MURFREESBORO – The Clay County Lady Bulldogs’ season came to an end in a 55-39 loss against Gleason in the first round of the TSSAA Class A Girls’ Basketball State Tournament on Thursday at the Murphy Center.
CCHS gave up two runs in the first half, and struggled from the field in the second half as their season came to an end two games short of the state championship game.
“It was a great season,” said CCHS head coach Matt Walker. “The things the girls had to overcome individually and as a team. Everybody had to overcome some stuff. I think we pulled together as a team this season and anytime you end the season here you’ve had a heck of a season.”
Gleason started the game red-hot from the field, racing out to a 10-3 lead. Out of a timeout by Walker, CCHS settled in and went on a 10-3 run to end the frame and take a 13-12 lead.
GHS started the second on another run as they took a 25-15 lead. Briley Burchett made a jumper to stop the run. She later added two free throws to cut the deficit to 25-21, but then was assessed her third personal foul forcing her out of the game. GHS took a 27-24 lead into halftime.
CCHS took a lead on a basket by Halle Buford early in the third quarter, but GHS responded with a 16-4 run to take a 43-32 lead into the fourth quarter.
The Lady Bulldogs continued to struggle from the field in the final quarter, scoring two points in the opening 6:28 of the frame as GHS rolled to a 55-39 win.
“We knew we had a lot of good players coming back from last year,” said Walker. “But, getting back here doesn’t happen without improvement from your young girls… We had some great players on the floor today who didn’t get to play a lot last year.”
Abby Head led CCHS in scoring with eight points. Burchett tallied eight. Bella Ashlock scored five points and eight rebounds.
A successful class of seniors rounded out their career with a trip to the state tournament. Walker said Eliza Jenkins, Zoe Hayes and Cherokee Upton each left their marks on the CCHS program.
“Our seniors really took the leadership roles,” said Walker. “Defensively, our seniors were out there guarding their best players. Each one have been a great leader. A great student in the classroom, they’re all A+ students. Great out there in our community. You’re going to miss that in our program more than anything.”
It was the Lady Bulldogs second straight trip to the state tournament. Burchett said she is already eager to make another run next season.
“I’m already wanting to come back,” said Burchett. “I love coming here and I love the younger girls the experience that we’ve had. Last year I was a nervous wreck. I was still a little nervous but I had more confidence coming back here and I think next year we’ll be back here and be even better.”
Clay County ended the season with a 25-6 record.
Photos by Kailee Means:
