REGION 4-3A GIRLS CHAMPIONSHIP: White County Takes Down Livingston In Overtime Thriller, 64-58

By Michael Lindsay

Wednesday’s Region 4-3A girls championship game between Livingston Academy (20-13) and White County (31-3) needed four extra minutes to determine a winner as White County defeated the Lady Wildcats in overtime, 64-58.

“I’m so happy for our kids,” said White County head coach Michael Dodgen. “We didn’t play great, but we found a way to get it done. The environment was fantastic and I’m proud of our perseverance.”

White County was led by senior transfer Keely Mullins, who scored 21 points and grabbed 9 rebounds off the bench. Region tournament MVP Ava Jones posted 16 points and 5 rebounds along with 13 points and 6 boards from Gracie Clark.

“Keely played fantastic,” said Dodgen. “She’s waited all year for this and stepped up in the biggest moment and I’m proud of her. All of the girls played really good, and that’s what it takes if you want to advance.”

Ellie Butler led Livingston Academy with 35 points in the contest including a buzzer-beating three-pointer to force overtime.

“Ellie played her tail off and was fantastic for them tonight,” added Dodgen.

After ending the first quarter tied at 10-10, Livingston took a 16-10 lead early in the second via a Chloe Jenkins basket with 6:32 remaining in the frame. The Lady Wildcats held their lead through the second quarter as they took a 23-21 advantage into the locker room at halftime.

White County tied the contest at 23 early in the third quarter, but Livingston didn’t surrender their lead as they responded with back-to-back baskets to lead 28-23 with 6:32 left in the third.

The Warriorettes clawed back to tie the contest at 35 points each via a Bella Winningham three-pointer late in the third before taking a 37-36 lead via a Clark basket near the buzzer to end the third quarter.

White County extended their advantage to 40-36 via a Mullins three-pointer on the first possession of the fourth quarter.

Butler responded with three consecutive baskets to give Livingston a 42-40 lead with 4:40 to go before another Mullins three-pointer gave Sparta a 43-42 lead with 4 minutes remaining.

After trading baskets and free throws down the stretch, White County held a 51-48 lead with 7.1 seconds remaining. Livingston wasn’t done yet as Butler banked in a three-pointer from the top of the key to tie the game at 51 points each, sending the contest to overtime.

“I told the girls to believe in themselves,” said Dodgen. “She made a really tough shot; great players step up and make those kind of shots.”

Livingston scored first in overtime via a Kora Copeland offensive rebound, but White County answered with six consecutive points from Jones, Mullins and Clark to take a 57-53 lead with 1:36 on the clock.

Livingston would get no closer than 3 points down the stretch as White County held on to win by a 64-58 final score.

Up next for both teams is the Class 3A sectional round as White County hosts Lenoir City (19-13) while Livingston travels to Heritage (31-2). Both games are set for Saturday at 7 p.m. local time.