Last week, Macon County High School lost in the girls’ championship game of a holiday tournament in Gatlinburg by a point.

Back home Wednesday night for the championship game of the Nera White Tournament, the ball bounced the winning way for the Tigerettes.

And when it did, Calamity Jane Coley grabbed the defensive rebound to secure Macon County’s 62-61 victory against Davidson Academy.

Coley grabbed the ball, secured it then dished an out pass to Kelsey Gregory as time expired for the win.

“We tried to finish strong and play as a team,” Coley said. “You’ve got to be real smart and take care of the ball.”

Davidson Academy scored the first basket but Macon County went on a 9-0 with 4:53 left in the first quarter. The Tigerettes entered the second quarter with a 30-13 lead.

Davidson Academy tied it 26-26 with basket by Alexandria Warfield with 3:55 until halftime.

Coley scored Macon County’s next six points, and the Tigerettes led 32-28 at the break.

In the third quarter, a pair of free throws by Warfield gave Davidson Academy a 33-32 lead – its first lead since going ahead 2-0 to start the game.

Coley scored to put Macon County back on top, 34-33, and the Tigerettes led 49-44 to start the fourth quarter.

A 3-point play by Katie Reid gave Macon County a 52-44 lead with 7:17 to play.

Davidson Academy answered with a 13-0 run to lead 57-52 with 4:11 left.

Macon County trailed 61-57 with 1:52 left. That’s when Kailyn Brooks nailed a 3-pointer and Coley followed with field goal for the final 62-61 lead.

Macon County took possession with a minute left and ran the clock until Davidson Academy finally fouled Gregory with 15.1 seconds to play.

Gregory missed the front end of a 1-in-1 and David Academy got the rebound and went on the offensive with a last chance to win it.

Two shots – both good looks – failed to go in, and Coley came down with the rebound to end the game.

Coley finished with 21 points and was selected to the All-Tournament Team. Joining her on the team were Sarah Belton and Katie Reid. Gregory was named tournament MVP.

[Video of the final minute of the game is available on the video player located on the home page of maconcountytimes.com.]