Top-ranked Mt. Juliet races past Hendersonville

MT. JULIET — Mt. Juliet's girls celebrated their return to the top of the Associated Press Class AAA poll with a dominating 76-41 hammering of Hendersonville on Tuesday at Tommy Martin Gym.
The Lady Bears raced to a 28-9 first-quarter lead, capped by K.C. VanAtta's 40-foot three-pointer at the buzzer. She finished with four triples on her way to 18 points.
But it was center Heather Miller who led the Lady Bears with 21 points as Mt. Juliet won its 60th straight game in The Cave and handed Coach Chris Fryer his 249th victory in his nine seasons on the bench. He will go for No. 25 at 6:30 p.m., Friday at LaVergne.
Post player Jordan Nixon notched 13 of her 17 points in the first half as the Lady Bears built a 47-22 lead.
Senior Miaca Bowman tossed in two three-pointers for half of her 12 while Rebecca Sharpe also sank two triples on her way to eight. Macie Gleaves finished with five while freshmen Chelsea Brown and Katie Bryan each bagged two as Mt. Juliet moved to 21-1 for the season and 8-0 in District 9-AAA with the Lady Bears' only loss coming out of state to Lexington (Ky.) Catholic.
Guard Kathryn Keffer collected eight points for the Lady Commandos, who dropped to 6-16, 0-8.
Mt. Juliet's freshmen will host Wilson Central at 6 p.m. tonight at Martin Gym, a double header moved up from Thursday.

Devilettes win in overtime, sweep season series with White County
SPARTA — It's probably been since the days of the legendary Campbell Brandon it's been accomplished.
Lebanon swept the season series with White County as the onetime District 7-AAA heavyweights went to overtime for the second time this year Tuesday. The Devilettes, who won in double overtime at Brandon Gym/Hester Gibbs Court last month, overcame a bad start to beat the Warriorettes 58-52 at Roy Sewell Gym.
Lebanon trailed until the fourth quarter when the Devilettes went up by four. The teams went into overtime tied 48-48. Senior Crystal Howse had five of her 16 points in the four-minute extra session while Ebony Marshall sank one of her three 3-pointers as the Devilettes moved to 9-13 for the season and 5-4 in the district.
"I don't know the last time a Lebanon girl's team swept Sparta," first-year Devilette coach Darian Brown said. "I'm so proud of the girls for what they've accomplished."
Lebanon fell behind 14-4 in the first quarter and 28-14 at halftime as the Devilettes shot just 13 percent from the floor. But the visitors turned things around with defense in the second half, drawing within 36-32 through three periods.
"We didn't play well early," Brown said. "Defensively, we just frustrated them. The pressure got to them. They got tired. They had 16 turnovers in the second half.
"We took away what they wanted to do."
Howse tossed in 12 of 15 free throws while Jasmin Brooks bombed in two three-pointers as each swished 16 points for Lebanon. Icelyn Elie added 11 from inside while Marshall notched nine, Kim Ha four and London Elie two.
Heather Roberts racked up a pair of threes as she, Joni Simpson and Lacy Yslas each threw in 13 for White County.
Lebanon will host Oakland for homecoming at 6:30 p.m. Friday.

Wasson's early shooting ignites Lady Wildcats past Beech
HENDERSONVILLE — Wilson Central did its part to keep pace with Smyrna in the District 9-AAA race Tuesday with a 63-41 win at Beech.
The No. 5 Lady Wildcats led 18-12 following the first quarter as Lauren Wasson threw in the last of her first-period three-pointers at the buzzer. They were up 36-23 at halftime and 51-29 through three as they improved to 19-3 for the season and 6-2 in the district.
"On both ends of the floor, we played one of our better games in a while," Lady Wildcat coach Bud Brandon said. "Our team chemistry was pretty good.
"Just a great effort from everybody."
Tierney Jenkins totaled 24 points and six rebounds for Central while center Jasmine Hassell hammered home 18 points and took down 10 caroms. Wasson added 11 while Lauren Farmer flicked in a pair of second-quarter threes for her six while Sara Williams finished with four.
Central shot 62 percent for the game and committed no turnovers in the first half, finishing the game with eight.
Martinique Guice tossed in 12 points for Beech.
Central will host Hunters Lane at 4:30 p.m. Thursday. The Lady Wildcats' game at No. 2 Shelbyville on Saturday is a 3 p.m. tipoff, contrary to the printed schedules which indicate a 6:30 start.

RBS freshman dominates Tigerettes
RED BOILING SPRINGS — Freshman Laken Leonard dominated with 27 points Tuesday to lead Red Boiling Springs, ranked No. 3 in the AP Class A poll, to a 67-39 thrashing of Watertown on Tuesday.
The Lady Bulldogs built a 20-4 first-period lead and carried a 41-14 bulge into halftime as they improved to 23-2 and dropped Watertown to 11-9.
Center Miaushia Thompson finished with 15 points for Watertown while Brittnee Sells tossed in two three-pointers on her way to eight. Carley Smith scored six while Amanda Montgomery finished with four and Sarah Reeder, Lauren Lewis and Hannah Forbes each tossed in two.
Hermitage Springs will visit Watertown at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

Lady Eagles soar away from MJCA
WESTMORELAND — Westmoreland rolled to a 49-13 thumping of Mt. Juliet Christian on Tuesday.
The Lady Eagles led 15-1 following the first quarter and 24-5 at halftime as the Lady Saints slipped to 11-9 for the season.
No one scored in double figures for the Lady Eagles, who had several players notch nine points. They also flicked in four three-pointers.
Christine Humes and Holly Morgan each managed four points for Mt. Juliet Christian while Paige Hudson threw in three and Lauren Bean two.
Mt. Juliet Christian will host Carroll Academy at 5 p.m. Thursday.
Sports Editor Andy Reed can be reached at 444-3952 ext. 17 or by e-mail at andy.reed@lebanondemocrat.com.