One-fourth of the Class AAA girls field at the TSSAA state will have a Rutherford County flavor as Riverdale is back to defend its 2016 championship, while Stewarts Creek will be making its first-ever appearance.
However, Riverdale's return trip didn't come without a price as McDonald's All-American, Naismith finalist and Tennessee Miss Basketball finalist Anastasia Hayes went down an ankle injury that required her being assisted off the court late in the game in last Saturday's sectional win over Crossville.
"She's a tough kid who's got an ankle sprain," said Riverdale coach Randy Coffman. "She's going to do treatment the next few days and we'll reevaluate her as we get closer to our first game on Wednesday.