Lady Chargers Dominate in TCCAA Tournament Opener, Advance to Semifinals
In an electrifying opening round of the TCCAA Basketball Tournament last night in Memphis, the Lady Chargers surged past Southwest TN, claiming a decisive 74-56 victory. Facing a formidable Saluqi squad, the Lady Chargers showcased their depth and determination to advance to the semifinals.
Freshman standout Lily Melton led the charge, delivering an impressive double-double with 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 steals. Her relentless energy set the tone for the Lady Chargers' dynamic performance. Fellow freshman Jacie Scott added firepower with 15 points and orchestrated the offense with 9 assists. Jacqueline Hardrick, another freshman, contributed 14 points and grabbed 4 rebounds, further highlighting the team's youthful talent.
Sophomore Ansley Burleson provided a strong inside presence, tallying 12 points and pulling down 9 rebounds. Queen Benjamin dominated the boards with 15 rebounds, complementing her defensive prowess with 4 points.
The Lady Chargers' victory propels them into the semifinals, where they will face Chattanooga State on Monday, March 10, at 2 p.m., as they continue their pursuit of the TCCAA championship.
The tournament also brought well-deserved recognition to three Lady Chargers for their outstanding season performances. Jacie Scott earned a spot on the TCCAA 2nd Team All-Conference, while Lily Melton and Ansley Burleson secured TCCAA 1st Team All-Conference honors. Burleson's stellar season was further highlighted as she was named Co-Offensive Player of the Year and claimed the prestigious title of TCCAA Player of the Year.