The Wilson Post
LEBANON WEATHER

9AAA GIRLS — Lebanon 49, Beech 46




Lebanon High's Devilettes, the 2020 District 9AAA tournament championsTommy Bryan

Lebanon High’s Devilettes, the 2020 District 9AAA tournament championsTommy Bryan

Devilettes win district tourney –

GLADEVILLE — There’s a first time for everything but Monday’s first was especially big for Lebanon’s Devilettes.

Powers in the old District 7AAA, Coach Cory Barrett’s crew captured the first 9AAA championship in the history of the program with a rock-solid 49-46 victory over Beech in Monday’s finals at Wilson Central’s Wildcat Arena.

“I told our team earlier today that if they wanted to make a little history, to do something that’s never been done before, then go win this one tonight,” Barrett said.

“This is just the first step. We’re going to celebrate tonight and tomorrow then turn our focus to Clarksville.”

By virtue of winning the district tournament, Lebanon (26-6) will host the 4-seed out of District 10AAA, Clarksville High (14-13), in the Region 5AAA opener.

Tip-off for Friday’s quarterfinal game is set for 7 p.m. at Campbell Brandon Gymnasium. Admission is $7 per person. Season tickets will not be accepted for admission. 

Lebanon High's student body turned out for

Lebanon High’s student body turned out for “Beech Night” Monday at Wilson Central’s Wildcat ArenaSteve Wampler

Beech (25-3) hosts Henry County (17-11) Friday in Shackle Island with Friday’s winners advancing to the region semifinals in Springfield.

Monday’s win was tight throughout as Lebanon trailed 11-10 after one quarter, but overcame a 10-0 Beech run to grab a 25-22 lead at intermission.

Normally deadly from beyond the arc, the Devilettes did not connect on a 3-pointer until 3:33 remained in the first half as Anne Marie Heidebreicht found the range with a rainbow from the right wing.

Heidebreicht nailed another bomb at the 2:23 mark that gave her team a 23-19 lead.

With 1:37 left in the half, tournament MVP Addie Porter slipped a pass inside to Rebecca Brown for a bucket to give LHS a 25-22 advantage.

Beech opted to hold the ball for the last shot but came up empty.

The second half found the score see-sawing back and forth as Lebanon held a slim 34-31 lead going into the final eight minutes.

Beech managed to tie the game at 36-all on a three by Mia Dean with 6:55 remaining, then took a brief lead at 39-38 on another Dean three-ball.

GLADEVILLE -- Lebanon's Rebecca Brown (32) and Asia Barr block out Beech junior Natasia Jones (14) in Monday's 49-46 win over the Lady Bucs.Steve Wampler

GLADEVILLE — Lebanon’s Rebecca Brown (32) and Asia Barr block out Beech junior Natasia Jones (14) in Monday’s 49-46 win over the Lady Bucs.Steve Wampler

Allissa Mulaski tied the score at 42-all with a pair of free throws at the 4:53 mark, then seconds later Avery Harris put the Devilettes ahead to stay at 44-42.

“We gave up a few offensive rebounds, but we locked in and locked down when we had to,” Barrett said as his charges held the Lady Bucs to just one point over the final 1:08 of regulation.

Heidebreicht finished with four 3-pointers and three free throws to lead her team with 15 points off the bench.

Porter attacked the basket for 12 points while Meioshe Mason contributed six points and three blocks off the bench.

Beech senior Deshiya Hoosier was brilliant in the loss, pumping in 21 points to lead all scorers. Dean hit three 3-pointers for her 10.

ALL-TOURNAMENT — Lebanon’s Porter was voted District 9AAA Most Valuable Player.

GLADEVILLE -- Lebanon's Avery Harris shoots over Beech defender Laci Walmer in Monday's 49-46 Devilettes' victory.Steve Wampler

GLADEVILLE — Lebanon’s Avery Harris shoots over Beech defender Laci Walmer in Monday’s 49-46 Devilettes’ victory.Steve Wampler

She was joined on the all-tournament team by Mulaski and Heidebreicht along with Keremia Montgomery from Gallatin, Dean and Hoosier from Beech and Wilson Central’s Campbell Strange.

Beech (46): JC Swafford 9, Natasia Jones 1, Bri Ellis 2, Deshiya Hoosier 21, Riley Long 3, Mia Dean 10.

Lebanon (49): Anne Marie Heidebreicht 15, Addie Porter 12, Allissa Mulaski 5, Rebecca Brown 4, Avery Harris 5, Meioshe Mason 6.

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