Emma Gentry goes against Lady Owls Defenders On Way to Basket.(Photo:Gary Bolden)

Rhea County Basketball wins behind Emma Gentry's 22 points

February 10, 2022

Ooltewah, TN -- Rhea County High School Lady Eagles won an exciting basketball game 65-64 on Tuesday night on the road at Ooltewah High School. Emma Gentry, the leading scorer for the Lady Eagles with 22 points added the last two points at the free throw line with 18 seconds on the clock as Rhea tied and then took the lead. Ooltewah worked the ball around for a three-point attempt that was went out of bounds. Lady Owls tried for steal on inbounds play but Eagles threw ball downcourt as time ran out, and the Lady Eagles secured a nice 65-64 win. Lady Eagles had a very nice night shooting the ball from long range with twelve 3-point baskets on the night against only 4 three point makes for Ooltewah. Lady Owls also had a poor night at the line with a 12-26 performance, while Rhea went 7-11.

Lady Eagles jumped out to 4-0 lead behind couple of baskets by Ava Travis, who led the Lady Eagles with 6 first quarter points. It was Lady Owls who overcame an early 7-6 lead by Rhea after a Hayla Patton 3 with 6:20 left in first quarter to lead 17-11 as Faith O'Donnell led the Lady Owls with 9 first quarter points.

Lady Eagles used 10 points from Emma Gentry and 8 points from Sky Tran to take the lead over the Lady Owls 36-33 at halftime. It was then a five three-point barrage from four different players in the third quarter for a 53-45 lead going into fourth quarter. Gentry, Emily McClure, Sarah Conley and Patton made 3-point baskets in the quarter.

Summer Jenkins' corner 3 gave the Lady Eagles a 56-47 lead early in fourth quarter. Over the next couple of minutes, four Lady Eagles turnovers helped Ooltewah back in the game as they turned those turnovers into seven points to trail 58-54 with 4:33 left in game. Ava Travis had a big 3-point basket to infuse offense and give Rhea 61-55 lead with 3:04 left in game. After Lady Owls came up with turnover, Faith O'Donnell hit big corner 3-point basket to put Lady Owls in front 64-63 with 49 seconds left in game.

Lady Eagles missed front end of one-and-one and Ooltewah came away with rebound. They had the ball and the lead with 29 seconds left in game. Lady Eagles fouled and they missed their free throw. Ava Travis, who was big on boards for the night, came away with rebound and passed to Emma Gentry, who was fouled as she came across halft court. Emma calmly sank one free throw for tie and a second for the 65-64 lead, which stood up after Ooltewah miss.

Lady Eagle Scoring: Emma Gentry 22, Ava Travis 15, Skye Tran 8, Emily McClure 8, Hayla Patton 6, Summer Jenkins 3, and Sarah Conley 3.

Lady Owls Scoring: Faith O'Donnell 20, Jordan McCollaugh 17, MacKenzie Bernier 17, Jade Tharp 5, Sophie Harris 3 and Rachel Dunbar 2.