For the first time since 1993, the Coffee County Lady Raiders will play for the Region 5 Class 4-A Championship. The Lady Raiders also have a guaranteed berth into the sectional round of the TSSAA state playoffs. They defeated Shelbyville for the fourth time this season, 40-24, on Monday night at Centennial High School in Franklin.
The game was tied at 9 after the first quarter, but then the Coffee County defense shut out the Eaglettes in the second quarter to lead 23-9 at halftime.
In the second half, the Lady Raiders only outscored Shelbyville by 2 points (17-15), but with a big lead at the half, it was enough for the win.
Channah Gannon led all scorers with 12, followed by Natalie Barnes with 10. Audri Patton and Olivia Vinson added 7 points each. Patton was named the Dr Jay Trussler/Rooster 101.5 Player of the Game for her offensive and defensive play. Jules Ferrell contributed 4 points.
Coffee County will play Lincoln County on Wednesday night at 7 at Centennial for the region championship. This will be the fourth meeting between the two teams this season, with the Lady Raiders winning the first three. The Lady Falcons hit a game-ending buzzer-beater 3-pointer to knock off Nolensville 47-44 on Monday.
Rooster 101.5 will be on hand for Wednesday’s game. Don’t miss it.
Top photo: Audri Patton eyes the mark on a free-throw attempt.
