Lady Pats Lose Heartbreaker, Still Alive

Lady Patriots vs Lady Trojans in TSSAA Region 1-3A Championship Game, February 26, 2014
Staff Photo by Mike Stanley, Jefferson County Post Sports

The Jefferson County Lady Patriots lost a heartbreaker in the TSSAA Region 1-3A championship game Wednesday night. The Lady Patriots fell to rival Morristown West, in their fourth meeting of the season. With the loss, however, the Lady Patriots still advance to the State Sectional (sub-state) tournament, and will play at Farragut Saturday night.

The first quarter saw two teams that were very familiar with one another, each mirroring the other’s every move. The Lady Trojans of Morristown West would lead after one, 8-6. Morristown West would extend its lead to as much as 10 in the second quarter. Jefferson County would cut into that lead and trail 22-15 at the break. In the third, the Lady Trojans would again push their lead out and threatening to break the game wide open. The Lady Patriots wouldn’t let that happen though, as they were determined to keep the game within striking distance, trailing 29-25 heading into the fourth. The final stanza was an intense one, as Jefferson County would take its first lead since 6-5 in the first quarter, with 3:53 remaining at 34-33. The lead was short lived, as back to back three pointers from West would give them a 39-34 advantage with 2:51 left to play. The Lady Trojans would extend their lead to 8, until a Jefferson County three would cut it to 44-39 with 42.8 seconds left. A pair of free throw by Brooke Taylor with 19.9 seconds left would cut it to 44-41. A pair of free throws from West after a Patriot intentional foul would push it to 5 at 46-41. Senior Autumn Dodson would drain a three pointer with 4 seconds left and the score was now 46-44. Two missed free throws by West would give the Lady Patriots its final opportunity, Jefferson County would get the rebound and push it up the court, a three point attempt at the buzzer by Autumn Dodson would rim out and the Lady Trojans would hold on 46-44.

“We still got a chance to make it to Murfreesboro” Sinard said. “I know it hurts right now, it’s going to hurt, but we just got to get ready.” The Lady Patriots will travel to Farragut on Saturday night to take on the top 10 ranked Lady Admirals at 7 p.m.

Lady Patriots were lead in scoring by Alexandria Alder with 16 points, followed by Tori Griffin with 11 points. Brooke Taylor scored 8 while Autumn Dodson had 5. Makaila Woolard would end the scoring with 4 points.