Even after a long week of traveling, making another trip to Nashville on Saturday was well worth it for Baylor School's Kaleigh Clemons. The junior point guard, who helped the Lady Red Raiders reach the state semifinals, was named Division II-AA Miss Basketball Saturday in a ceremony at Lipscomb University.
"It was very nerve-racking sitting their the entire (championship) game waiting," Clemons said. "I know how competitive we all are, but there were a lot of nerves. I kind of blanked out at first when I heard my name called, because I wasn't sure that was right.
"It's one of the greatest feelings I've had. This was a personal goal before the season," she added. "The drive up there and back wasn't nearly as bad as earlier this week."
Because of having their state quarterfinal in Memphis twice postponed by weather earlier this week, and the threat of more inclement weather on their way home, the Lady Red Raiders had spent five days away from home before finally playing in the semifinals Thursday. Baylor lost that game to eventual two-time state champion Brentwood Academy, but Clemons made the return trip Saturday for the awards.
She was Baylor's first Miss Basketball finalist in more than a decade, and according to coach John Gibson she is now the program's first award winner.
"It's a huge deal," Gibson said. "What a great award for her. With all the work she's put in and how much she cares about it, I'm proud of her and proud for the school.
"I know this much, she's more valuable for me than anybody else is for any other team. "
The two other finalists for the award were Brentwood Academy's Sydney Harvey and Ensworth's Jordyn Cambridge.
The 5-foot-7 Clemons is a three-year starter who averaged 13.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 3.5 steals per game this season. She shoots 40 percent from the field and 30 percent from 3-point range and has been the Best of Preps Tournament MVP three times.
Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293.