Tyner Academy Defeats Austin-East in Historic Gym Finale

News Summary

Tyner Academy achieved a remarkable victory over Austin-East, winning 65-58 in the Class 2A sectional championship. This game, held in their historic gym, marked the conclusion of an era as it was the last basketball match before the gym’s demolition. Current players and alumni celebrated the moment, highlighting the emotional significance of the win. Head coach E’Jay Ward praised the team’s resilience and performance as they return to the state tournament for the first time in two years, setting the stage for future challenges.

Location

Chattanooga, Tennessee

What Happened

Tyner Academy recently secured a significant victory by defeating Austin-East 65-58 in the Class 2A sectional championship. This game is particularly noteworthy as it marked the final basketball match held in Tyner Academy’s historic gym, which has been in operation since the 1975-76 season. Following their victory, current players celebrated by cutting down the nets, a tradition that signifies success and achievement in high school basketball.

Who Is Affected

The win has a profound emotional impact on current players, alumni, and the school’s community. Numerous former players attended the final game to reminisce about their time on the court and to capture memories on their phones. The impending demolition of the gym, which is scheduled in the coming days, intensifies the emotional weight of this victory, marking the conclusion of an era for the school and its supporters.

Official Response

Tyner Academy’s head coach, E’Jay Ward, emphasized the significance of the home-court advantage during this last game in their historic gym. The team’s impressive performance allowed them to return to the state tournament for the first time in two years, a milestone that showcases their growth and resilience. Coach Ward acknowledged the team’s ability to maintain their lead despite a late rally by Austin-East, reflecting satisfaction with their efforts throughout the match.

Impact

This victory not only signifies a triumphant conclusion at the old gym but also sets the stage for Tyner Academy’s future in the state tournament. They are scheduled to face Memphis Business Academy in the state semifinals, a team that has qualified for the semifinals in two of the last three years. The win places Tyner Academy back on the map, signaling their determination and readiness to compete at a higher level. Alongside Tyner Academy, other area teams have also qualified for the state tournament, including Bradley Central, which defeated Siegel 66-51, and Walker Valley, who won against LaVergne 63-61.

Game Highlights

During the match against Austin-East, Tyner Academy built a substantial lead, dominating the first half with a 24-point advantage at halftime. Senior guard Rodney Henderson led the Rams with 18 points, supported by Adarius Brewster with 16 points and Zion Pinkerton who contributed 11 points. While Austin-East attempted a late comeback, Tyner Academy’s control of the game remained intact, ensuring their victory and historic advancement.

What’s Next

As Tyner Academy prepares to transition to a new facility next year, the focus now shifts to their upcoming challenges. The team’s historic win will surely be a motivating factor as they enter the state semifinals. The excitement surrounding their return to the state tournament, combined with the emotional weight of their final game in the old gym, means that the next match will be a pivotal moment not just for the players, but for the entire Tyner Academy community.

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Additional Resources

• Detroit Free Press: NCAA Women’s Tournament 2025
• Wikipedia: NCAA Women’s Tournament
• Editor and Publisher: Austin Free Press Launch
• Google Search: Austin Free Press
• The FP: Austin Revolution
• Google Scholar: Austin Texas Revolution
• Times Free Press: Tyner Closes Historic Gym
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Tyner Academy Basketball
• Mankato Free Press: Photo Collection
• Google News: Mankato Photo Collection