Story by Rusty Ellis
The Cookeville Lady Cavs finished a game away from the substate round last season, falling to Bradley Central 50-49 on the road in the region tournament.
They’ll return four key contributors this season, while also having to replace four seniors that played different roles for the team. When she looks at last season, head coach Jamie Gillies says there’s plenty to be pleased with.
“I was proud of my kids last year,” Gillies said. “It was a crazy year coming off of Covid, and there were a lot of games where we couldn’t have fans…We’ve got a lot of pieces coming back this year, so we’re really excited about where we are headed.”
The fact that this team came so close to potentially going to Murfreesboro last year has also helped to build excitement for this year’s team.
“We’ve made it to that region game before, and we’ve lost at Bradley (the last three seasons),” Gillies said. “My kids have been in big games and in tight games…we knew we were right there and they’re hungry. The kids that are back are not happy with the way it ended, so we are looking to go even further this season.”
No program was impacted more by the change in classifications and districts than Cookeville, as they will step up into the new 4A classification this season. That, along with a league that features all Wilson County schools, should provide some new challenges for the Lady Cavs.
“We’ll be hitting I-40 wide open a lot this year headed to Wilson County,” Gillies said. “We’re looking forward to it. Change is always good and exciting. We’ve played Lebanon at least once every year, and it’s a competitive game every time…Green Hill is still a new school, so we’ll have to learn about them. Wilson Central and Mt. Juliet are two storied programs, so I’m excited about our new district.”
The hope is that this new district, in addition to their early-season schedule, helps prepare the Lady Cavs even more for postseason play.
“We’re used to playing in tough district games,” Gillies said. “We don’t begin district play until after Christmas, so it’s helpful because you get to get your team together and work out some kinks before you start that district schedule…once we get to those district games, we’ll have to fight every night. I think that will prepare us.”
Cookeville will be headlined by four returning key contributors in Cassie Gallagher, KK Graves, and Bailey and Jordan Gillies.
“KK has started for me since she was a freshman, and she has really stepped into a leadership role,” Gillies said. “I expect big things from her…Bailey’s our other starting senior coming back, and she fought for that position last season. I think she’ll be able to come in and help us, especially from the perimeter. Jordan and Cassie, they’re our dynamic duo on the junior side, and they’re two of the most competitive players I’ve coached. They’re learning how to work a two-man game and play together, so I’m really excited about them.”
The Lady Cavs will also rely on some other returning members to step into new roles to help the squad.
“We’ve got Emma Webb, Shay Cunningham and Madison Brewer coming in as my other three seniors that’ll work for those last spots,” Gillies said. “They’re all giving me really good things right now.”
There are several indicators that point in the direction of the Cookeville Lady Cavs having a big season this year, and no one has higher expectations than the team themselves.
“This will be one of the best teams Cookeville has had in a long time,” Gillies said. “I’m excited to see what they can do. My expectations are pretty high, but I think we can win the district and win the region. We’re going to have to play hard and battle through some games, but I think we can get to Murfreesboro and make a statement.”
The season begins for the Lady Cavs on Tuesday night, as they host Oakland at 6 P.M. The game will be live-streamed on the Upper Cumberland Reporter Facebook page with Noah McKay on the call.