Last year, Loretto came out on top, winning 54-49. The memory of that game was instilled into the minds of Westview. You could tell right from the start that this was going to be a different outcome from the last meeting between the two clubs.   As soon as the ball went up, it was go time for Westview. They played with a sense of urgency and were determined to slow down any  Loretto attack. In every phase of the game, they won and dominated right from the start. They created turnovers, got points in the paint, and just really frustrated Loretto with their speed and length. Loretto did try and make a small run, but Westview was just too much for them.   Westview 64, Loretto 39   Player of the Game      Her fingerprints were all on this matchup as she was the leading catalyst for her ball club. She had a double-double, scoring 20 points and grabbing 12 boards. Her contributions didn't stop there, as she also got 2 blocks and a steal. She's a super tough kid who made sure her squad would finish on top.    Game 4   York Institute vs. Gatlinburg-Pittman   These two teams met three years ago in a close matchup that saw York win 66-65. GP still had that bad taste in their mouths from that last outing. They remembered how it felt to walk off the floor that day. They wanted to turn the tables around and make sure there was a different outcome in this game.   As soon as the ball tipped off, you could tell these two squads were hungry. They went at each other hard, going back and forth.  At the start of the second quarter, the Lady Dragonettes caught fire and never looked back. Their defense kicked in full effect. They slowed down the GP attack. Their offense caught fire as they were hunting great shots and finishing at the cup. GP did put together a streak of back to back buckets to get back into the game. However, the inspiration and determination York was playing with was just too much to overcome.   York Institute 60, Gatlinburg- Pittman 45   Player of the Game    Just one of the best kids in the state, her ability to create her own shot is amazing. Though she isn't the biggest kid on the court, her presence on the court is second to none. She finished with 30 points and grabbed 10 boards. Such an impactful player who is always in the right spot at the right time. She truly is one of the best in the state, and her competitive sprint invigorates her ball club. A tough player who has such a high ceiling; she's going to be special at the next level.

Semifinal action kicked off day 3 of the tournament from Murfreesboro, TN. With being one game away from the finals, you could feel it in the air how much this game meant to everyone. The kids had that determination look in their eyes as they looked to hunt and go at their opponent. As the National Anthem played and the starting lineup was called, it was game on from there on out.