In a thrilling District 7-4A play-in game, the Hendersonville girls basketball team turned the tables on Beech, securing a 55-45 victory after two narrow regular-season losses. This win couldn't have come at a better time for the Commandos, who have experienced a rollercoaster season.
Hendersonville head coach Kelli Reed expressed a sense of pre-game confidence, saying, “We’ve had a lot of ups and downs this year, but I felt good about tonight from the moment I woke up.”
The Commandos, holding a 17-10 record and a 4-8 district standing, entered the play-in as the No. 5 seed. Despite a shaky start in district play, they managed to rally when it mattered most. Their opponents, the Beech Buccaneers, began the season strong at 13-2 but stumbled into the play-in as the fourth seed after a rough finish.
The game kicked off with Beech's junior wing Aubrey Sons sinking a 3-pointer, one of the few times the Buccaneers led. Hendersonville's first points came from junior post Tatum Taylor’s free throws, soon followed by a momentum-shifting 3-pointer from Desi Walker, who ended the night with 15 points.
Despite a slow start, Hendersonville led 12-10 at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter saw both teams exchanging baskets until Hendersonville pulled ahead with a 6-point run. Beech responded with a 7-0 streak, briefly reclaiming the lead, but a late three from Kyndall Cripps swung the advantage back to Hendersonville.
The third quarter was a turning point. Freshman guard Walker ignited an 11-0 run with a put-back layup.
Sydney Hines contributed significantly, scoring nine of her 13 points in this period, including a crucial and-one play. Meanwhile, senior guard Ilaiah Mack, described by Reed as the team’s “heartbeat,” came alive, adding 14 points in the second half and finishing with a game-high 18.
Hendersonville's defense was relentless, employing a full-court press that forced six turnovers in the third quarter alone. By the end of the period, they had built a commanding 41-29 lead.
Beech attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter, but Hendersonville maintained their momentum. Mack and Walker combined for 12 of the team's 14 points in the final frame, sealing the victory. Despite late efforts from Beech’s Seleste Ricks and Mary Kate Long, the Commandos held firm.
Walker and Hines were flawless from the free-throw line in the closing minutes, ensuring Hendersonville's advance to the semifinals against the top-seeded Mt. Juliet Golden Bears. This win not only avenged their earlier losses but also showcased the Commandos' resilience and determination when it counted the most.