Grizzlies get conference victory against Hornets

FORT SMITH NORTHSIDE 47, BRYANT 42

BRYANT — Defensive adjustments allowed Fort Smith Northside to feel much better about itself this time around against Bryant. The Grizzlies slowed down the Hornets guards and used their size advantage inside to squeeze out a 47-42, 6A-Central Conference victory. Junior center Jaylin Williams had 13 points, 11 rebounds and 5 blocks for Northside (9-5), which lost to Bryant 50-48 during the semifinals of the Coke Classic last week. Javion Releford, a senior guard, scored all 12 of his points in the second half for the Grizzlies, who had a 38-27 rebounding advantage while shooting 14 of 46 from the field. Senior guard Anthony Travis and junior guard Noah Gordon each had eight points, but it was a collective effort on defense that enabled the Grizzlies to hold on. Northside Coach Eric Burnett admitted his team had a hard time keeping Bryant’s backcourt of Camren Hunter, Treylon Payne and Khalen Robinson in front of them and out of the lane in their meeting eight days ago. In the rematch, Northside kept the damage done by the trio to a minimum. And whenever Bryant’s guard did slip inside the lane, they were usually met by Williams, who’s 6-10, or, Braylin McKinley, a 6-6 junior. An added bonus for the Grizzlies was the absence of Robinson, who hit the game-winner for Bryant in its victory over Northside but was held out Friday because of an ankle injury. Payne, who was named the Most Valuable Player during Bryant’s run at the Coke Classic, also was held to just 6 points. Hunter, though, finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals for the Hornets, who shot 14 of 48. Northside scored the first 11 points of the game but hit just 3 of 13 in the second quarter and trailed 21-19 at halftime. The game was tied three times early in the third quarter before the Grizzlies closed the period on an 11-2 run to take a 36-27 advantage into the fourth quarter. The Hornets, though, burst back and later grabbed a 3837 lead on after Rodney Lambert’s three-point play with 3:39 remaining in the game. But the Grizzlies scored the next six points, including a three-pointer from Gordon, to grab a lead it wouldn’t give up.

FORT SMITH NORTHSIDE 55, BRYANT 47

BRYANT — Fort Smith Northside bent during much of Friday’s game at Bryant, but Jersey Wolfenbarger wouldn’t let the Lady Bears break. The sophomore guard went 6 of 6 from the foul line over the final 51 seconds to cap her 21-point night as Northside held on for a 55-47 victory at Hornet Gymnasium in the 6A-Central Conference opener for both teams.