![Lady Warriors Achieve Their One Goal]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1707680336/rcschoolnet/wwo2vl8kvwjncwnbve0p/OneGoal.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1707680336/rcschoolnet/wwo2vl8kvwjncwnbve0p/OneGoal.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1707680336/rcschoolnet/wwo2vl8kvwjncwnbve0p/OneGoal.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1707680336/rcschoolnet/wwo2vl8kvwjncwnbve0p/OneGoal.png","width":1080}])
The Lady Warriors ended their storybook season this weekend by meeting their one goal, winning the Class A TMSAA Championship. Coach LaTosha Jackson's message to her team all season was simple -make their way back to the TMSAA Championship and come home with the trophy. After last year's loss in the Championship finals, this one goal guided them all season. "All year we have worked so hard for #onegoal, and yesterday that #onegoal was achieved".
RCS rocketed through the regular season and post-season, winning most games in dominant fashion. The only two close games came at the hand of eventual Class 3A State Champions, Sevier County.
"This team is a true dream team. We had every piece to the puzzle that we possibly needed to be unbeatable."
In addition to bringing home the school's first-ever TMSAA State Championship in any sport, the team holds the school's records for most wins (28-0), finishing with a perfect record. To add to these historic feats, 7th grader Kenady Deal eclipsed the 1000 career point mark this season, the first player (male or female) to do so in school history.
After winning the semifinal match-up against Homestead Elementary, the Lady Warriors never trailed in their 61-24 victory over West Junior High in Saturday's Championship Game. Leading 7-3, RCS went on an 11-point run to pull further away, getting out to a 30-11 lead at halftime before closing out the victory. Kenady Deal scored 15 points to lead the team.
The Lady Warriors were deadly from inside the paint, finishing 20-36 on twos. Rylee Sivert and Deal each hit multiple three-pointers. The team passed the ball well with 12 assists on 25 made baskets. Deal led the team with five assists. Chloe Pearson pounded the glass, collecting eight rebounds to lead Rogersville City Lady Warriors. Pearson (14 points), Sivert (13 points), Molli Stuffle (10 points), Addie Lawson (7 points), and Harlen Hayes (2 points) also pitched in for RCS.
The team's second state tournament appearance at times resembled a home game with nearly packed stands to support the Lady Warriors along with fellow Cherokee High School feeder school Bulls Gap's Boys team's fans. Coach Jackson was quick to express her appreciation for the encouragement given her team.
"We couldn't be more proud of the Rogersville community. They have really showed up and showed out for us! The packed stands, the send-off, the parade back in town - these are all just simple parts of how they all came together to make these girls feel special! We have felt supported to the fullest both years."
RCS returns three starters next year, Deal, Stuffle, and Sivert. Losing this year's 8th graders, Lawson and Pearson, will be tough. "This year's class hits a little different. They were my first class as I became a new coach. I have grown very close to them, and they hold a special place in my heart. They've started every game since we all started together all three years. We, as a team, hate to see them go but know they will both do great things."
Portions of the game recap in this web post are provided by GameChanger Media Copyright © 2024 GameChanger Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
Photo credit: Dawn Helton Photography
