images from Commercial Appeal

Central's sophomore Jalen O'Bannon battles for the rebound

Central's sophomore Danielle Ballard scrapping for the ball

Seven freshmen and sophomores make up the bulk of Central’s girls basketball roster. The Lady Warriors haven’t played like a team of underclassmen.

Central, which finished Class AAA runner-up a year ago, beat Clarksville, 55-50, on Thursday night at Murphy Center in the Class AAA state quarterfinals.

Central (27-3), will play top-ranked Morristown West (33-1) at 5:30 p.m. today in the Class AAA state semifinals. Neither Central nor Morristown West has lost to an in-state opponent this season.

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Central (55) -- Danielle Ballard 18, Michella Carter 6, Nina Davis 14, Malaika Moore 3, Jalen O'Bannon 6, Aaliyah Whiteside 8.

Clarksville (50) -- Parr 2, Cooper 5, Graves 18, Ward 4, Gray 11, McWilliams 2, Nicholson 8.

Central / 12 / 14 / 14 / 15 / -- / 55 /

Clarksville / 10 / 13 / 15 / 12 / -- / 50 /

Records -- Central 26-3, Clarksville 30-4.