Upset time: CAK girls take down Webb
KNOXVILLE — Timely rebounding, clutch shooting and stingy defense proved to be the ingredients in a recipe for victory for the Christian Academy of Knoxville girls basketball team Friday night, Jan. 25.
But this wasn’t just any average victory for the Lady Warriors. It was a 52-44 triumph over defending Division II-A state champion and Cedar Bluff rival Webb School of Knoxville.
“I need to enjoy this moment,” CAK first-year head coach Abby Williams said after watching her squad (17-4 overall, 5-2 in Division II-A East Region District 1) erase a 27-22 halftime deficit en route to defeating the Lady Spartans. “This was a big win for our three seniors because it’s the first time that they’ve beaten Webb.
“They had never beaten Webb, not even in middle school or for four or five years of high school,” she added. “I’m so proud of our girls. But I tip my hat to Webb. They played hard in the face of adversity.”
Seniors Claire Brock, Kennedy Smith and Ellie Fussell all celebrated the landmark victory over the Lady Spartans. All had reason to be joyful and all made significant contributions in the contest.
Brock scored a game-high 22 points and made 9-of-10 free throws over the final eight minutes. She was 11-for-12 from the charity stripe after halftime and converted 16-of-17 foul shots in the game. Fussell scored 12 points and Smith had six. Junior Caroline Meyers added eight points. She also had some key rebounds.
“Caroline had a great night for us tonight,” Williams said. “She scored some big baskets and had some big rebounds tonight.”
“We have some of the best coaches in the area and I have great teammates,” Brock said. “This was just a total team effort tonight.
“You always know what you’re going to get with Webb. They’re a great team. They’re well-coached and they play hard. We really kept our composure. My teammates, they all did a good job tonight.”
Casey Collier and Catherine Hendershott each scored 14 points for Webb (11-13, 5-1).
Collier, senior point guard, was saddled with foul trouble most of the night. She fouled out when called for charging with 5:01 left in the game.
Webb head coach Shelley Collier was unavailable for comment after the game.
