1. Bradley Cenral (29-1): Monday night the Beareattes accomplished what has appeared to be a foregone conclusion since November. Behind 21 points from sophomore Brooke Copeland, Bradley cruised to the District 5-AAA title. The Bearettes beat Cleveland for the third time this season and will host Warren County on Friday in the first round of the Region 3 tournament. The most challenging part of Bradley’s next few weeks may be preparing for the close games that will eventually come. After Monday’s game, coach Jason Reuter said practices will include simulations of playing from behind — something his team has rarely done this season.
2. GPS (24-4): Chadarryl Clay and Simone Busby combined for 45 points Tuesday night and the Bruisers battered Pope John Paul II at home, 78-60. Clay and Busby were aided by two more double-digit scorers as GPS ended its region schedule. The Bruisers finished 7-1 against Division II-AA East/Middle opponents. GPS traveled to Stone Memorial last Wednesday for its final game of the regular season. Clay and Busby were held in check, but the team’s winning streak stretched to eight games with a 60-47 victory. The Bruisers will open their run toward a second straight state championship Saturday against Harpeth Hall at home.
3. Cleveland (19-9): The Lady Raiders’ district tournament didn’t end with a title, but it would have taken a “near perfect performance” to beat Bradley Central on its home court, according to Cleveland coach Mindy Kiser. Cleveland, though exceeded expectations during the regular season and will host a region game Friday against Cumberland County. Even if the postseason run doesn’t result in a trip to the state tournament, it will likely be a valuable experience for Kiser’s youthful squad.
4. Brainerd (22-4): The fact that this year’s District 6-AA tournament is being played at Brainerd only adds an extra sting to the Lady Panthers’ postseason ban. Tuesday night, coach Carolyn Jackson’s team, if they choose to watch, will see a team it beat twice this season celebrate the title on its home court.
5. East Hamilton (20-8): Baylor’s four-game slide to end the season and its elimination from the Division II tournament opened this slot for the Lady Hurricanes, which make their first appearance in Nooga’s top 5. East Hamilton will play Red Bank for the 6-AA title Tuesday night after beating Central, 54-44, Saturday in its semifinal contest. Junior Tiffany Lewis scored 19 points for East Hamilton against Central. She leads a group of talented guards as the Lady Hurricanes hope to make it two straight district tournament titles.
