Tennessee State Tournament Recap: Class 1A Highlights

Yesterday marked the opening day live from the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, TN. To kick off the opening round in the state tournament, both Class 1A and 2A teams were in action. Schools from all across the state got down to work as they continued their quest to bring the trophy back to their school.    Here is a recap from yesterday's matchups in Class 1A.   Game 1   Van Buren Co.  vs. Memphis Middle College   Van Buren Co. and Memphis Middle College tipped the day off, and right from the start, these two teams were neck and neck. Van Buren Co. settled down and dominated the paint. They eliminated any second-chance shot attempts and capitalized on each possession they had the ball. They extended their lead in the second half even though Memphis Middle College tried to mount a comeback. In the 4th, VB was just too much as they scored over 20 points ,holding off any last-minute efforts from MMC.   Van Buren Co. 68 Memphis Middle College 32   Player of the Game    Had a big-time game yesterday. She finished with a double-double with 23 points and 20 boards. She was too much to handle down low as she established her presence early. She was great working block to block on the offensive end, finishing with strength through the opposition. Defensively, she blocked shots and owned the boards. It was a solid outing from a talented player on the rise.    Game 2   Coalfield vs. Moore Co.   In game 2, it was a solid matchup between two schools who are hungry to take the next step in women's basketball. Right from the start, both teams had a strong first quarter going back and forth. In the second, Coalfield went on a little run as they held MC to single-digit scoring in the second. Coalfield made some adjustments at half and extended their lead as they brought in 21 points in the 3rd. It was all she wrote from there as they stepped it up on the defensive end.   Coalfield 54 Moore Co. 41   Player of the Game    She was feeling it as she was shooting it with confidence. She went 4/9 from the arc and finished 50% from the inside. She finished with 5 rebounds and played solid defense throughout the course of the game. This kid is a consistent scoring threat, and look for her to have similar numbersin the next round.    Game 3   Richland vs. Copper Basin   It was a battle of two small county schools as they went at each other right from the start. Richland came out on fire and got after it on the defensive end. Their offense was clicking on all cylinders as they hit the shots they wanted to knockdown. Coming out the break ,it was more of the same, even though Copper Basin tried to make a little run. Richland was just too much for them, andthey  extended their lead in the second half.   Richland 45 Copper Basin 25   Player of the Game    Had a monstrous day where she wouldn't be denied. Scored 26 points as her team looked for her hot hand early and often. She contributed on the boards, bringing down five rebounds; however, she eliminated their best scoring option by containing them on the defensive end. She's an exceptional talent who is on a mission to bring back the trophy to her school this senior year. The UVA-Wise signee is dominant scoring threat from multiple levels on the floor. She will be a great addition to a solid program at the next level.    Game 4   North Greene vs. Greenfield   One of the best matchups of the day was the last one for Class 1A. This game was a back-and-forth matchup as both teams had a feeling-out period. North Greene finished the 1st quarter strong, but Greenfield battled back to finish the half strong. Coming out the half, both teams struggled a bit, but Greenfield went on a little run. Their confidence rose and they were able to hold off any comeback attempt from North Greene. Greenfield pinches their ticket to the next round.   Greenfield 44 North Greene 39   Player of the Game    Played solidly the whole entire game as she picked her spots to exploit. She knocked down two clutch 3s and was able to get a bucket when her team needed it the most. She was the leading catalyst for her squad and was the energy they needed to withstand any North Greene run. A talented individual, this kid not only led the team in scoring but was a difference maker on the defensive end. Look for more of the same as she helps her club advance to the next round.

Yesterday marked the opening day live from the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, TN. To kick off the opening round in the state tournament, both Class 1A and 2A teams were in action. Schools from all across the state got down to work as they continued their quest to bring the trophy back to their school.