Lady Lions punch ticket to state
MORRILTON — Gravette exploded for a 33-7 run to take command and knocked out Pottsville, the 4A-4 No. 2 seed, to claim a state tournament berth during the 4A North Regional.
The Lady Lions shot well all around on the court at Morrilton on Thursday, hitting 14 of 26 field goals for 54 percent from 2-point range, 9 of 20 from 3-pointrange for 45 percent and 22 of 29 at the free-throw line for 75 percent.
“We moved the ball really well. Our spacing was good. We made some good passes and caught it with our feet set. That made for some competent shooting,” said Gravette coach Will Pittman.
Defensively, Gravette held Pottsville to 45 percent shooting on 2-point field goals (13 of 29), and a mere 6 for 26 for 23 percent on 3-point attempts. The Lady Apaches only got to the foul line seven times and made four, so that wasn’t much of a factor in their offense.
“We were locked in and ready to play, and played well on defense,” Pittman said.
Alexa Parker caught fire, nailing multiple 3-pointers in the first half, and finished with a game-high 20 points. Point guard Byrnn Romine stroked a pair of treys and added 19 points, while 6-feet post player Dalacie Wishon put her athleticism on full display, rebounding, blocking shots and taking the ball to the hoop and finishing in transition. Wishon scored 16 points, Brook Handle added 11 and Keeley Elsea 8.
The Lady Lions erased an early 11-5 deficit and took a 17-13 lead into the second quarter, which they increased to 44-18 at halftime with the big run. The margin was 59-36 after three quarters and the game was never in doubt beyond that.
Gravette’s victory meant three 4A-1 teams advanced to state.
Kennedy Corbin led Pottsville with 14 points.