Monday Matchup: East Tennessee District Championship Standouts
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Cut down the nets! That’s the phrase that was used Monday night across the state in various gymnasiums that were hosting the district championship games. The east side of the state was jumping, with gyms packed to see standout performers.…
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Continue ReadingCut down the nets! That’s the phrase that was used Monday night across the state in various gymnasiums that were hosting the district championship games. The east side of the state was jumping, with gyms packed to see standout performers. Final district championships took place (some took place on Saturday) Monday night, elevating teams to top seeds to the next round. All the hard work came to fruition Monday night as girls left everything out on the hardwood. All the time that was put into the game, all came down to this moment. Though the work isn’t done yet, you can celebrate a little, but there is still more to go.
On Monday, there were some players who rose up to the challenge. These girls shined in the moment. Their efforts helped propel their club towards the ship. These girls understand that this is just a milestone to a much bigger goal at the end. Here are some young ladies in East Tennessee, who shined bright when the lights and the ball was tipped off on Monday night. Congrats to the district champions of 2022!
East Tennessee
Emily Gonzalez (5’8/ Sr./ SG/ Bearden)– Hard working kid who stays in the gym. Her efforts paid off Monday night as she helped propel her team to victory. Named Tournament MVP of District 4-4A, she has had a great senior year. A multi-level scoring threat, she is a solid contributor on both ends of the floor. She produces nightly, helping the Lady Bulldogs to their 8th consecutive district championship. Versatile hooper, she dropped 17 pts Monday night.
Kinley Coggins (5’6/ Jr./ SG/ Cosby)– Had a stellar performance Monday night with 15pts, 5, rebounds, and 2 steals in a district win over Washburn. Kinley is a hustler who can score the basketball. Unselfish, she is always looking for ways to help her team and help her teammates get better. Doing the little things is one of the reasons he is a big factor in her team’s success.
Bailey McCoy (5’10/ Jr./ PF/ Seymour)– Poised. Doesn’t get rattled. This kid knocked down key free-throws to seal the victory for her team Monday night. Displaying nice footwork around the rim, a nice touch in the mid-range, and contributing on the defensive end, Seymour girls won the district championship with the help of Bailey. The tournament MVP had a magnificent game Monday night.
Maddy Newman Maddy Newman 6'2" | C Gatlinburg-Pittman | 2024 State TN (6’2/ So./ PF/ Gatlinburg-Pittman)– Tournament MVP, she has been nothing but stellar her sophomore season. Great floor presence, contributes on the glass, and dominates in the paint. This girl is a force to be reckoned with. Was a major factor in securing the district championship for her club. Look for her to be the X favor down the stretch.
Lauren Bailey Lauren Bailey 5'10" | SF Greeneville | 2023 State TN (5’10/ Jr./ W/ Greeneville)– Hit 31 points Monday night in the district championship final. Lauren has come on strong her junior season with a lot more to go. High ceiling player who has tremendous size and a motor to go along with it. Lauren can score the rock and defend with the best of them.
Semaj Clark Semaj Clark 5'9" | SF Oak Ridge | 2022 State TN (5’9/ Sr./ CG/ Oak Ridge)– Speedy player who has an all around game. Semaj dropped 9 points in the district championship game, but was the spirit that kept her team at bay. Playing with intensity and passion, Semaj played an integral role in her team’s win.From making timely passes to locking down her opponent, she was all over the place. Great kid who plays the game the right way.
Hannah Jones Hannah Jones 5'10" | PF Bradley Central | 2023 State TN (6’0/Jr./G/ Bradley Central)– District MVP, Hannah has had an exceptional year. Dropping 16 points in a tough matchup, she was the saving grace for her club. From scoring the rock to playing tenacious D, her efforts are what led to the Lady Bearettes victory. A multi-level scorer, she has been one of the leading catalysts this year. From her long range shooting to her mid-range game, she has done so much. Not to mention her blocking shot capabilities and grabbing rebounds. She has been an all around player for her Bradley Central team.
Courtney Farr Courtney Farr 5'7" | SG Polk Co. | 2022 State TN (5’10/ Sr./ W/ Polk Co.)– Hustler athlete who can get it done on both ends of the floor. Scored 16 pts in their team win on Monday night. A multi- level scoring threat, Courtney has a sweet stroke that compliments her toughness. From grabbing rebounds to scoring the rock, she is the heart and soul of the Lady Wildcats attack.