Jenna Burchard goes against East Hamilton in the 2025 Class 4A Regional Basketball Tournament game played at Rhea County on 2/28/25.(Photo:GaryBoldenRCM)

Rhea County Drops Game To East Hamilton 30-25

Evensville, TN -- On 2/28/25 Rhea County High School girls' basketball team hosted East Hamilton in the region tournament opener. The Lady Eagles gained the region game after falling to Cleveland in the district championship game in their last game. East Hamilton won a very close game 30-25 to move on to the next round of the region tournament, where they would face Bradley Central, a 122-24 winner over McMinn County.

Neither team seemed to be able to find the basket in the first quarter that ended with East Hamilton enjoying a 6-3 lead with Allie Shaver hitting a 3-point basket for their only points. The Lady Eagles played better in the second quarter with 10 points, led by Jenna Burchard's 5 points. East Hamilton rode Calhoun's 8 first-half points to keep the lead 14-13 over the Lady Eagles.

The third quarter was another low scoring quarter, with a lot of hustle by both teams, but neither could find the basket consistently. The Lady Hurricanes won the quarter 6-5 to take a 20-18 lead into the last quarter. Lady Eagles cut the lead to 22-21 with 5:01 left in quarter on a basket by Burchard, but Lady Hurricanes quickly responded with a length-of-the quart dribble drive ending with basket and free throw for East Hamilton;s Hilvers around the 5 minute mark. With the 24-21 lead the Lady Hurricanes decided to go into patient mode and forced the Lady Eagles to foul down the stretch. The Lady Eagles also lost a big two-way player in Jenna Burchard to injury around the 2 minute mark in a scary looking fall. Lady Hurricanes made enough free throws ( 6 of 10) down the stretch to keep the Lady Eagles at bay and give East Hamilton the win 30-25.

Jenna Burchard and Allie Shaver led the Lady Eagles with 9 and 7 points respectively and Kailey Hilvers and Arianna xxCalhoun each totaled 10 points to lead the Lady Hurricanes. With the loss the Lady Eagles's record fell to 20-11. With the win, the Lady Hurricanes ran their season record to 19-13. Both teams played physical and gave several all-out effort plays.