MUNFORD — All season, the Arlington Lady Tigers used teamwork to reach the Region 7-3A Girls Basketball Tournament championship game.
As Hunter Gremore’s Lady Tigers took to the Munford Gymnasium court last Thursday, they would have to depend on their familiar formula for success to try beat a familiar foe in the Bartlett Lady Panthers.
Arlington overcame a late deficit behind big shots from center Raegyn Branch to prevail 48-44. The Lady Tigers’ victory earned them a home game Monday night against Region 8-3A runner up the Ridgeway Lady Roadrunners.
“That was our goal all year,” Gremore said. “I’ve told them since day one back in August with conditioning. This is a special group of kids. They’re composed, unbelievably. Their effort everyday is great teamwork.
“I told them, ‘Our goal is to get to the State Tournament,’” he added. “Each night, even if we fall behind, we stay composed and keep battling. It’s an unbelievable feeling.”
The Lady Tigers were not behind after two quarters against Bartlett. Arlington took a 27-22 lead into the locker room.
But the Lady Panthers rallied to tie the game at 33-33 midway through the third quarter. Bartlett appeared to be on its way to win No. 3 out of four meetings against Arlington this season ahead 39-33 entering the fourth quarter.
Arlington point guard Cheiyanne Norton seized control of the game by getting the ball inside to Branch. The Lady Tiger post threat hit two shots to make the score 39-37.
Branch tied the game at 39-39 after drawing a foul and making two free throws with 5:15 remaining. The Lady Panthers regained the lead at 42-39 with a three-pointer.
Norton eventually tied the contest at 42-42 making three of four free throws. Branch finally gave the Lady Tigers the advantage with a bucket.
Bartlett standout Charity Savage deadlock the contest at 44-44 with a basket. Then Region 7-3A MVP Mirrakohl Johnson hit a shot to put her team ahead for good.
With 13.3 seconds remaining Norton hit a pair of free throws to make the final 48-44.
“They know their roles,” Gremore said. “Everybody knows what they do best. I could only pick three people for the All-Tournament team. I had five I wanted to put on there.”
Norton and defensive specialist Ashley Lee didn’t make the All-Region team like teammates Branch, Johnson and Tori Sewell. But all the Lady Tigers are happy to be the champions beating a rival in the process.
“We fell behind and it didn’t phase us,” Gremore said. “Raegyn stepped up and hit some big shots. That’s what we’ve done all year.”
The Lady Tigers needed one more victory to reach their goal of State facing Ridgeway from Region 8-3A. The Bartlett Lady Panthers had to travel to Region 8-3A champions Overton.
Gremore said having the game at home gave his team a better chance to reach Murfreesboro for the Class 3A Girls Basketball State Tournament.
“It is important,” he concluded. “We’ll have our Blue Crew there supporting us. It’s going to be fun. It’s one game. It’s one game at time is how we do it. We’re going to take our time over the weekend and prepare.”
