East Nashville soars past Power Center, reaches first TSSAA championship game since 2014
Tom KreagerMURFREESBORO – Jarrod Taylor's last dunk didn't count Thursday.
It was symbolic nonetheless.
It started the postgame celebration after East Nashville 64-53 win over Power Center Academy in the Class 2A state semifinals and first appearance in a TSSAA boys basketball state championship game since 2014.
"(The dunk) showed how hard we just worked all for four quarters," said Taylor, who put a two-handed slam down the rim just after time had expired. "That was just fun. I'm tired though."
Taylor ran to the opposite side of the court at Middle Tennessee State's Murphy Center, away from both benches and began to celebrate. His teammates quickly joined him before returning back to the other side of the court to shake hands with Power Center, a Memphis charter school. Power Center (20-5) had advanced to its first state semifinal game in its first year reaching the tournament.
HOW TO WATCH:How to watch, stream TSSAA boys basketball state tournament
LIVE UPDATES FROM THURSDAY:TSSAA boys basketball tournament 2022: Milan leading Tyner at halftime 25-16
EAST NASHVILLE HOOPS:East Nashville's 'Batman and Robin' lead Eagles into TSSAA boys basketball semifinals
"When you look at it, you are looking back at September and all the hard work and now we're where we want to be," said a hoarse East Nashville coach Avery Patton, who had lost most of his voice during the game. "And it's one game to decide if we're going to win the gold ball.
"It was just a joy to see these young men pull it out in the fourth quarter."
East Nashville (32-3) plays Milan (25-7) at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Class 2A championship game. East Nashville has two runner-up finishes in 2011 and 2014.
"This is absolutely amazing," East Nashville principal Jamie Jenkins said. "Coach has worked so hard. I've used up all my voice. I'm so proud of Avery and the boys have played so hard this season.
"We're ready to bring this gold ball home Saturday."
The program's boys basketball state championship game appearance comes three months after the football team reached its first championship game and finished runner-up.
Taylor, a Mr. Basketball finalist led East Nashville with 19 points and had nine rebounds. Cullen Cleaves had 15 points and two big blocks in the final minute to help preserve the win. And Jordan Crawford had 13.
Cordarious Sledge led Power Center with 21 points and hit three 3-pointers. Teammate PJ Hillman added 14.
TSSAA SCORES, BRACKETS:TSSAA boys basketball state tournament scores, bracket for 2022
END OF CAREER:Brandon Miller's high school career ended with a shock, and no gold ball | Kreager
EAST ROBERTSON:East Robertson's dramatic TSSAA Class 1A quarterfinal win had the Groves family imprint on it
Patton was an assistant for coach Jim Fey when the Eagles last reached the state tournament. However, he coached the championship game when Fey was unable to coach due to being sick.
"I had to coach that team and we lost in double overtime," said Patton, who is in his third year as the head coach. "It took seven, eight years to get back to this. It means a lot to me. And it means more to (the players).
"I'm proud of them. We're there."
When Fey left to coach at Summit, he pushed for Patton to replace him.
"You are talking about 40 years of friendship," said Patton, as he paced the TSSAA media room as three of his players sat in chairs in front of the media. "He brought me aboard at East 12 years ago. We've made it to seven state tournament appearances and two silvers.
"I'm sick of silver."
Reach Tom Kreager at 615-259-8089 or tkreager@tennessean.com and on Twitter @Kreager.