For the first time in program history the Soddy Daisy girls’ basketball team is back-to-back district tournament champions.
After a slow start, Gabby Spencer took control, accounting for 24 of her game-high 26 points from the two-minute mark of the second quarter through the end of Monday’s 47-31 District 6-3A championship victory at home over regular season league champion Red Bank.
Spencer’s hustle and finishing ability sparked an 8-0 run to end the first half, which she concluded with three straight layups to tie the game at 17-all. The junior also dominated the offensive glass in the fourth quarter as she muscled her way in for a key offensive rebound off a long 3-point attempt, then scoring despite being fouled. Spencer converted the old-fashioned three-point play on her way to an 11-point fourth quarter.
“I love Gabby,” said Soddy Daisy fifth-year head coach Katie Wright, who has an overall record of 104-55. “I am hard on her and do not cut her any slack. Early on, she was playing too fast and was wanting fouls called. I told her, ‘Shut up and keep playing.’ She responded to that.
“Her mentality is everything. She is just amazing. There is no quit in her. It’s all fight. When she gets going, man, she can get going. Those little plays of offensive rebound putbacks are huge. Those are game-changer plays. Just hustle and effort plays. You have to have that. It’s a big deal.”
Soddy Daisy vs. Red Bank girls’ basketball on Feb. 23, 2026
(READ MORE: Soddy Daisy girls have raised bar under coach Katie Wright)
Soddy Daisy junior point guard Emma Rutherford also excelled in the victory as she dished out key assists while providing a statement finish as she made a tough driving basket despite being knocked to the floor. Rutherford’s successful three-point play provided a 28-23 lead with 2:05 left in the third quarter.
Freshman guard Jillian Parker also provided a key second-half 3-pointer along with junior Avery Watson as the Lady Trojans improved to 19-11 overall.
“I am proud of all of our girls,” Wright added. “In my five years, this year was so different than any other I have had. We had a slow start in the district, and to see how much we have grown and how much better we have gotten is special.
“To see them play with so much joy, energy, and passion, and the love they have for each other is something special. I never will forget it and hope it continues for years to come.”
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Red Bank (18-8) was led by seniors Malika Odum and Journey Holloway, who each scored 13 points in defeat. They each hit a trio of 3-pointers.
However, Spencer was too much to handle as the left-handed scorer put on a show offensively down the stretch.
“The best way I would describe my style of play is someone who never stops,” Spencer said. “Just always going. No matter if things are going well or bad. You just never quit. This team has something special. We have worked so hard to get here, and to win the district in front of a big home crowd tonight means the world.”
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com.