By Michael Lindsay
The Cookeville Lady Cavaliers will have a shot at a second consecutive state tournament berth following their 63-47 victory over Gallatin in Monday’s Region 5-4A semifinals.
Monday’s victory earned Cookeville (28-4) an appearance in Wednesday’s region championship against Green Hill and a Class 4A Sectional game on Saturday with a chance at the state tournament.
Three Lady Cavaliers hit double figures Monday evening, led by District 9-4 MVP Cassie Gallagher with 18 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists.
Sisters Allie and Jordan Gillies each had 16 points in the win. Jordan also recorded 7 rebounds and 6 assists while Allie had 6 rebounds, 4 steals and 4 blocks.
Gallatin pushed the Lady Cavs into the second quarter as the Green Wave held a narrow 14-13 lead early in the frame.
Cookeville found their groove offensively to close out the first half as they took a 31-22 lead into the locker room.
The Lady Cavs took control in the third quarter as a Jordan Gillies layup with 6:39 left in the frame put her team up by double digits (33-22).
Cookeville’s lead only grew in the third period as another Gillies layup put them ahead by 21 (52-31) late in the third period.
Cookeville put the game on cruise control in the fourth quarter as they closed out to win by a 63-47 final.
The Lady Cavaliers are in action next on Wednesday as they face Green Hill in the Region 5-4A championship at Mt. Juliet. Cookeville is 3-0 against Green Hill this season, including a 61-34 victory over the Lady Hawks in the District 9-4A championship.
Regardless of Wednesday’s result, Cookeville will compete in Saturday’s Class 4A sectional. Location, time and opponent TBD.