Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
NASHVILLE — It will be a matchup between two of the top three teams in the final Associated Press 2A girls basketball poll Thursday night for the Nashville Sectional championship, as the third ranked and host Hornettes will take on second ranked Breese Central at 7:00 at the Assembly Hall.
Nashville used a 14-0 run to start the third quarter against Massac County to help turn a 29-22 halftime into a 39-32 lead after three quarters on the way to a 57-47 win. Samantha Brinkmann led four Hornettes in double figures with 14 points. Summer Brinkmann, Emma Behrmann, and Makayla Gajewski all added 12.
Massac County senior Ady Gower led all scorers with 17 points. Fellow seniors Elise Coakley (14) and Brooklyn Burnett (10) also reached double figures. All of Burnett’s points came in the opening half. She suffered a knee injury in third quarter and had to be helped from the floor. She did not return to the game.
Nashville improves to 30-3 on the season, while Massac County finishes 24-6.
Breese Central smothered Vienna in the second semifinal 49-29. The Cougars held the Lady Eagles to only one first half field goal, building a 27-11 lead at the break. Vienna scored the first five points of the second half, but could get no closer than 11 the rest of the way.
Kaydence Schroeder was the lone Cougar in double figures. She led all scorers with 17 points. Ayva Rush led the Lady Eagles with 11.
Breese Central improves to 30-3 on the season, while Vienna finishes 26-8.
