By Michael Lindsay
The Cookeville Lady Cavaliers extended their winning streak to 16 games Friday night as they defeated Riverdale in the Region 4-4A tournament quarterfinals, 67-17.
“We talked about coming out and playing our game,” said Cookeville head coach Jamie Gillies. “I told them let’s not wait until halftime to do that tonight. They came out of the gate and played really well, and I’m proud of their effort.”
Cookeville (26-3) was led by 18 points from Allie Gillies along with 15 points and 3 rebounds by Cara Lee Gilbert.
“Almost the whole roster scored,” said coach Gillies. “Allie and Cara Lee were hot early, but of course they’re on the top of that press. If there’s a steal, they get to reap the benefits of that.”
The Lady Cavaliers took control early over the Warriors as they led 17-5 after the first quarter. Cookeville extended their lead to 28 points by halftime as 6 points from Allie Gillies in the final 21 seconds of the second quarter gave the Lady Cavaliers a 40-12 advantage at the break.
“This group is focused,” said coach Gillies. “They come in and are ready to go.”
Cookeville cruised through the second half as they outscored Riverdale 14-3 in the third period to take a 54-15 lead into the fourth quarter, where they closed out to win by an 67-17 final score.
The victory secures Cookeville’s fourth consecutive region semifinal appearance as they’ll face Oakland on Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Oakland High School. The Lady Cavaliers won at Oakland on Dec. 15, 56-36.
“We played them in December, but one of their best players was just coming back and another didn’t play,” said Gillies. “We’ve played on their floor and we play them every year. They’re a really good team; they’ve beat Blackman. We’ll have to be ready to play, especially on their home court.”
Cookeville (67): Allie Gillies 18, Cara Lee Gilbert 15, Isabel Garcia 8, Macy Hudson 6, Kendyll McCloud 5, Emma Horner 4, Taniah Dirkson 4, Carmen Sandoval 3, Lily McCarter 2, Paige Hamilton 2, Charlie Roby 1
