Rhien, Edwards lead HVA in finale
Hardin Valley Academy girls basketball coach Jennifer Galloway used her team’s regular-season finale against Knoxville West to throw in a few new wrinkles to prepare her young team for the postseason.
The Lady Hawks easily defeated the Lady Rebels, notching a 54-38 victory Friday night, Feb. 13, on the road.
“We wanted to do some different things to get ready for the district tournament,” Galloway said after her squad dismantled the Lady Rebels late last week in the regular-season finale for both schools. “It was nice to get a win going into the tournament.”
From the outset, the Lady Rebels appeared to be outmatched as Hardin Valley darted out to a fast start, opening a 14-4 lead by the end of the opening quarter.
The Lady Hawks would maintain control throughout the contest. They never trailed game and extended their advantage to 27-15 by halftime and 41-25 by the end of the third quarter.
Hardin Valley had a pair of players post double figures in the scoring column as Audree Rhien finished with 17 points and Marley Edwards had 15. Alaina Linrbaerry chipped in with nine points.
Galloway said she has been pleased with her young squad’s progress during a season where they’ve experienced their share of growing pains.
The Lady Hawks notched a victory over Oak Ridge at Wildcat Arena recently, salvaging a split with the Lady Wildcats.
“That was a big win for us,” Galloway said. “I think our kids have really grown up and I think we’ve gotten better.”
HVA had a short turnaround as it opened District 4-4A Tournament play Monday with a 53-38 victory over host McMinn County.
The Lady Hawks (14-14) were set to play Lenoir City in an elimination quarterfinal but results were not available at press time.
