Memphis Overton girls pull out 46-39 win in state quarterfinals

image and story from CommercialAppeal.com

Wilson Central's Ieshia Hassell (right) takes a fall and foul trying to get past Overton's Contrice Golden during Overton's 46-39 quarterfinal win Thursday.

Cornelia Fondren has been waiting a full year for a shot at redemption against Murfreesboro Riverdale. She'll get her chance today.

Fondren, a 5-7 junior guard, scored 10 points Thursday to help Overton defeat Wilson County, 46-39, in a quarterfinal game at the BlueCross AAA state tournament at the Murphy Center on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University.

The victory sends the Wolverines into a 4 p.m. semifinal matchup against Riverdale, which improved to 33-1 with its quarterfinal victory over Knoxville West.

Riverdale ended Overton's season in the semifinals last year and Fondren, by her own admission, didn't play particularly well. Now, she can't wait.

"All I can say is, 'Riverdale, be ready,'" Fondren said. "This time, we're going to play harder and smarter. We're very confident right now; we've got to be."

Added Wolverines coach Lynn Smith, "She's been talking about Riverdale all year."

It won't be easy; the Lady Warriors have a Miss Basketball finalist in junior center Shacobia Barbee. They have been ranked first in the state all year, losing only to Murfreesboro Blackman, a defeat that ended a 55-game winning streak.

"We don't have the same depth that we had last year, but players like Fondren and (Cortrice) Golden have stepped up," said Smith. "They were passengers last year. This year, they are driving the bus."

Golden carried the Wolverines (30-6) in the fourth quarter Thursday, scoring nine of her 13 points. Overton led by eight points heading into the final period, but Wilson Central (26-6) battled back to tie it at 32. The 6-1 junior, affectionately known as "Big Baby," responded with two big baskets in the paint to give the Wolverines a four-point advantage and a lead they never lost.

"My mindset was to score the ball and play good defense," said Golden.

Golden's success was dictated by Fondren's excellent penetration; she was seemingly able to get into the lane any time she wanted.

"We call her 'The Beast,'" said Smith. "That's been the game plan all year, to have Cornelia initiate the offense. And Cortrice, when she gets the ball one-on-one, there aren't many people who can stop her."

Kenesha Jackson chipped in 11 points for Overton, which won despite scoring a combined 11 points in the second and third quarters. That stretch might have proved costly on another day, but Wilson County couldn't take advantage.

"The door of opportunity was open," said Lady Wildcats coach Bud Brandon. "We thought their size and athleticism would bother us, but it didn't really that much. It's just disheartening to come so far and not play your best."

Syndey Vanlandingham scored 12 points for Wilson County, and Iesha Hassell had 11 and 10 rebounds.