By Michael Lindsay
The Cookeville Cavaliers (18-11) have advanced to the Region 4-4A semifinals for the second consecutive season following Saturday’s 66-54 victory over Oakland (9-21) in the quarterfinals.
“We played like we practiced the last few days,” said Cookeville head coach Matt Hill. “I don’t think we were focused the entire time and had a few lackadaisical moments where we lost focus (at the end). That’s why you fight so hard to get these home region games; I thought being here was a big difference. We just have to be stronger with the ball to close out a game like that.”
Cookeville was led by District 7-4A tournament MVP Jaren Davis, who poured in 28 points in the victory along with 13 by Walker Redding.
“Jaren obviously had a big night,” said Hill. “Everybody else was by committee. That’s two games in a row Brody Parsons has had a big stretch where he comes in and plays some big minutes.”
The Cavaliers jumped out to a 9-point lead late in the first quarter as a Jalen Denk steal and layup gave his team a 19-10 advantage. Cookeville extended their lead to double-digits early in the second quarter as a Davis and-one gave Cookeville a 22-12 lead.
Davis had 14 points through the first 9 minutes of game action before heading to the bench with a second foul. The Cavaliers’ offensive production didn’t fall without their leading scorer, however, as Brody Parsons delivered back-to-back three-pointers along with a three by Redding to keep Cookeville’s lead at double digits at halftime, 33-22.
“It was an important stretch to be able to keep him on the bench and still have a double-digit lead at the half,” said Hill. “It felt worse than it actually was. Walker hit a big bucket late to keep them at bay.”
Cookeville kept control in the second half as they pushed their lead to 43-26 via a Redding basket midway through the third quarter. A Parson buzzer-beating corner three gave the Cavaliers a 47-30 lead after three periods.
Oakland battled back to within 11 points (63-52) with 1:55 remaining in the game, but it wasn’t enough as Cookeville held on to win by a 66-54 final score.
Up next for the Cavaliers is the Region 4-4A semifinal round and a rematch with district foe LaVergne on Tuesday at Lebanon High School. Cookeville fell in their two regular-season meetings to LaVergne by a combined 5 points.
A win in the semifinal round guarantees both a Region 4-4A championship appearance and Class 4A sectional berth with the state tournament on the line.
“Both games we’ve played, we’ve been right there,” said Hill. “We look forward to it; they’re a well-coached team and have a lot of experience from their state tournament run. Any time you get a chance at one game for a substate, you have to be excited. We’ve talked about meaningful games in March, and we’re here.”
