NEWPORT — Cocke County’s postseason run will continue in Murfreesboro after the Lady Red secured a convincing 72-50 win over Greeneville in Saturday night’s TSSAA Class AAA sectional matchup.

The victory sends Cocke County back to the state tournament for the third consecutive season as the Lady Red continue to build on one of the most successful stretches in program history.

Greeneville opened the game strong and held a 16-11 lead after the first quarter. However, Cocke County quickly settled in during the second period and began shifting the momentum.

Ava Wheeler and Brookelyn Clevenger each provided key scoring in the quarter, while Karmine Carmichael added points inside to help the Lady Red close the gap. Greeneville’s Brylee Tullock kept the Lady Greene Devils competitive with several three-pointers, but Cocke County responded with improved defensive pressure and better rebounding.

By halftime, the Lady Red had worked their way back into control of the game.

Cocke County widened the gap in the third quarter thanks largely to Carmichael, who caught fire offensively and scored 11 points during the period. The Lady Red defense also tightened, holding Greeneville to 15 points while continuing to build their lead.

Blakelyn Clevenger added a three-pointer during the run as Cocke County maintained its momentum heading into the final quarter.

The Lady Red put the game away in the fourth period. Clevenger connected on another shot from beyond the arc and converted several free throws down the stretch, while Wheeler also contributed at the line. Cocke County finished the game strong, scoring 20 points in the final quarter while limiting Greeneville to just eight.

Carmichael led Cocke County with 25 points. Blakelyn Clevenger finished with 16 points, Brookelyn Clevenger added 11, and Wheeler scored 10 as the Lady Red placed four players in double figures.

Ellie Proffitt chipped in seven points and Chloe Niethammer added a first-quarter three-pointer.

Greeneville was led by Brylee Tullock, who also scored 25 points in the game. Julia Woolsey finished with 10 points for the Lady Greene Devils, while Allison Hayes added six. Maria Lyde scored four points, Jordan Swatzell finished with three, and Matea Gray added two.

With the win, Cocke County improves to 33-4 on the season and advances to face Liberty Creek in the state tournament quarterfinals. That matchup is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. Wednesday at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro.

The Lady Red now head to Murfreesboro looking to continue their postseason success and push deeper into the state tournament.

Final Score

Cocke County — 72

Greeneville — 50

Cocke County advances to the TSSAA Class AAA State Tournament.

Coverage by TW70 Media

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