The Bartlett Panthers fought valiantly but couldn’t overcome the relentless Bradley Central Bearettes in the 4A Girls State Championship final, falling 58-43. It was a heartbreaking end to a stellar season that saw Bartlett reach its first championship game in over a decade.
The Panthers faced an uphill battle from the start as Bradley Central’s smothering defense caused early miscues and limited their offensive flow. Bartlett’s star player, Carrington Jones, found herself tightly guarded throughout the first half.
However, the Panthers showed their resilience in the second quarter. Led by Jones, who hit a clutch three-pointer, and Morgan Williams, who also found her shooting touch, Bartlett began to chip away at the lead. A late surge narrowed the deficit, giving the Panthers a glimmer of hope at halftime.
The momentum seemed to shift after the break, but Bradley Central quickly regained control. Kimora Fields exploded in the third quarter, her offensive outburst widening the gap and silencing Bartlett fans. The Panthers battled to stay within reach, with Jones fighting back against tough Bearettes defenders.
Bartlett’s never-give-up spirit showed in the fourth quarter, as they staged a determined comeback attempt. However, Bradley Central’s experience and poise proved too much. The Bearettes’ defense, anchored by Tatianna Stovall and Malia Wilcox, snuffed out Bartlett’s scoring chances, and their steady offense prevented any real threat to their lead.
Jones finished the game as Bartlett’s leading scorer with 18 points, and Williams contributed 9 points.
Bradley Central was led by Fields, who scored 15 points. Ware added 15 points and an impressive 10 assists.
Despite the loss, Bartlett’s spirited run to the championship establishes them as a team to watch in Tennessee girls’ basketball. The Panthers’ core group of talented players will be back, determined to use this experience as fuel for an even stronger campaign next season.
