Jr. Lady Lions end season in district semifinals round
JESSIEVILLE — The Bismarck Jr. Lady Lions had their season of hoops come to an end Thursday night in the semifinal round against Fouke 44-27 in the 3A-7 Jr. High Girls District Tournament hosted at the Jessieville Sports Arena.
The Jr. Lady Lions trailed 16-7 at halftime and with Fouke stretching it to 27-13 score in the third quarter.
The Jr. Lady Lions fought back and went on a 8-0 run to finish the quarter down 27-21 to go into the fourth quarter, noted by head coach Bret Barber.
For the game, Grace Efird surged the Jr. Lady Lions with 11 points for double-figures. Zoe Simmons finished with six points, and Rylie Allsup added five points.
In the first round competition, the Jr. Lady Lions defeated Centerpoint 17-14. Simmons led in scoring with five points, and Allsup added four points—advancing Bismarck to a tough loss in the semifinals round to No. 1 seed Fouke.
The Jr. Lady Lions defeated Haskell Harmony Grove 34-25 in their final regular season game before competing in the district tournament. Efird led the Jr. Lady Lions with 11 points for double-figures. Addison Martin added eight points, and Cailsey Ellenwood contributed six points. The Lady Lions finished the regular season 7-7 overall and 4-3 in conference play to earn the No. 4 seed in district tournament. Barber was proud of how hard the Jr. Lady Lions competed throughout the season and felt they worked hard as a productive unit on the hardwood in junior high basketball competition.
“I couldn’t be prouder of this team the way they improved throughout the year was off the charts,” Barber stated.
“I saw improvement from each individual and the way they came together as a team through tough times early in the season is what made them successful at the end of the year. I love the way they never give up,” Barber said.
The Jr. Lady Lions finished the season at .500 for an 8-8 overall record.