Community’s Mercedes Huntley (34) races up the court around Perry County’s Jessa Tucker during Wednesday’s Class A quarterfinal at MTSU’s Murphy Center.
MURFREESBORO – Community took a big step in program history last season when it made it to the TSSAA girls basketball state tournament for the first time.
It took the next big step Wednesday afternoon.
The Viqueens picked up their first state tournament victory at MTSU’s Murphy Center with a 65-48 triumph over Perry County in the Class A quarterfinals. Community advances to Friday’s 1:15 p.m. semifinal against South Greene.
Last year Community had hopes to make it to the semifinals, but South Greene dashed those hopes by knocking the Viqueens out in a 48-46 heartbreaker.
“I think the experience from last year is what helped us to get back here this year,” Community coach Allison Martin said. “It’s something we never forgot and never got over.”
Community (30-2) jumped out to a 14-9 lead after the first quarter thanks to eight points from senior Lacey Reed and a poor shooting performance by Perry County (26-6).
The Lady Vikings shot just 3-for-16 (18.8 percent) from the field in the first quarter, including 0-for-5 from 3-point range.
Perry County’s Jaycie Roberts penetrates the lane during Wednesday’s Class A quarterfinal against Community at MTSU’s Murphy Center.
“We were a little nervous,” Perry County senior Reagan Floyd said. “I guess state tournament jitters. We’ve never played on a stage this big, and I think we kind of settled down as it went on.”
Perry County started the second quarter with an 8-6 run and ended it with a 4-0 run, but in between Viqueens’ senior Sarah Pierce dropped in all 10 of her first-half points in just 49 seconds to put Community up 30-22 at halftime.
“It’s just a little frustrating not scoring,” Pierce said. “I was kind of cold, but I knew I just needed to slow it down, calm down and just put the ball in the basket.”
Community pushed the lead in the third, ending the quarter on an 11-2 run to take a 50-30 advantage.
Pierce finished with a team-high 20 points while Reed added 19.
Reach Sam Brown at 615-259-8232 and on Twitter @SamBrownTN