Joya Crawford overcame sickness to hit Dyersburg's game-winning shot for the TSSAA title, mirroring Michael Jordan's iconic flu game performance, leading her team to a 41-39 victory over Upperman in the Class 3A girls basketball state championship game.

The Big Picture

The victory marked Dyersburg's first state title in history, achieved amidst challenges of illness among players and coaches, believed to have been caused by food poisoning from bad pizza the night before.

By the Numbers
  • Joya Crawford scored 10 points, including the game-winning jumper.
  • Dyersburg finished the season 31-4 with wins over Jackson South Side and Cocke County.
Yes, But

While Crawford's performance was remarkable, the team faced significant health challenges with several key players and coaches falling ill.

State of Play
  • Dyersburg's win marked Coach Tim Strayhorn's third season with the team.
  • Despite being sick, Crawford was named the MVP of the Class 3A tournament.
What's Next

Following this historic win, Dyersburg's girls basketball team will look to build on their success and continue striving for excellence in future seasons.

Bottom Line

Joya Crawford's resilience and game-winning shot, despite battling sickness, secured Dyersburg's first-ever state title, showcasing the team's determination and spirit in the face of adversity.