Regional championship was overdue redemption for Anna Drakeford

Anna Drakeford, third from left, celebrated with teammates after winning the 12th Region title. (Larry Vaught Photo)

Two years ago when Mercer County lost in the 12th Region Tournament title game to Southwestern at Pulaski County, point guard Anna Drakeford went down early with what turned out to be an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in her knee.

Last year in the regional final at Lincoln County, she played in the title game loss to Southwestern but still was not 100 percent after returning in midseason from her injury.

Sunday — again at Pulaski County — it was redemption time for Drakeford and the Titans as they beat Danville 63-59 in overtime to earn a berth in the state tournament at Rupp Arena where they will play George Rogers Clark Wednesday afternoon.

It was an emotional moment for Drakeford and brought back a lot of memories from two years ago. When I asked her how meaningful the win was, she started sobbing. With tears streaming down her cheeks, she apologized for her emotional outburst but there was no need. It was easy to see how much the win meant to her.

“Two years ago getting injured and knowing I couldn’t do anything to help my team out and this year helping my team win the region is like the best feeling in the world,” Drakeford said. “Going to state has always been a dream.”

The Titans seemed to have the game won before Danville senior Love Mays hit a desperation 3-pointer from the corner as time expired in regulation to tie the game.

“I still felt confident. We all did. We said we have four more minutes and we can do this. Four more minutes until we go to Rupp. That’s all we were preaching to each other,” Drakeford said.

Danville had a 58-57 lead with the ball when Drakeford made a steal and scored with 33 seconds left in overtime. After Danville tied the game, freshman Teigh Yeast closed out the win with four free throws in the final 19 seconds.

“I don’t know. I knew we needed the ball,” Drakeford said when asked about the steal. “I just stuck my arm out there and luckily got it and made the layup. Nothing was stopping me on that.”

It was the same kind of attitude the Titans (21-13) had after starting the season 4-10 following the season-ending knee injury senior Timberlynn Yeast, a Buffalo signee and Miss Basketball candidate, suffered just before the season started.

“We struggled at first but we all had the same idea that we wanted to get to Rupp. We knew we could,” Drakeford said. “Everybody underestimated us. Our schedule was hard and that prepared us for this.”

The Titans have won eight straight games since losses to North Laurel and GRC, two teams that won regional titles. GRC beat Mercer 54-48 on Feb. 3. Drakeford had 15 points and nine rebounds in that game.

“Some teams peaked too early. We peaked at the exact right time like we do every year towards the end of the season when it really matters,” Drakeford said. “We just need to play how we always play against GRC and attack. That is our strong suit and defense is our other strong suit.”

She is averaging 16.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, both team highs, and also is hitting 49.5 percent overall from the field. She’s made 20 3-pointers and has been to the foul line 158 times.

In the regional title game, she had 22 points on 9-for-18 shooting from the field with two 3-pointers and six rebounds — along with a huge steal in overtime.

“Anna, in my opinion and I am a bit biased, has been underrated all year,” Mercer coach Hayley Spivey said. “She was out half of last season and when she came back was still not the player she was.

“I knew she would have a big year. When Timberlynn got hurt, she took the reins and became our leader on and off the floor. She plays 32 minutes a game. I can’t afford to take her out. She produces on offense and defense. She runs our offense. She has done a great job.

“She has probably been the biggest key to our team.”