Gut-wrenching heartbreaker… Jr. Lady ‘Landers fall short of a return trip to State
Published 12:06 am Tuesday, February 11, 2020
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Star Photo/Ivan Sanders
The Cloudland Lady 'Lander cheerleaders worked very hard to keep the spirit going as their team battled to the very end.
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders
Jr. Lady 'Lander Ryan Turbyfill offers up a one-handed jump shot against Bulls Gap in the East Sectional Class A final.
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders
Cloudland's Saharra McKinney throws up a shot from her knees after being tripped on the way to the basket.
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders
Ryan Turbyfill takes the ball to the rim for two points in the Class A East Sectional.
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders
It was a tough battle all day for Cloudland as Izabella Christman goes up strong against a Bulls Gap defender.
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders
Cloudland's Izabella Christman jumps off with a Lady Bulldog to open the contest.
BY IVAN SANDERS
STAR SPORTS EDITOR
ivan.sanders@elizabethton.com
KINGSPORT – Tears fell heavily on the court of John Sevier Middle School on Saturday.
However, it wasn’t tears of joy but of utter heartbreak for the Cloudland Jr. Middle School Lady ‘Landers as Bulls Gap ended an ultra-successful season for the Jr. Lady ‘Landers with a 43-42 overtime win over Cloudland.
The loss brought to an end hopes of returning for the second straight year to the TMSAA State tournament.
In a game that was tight throughout, the Jr. Lady ‘Landers managed to take the slimmest of a margin lead at halftime leading 21-20 behind nine points from Saharra McKinney and eight from Ryan Turbyfill.
Izabella Christman added four points.
The second half opened with Cloudland building a five-point lead before the Lady Bulldogs came charging back to make it a one-point Cloudland advantage heading into the final period of regulation, 30-29.
Cloudland had an opportunity to take the win in regulation but a couple of key misses at the free-throw line allowed for Bulls Gap to even the score on a three-pointer from Emma Houck.
In a tense-filled overtime session, the Lady Bulldogs managed to grab their first lead of the contest with 30 seconds remaining and managed to make the lead stand as the Lady Jr. ‘Landers had a couple of shots at the bucket with time winding down but couldn’t get one to drop.
McKinney led Cloudland with 15 points in the game while Ryan Turbyfill was close behind with 14 points. The turning point of the game could very well have been when Turbyfill was whistled for her fifth foul late in the fourth quarter.
Christman finished with double figures by netting 10 points. Bella Clawson contributed a trey.
The Houck sisters were a thorn in the Lady ‘Landers flesh for Bulls Gap as Anna finished with 22 points and Emma tallying 19 points. Madi Jones added two points.
“It’s a real heartbreaker because they give 110 percent in everything they do,” stated Jr. Lady ‘Lander head coach Amy Horney. “I just hate that we couldn’t come out on top but they gave a lot of effort.
“We just had some missed shots and foul shots that hurt us. Bulls Gap is just tough. The twins are tough and play an unreal drive and layup game.”
The future of the Cloudland girls basketball program looks promising with this group of girls that will be advancing onto the high school level. While one door closed in this game, another one will quickly open for this team.
