By Michael Lindsay
Four quarters weren’t enough to name a Region 4-3A girls champion Wednesday as the Upperman Lady Bees defeated Livingston Academy in overtime, 44-37, to claim the program’s 5th region title in 8 years.
“That was a great win for the program,” said Lady Bee head coach Dana McWilliams “We’ve got a lot of respect for Livingston; they’ve got a great team. I’m sure as a spectator that was fun to watch.
“We just try to be at our best in tournament time,” McWilliams added. “That’s been our approach for a long time. It’s exciting for the kids to experience back-to-back region championships.”
Wednesday’s clash at Tennessee Tech University was the third meeting this season between Upperman (31-3) and Livingston Academy (26-7). LA won the first game in Baxter before Upperman won at Livingston and in the District 7-3A championship at TTU.
“There’s not a lot of secrets out there; they know a lot about us, and we know a lot about them,” McWilliams said. “It’s more difficult because you have to figure out ways to score and things you know they’ll do. It’s tough because they’re such a good team.”
Upperman was led by senior Jayla Cobb, who poured in 21 points in the victory. Senior forward and Class 3A Miss Basketball finalist Abigail Johnson had 14 points and 11 rebounds in the win.
“We’ve got two great seniors,” McWilliams said. “They’re great players and have been in a lot of big games in their lifetimes. Jayla Cobb was amazing in the last of the fourth quarter and overtime.”
Livingston Academy sophomore Ellie Butler led her team with 18 points.
Both defenses were dialed in early as Upperman held a 5-0 lead to end the first quarter.
Livingston found the bottom of the net in the second period as they tied the game at 7 with 5:41 left until halftime via a pair of Aleaha Melton free throws.
The Lady Wildcats weren’t done there as a pair of Butler free throws a minute later gave LA an 11-10 lead.
Back-to-back Butler transition layups put Livingston Academy ahead 15-10 with 2:50 remaining until halftime as the Lady ‘Cats led 17-15 at the break.
A low-scoring third quarter saw the Lady Bees retake the lead at 22-21 with 2:47 left in the frame via a Johnson free throw. Johnson added another basket less than a minute later before Ledbetter scored the quarter’s last basket as Upperman held a 24-23 lead entering the fourth quarter.
The Lady Bees opened the fourth period on a 7-0 run to take a 31-23 lead with 5:56 remaining.
With their backs against the wall, Livingston Academy chipped away at Upperman’s lead over the final 4:30.
A Melton three-pointer with 3:09 left cut Upperman’s lead to 35-31. Livingston Academy completed the comeback with back-to-back Butler baskets to tie the game at 35 with 1:04 remaining.
Upperman ran the clock down to the final seconds in regulation and got a shot near the buzzer that ultimately rimmed out, sending the game to overtime tied at 35.
“We know we let it slip away there, but what do you do? You have to move on and move forward,” McWilliams said.
Move forward they did as Upperman’s Jayla Cobb opened overtime with a free throw less than five seconds into the frame.
Following a defensive stop, Cobb used a Bella Stile screen to break free of the LA defense and hit an uncontested layup to put Upperman ahead 38-35 with 2:25 left in overtime.
The Lady Bees held Livingston scoreless on the ensuing possession before Cobb was fouled again with 1:01 remaining. The senior made both free throws to put her team ahead 40-35.
Livingston would get no closer as Upperman closed out strong at the free-throw line to win the Region 4-3A championship, 44-37.
Wednesday’s win secures a Class 3A sectional berth for Upperman on Saturday as the Lady Bees will host Signal Mountain (26-6).
“We did mention that we would love to get our seniors one last time on our court,” McWilliams said. “We’re excited to do that. When you get to the substate, there’s only good teams left. We’re going to have to bring our ‘A’ game. We’re going to enjoy tonight, and tomorrow we’ll get right back to work.”
Livingston Academy will hit the road Saturday for the sectionals as they’ll travel to Region 3-3A champion Soddy Daisy (23-11).
Upperman (44): Jayla Cobb 21, Abigail Johnson 14, Gracie Butler 6, Bella Mullins 2, Taylor Dolente 1
Livingston (37): Ellie Butler 18, Aleaha Melton 11, Keely Mullins 4, Halle Ledbetter 2, Chloe Jenkins 2
