Lady Mavericks beat Union County, Clinton to defend district title
Anderson County’s Bethany Lowe was top scorer with 18 points in the Lady Mavericks’ 57-35 win over Gibbs in the opening round of the 2025 District 4-AAA tournament. (photo:Tony Cox )
As the No. 3 seed, needing three wins to repeat last year’s feat, Anderson County opened postseason play Tuesday, Feb. 25, at Union County High School in Maynardville by dispatching the Lady Eagles 57-35.
Bethany Lowe led scoring with 18 points, and Macy Basford added 11.
After a three-day postponement due to inclement weather, the Lady Mavericks returned to the hardwood with a season-defining performance.
In a semifinal thriller against Clinton, Anderson County edged the Lady Dragons 45-40.
“That was a game that went back-and-forth the whole time and it seemed like it was a close game the whole way,” ACHS Coach Mitch Cupples said. “We came out and went down 6-0, but we kind of calmed down and we got back into it.
“We got up by six and then we went down by eight and then it just went back-and-forth. We were up 43-40 late, and Bethany Lowe made two free throws.”
Basford contributed 13 points, while sophomore Emerie Bullock scored 10 and Shelby Kelly added six.
The win marked Anderson County’s first victory over Clinton since last year’s district championship.
The semifinal triumph earned the Mavericks a home game in the opening round of the Region 2‑AAA tournament Friday night, and kept alive their quest to repeat as district champs.
However, the season’s momentum slowed Monday when top‑seeded Scott edged Anderson County 46-43 at Union County.
The Mavericks led 11-9 after the first quarter and held a 17-16 advantage at halftime, but a late four‑point lead evaporated.
Sophomore center Addison Grooms led the loss with 17 points, while Basford and Bullock chipped in with seven each and Kelly added six.
“We struggled with rebounding and turnovers — issues that have hurt us all season and again down the stretch tonight,” Cupples said. “I wish I’d made a different call on that last play against their box‑and‑one.”
Despite the setback, Cupples noted key positives.
“We made some good plays,” he said. “Bethany Lowe knocked down a big three and we secured several crucial rebounds.”
The Lady Mavericks will host Seymour Friday at 7 p.m.
“We’re excited to play a home game Friday night,” Cupples said. “We’ll play Seymour. I think they beat Fulton by two tonight.
“They’ll be a good matchup for us,” he said. “They’re really tough and really physical.”
