Middleton ladies return to Murfreesboro
The Middleton Lady Tigers will have a chance to return to Murfreesboro this week after winning the Region 8A title at home against Riverside on Wednesday, March 2, followed by a Sub-State Win over Dresden on Saturday, March 5, at home, in a rematch of last year’s Sub-State game.
“We really wanted a return trip to Murfreesboro, and you know what they say, be careful what you wish for, you just might get it,” said Middleton Head Coach James Burkley.
The girls started the week off strong with a 65-39 win over Trinity Christian Academy (TCA) in the Region 8A semifinals at home on Monday, Feb. 29.
Middleton started off strong, earning a 12 point lead in the first quarter which increased to 21 points by half time and 32 points by the end of the third quarter. TCA managed to outscore Middleton in the final quarter but it was nowhere near enough, as the Lady Tigers went on to win by 26 points, 65-39.
“We played a great, well balanced game including 20 assists, and that was huge for us,” said Burkley.
Dakedra Mason led the way with 19 points, followed by Chelsey Perry with 14 points 11 rebounds, Alexis Pledge with 13 points, and Sequoya Warren with 11 points.
Wednesday, March 2 was more of the same, with Middleton earning an easy win over Riverside, 64-31 in the Region 8A finals.
Middleton outscored Riverside in every quarter, holding a 14 point lead after the first quarter, 25 points t the break, 30 points after the third quarter and 33 points by the final buzzer for a lopsided 64-31 win.
“We played well defensively, holding Riverside to single digits in the first half along with pulling down 48 rebounds,” said Burkley.
Leading the way was Dakedra Mason with 23 points followed by Chelsea Perry with16 points 14 rebounds, and Tyra Smith with 12 points.
Mason was named tournament MVP while Chelsey Perry and Cherelle Jones were named to the all tournament team.
Saturday, March 5 Sub-State game against Dresden was expected to be tight, but Middleton had a hot hand in the first half and put the game away early, winning 73-50.
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