In reserve role, Hazley rallies West Memphis

WEST MEMPHIS — Aryah Hazley scored eight points from off the bench to help rally the West Memphis girls to a 47-38 victory over Blytheville on Friday in 6A/5A-3 Conference play.

Hazley’s playing status was uncertain coming into the game after she suffered a bruised knee in Tuesday’s game at Forrest City. The Lady Devils’ leading scorer was held out of the starting lineup against Blytheville by West Memphis Coach Shelia Burns.

“We were going to keep her out unless it was absolutely necessary,” Burns said.

With West Memphis trailing for most of the way and down 23-15 with 3:49 to play in the third quarter, Hazley approached Burns, who sent her in the game.

From there, the Lady Devils (12-9, 8-4) went on a 15-3 run to close out the third quarter to take a 30-26 lead into the fourth quarter.

Hazley made a three-pointer with 1:07 left in the third quarter to tie the game 26-26 and then assisted on the basket that put her team ahead, a layup by junior Kenya Freeman, who led West Memphis in scoring with 15 points.

“It just runs smoother when Aryah’s in the game,” said Burns.

With 19 seconds left, Hazley made two free throws to give the Lady Devils a 45-38 lead.

The game was was littered with mistakes as Blytheville (5-14, 2-10) committed 29 turnovers and West Memphis turned it over 26 times.