Lady Eagles go 4-0 on way to Championship

Sale Creek, TN -- The Rhea County High School basketball girls' team won the "Battle at the Creek" Tournament Championship with a convincing 53-26 win over Sale Creek. On the way to the championship game the Lady Eagles were dominant in the tournament. The began with a 73 to 35 win over Grundy County, the won 74-37 over South Pittsburg and followed that win up with 45-35 win over Sale Creek to earn a berth in championship game vs Sale Creek. In the tournament, Lady Eagles were consistently led by Senior Ava Travis. Freshman Jenna Burchard continues to supply another good scorer down low for the Lady Eagles. Hayla Patton continues to supply a consistent 3-point threat for Rhea, but Emma Reeves has stepped up with some good 3-point shooting. During the tournament, the depth of the team has shone through.

In the championship game the Lady Eagles exploded out of the locker room with a 20-4 first quarter blitz, as 7 different Lady Eagles found their way to the scoring book, with Ava Travis leading the scoring with 6 points. Sale Creek never really recovered from the fast start by the Lady Eagles. Lady Eagles kept a double-figure lead throughout the game. 9 different Lady Eagles scored and coach Vest had the opportunity to get valuable playing time for the bench. Ava Travis led Rhea with 13 points. Hayla Patton and Lakyn Lockhart added 9 points each and Jenna Burchard contributed 8 points. Also scoring for the Lady Eagles; Cammie Ruehling 2, Summer Jenkins 2, Allie Shaver 2, Emma Reeves 2, Kylie Garrison 2 and Hattie Johnston 2. Quarter break scores were 20-4, 34-14, 46-17 and final score of 53-26.

After the game, coach Vest said, "We were intentionally more aggressive this game. We did not finish around the basketball well in the previous matchup against Sale Creek in the tournament."

In their 45-35 win, Ava led the Lady Eagles with 14 points, and Freshman Jenna Burchard was also in double figures with 12 points. Also scoring for Lady Eagles; Lakyn Lockhardt 4, Hayla Patton 2, Summer Jenkins 1, Emma Reeves 8, Kylie Garrison 3 and Hattie Johnston 1.

Against South Pittsburg, Ava Travis(16), Hayla Patton(14) and Jenna Burchard(10) were all in double figures. Also scoring: Summer Jenkins (8), Annie Evans(2), Kylie Garrison(6) and Hattie Johnston(2).

Lady Eagles had a very balanced attack in the 73-35 win over Grundy on 12/17/22. Three players, Ava Travis, kylie Garrison and Hayla Patton each scored 13 points and Jenna Burchard added 12 points. Also scoring; Cammie Ruehling 4, Summer Jenkins 4, Lakyn Lockhardt 2, Annie Evans 2, Allie Shaver 3, Emma Reeves 2 and Hattie Johnston 5.