WHITWELL, Tenn. - Whitwell High School senior Maddie Zensen's love of basketball has helped her persevere for the Lady Tigers.
A shooting guard who has averaged 14 points per game and shot 48% from 3-point range this season, Zensen has also shaken her fist at adversity by overcoming obstacles that nearly prevented her from taking the court again, including ACL injuries to each knee that took away her freshman and junior seasons.
In Thursday night's homecoming game for the Lady Tigers, a 63-12 win against Bledsoe County, Zensen showed off her smooth stroke from long range as she made three of Whitwell's nine 3-pointers in a 51-point first half. She finished with a game-high 13 points.
"Playing the game I love means everything to me," said Maddie, who was an all-state and Times Free Press Best of Preps selection her sophomore season, when she scored 515 points.
"It has been a hard and long journey coming back from two ACL injuries. I didn't think I was going to get to play at all this year, either, because I tweaked my knee at a summer camp. I thought I was done, but I kept rehabbing and the pain went away and I feel great. Every game is just a blessing."
Maddie has made at least four 3-pointers in eight games this season and hit six against Moore County. Her favorite memory so far this season was beating Pickett County.
Seeing his daughter succeed and enjoy all the important moments of her senior season has meant the world to Lady Tigers coach Eric Zensen, Maddie's dad.
"Maddie has put so much time and energy into this game. A lot of people don't understand how much time she has put in the gym," he said. "She is a remarkable young woman, and I am really proud of her. This is also the first year I have been able to coach both of my daughters at the same time. I have tried to savor every moment of this season. This is a great group who is really fun to coach."
Sophomore Courtney Zensen is also a pivotal player for Whitwell (13-5), which has excelled despite a tough schedule intended to prepare the Lady Tigers for the rigors of postseason competition. Courtney made her third 3-pointer at the halftime buzzer and blocked five shots in Thursday's win.
The Lady Tigers are excited about what's ahead because they have confidence in a deep unit that has four scorers who have averaged double figures in points per game this season. Senior Abbi Cartwright and junior Jamie Rollins are sharp scorers, while junior Addie Colvard can take the lead when needed to as well.
"I love the way we play. We are fast defensively and have a lot of shooters on our team," Maddie said. "We play really well together. It's a lot of fun to play with my sister and be coached by our dad. He has always helped me stay confident in myself and to not overthink when I play. I always work hard and do the best I can every time I am out on the court."
Sequatchie County 62, Marion County 53: Hallie Barger and Ella Edgmon combined for 33 points, and Cali Green also had 10 points for the Lady Indians (9-7, 5-2 District 7-AA).
BOYS' BASKETBALL
Sequatchie County 67, Marion County 63: Carter Bradford starred for the Indians with 24 points as he hit a trio of 3-pointers and made all seven of his free throws. Sequatchie County also received 19 points from Baron Cribbs and four 3-pointers from Brendon Cotton.
North Murray 63, Adairsville 54: JaNiayous Ross scored nine of his 20 points in the first quarter to help lead the Mountaineers (8-11, 3-9 GHSA Region 6-AAA) to victory, wth Dante Tidwell adding 16 points and Ty Kendrick 10.
Roundup reports compiled by Patrick MacCoon and Lindsey Young. Contact MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com and follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon. Contact Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com and follow him on Twitter @youngsports22.