Cheatham County and Sycamore Honor Pat Summitt with Rivalry, Remembrance, and a Whole Lot of Heart
Friday night in Ashland City wasn’t just about basketball-it was about legacy. Cheatham County Central and Sycamore High took the court for a pair of district matchups, but the spotlight belonged to something much bigger than the scoreboard.
It was “We Back Pat” night, part of the weeklong celebration across the SEC and beyond honoring the late, legendary Pat Summitt. And in her hometown gym-now bearing her name-the tribute felt deeply personal.
Summitt’s roots run through Cheatham County, where she first made her name as a high school standout before becoming one of the most iconic figures in college basketball history. On Friday, her influence was everywhere: on the shirts worn by both teams, in the stands filled with former teammates and family, and in the energy that filled the gym from tip-off to final buzzer.
Girls Game: Lady Cubs Close Strong in Tribute Victory
The girls’ game opened with Cheatham County Central’s Emmie Orange scoring off a dish from Gracie Belle Weakley, and the Lady Cubs came out swinging with a 6-0 run. Weakley added two layups to get the home crowd buzzing early. But Sycamore didn’t take long to respond.
Raleigh Wright got the Lady War Eagles on the board, Josie Boyd followed with an and-one, and then Sophie Stuart buried a three to tie things up. It was clear early on: this wasn’t going to be a one-sided affair.
Cheatham’s Mylah Harter knocked down a buzzer-beater three to give the Lady Cubs an 11-8 edge after the first quarter, but Boyd quickly answered in the second with another triple. The back-and-forth continued, with Sycamore edging ahead 19-18 at halftime after a late free throw.
Coming out of the break, Amelia Coker gave Cheatham the spark they needed, hitting a three to reclaim the lead. The third quarter was a tug-of-war, featuring four lead changes and big plays on both ends. Faithlynn Harley’s jumper gave Sycamore a slim 32-31 lead heading into the final frame.
Stuart opened the fourth with another three for Sycamore, but Weakley wasn’t done. She scored back-to-back buckets to tie the game at 35-all, and from there, the Lady Cubs took control. Orange and Coker knocked down clutch free throws, and Charlotte Hunter added a key layup to cap off a 43-36 win for Cheatham County Central.
Weakley led the way with 14 points, while Stuart paced Sycamore with 12.
After the game, Lady Cubs head coach Megan Hunter reflected on both the performance and the moment.
“We didn’t play as hard as I thought we could, but we battled until the end,” Hunter said. “In the second half, we were able to do the little things better, like rebounding and taking care of the ball.”
Of course, it wasn’t just about basketball.
“This means everything to me,” she added. “I’ve watched her since I was little - she’s always been one of my heroes and inspirations. Playing here and now being able to coach here, I’m still looking up to her and trying to give the same effort she gave.”
The win gave Cheatham County Central its second district victory, while Sycamore looks ahead to a key matchup with Harpeth next.
Sycamore coach Camryn Larsen kept the focus on growth and perspective.
“I think we played a solid three quarters,” Larsen said. “I don’t know if we were tired or just inexperienced, but the last four or five minutes we struggled. We need to be in moments like this to learn from them.”
And on the significance of the night:
“Having our entire community do something together is incredible. While we’re competing against each other, it’s nice to come together and support something like ‘We Back Pat.’”
Boys Game: Sycamore Rallies in Second Half to Claim District Win
The boys’ matchup brought just as much energy, with Cheatham County Central’s Blake Myatt opening the game with a three-pointer. Sycamore’s Carter Wallace answered with a layup, and the early possessions set the tone for a physical, high-paced contest.
The Cubs hit four threes in the first quarter to build a 16-10 lead. Both teams scored 10 in the second, and Cheatham carried a 26-20 edge into the break.
But the third quarter belonged to Sycamore.
Jack Galbreth dropped nine points in the period, and Owen McMahan added two triples as the War Eagles exploded for 22 points to take a 42-35 lead heading into the fourth. Cheatham tried to rally-Kobe Williams hit a three, and Warner Hamm followed with another-but Sycamore stayed composed.
McMahan answered right back, and Sycamore capitalized on a technical foul to stretch the lead into double digits late. The War Eagles closed it out, 56-44, earning their first district win of the season.
Wallace and McMahan each finished with 15 points, while Liam Lockert led Cheatham County Central with 13.
For Sycamore head coach Matt Galbreth, the win was a much-needed bounce-back.
“I thought we did great - it was a nice bounce-back,” Galbreth said. “We’ve faced adversity and had a few games slip through our hands, but they did a nice job staying together and playing as a team.”
And when it came to honoring Pat Summitt?
“I love it. She’s one of the best things this county has produced. She meant so much to basketball here, and I’m glad we could honor her.”
On the other side, Cheatham County Central coach Aaron Nicholson saw familiar patterns in the loss.
“We played well in the first half, but we continue to struggle in the second half,” Nicholson said. “We’ve had a lot of good first halves, but we have to find a way to finish.”
Still, Nicholson didn’t lose sight of the night’s meaning.
“I love this night. I even had the chance to explain who she was to some of our players.
I watched her coach, and I still believe she’s the greatest coach of all time. It’s sad we lost her too early, but I’m proud to be at a school that celebrates her legacy.”
Box Scores
Girls - Cheatham County Central 43, Sycamore 36
Cheatham County Central: Gracie Belle Weakley 14, Mylah Harter 10, Amelia Coker 6, Emmie Orange 6, Avery Hamm 2, Emma Hawkins 2, Charlotte Hunter 2, Lauren Anderson 1
Sycamore: Sophie Stuart 12, Josie Boyd 9, Faithlynn Harley 6, Campbell Gill 4, Libby Reeder 3, Raleigh Wright 2
Boys - Sycamore 56, Cheatham County Central 44
Cheatham County Central: Liam Lockert 13, Wyatt Kessler 8, Sebastian Bryant 5, Warner Hamm 5, Blake Myatt 5, Kobe Williams 5, Shie Fowler 3
Sycamore: Owen McMahan 15, Carter Wallace 15, Jack Galbreth 12, Hicks Hunter 11, Mac Gagnon 3
Final Takeaway:
On a night meant to honor one of the greatest to ever do it, both Cheatham County Central and Sycamore showed up with heart, hustle, and respect. Pat Summitt’s legacy continues to inspire generations, and Friday night was a reminder that her impact reaches far beyond the hardwood.