MOUNTAIN CITY — Johnson County’s softball has continued to reach new heights this postseason and set the standard for its program.
Just Monday, the Johnson County Lady Longhorns beat Eagleton, 4-3, to win its first-ever region tournament game. That win advanced them to Wednesday where the Lady Longhorns had their first taste of a region title game — inviting softball powerhouse Alcoa to Mountain City for the 1-2A championship.
In a game that went only two innings due to thunderstorms, Alcoa scored seven runs in the first inning to propel its 9-0 victory over Johnson County for its third straight region title.
“I have to be proud of our girls,” Johnson County coach Greg Reece said. “Alcoa is just an outstanding team. We knew it wouldn’t be easy. We had never won a region game before and we did that. We are region runners-up.”
Despite the loss, Johnson County’s historic postseason remains well alive. The Lady Longhorns will travel to Meigs County — which beat Bledsoe County 5-0 — for a Class 2A sectional game and an opportunity to punch a ticket to the state tournament.
“We have the chance to go to state,” Reece said. “That would be a huge accomplishment as well. I would be very proud of that.”
To keep reaching new heights is the goal for Johnson County as it enters Friday’s game.
It all began with their District 1-2A tournament win over Chuckey-Doak, a 15-3 rout that advanced the Lady Longhorns to the championship game and a berth in the Region 1-2A semifinals. Johnson County went on to beat South Greene in a 4-3 nail-biter and earned itself a home region tournament game.
Although it was unfamiliar territory for Johnson County in the region semifinals against Eagleton, the Lady Longhorns snatched the 4-3 victory to give their fans another game at home.
With the victory, Johnson County’s program accomplished school history and set a standard for the program to follow.
“We want to keep doing this,” Reece said. “We want to get to the point where we win and it is expected. We want to work hard and win every single year. We want to set a winning standard for our program.
“I also appreciate the parents, fans, administration and community at Johnson County High School for standing by us on this run,” Reece added.
Seniors Aden Thomas, Lexie Proffitt, Mattie Jones, Bailey Main and Lauryn Bishop (Montreat College Signee) have led this group and laid a legacy that will be remembered in Mountain City.
“Our seniors have pushed us,” Reece said. “They have bought into what we want to do. They have taken on a leadership role and have done great all season long.”
As for now, the seniors will look to lead this group to one more victory and earn a spot in the Class 2A State Tournament in Murfreesboro in just under two weeks.
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