STATE BOUND: York Institute Clinches Fifth Consecutive Class 2A State Tournament Berth Via 49-46 Win Over East Nashville

By Michael Lindsay

The York Institute Dragonettes (28-6) clinched their fifth consecutive Class 2A state tournament berth on Saturday as they defeated East Nashville in the sectional round, 49-46.

“We overcame four quarters of nerves and pressure,” said York head coach Michael Green. “Nobody gave us a chance before the season started, and we’ve had some ugly ones, but I’d much rather win an ugly one here in the substate and go on to state.”

Seniors Raylee Werner and Emma Cooper led the way as Werner posted 17 points followed by 14 from Cooper. Cali Franklin tacked on 8 points.

“There’s been many nights throughout the season that Raylee’s carried us,” said Green. “Emma Cooper carried us for most of the game when we were struggling.”

It was East Nashville who held an early advantage as they led 10-7 after one quarter. Werner and the Dragonettes controlled the early portions of the second quarter as they retook the lead at 17-12 midway through the quarter.

East Nashville battled back to within one possession by halftime as York led 22-19 at the break.

“They (East Nashville) were much better in person than what we had seen on film,” said Green. “We knew they didn’t do anything different defensively, but defensive pressure was much better than we expected. We struggled there to keep them out of the paint. We had to adjust in-game, and if you can’t adjust, you’re going to get beat. We finally found a little something that helped.”

York took their largest lead of the game (30-22) via a Cooper layup with 4:38 remaining in the third quarter. East Nashville clawed back within one possession by the end of the frame as they trailed 38-35 entering the fourth.

East Nashville tied the game at 38-38 early in the fourth quarter before a pair of Josi Ashburn free throws retook the lead for the Dragonettes at 40-38.

A Werner reverse layup gave the Dragonettes a 6-point lead (44-38) with 4:31 remaining, but East Nashville again battled back to one possession late as they trailed 48-46 with less than 10 seconds left.

Werner tacked on a free throw with 6.1 seconds remaining to put her team up 3 points (49-46) before East Nashville’s half-court shot attempt at the buzzer missed wide left, sealing York’s 49-46 victory.

The Dragonette senior class, including Emma Pile, Cali Franklin, Raylee Werner and Emma Cooper, have won their district tournament, region tournament and made it to the Class 2A state tournament all four seasons.

“That’s remarkable,” said Green. “I just want us to go down and  play free and confident. Th one thing we’re missing in this run is a gold ball. We’ve done everything else, so hopefully we can play with confidence and bring it home.”