Coverage of the state tournament is presented by Legacy Athletics
MURFREESBORO – The Cookeville Lady Cavaliers advanced to the semifinal round of the TSSAA Class 4A Girls’ Basketball State Tournament with a 67-54 win over Oakland at the Murphy Center.
The Lady Cavs had four scorers in double-figures as they earned their 32nd win of the season.
“I’m so proud of them,” said CHS head coach Jamie Gillies. “I expected some nerves coming out, but we just came right out of the gate and played our game. They just came out like it was any other game.”
The two teams traded baskets throughout the opening frame, as KK Graves converted a three-point play with four seconds remaining in the quarter to give CHS a 14-10 lead.
Cassie Gallagher buried a triple midway through the second quarter to stretch the lead to 24-19. Jordan Gillies made a three and Emma Webb converted a layup to give the Lady Cavs a 32-23 lead at halftime.
CHS continued their strong play in the third quarter. Gallagher scored seven straight points to make it 41-29, and Jordan Gillies made a jumper with two seconds remaining in the frame to make it 48-33.
The Lady Patriots scored six straight points to open the final quarter, but out of a timeout the Lady Cavs got layups from Chay Cunningham and Jordan Gillies to regain control. They then made eight free throws in the final minute to secure the win in their first trip to the state tournament since 2009.
“Just to keep boxing out,” said Gillies on her message during the fourth quarter timeout. “We wanted to keep playing our game…. and then they did.”
Jordan Gillies tallied 17 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Gallagher and Cunningham each scored 12.
Graves tallied a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
“KK’s been one of our senior leaders all year long,” said coach Gillies on Graves. “She just leads us and gets everybody on the same page. It’s just a fun group to be around.”
Cunningham said her team was focused and excited, but not nervous about playing in the tournament.
“I don’t feel like we were nervous,” said Cunningham. “We were ready, and we were excited to be here.”
The Lady Cavs will take on the winner of Farragut vs Rossview in the semifinal round on Friday at 2:45 p.m. at the Murphy Center.
Photos by Rusty Ellis:
