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Clarksville Academy survives, advances to DII-A state quarterfinals




Clarksville Academy coach Carrie Daniels talks to her team during the first quarter on Tuesday. BLAINE KELLAR

Clarksville Academy coach Carrie Daniels talks to her team during the first quarter on Tuesday. BLAINE KELLAR

In Clarksville Academy’s second-ever appearance in the first round of the D-II A state tournament, the Lady Cougars emerged victorious and are now three wins away from a state title. 

Christian Academy of Knoxville traveled to Procter Court on Tuesday, Feb. 25 and lost 49-45 to the Lady Cougars. Clarksville Academy (31-3) shot out of the gate quickly, heading into the halftime break with a 24-12 advantage. 

“I thought we did a pretty good job in the first half,” Clarksville Academy coach Carrie Daniels said. “At halftime we talked about how, regardless of what that lead was, we couldn’t get complacent. We knew for us to win we were going to have to decide to defend and get some stops.”

The Lady Warriors came blazing out of the gate in the third quarter, knocking down three 3-pointers en route to a 13-3 run in a span of four minutes. The Lady Cougars were unable to get anything to fall during the half-quarter dry spell, turning the ball over four times. CAK trailed by just one heading into the fourth quarter. 

“We talk about defense so much,” said Daniels.  “Trying to get them to focus in, buckle down, and do what they have to do on that defensive side. You’ve got to give (CAK) a lot of credit, they made some great plays. Once we finally got that shot to fall down, I think we calmed down a little bit.”

The shots began to fall for Clarksville Academy in the fourth, as the Lady Cougars poured in 18 points in the quarter. Sydneey Boykin hit 9-of-10 free throws in the fourth to clinch the victory. The senior led the team in scoring with 16 points, 11 of which came in the final frame. 

CAK was unable to capitalize despite a one-possession game in their final four trips. The Lady Warriors turned the ball over two consecutive times coming out of a timeout and failed to land a shot in their final two possessions. 

Clarksville Academy advanced to the state quarterfinals and will travel to Trinity Christian Academy in Jackson on Friday, Feb. 28. The Lady Cougars reached the D-II quarterfinals last year but were defeated by Harding Academy 53-49. 

Daniels hopes that experience will pay dividends this season. 

“Last year, having never been there, it was a first-time experience for everybody in our program,” she said. “Having that experience and going back again, hopefully we can draw from that. In the end, regardless of how we’re playing, we’ve got to focus on us and what we do well if we want to come out on the right end.”

BOX SCORE

CAK (45): Hannah Carroll 20, Emily Wilson 11, Keira Leffew 10, Zoie Bourgoyne 4.

Clarksville Academy (49): Sydneey Boykin 16, Vana Prigden 14, Diamond Bryant 13, Jayden Adolphin 4, Nicole Currie 2.

Clarksville Academy's Makayla Artis works around CAK defender Zoie Bourgoyne. BLAINE KELLAR

Clarksville Academy’s Makayla Artis works around CAK defender Zoie Bourgoyne. BLAINE KELLAR

Clarksville Academy senior Sydneey Boykin (left) strips the ball from Holly Gray in transition. BLAINE KELLAR

Clarksville Academy senior Sydneey Boykin (left) strips the ball from Holly Gray in transition. BLAINE KELLAR

Sydneey Boykin and Diamond Bryant apply defensive pressure on CAK guard Emily Wilson (left). BLAINE KELLAR

Sydneey Boykin and Diamond Bryant apply defensive pressure on CAK guard Emily Wilson (left). BLAINE KELLAR

Clarksville Academy guard Vana Prigden (right) fakes out Hannah Carroll on a shot attempt. BLAINE KELLAR

Clarksville Academy guard Vana Prigden (right) fakes out Hannah Carroll on a shot attempt. BLAINE KELLAR

 

 

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