It appears that this is correct and it’s what happened Wednesday night at La Vergne as Riverdale (31-1) beat Blackman (23-6) in the Division 4AAA Region Girls Basketball Tournament.

Riverdale never trailed and got a measure of revenge (for now at least) with a hard fought 55-40 victory in the regional finals.

Blackman, in case you’ve been out of the country, beat Riverdale just a few days ago in the District Tournament finals.  

Riverdale jumped to a 9-0 lead and stretched it to 14-4 at the first quarter break.

Blackman did not score the first four minutes of the game.

It was 31-18 Riverdale at the half and the two squads swapped baskets the second half.

Blackman never got closer than 10 despite some runs and a great effort.

Stats sometimes help to explain why someone won and someone loss.

In this game, Riverdale actually shot a lower percentage than Blackman but took more shots.

Blackman also turned it over seven more times than Riverdale.

The free throw line was another trouble spot for Blackman because they seldom went there and hit only four of nine when they did.

Meanwhile the Warriors hit 12 of 17. The rebounds were even.

The large crowd really enjoyed the game.

There were numerous college coaches in the crowd since the SEC women begin play tomorrow in Nashville.

Anyway, I spotted Georgia, Auburn, LSU and Vandy in the gym. I’m certain there were many others.

Every game from now on is an elimination game and both squads face challenges.

McMinn County will visit Riverdale Saturday night at 7 p.m. while Blackman will travel down I-24 and up I-75 to Bradley Central.

Remember the Blackman game will be on WGNS radio and has a 5:45 p.m. start Murfreesboro time.

Scoring

Blackman: Kelsey Nowlin 5, Katie Smith 7, Chelsey Hall 7, Amy Duke 10, Kortnay Cox 4, Tiera Norris 5, Micah Norris 2.  

Riverdale: Jessica Azor 5, Ashley Henry 2, Tyisha Petty 13, Olivia Jones 12, Shacobia Barbee 12, Alexa Middleton  11  

All Region players from 7AAA were: Siegel’s Shanice Cason, Blackman’s Amy Duke, Kortnay Cox and Kelsey Nowlin, and Riverdale’s Olivia Jones, Shacobia Barbee, Alexa Middleton and Tyisha Petty

Siegel boys play Lawrence County for the region boys championship Thursday night at 7 p.m. at La Vergne High.

Siegel Nation, where are you?

Your team has a shot at another State tournament – I’ll see you there.