No. 1: Warriorettes return to state after 28 years

For nearly three decades, the dream lingered in White County — whispered in gym hallways, carried through offseason workouts, and revived every March only to fall just short. In 2025, that dream finally became reality. 

The White County High School Warriorettes headed back to the state tournament for the first time in 28 years, and they did it in the most meaningful way possible — at home, in front of the community that had waited so long to see it happen. 

Their win 52-28 over Lenoir City was more than just a dominant substate victory. It was the culmination of a year-long mission shaped by heartbreak. One season earlier, White County watched its state hopes vanish on a buzzer-beater — a crushing road loss that left players and coaches knowing exactly what had to change. From the very first practice of the 2024-25 season, the focus was clear: get back to the substate round, earn the right to host it, and let Roy Sewell Gymnasium be the difference. 

Everyone in the White County basketball program understood what playing at home could mean — and the Warriorettes made sure it happened. They went a perfect 10-0 in district play, protected their home floor with a flawless 17-0 record, and built a season defined by consistency, toughness, and belief. When the dust settled, White County stood at 32-4 overall, a record that told the story of a team unwilling to let history repeat itself. 

Against Lenoir City, the early moments carried the familiar tension of a season on the line. But once White County found its rhythm, the outcome was never in doubt. The Warriorettes turned defensive pressure into offensive momentum and steadily pulled away, feeding off a packed gym that knew what was at stake. By the time the final seconds ticked away, the realization set in — this team was finally going back. 

For seniors like Ava Jones, the moment carried extra weight. Playing her final game on her home court, Jones delivered in every sense, anchoring the defense and knocking down crucial free throws while the crowd rose with every stop. Teammates like Gracie Clark, Bella Winningham, and the rest of the Warriorettes embodied the depth and balance that defined the season, each contributing to a night that will be remembered forever in White County. 

When the final horn sounded, there was no rush to the locker room — only embraces, tears, and the long-awaited cutting down of the nets. It wasn’t just a celebration of a win; it was a release of 28 years of waiting. 

While they only played one game at MTSU’s Murphy Center – better known as the Glass House – back in March, this team had etched its place in White County sports history. And for a program that never stopped believing, the return to the state tournament stands as the defining sports story of 2025.