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On Friday night, the Coffee County Lady Raiders won in dominating fashion over the Independence Lady Eagles in the first round of the TSSAA 4A Region 5 Tournament.

The Lady Raiders edged out at the start, outscoring Independence 17-10 in the first quarter on the strength of 10 points from Channah Gannon.

Coffee would add to their lead in the second quarter, outscoring the Lady Eagles 19-12 to lead at halftime, 36-22.

The Lady Eagles tried to get back in the game in the third, outscoring Coffee County 14-13, but the Lady Raiders remained in front 49-36 heading into the fourth quarter, where they outscored Independence 20-7 to win the game, 69-43.

“We just continued to do what we do,” said Coach Joe Pat Cope. “There was a nice stretch in the fourth quarter where we knocked down some shots. They would not let Natalie or Olivia get loose, but they didn’t double Channah and she was able to put in 24 points. In the next round we have to continue to make shots, play excellent defense and make that next step.”

Scoring for the Lady Raiders were Channah Gannon with 24 points, Olivia Vinson with 12 points, Jules Ferrell with 10 points, Natalie Barnes with eight points, Audri Patton and Jaydee Nogodula with five points each, Ella Arnold with three points and Morgen Spears with two points. 

The Coffee County Lady Raiders will take on Shelbyville Central for the fourth time this season in the Region Semifinals after the Golden Eaglettes beat Page 34-28 in their first round game.

The TSSAA 4A Region 5 Semifinals will take place at Centennial High School on Monday, Feb. 26 with Coffee playing Shelbyville in the first semifinal game at 6:00 pm and Lincoln County going against Nolensville in the following game.