On their road to Cookeville High School becoming state runners-up, senior Allie Gillies Allie Gillies 5'8" | SG Cookeville | 2026 State TN was undoubtedly a top defensive player in the state tournament.

Gillies, through three games for Cookeville had a combined 10 blocks and steals. Her best defensive game came in the state final against Sevier County High School. In the contest, Gillies had three blocks and three steals.

One of the main ways Gillies generates steals is by reading passing lanes. Through her experience, it is notable that she sees the game differently than the large majority of high school hoopers. This led her to be able to jump passing lanes and get multiple turnovers by steals in the state tournament. She was in the right place at the right time. That feat also led her to generate the amount of blocks she did in the state tourney.

On their road to Cookeville High School becoming state runners-up, senior Allie Gillies Allie Gillies 5'8" | SG Cookeville | 2026 State TN was undoubtedly a top defensive player in the state tournament.

Gillies, through three games for Cookeville had a combined 10 blocks and steals. Her best defensive game came in the state final against Sevier County High School. In the contest, Gillies had three blocks and three steals.

One of the main ways Gillies generates steals is by reading passing lanes. Through her experience, it is notable that she sees the game differently than the large majority of high school hoopers. This led her to be able to jump passing lanes and get multiple turnovers by steals in the state tournament. She was in the right place at the right time. That feat also led her to generate the amount of blocks she did in the state tourney.