On their road to Cookeville High School becoming state runners-up, senior Allie Gillies Allie Gillies 5'8" | SG Cookeville | 2026 State TN was undoubtedly a top defensive player in the state tournament.

Gillies, through three games for Cookeville had a combined 10 blocks and steals. Her best defensive game came in the state final against Sevier County High School. In the contest, Gillies had three blocks and three steals.

One of the main ways Gillies generates steals is by reading passing lanes. Through her experience, it is notable that she sees the game differently than the large majority of high school hoopers. This led her to be able to jump passing lanes and get multiple turnovers by steals in the state tournament. She was in the right place at the right time. That feat also led her to generate the amount of blocks she did in the state tourney.

In 3 games, she had 41 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 steals, and 5 blocks. There is a standard in her name: all gas, no brakes. This kid plays hard and has a tremendous work ethic. Ever since her freshman year, she has done nothing but get better and get after it. If you have followed this club over the past years, you could have seen the maturation of this hooper. She always stepped up when her team needed the big bucket, and she grinded away on the defensive side of the ball. She was that little engine that could, that would always do her best to help her team win. As she turns the page and goes on to Trevecca next year, she leaves the program better than she found it. A solid hooper who will be a nice addition to the Lady Trojans.

Playing against a solid Cleveland squad, she helped lead the Lady Cavaliers to a victory last night. Scoring 28 points, she took advantage of different matchups that enabled her to score the rock. This talented ballplayer has done nothing but get better over the years. She’s always been one to step it up in big games. She’s on a mission, and you better believe she and her squad will be ready to try and go the distance as they are playing with such confidence.

A sharpshooter who is the captain of the squad. From day 1, this kid has rolled up her sleeves and just put in the work. She’s been battle-tested, delivered on the big stage, and she’s a hungry competitor who leaves everything she has on the floor. A 3-level scoring threat, she can finish around the rim or knock down the three ball at a high clip. A talented kid who spearheads a talented CHS roster.

Allie is officially off the recruiting table. She announced her commitment to Trevecca Nazarene University! I have stated numerous times what this one brings to the table and I know she will bring the same intensity and fire to the next level. The sharp-shooter’s senior year will be one for the books! & Yes, she is more than a shooter. She continues to make the 10, 5 & 5 look extremely easy!

This one brings it every single time she steps on the court. She plays with an extremely high motor on both ends. I love the intensity and fire that she plays with. She shot 50% from the field during one game, and she continues to shoot at a high percentage. She has a good basketball mind! Defensively, she is going to guard you the entirety of the court, and she is not going to stop till the final whistle blows. She’s a strong rebounding guard. She can get you 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals in limited action! She holds numerous offers to play at the next level! College coaches should continue to watch Gillies and the East TN Air Campos team! This kid is going to finish AAU season strong, & have a breakout senior season! Check out her junior season highlights:

https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18780758/67f40364956e7e329a5805dd

Dropped 24pts, grabbed 6 boards, and had 2 steals in her team’s effort against Lebanon. Though her team fell short, performances such as these provide an array of hope for a ball club as they enter tournament play. You can never count out the Lady Cavs especially when this young lady is on the floor. She plays with a motor and can score at a high clip from multiple spots on the floor. Look for her to enter the tournament ready to do damage and make a solid postseason run.

Was the best shooter on a really good Cookeville team last year. When I watched her with ETA Thunder ’25 this summer, she’d made really nice strides as both a playmaker and defender. Defenses are aware that she’s a shooter, and get “jumpy” guarding her. She’s learning how to use deceptive head fakes and eyes on the rim to get defenders off balance and blow by. At the second level, is aware of the reads: pullup, floater, spray to a shooter, or bounce to a big if defense doesn’t help the helper.

Gillies did exactly what was asked of her heading into this season…take a leap as a scorer and shot maker, and continue to use her length and athleticism to be a high end defender. 

She averaged 10 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.  She’s also been the best 3 point shooter on this Cookeville team hoping to make another deep postseason run.  Gillies has been tremendous with  ETA Thunder  ’25 Campos, and I’m expecting her to make another jump.

Junior Allie Gillies Allie Gillies 5'8" | SG Cookeville | 2026 State TN has had a huge start to the summer shooting the three well and always a dynamic defender. Her deep range gives teams troubles and she’s showing that she can also get to the rim and finish.