Despite putting up its fewest points in 84 games, nationally sixth-ranked Bradley Central overcame a slow start to hold off Clarksville Christian Academy for their 44th straight win inside Jim Smiddy Arena Friday evening.
The 47-30 victory was the second over the Middle Tennessee private school this season, which features the Class of 2027 state's top recruit Lauren Hassell. The 6-foot-3 daughter of a former NBA player is also ranked as the 11 best sophomore in the nation, averaging a double-double.
(18.9 points, 11.6 rebounds), but was held to just eight points on 1-of-13 shooting from the field and cleared only five boards.
BEARETTES 47, LADY CENTURIONS 30: Unlike most Bradley girls' games that open with an onslaught of early scoring, this time found the Bearettes challenged by a much taller team that made life miserable in the first half, forcing a paltry the host to just 24.2% shooting, hitting just 8-of-33 shot attempts.
While the Bradley offense struggled, the always tenacious "D" made it very difficult on CCA (13-8) allowing them to get off just 14 shots, making only five for a 35.7% mark.
After a nip-and-tuck 12-11 Bearette edge at the first horn, the offensive off night saw the teams combine for just 10 markers in the second eight-minute span for a 19-14 Bradley edge at the halftime break.
Defense and fouls were prevalent during the game with 2024 Miss Tennessee Basketball finalist Kimora Fields riding the Bearette pine for nearly the entire second quarter with two quick fouls, while, 6-foot-4 sophomore Centurion Marley Spiers was held scoreless, getting off just one shot, but grabbing seven rebounds in just under 16 minutes of court time before fouling out.
Although only 18 fouls were whistled in the contest, all but four came against players 6-foot or taller.
Bradley's shooting improve some in the second half, hitting 11-of-18 (39.2%) from the field, raising the game tally to 31.3% (19-for-61), which is well below their average.
The Bearettes did out score the visitors 28-16 in the final 16 minutes, but the 47 points marked their lowest output in 84 games.
Netting 44.7% of the Bradley tally, Samford signee Avary Brewer had one of the best nights of her career with 21 points, plus two assists, four rebounds, but more importantly, six steals that kept the Centurions off balance. She was also hot from ‘distance’ as she sank all five 3-pointers for the Bearettes.
Fields joined Brewer in double figures with 12 points, while grabbing five ricochets, handing out a pair of "dimes," and copping a couple of thefts.
Kennesaw State signee TaTianna Stovall led the Bearettes in clearing the backboards with six rebounds, while netting 10 points and garnering four steals.
Although held to just four points, Arkansas signee Harmonie Ware pulled down five caroms, while Walters State signee Malia Wilcox snatched four ricochets and handed out a trio of helps.
Grabbing 14 steals, the Bearette defense forced the Centurions into 22 turnovers for the game and held them to just 28 shots on the night, as they made nine (32.1%).
Senior point guard Niah Rhodes led Clarksville Christian with 14 points, sinking four 3-pointers while going 5-for-8 from the field.
The only other Centurion to score was senior guard Alissa Nesbitt, who netted eight points.
GAME SUMMARY
Friday, Jan. 31
at Jim Smiddy Arena
Clarksville Christian 11 3 8 8 — 30
Bradley Central 12 7 15 13 — 47
LADY CENTURIONS (30) — Niah Rhodes 14, Alissa Nesbitt 8, Lauren Hassell 8, Teasley, Spiers, Cotton, Witherspoon, Jacoway, Martin, Morgan, Botz.
BEARETTES (47) — Avary Brewer 21, Kimora Fields 12, TaTianna Stovall 10, Ware 4, Wilcox, Geren, Osborn, White, Francis, Broome.
3-POINTERS: CCA 5 (Rhodes 4, Nesbitt); BC 5 (Brewer 5).
FREE THROWS: CCA 7-of-10 (70%); BC 4-of-8 (50%).
Records: Clarksville Christian Academy 13-8; No. 6 (nationally) Bradley Central 22-1.