By Thomas Sellers Jr.
The history of University School of Jackson Lady Bruins vs. Tipton-Rosemark Academy Lady Rebels has really been one-sided.
It wasn’t until 2019 the Lady Rebels earned a victory over the traditional Division II-A power. Despite going to State and Sub-State in recent years, TRA still found it tough to pull out a win over USJ.
Coming into Friday night, the Lady Bruins were cruising to another win over the Lady Rebels in the TRA Gymnasium taking a 23-14 halftime lead over TRA. But the inspired play of Elyse Warren and Raven Sims sparked the Lady Rebel comeback effort leading to a 50-45 overtime win.
USJ was ahead 36-25 after three quarters. The last period of regulation belonged to the Lady Rebels outscoring the Lady Bruins 15-4. TRA cut the deficit to 36-31 when Kayla Clement scored on a put-back bucket.
Moments later Sims used a hop-step move for a layup to make the score 36-33. Then a pair of Warren free throws made the tally 36-35. USJ’s drought came to an end with free throws to make the score 38-35.
Finally TRA was able to tie the contest at 38-38 when the ball rotated into the hands of Ema Richardson. The guard launched a three-pointer that found nothing but net.
After the Lady Bruins regained the lead at 40-38, Warren overcame the pain in her recovering right knee to score and send the game to overtime tied at 40-40.
Early moments of the extra session, Sims and Warren scored to put TRA ahead. Down the stretch the Lady Rebels held off the Lady Bruins’ comeback effort for the 5-point victory.
