CAK to ‘final 4’ after sending NCS home 33-4

KNOXVILLE — One win from yet another trip to the Division II-A Girls Basketball State Tournament this weekend in Cookeville, Christian Academy of Knoxville found itself in a state quarterfinal rematch against a team it beat by just three points in 2022.

What’s more, Nashville Christian School came to CAK Friday night, Feb. 24, sporting a 33-3 record.

They left wounded, at least on the scoreboard, as Abby Williams uber-experienced Lady Warriors made short work of NCS 53-29.

While improving to 29-5 on the season, CAK was led by senior forward Keira Leffew’s 16 points.

Another rematch

Now among the state’s “final four” teams in Division II-A, Christian Academy will face another rematch from 2022 — this one leaving a bad after-taste last March.

Middle Tennessee Christian School (26-10) awaits the Lady Warriors after eliminating CAK last season. Opening tip of this state semifinal begins at 1 p.m., EST, noon CST, Thursday, March 2, at Tennessee Tech.

The winner plays the Webb Bell Buckle (30-4) versus King’s Academy (21-10) winner in the championship game beginning at noon EST, 11 a.m. CST, Saturday, March 4.

This will be the final attempt for the Lady Warriors’ talented, disciplined and closely woven group of seniors to capture a state championship.

Joining Leffew in that senior effort are guards Madi Jones, Emily Wilson, Chatham Ibach, Reese Campbell. Emma Carroll and Jenneh Day, center Zoie Bourgoyne and forward Macaiah Harrison.