The Macon County Tigerettes punched their ticket to the 2021 TSSAA BlueCross Class AA State Tournament Championship Game with a 73-59 win over the Northview Academy Lady Cougars on Friday at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro.
The Tigerettes used strong defense in the first half, and great free throw shooting in the second to advance to their second state title game in four years.
“We are where we wanted to be,” said MCHS head coach Larry White. “Our team getting to the finals… that’s been the goal all year.”
The Tigerettes started the game in their full court press and the Lady Cougars had no answers in the first quarter as MCHS raced out to an 8-0 lead. Taylor Ward made a basket with 2:03 remaining to extend the lead to 10. NA then scored five straight to cut the deficit to 12-7 at the end of the first.
The Lady Cougars opened the second quarter on a 6-2 run to make it 14-13, but the Tigerettes would adjust defensively and force five turnovers in the frame and extend the lead to 29-17 at halftime.
The Lady Cougars went on a 6-0 run midway through the third quarter to cut the deficit to 40-32, but Taylor Ward then buried a triple to regain a double-digit lead. Emily Ashburn made a second-chance basket as the buzzer sounded to give the Tigerettes a 47-36 lead at the end of three.
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Macon County 47
Northview 36Emily Ashburn with the second chance basket to give the Tigerettes an 11 point lead. Winner goes to the state title game. pic.twitter.com/cCzGK4OLTZ
— Noah McKay (@NoahMcKayUCR) March 12, 2021
Northview showed resiliency in the fourth quarter, making several shots to stay in the game, but Macon County’s free throw shooting ability was the difference in the game, as they converted 20-22 attempts at the line in the final frame. Jalynn Gregory fouled out of the game with under two minutes remaining, but Cadence Carter, off the bench, stole a ball and helped the Tigerettes secure the 14-point win.
“I had a lot of confidence in her,” said White on Carter. “She’s played some (big) roles for us this year.”
Abby Shoulders led the Tigerettes in scoring, tallying 24 points, three rebounds and three steals. She went 16-17 from the free throw line.
“I’m mostly known for my defense,” said Shoulders. “When I’m on defense, I have one goal, to lock down the girl I’m guarding.”
Gregory scored 18 points. Saranda Woodson added 13 and Ward tallied 12. Ashburn rounded out the scoring with six points.
The Tigerettes forced 15 turnovers while giving up just eight.
The Tigerettes will make their fourth appearance in the state championship game in school history. While it has been an exciting season, White made clear anything less than a gold ball ill be a disappointment.
“We’re not going to be satisfied if we get there and lose,” said White. “We want that gold ball.”
The Tigerettes (25-6) will take on Grainger (35-3) in the state championship game. Grainger was a 45-33 winner over Westview in the semifinal round. Tipoff between the Tigerettes and Lady Grizzlies is set for 2 p.m. Saturday at the Murphy Center at MTSU in Murfreesboro.
“Grainger can shoot the ball unbelievably,” said White. “We’re going to try to guard them. It’ll be a great game.”
Photos by Noah McKay:
