Late push allows Morristown East to slip past Hardin Valley girls
The Lady Hurricanes (13-4) grabbed a 39-34 lead after three quarters and, despite missing several late free throws, held off the Lady Hawks and won 55-51 in both teams’ first game of 2025 Friday night, Jan. 3, at HVA.
“I thought there were a lot of things that we did well at times,” Hardin Valley head coach Jennifer Galloway said. “We were able to make a few adjustments with our defenses.
“I felt that in the third quarter, though, we got a little tired and they were able to push the ball in transition,” she added. “They went on a little run.”
With the Lady Hurricanes opening the door with numerous missed free throws in the game’s final two minutes, “I thought we had some opportunities down the stretch,” Galloway said.
“I think this was a good team for us to play at this time of year coming out of the break,” she added.
“Morristown East has good guard and post play, and they push the ball down the court really well. This was a good challenge for us.”
Senior point guard Kyndra West and senior wing Kamryn Butcher combined for 30 points for the Lady Hawks — West having a game-high 18 and Butcher 12 — while senior wing Ava Claire Wrather ended with nine points.
Wing Holly Lindsey came off the bench and scored seven for HVA, while post Kamiyah Lovee added five points for the home team.
Galloway said she wasn’t sure about Hardin Valley’s overall record.
Hannah Hall’s 14 points led Morristown East (13-4), while Harmony Sullivan added 13.
This week, the Lady Hawks traveled to Sevier County to face the always tough Smoky Bearettes at SCHS Tuesday, Jan. 7 (after deadline). They host District 4-4A foe Maryville beginning around 6 p.m., Friday, Jan. 10.
