By Michael Lindsay
The York Institute Dragons (9-7) picked up their first win of the new year Tuesday evening as they won at Cumberland County (3-13), 56-52.
The Dragons never trailed in Crossville despite the narrow margin of victory.
York forward Heath Wattenbarger led the Dragons in scoring with 17 points, followed by Bryson Bilbrey with 12.
Cumberland County guard Braeden Woodard posted a career-high 21 points for the Jets, followed by Jaxon Reed scoring 15.
York Institute led 13-11 after the first period and held a 27-20 lead at halftime.
In the second half, the Dragons looked poised to run away with a victory as they took a 12-point lead (35-23) midway through the third period.
Cumberland County wouldn’t go away quietly as the Jets responded with a 12-3 run late in the third quarter to trail 38-36.
York pushed their lead back out to 7 (46-39) on a Blaine York layup with 5:03 remaining.
Cumberland County clawed back within a possession via a Woodard three-pointer with 6 seconds remaining, but a Jackson Conatser free throw with 5.3 seconds remaining sealed the Dragon victory, 56-52.
York returns to Jamestown for their next contest as they open District 5AA play against Sequatchie County (3-10) on Friday.
Cumberland County hosts #1 Livingston Academy (14-0, 2-0) in District 7AAA competition on Friday.
York Institute (56): Heath Wattenbarger 17, Bryson Bilbrey 12, Will Beaty 8, Blaine York 7, Jackson Conatser 6, Myles Leffew 6
Cumberland County (52): Braeden Woodard 21, Jaxon Reed 15, Braden Leviner 8, Noah Ledbetter 4, Ethan Dixon 3, Braylon Burnett 1