By Michael Lindsay
The York Institute Dragonettes are Region 3-2A champions following Wednesday night’s 57-20 victory over Smith County.
Despite York’s success over the past four seasons under Green, a region championship had eluded the Dragonettes as this is their first since 2006.
“It was one of our goals this year,” said York Institute head coach Michael Green. “We were glad to be there and wanted to host substate.”
York Institute (32-2) had won 26 consecutive games entering Wednesday’s contest while Smith County (14-18) was in their first region title game in 45 years. The Lady Owls upset District 6-2A champion Westmoreland in the region semifinals in overtime, 44-41.
“We’ve been that Cinderella team before two years ago against Upperman,” Green said. “Westmoreland probably wasn’t expecting to get beat by Smith County either. We’re not focused on substate; our goal is to win the region championship. They (Smith) gave us all they had.”
Smith County jumped ahead early before York took control to lead 12-6 at the end of the first period. The Dragonettes settled in on both ends in the second period to take a 30-13 halftime lead.
“They came out and got up on us 4-2; they ran right through our press,” Green said. “In the second quarter, we kind of opened things up.”
York controlled the third quarter as they led 46-17 entering the fourth quarter before winning by a 57-20 final score.
Region tournament MVP Reese Beaty finished with 14 points while sister Gabby Beaty had 12.
“Reese and Gabby played well offensively,” Green said. “Josie Linder stepped up and had 8. We had 9 players in the scorebook.”
Both teams have advanced to Saturday’s Class 2A sectional round with a state tournament berth on the line. York Institute will host East Nashville while Smith County will travel to Community.