It’s Win or Go Home Time!
Lady Beavers face tough task in biggest game of season against Drew Central at regionals
GLEN ROSE — Tonight, the time has arrived for the Glen Rose Lady Beavers to meet their destiny of fulfilling a team goal to make the postseason as 3A state tournament qualifiers in senior high girls basketball competition.
The No. 2 seed Glen Rose Lady Beavers are traveling to Monticello to compete in the 3A-4 Regional Basketball Tournament squaring off against No. 3 seed Drew Central Lady Pirates for a intense first round matchup at Drew Central High School.
It is the biggest game of the season for the Lady Beavers and they’re aiming to come out victorious to overcome the home-court advantage that the Lady Pirates have in this state tournament qualifying game.
The Lady Beavers have performed well on the road this season. With a 21-7 overall record, only four defeats came from road battles, while igniting winning streaks of nine and five consecutive victories to propel their 20 plus win season under the guidance of first year head coach Devin Jones.
The Lady Beavers finished a tough 3A-7 Conference second at 11-3, and claimed the No. 2 seed the 3A-7 District Tournament— advancing to the championship game and finishing runner-up.
Now, the Lady Beavers make their postseason appearance as the No. 2 seed from the 3A-7 Conference and are facing a challenging task to defeat Drew Central.
“Drew Central will be tough—they’re tall and extremely athletic,” Jones said following their district tournament journey in Fouke.
“We’ve got to rebound and play very physically,” Jones added.
The Lady Beavers have outplayed their opponents from their aggressive efforts and just playing hard with a no-fear mentality. As a senior strong led group of hoopsters, the Lady Beavers aim to keep making their dream season progressing by the experience of standout hoopsters’ Ashlee Stafford, Makayla Stevens, Ariany Sanchez, Sydney Riggan and Maci Carver with Alexis Perryman and Zavery May.
Stafford has led the execution from her stout scoring production this season. While the No. 12 [Ashlee Stafford jersey number] will be defending tough tonight, the key playmaking of Riggan, Stevens, Sanchez and May contribute to productive execution for the Lady Beavers. Carver has been the team’s 3-point shooting specialist for the previous seasons and has
knocked down huge triples in crucial moments this season. Carver nailed a triple in the final minute of play that sealed a 37-34 victory against Jessieville. Steven’s also contributed by drilling a triple in the final two minutes from that win against Jessieville during conference play.
Jones knows these moments are what prepares teams to excel during pressure games— which that time is now in the postseason. Drew Central has produced a 20 win season as well as Glen Rose and finished the 3A-8 Conference as a top three team in league play this season. The Lady Pirates present some size and athletic ability that will be tough to face, but the Lady Beavers look forward to bringing the spark of attitude, effort and teamwork to the court in this “Win or Go Home,” match-up at regionals.
Tonight’s tip-off is set at 7 p.m. at Drew Central High School in Monticello. The 3A-4 Regional Tournament is scheduled, February 22-25.
Top: Glen Rose head coach Devin Jones with assistant coach Kirby Armstrong observe the game scenery.
Below: Standout Lady Beaver hoopster and mid-range shooter
Ashlee Stafford maintains the focus as a primetime playmaker on the court.