Bulldogs blaze past hawks
Bearden (17-3) won a home district girls basketball game, 65-34, versus Hardin Valley Academy on Jan. 23.
The Lady Bulldogs were led by senior guard Emma Rainey. She led all scorers with 17 points. Senior guard Natalya Hodge also scored 15 points, while junior guard Riley Hunt totaled 14 points for Bearden.
Hodge signed with Missouri and head coach Kellie Harper on Oct. 12, 2025. Harper played for the Lady Vols from 1995-99, winning three national championships (1996-98) under Pat Summitt. She also served as Tennessee’s women’s basketball head coach from 2019-24, compiling a 108–52 (53-24 SEC) record. Harper led the lady Vols to four NCAA Tournament appearances in five seasons. The 2020 NCAA Tournament was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Junior guard Riley Hunt also scored 10-plus points for Bearden, scoring 14 against the Hawks. Senior center Katie Foster recorded eight points in the contest for the Lady Bulldogs.
Sophomore Emma Rhoden was Hardin Valley’s leader with eight points against Bearden. Sophomore Alaina Lineberry also scored six points for Harden Valley Academy while sophomore Gracie Edwards finished with five points.
Sarah Galloway, Holly Lindsey and Audree Riehn scored four points each for the Hawks at Bearden.
Bearden will finish its 2025-26 regular season with games against Rhea County, Lenoir City, McMinn County, Farragut, Alcoa and Cleveland. Hardin Valley Academy (10-13) will conclude regular-season play against McMinn County, Austin-East, Lenoir City, Oak Ridge, Rhea County and West.
