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Lady Rebels start fast, put an end to Lady Dragons’ season


Sarah Burton gets the hoop and the harm for an old-fashion three-pointer against Maryville in the opening game of the state regional tournament.
The Clinton Lady Dragons learned last Friday why Maryville is ranked No. 1 in East Tennessee girls basketball.

The host Lady Rebels outplayed the Lady Dragons on the way to a 77-50 victory to eliminate Clinton, which finished the season 18-16.

“We were outplayed,” said Lady Dragons Coach Alicia Phillips, whose team was also eliminated at Maryville in the region first round two years ago.

“They (Maryville) shot and rebounded well and we could not,” she said. “They got going quickly and there wasn’t much we could do to stop them.”

Maryville built a 19-0 advantage before Clinton’s Sarah Burton made a three-pointer with 3:15 to go in the first period.

The Maryville lead was up to 25-5 after one period.

The Lady Rebels continued to roll during the second period, enjoying a 50-21 halftime lead. Maryville’s lead was 70-37 after three periods.

Burton’s tournament offensive fireworks continued to be on display as the Clinton guard finished the game with 32 points.

“This is not the way we wanted to go out — especially for our two seniors,” Phillips said. “That said, I’m so proud to be part of this program. Most of this team will be back and I can’t wait to see what these returning players will do next season.”