CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Kirkwood High girls’ basketball team earned their first victory in program history this Friday when they defeated Republic High 71-28.
This victory for Kirkwood girls’ basketball was so much more than outscoring their opponent. It’s the most points they’ve scored all season, and the fewest they’ve allowed all season. According to first year head coach Chris Carney, it’s a hurdle that the young Cobra squad has been working towards all season.
“It feels good to finally get one,” Carney told Clarksville Now. “This group has been working extremely hard and has shown improvement in every game we’ve played. It’s not necessarily something you’ve seen on the scoreboard if you’re a spectator watching. It’s good to see that final result and to build on it moving forward.”
The Cobras dominated Republic with a full court press defense, leading the way to a 35-17 halftime lead. This defense also led to several turnovers and fast break opportunities, which guard Channing Jones turned into 17 points. Carney says this is the identity Kirkwood is trying to build over the course of their first year.
“That’s the style we want to play, being a young team, we want to lean heavy on our defense and use our athleticism. Playing in transition is where we want to be.”
The Kirkwood defense clamped down even more in the second half. They held Republic to a mere 11 points in the final 16 minutes of play, including allowing 1 point in the fourth quarter.
Kirkwood High scoring leaders: Cahnning Jones – 17 points; Davia Collins – 14 points; Jessica Mayes – 12 points; Rayoina Miller – 10 points; Alana Mayes – 8 points; Kennedy Andrews – 8 points; Jordin Moore – 2 points.
Kirkwood High boys’ basketball
Meanwhile, the Kirkwood High boys’ basketball team defeated Republic handily by a score of 79-17. It was the largest margin of victory in school history for the Cobras.
From the jump ball, Kirkwood was the aggressor all night long. The Cobras hustled, got out in transition, moved the ball and denied Republic High’s shot attempts.
The full team concept was on display, as 11 Cobras found their way into the scoring column. It did help that, in the post, the Cobras were just the bigger team. First year head coach John Stigall was impressed by the way his squad approached the game.
“I think those games are definitely hard to play and coach,” said Stigall. “You don’t want to pick up bad habits, especially this early in the season. Our guys competed and kept playing, no matter what the scoreboard looked like.”
The defense was the key for the Cobras, leading them to a 50-9 halftime lead. A big part of their transition scoring was guard Prophet Basden, who ended the night as the leading scorer with 14, as well as the post presence from Chance Austin, who finished the night with 3 blocks and 10 points, including a showtime slam dunk in the 2nd quarter. Stigall says that’s the way this Kirkwood team wants to play.
“Every game we always try to be great defensively. Defense will keep you in a lot of games and win you a lot of games. We like to get out and run some, too. We wanted to get after them and we want to get after every team we play, that’s who we are,” Stigall said.
Kirkwood High scoring leaders: Prophet Basden – 14 points; Armani Smith – 12 points; Chance Austin – 10 points; Kobey Jones – 8 points; Linkoln Schwass – 6 points; Kamari Blair – 6 points.