The York Dragons’ season came to an end in a 62-55 double overtime loss against the Milan Bulldogs at the Murphy Center in the quarterfinal round of the TSSAA Class AA Boys’ Basketball State Tournament on Tuesday at the Murphy Center.
The Dragons overcame a slow start to turn the game into an instant-classic, but ultimately fell short of a trip to the semifinal round.
“We got off to a slow start in the first half,” said York head coach Rodney Pile. “We played a great third quarter and took the lead. Then we had a real solid fourth quarter. We made a few mistakes that let them get back into the game… that’s the way it goes. I’m extremely proud,”
The Bulldogs struck early with a three-point-play just three seconds into the game, but the Dragons’ defense quickly settled in as a jumper by Blaine York tied the game at six midway through the frame. Milan ended the frame on a 7-2 run to take a 13-8 lead into the second. Zach Byrd made two jumpers early in the second to cut the deficit to 15-13. As the slow offensive start continued for the Dragons, Kam Tharpe made a layup at the buzzer to give the Bulldogs a 24-18 halftime lead.
The York offense came to life in the third quarter, led by several baskets by Byrd. Blaine York made a triple to tie the game at 24, and Myles Leffew then gave the Dragons a lead. Nic Smith made his first basket of the game at the buzzer as the Dragons took a 38-36 lead into the fourth.
Milan guard Jodarius Robinson, who ended the game with 38 points, scored seven straight midway through the fourth to take a 43-40 lead. The Dragons answered with a 7-2 run to make it 47-45, but Robinson made a jumper with seven seconds remaining to send the game into overtime.
Both offenses slowed in the first overtime, with Jon Heddings making a free throw with 36 seconds remaining to take a 52-50 lead. Tharpe then made a layup to tie the game, and Heddings’ last second shot fell away to send the game into double overtime.
Robinson opened the second overtime with a triple, as the York offense went cold and the Bulldogs made seven free throws to secure the 62-55 win.
“We just have a great group of players,” said Pile. “They played extremely hard this year and they were competitive every game.”
Byrd led the way with 16 points, including 8-8 shooting. Blaine York tallied 12 points. Heddings added 10 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
Smith played the game with an injury to his ankle that he suffered in Sunday’s practice.
Pile said Smith, who is signed to play baseball at the University of Missouri, showed his toughness and commitment by playing in the game.
“You can’t say enough about (his toughness),” said Pile. “I didn’t think he was going to go today. He’s very special. He’s got a huge baseball career ahead of him and he’s out here risking it all for his school..”
Smith and Heddings were the lone seniors on the York roster. They led the Dragons to four straight substate games and two state tournament appearances.
“When I took over, these two guys (Heddings and Smith), were rock solid for me,” said Pile. “They made this year very special for me and I appreciate them a whole lot for that.”
The Dragons ended the season at 26-8. They were the District 5/AA regular season champions, district runners-up and the Region 3/AA tournament champions.
Photos by Rusty Ellis:
