By Kailee Dick
Cookeville returned to action Tuesday evening for a pair of District 7-4A contests as the Cavaliers and Lady Cavaliers swept their matchups against Wilson Central.
Girls
The Cookeville Lady Cavs finished the season sweep of district opponent Wilson Central Tuesday night by a final score of 70-31.
A balanced scoring effort led the 16-3 overall Lady Cavs to their third district win of the season as Cara Lee Gilbert led with 15 points along with 12 by Allie Gillies.
The Lady Cavs led 13-3 early in the first quarter. They kept control in the opening frame as they led 29-10 after one. Cookeville extended their lead to 40-17 by halftime.
“I was really happy to see the way we came out, especially after a week off,” said Lady Cavs head coach Jamie Gillies. “It was a crazy week with weather and we were able to get in a few times this week. The way we passed the ball and moved the ball in the first quarter was probably the best quarter we have played all year. I was just really happy to see the way they came out.”
The Lady Cavs kept things rolling in the second half as Wilson Central only scored 14 points for the remainder of the game. Cookeville outscored Wilson Central 30-14 in the second half to win by a 70-31 final score.
Up next for Cookeville (16-3, 3-0) is a Wednesday night showdown with District 7-4A foe LaVergne (2-18, 0-3) at 6 p.m. live on UCR2.
“We have played three district games and two of them have been Wilson Central,” said Gillies. “We will get two district games in this week with Lavergne and Stewart’s Creek this week. I feel good going in and like I said hopefully we get back in a routine with school.”
Cookeville (70): Cara Lee Gilbert 15, Allie Gillies 12, Emma Horner 7, Paige Hamilton 7, Charlie Roby 6, Isabel Garcia 6, Macy Hudson 6, Taniah Dirkson 6, Lily McCarter 3, and Kendyll McCloud 2.
Boys
The Cavaliers followed with a dominant performance against Wilson Central as they defeated the district opponent 76-50.
Cookeville held Wilson Central to 10 points in the first quarter while the Cavs came out hot to take a 27-10 advantage after one.
The Cavaliers maintained a 20-point lead as they outscored the Wildcats 18-15 in the second quarter. Going into the half, Cookeville led 45-25.
“Wilson Central came in in a tough situation not being able to practice since the last time we played them,” said Cavalier head coach Josh Heard. “Fortunately for us, we had a couple days of practice and the boys have stayed together during this time off. I am pleased with them.”
Jaren Davis started out the third quarter with a dunk to excite the Cavs as they outscored Wilson Central 21-11 in the frame. Cookeville led 66-36 entering the fourth quarter as they won by a 76-50 final score.
Cookeville improves to 17-3 overall and 3-0 in District 7-4A play. The Cavaliers are scheduled to host LaVergne (15-6, 3-0) on Wednesday live on UCR2.
Cookeville (76): Jaren Davis 14, Jack Oakley 12, Joseph Owens 10, Bennett Reeves 9, Colin Ayers 8, Jalen Heard 8, Josh Heard 5, Walker Nedding 5, Jalen Denk 3, and Brady Casal 2
