Central, Overton in Semi Finals

from Commercial Appeal

CENTRAL 51, TENNESSEE 39

Freshman Danielle Ballard’s 15 points lead three Central players in double figures as they easily won their TSSAA Class AAA state quarterfinal game in Murfreesboro, 51-39, over Tennessee High from Bristol.

Aaliyah Whiteside and Erica Burgess each scored 10, and Jamila Ajanaku, a Middle Tennessee signee playing on her future college court, had eight.

Central, the 21st-ranked team in the nation according to ESPN RISE, will play in the semifinals Friday against the winner of the McGavock-Greeneville game.

OVERTON 43, BLACKMAN 40

The Overton Wolverine girls basketball team trailed 19-11 at the half and 26-19 after three quarters, but turned up the defensive pressure in the fourth quarter to rally back and beat Murfreesboro Blackman, 43-40, in today's Class AAA state quarterfinal in Murfreesboro.

Overton's Karisma Tyson's two free throws with 1:30 left in the fourth quarter gave the Lady Wolverines their first lead of the game at 39-38. After Blackman took the lead back, Tyson made a reverse layup to give Overton a 41-40 lead with 1:05 left.

Blackman then committed its 14th turnover of the game and Overton's Cornelia Fondren was fouled. Fondren made the first and missed the second free throw attempt. Blackman's Shelby Campbell attempted a 3-pointer with nine seconds remaining, but missed and Lakeria Crowder of Overton got the rebound. Crowder added a free throw giving Overton a 43-40 lead and Blackman missed on a final 3-point attempt.

The Lady Wolverines advance to tomorrow’s 4 p.m. semifinal against Hillsboro.

Jasmine Robinson’s 16 points lead Overton, which improved to 27-6. Orlandria Williams added 10. Campbell’s 15 led Blackman.

Central (51) -- Jamila Ajanaku 8, Danielle Ballard 15, Erica Burgess 10, Finesse James 2, Jasmine Taylor 6, Aaliyah Whiteside 10.

Tennessee High (39) -- Danielle Montgomery 9, Sara Wysor 3, Kimberly Wood 17, C. Thornsberry 2, Sarah Baker 3, Blakeley Burlesson 5.

Central / 13 / 16 / 15 / 7 / -- / 51 /

Tennessee High / 4 / 4 / 14 / 17 / -- / 39 /

Records -- Central 34-1, Tennessee High 28-5.

Overton (43) -- Lakeria Crowder 3, Cronelia Fondren 3, Jackeya Mitchell 7, Jasmine Robinson 16, Karisma Tyson 4, Orlandria Williams 10.

Blackman (40) -- T'Anna Overton 7, Shelby Campbell 15, Kelsey Nowlin 6, Tiera Norris 7, Chelsey Hall 1, Ladonna Bailey 2, Katie Smith 2.

Overton / 7 / 4 / 8 / 24 / -- / 43 /

Blackman / 11 / 8 / 7 / 14 / -- / 40 /

Records -- Overton 26-6, Blackman 19-11.


Read Central Holds On to Reach Semifinals

Read Overton's defense leads fourth-quarter comeback