The Lady Cardinals, who kept their memorable season alive, dominated New Bloomfield in the fourth quarter, capturing a 66-55 victory and the program's third overall district title. Tipton also won districts in 1993 and 2004.
"This means the world to us," said Tipton senior forward Ashton Pace, who finished with 29 points and eight rebounds. "We wanted it so bad and finally got it."
After posing for pictures with the district plaque, Culpepper shifted his focus to the next game. The Lady Cardinals (27-1) face Sweet Springs (19-9) at 7:45 p.m. today at Jefferson City High School. The sectional winner advances to the state quarterfinals at 1:45 p.m. Saturday at Moberly Area Community College.
"We still have the bigger picture in mind," Culpepper said. "We're looking for the state championship. When you play a competitive sport, you want to be the best. If you don't believe you're going to win, you're probably not going to."
Tipton appears capable of making the quarterfinals. The Lady Cardinals beat Sweet Springs earlier this season, claiming a 47-36 victory Jan. 8 at the New Franklin Tournament.
"We want another trophy or two," Pace said. "We can definitely compete for state and we're ready for it."
Although Tipton believed it could beat New Bloomfield in the district final, Culpepper had to calm his players down beforehand. The Russellville gym was packed and both schools brought loud and energetic student sections.
"I told them, "Don't be nervous. Once we get through this game, we'll have another game,'" Culpepper said. "With an atmosphere like this, the nerves don't settle down for awhile. You have to just go out there and play basketball."
Faced with a 42-37 deficit early in the fourth quarter, Tipton picked up its intensity and took control. Pace scored 12 points in the final period, including seven during a 9-0 run for the Lady Cardinals, giving her team a 51-44 advantage with 4:51 left.
"I told Ashton, "This will be your last game if you don't wake up,'" Culpepper said. "Right then, it was lights on and she took over the game."
New Bloomfield tried to rally, getting within 60-53 with 1:22 left, but the Lady Cardinals hit six free throws to secure the win. Junior guard Destiny Dowell finished with 17 points and six assists for Tipton, while senior center Paige Baker added 10 points and 10 rebounds.
The Lady Cardinals began districts with an 87-35 win over Belle. Tipton beat Russellville, 59-26, in the semifinals on Wednesday, Feb. 25.