Murfreesboro Post
MURFREESBORO WEATHER

Riverdale girls back to defend state title




Riverdale’s Aislynn Hayes is fouled as she goes up for the shot. ETHAN SCOTT

Riverdale’s Aislynn Hayes is fouled as she goes up for the shot. ETHAN SCOTT

Riverdale’ girls are headed to yet another state tournament as a result of a 65-45 win over the Stone Memorial Lady Panthers Saturday night in the sectional round.

The Lady Warriors will be competing for their fourth consecutive state title.

“It’s awesome because we have an opportunity to do something amazing,” Riverdale senior Jalyn Holcomb said. “We are excited for the games ahead and we’ve just got to come ready to play.”

Oakland’s girls came up just short, falling 43-37 at Bradley Central.

The Panthers actually won the second half by three points, but the 33-10 lead Riverdale built in the first was much too much to overcome.

The Warrior defense forced Stone Memorial to just 17 percent from the field in the first half, including 0-for-13 from three point range.

“We wanted to get a good pace going by playing defense,” Riverdale junior Alasia Hayes said. “Our focus area today was to play better defense than we have been recently.”

Meanwhile, on the other end Holcomb led the Riverdale offensive charge with 14 of her 16 points in the first half.

“I was just trying to get open looks and my teammates got it to me when I was open,” Holcomb said. “We knew they are good defensively, so we knew we had to make shots and I think we did.”

As the Panthers found a way to start scoring in the second Riverdale continued to have success offensively, especially Alasia Hayes who cashed in a double-double with 10 rebounds and a game high 19 points.

“I know I need to get it for my teammates,” Hayes said. “As soon as the ball goes up I put a body on somebody and go get it.”

BOX SCORE

Riverdale (65)- Alasia Hayes 19, Jalyn Holcomb 16, Aislynn Hayes 11, Katelyn Worley 10, Acacia Hayes 5, Garen Haney 4

Stone Memorial (45)- Tessa Miller 14, Emma Capps 9, Emily Boyd 8, Mattie Buck 7, Alex Eldridge 6, Katie Adkisson 1

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