By Michael Lindsay
The #1 Cookeville Lady Cavaliers left one of Tennessee’s most hostile environments with a victory Friday night as they won at rival #4 White County, 72-58.
Cookeville (14-3) finished the season sweep of Sparta (15-4) as they defeated the Warriorettes 63-48 on Dec. 2.
“I’ve probably got 7 kids on my bench that had never played at Sparta,” said Cookeville head coach Jamie Gillies. “I told them this week that the only thing better than beating Sparta at home is beating Sparta at Sparta. You’ll find out why when we get there.
“What a great high school atmosphere; I like playing here,” she added. “It’s always a game and always fun.”
Cookeville was led by senior Cassie Gallagher, who posted 23 points and 5 rebounds. Allie Gillies had 15 points, followed by Jordan Gillies with 9 points and 7 rebounds.
Nia Powers led White County with 32 points in the loss. 20 of Powers’ points came in the first half.
The Lady Cavaliers came out red-hot as they opened the game on a 16-0 run through the first six minutes.
“We thought they might come out in zone and we were ready for that,” coach Gillies said. “We got some looks early and put the ball in the basket. Allie had a big first half for us and got hot. It’s good that we got that hot start because we needed that cushion.”
The Lady Cavs led by as many as 18 points (22-4) late in the first period. White County settled in during the second quarter, outscoring Cookeville 22-18 to trail 40-28 at halftime.
After halftime, Cookeville continued its impressive defensive performance as they never gave up their double-digit cushion. The Lady Cavaliers led 55-40 after three quarters before closing out to win 72-58.
Up next for Cookeville is their District 9-4A opener as they travel to Green Hill on Tuesday.
“Tonight ended the preseason, and our season starts Tuesday,” coach Gillies said. “Our journey to get back to Murfreesboro starts Tuesday. It’ll be a game; they didn’t lose much. We’re excited to finally get into district play.”
White County gets no time to rest as the Warriorettes travel to Van Buren County tonight (Saturday) before returning to district play with a trip to Livingston Academy on Tuesday.
Cookeville (72): Cassie Gallagher 23, Allie Gillies 15, Jordan Gillies 9, Isabel Garcia 9, Macy Hudson 9, Charlie Roby 6, Grace Ann Kelly 1
White County (58): Nia Powers 32, KK McDonald 7, Ava Jones 7, Karley Gentry 4, Lakelyn Grasty 5, KB Fraiser 3
