Pocahontas Press Wins Game

FARMINGTON — Pocahontas (19-12) and Crossett (16-13) tipped off the Class 4A State basketball tournament Wednesday, March 4 at Farmington’s Cardinal Arena with Pocahontas getting a 36-31 win.

Pocahontas coach Harlan Davis employed a full-court press over the latter part of the third quarter exposing a vulnerability. Kate Sorg’s 3- pointer from the right corner triggered an 11-0 Lady Redskins run. She had six points in the run.

Crossett had trouble with the press, and the Lady Redskins took control in the fourth quarter outscoring Crossett 13-8. The game was tied at 23-23 after three quarters before Kendra Johnson scored 7 of her 9 points to push Pocahontas past Crossett and into the quarterfinals

Thursday, March 5 against tournament host, Farmington.

The game began slowly with the score tied at 4-4 after one quarter. Many spectators looking on weren’t rooting for either team, both of which traveled a fair distance to compete, but rather getting a look at who would emerge as the winner and become Farmington’s opponent a day later.

Crossett coach Shanae Govan got effort from her players. One thing became evident, the willingness of Crossett players to throw their bodies around diving on the floor numerous times, but they couldn’t come up with a win although they led 16-11 at halftime. Crossett scored the last six points of the half. Jada Cooks’ free throws at the two minute mark began the run. Jaylynn Hampton made a steal and while on the floor found an outlet which led to Hannah Govan’s layup. Cooks made a free throw and Hampton beat Pocahontas down-court to record a layup with four seconds to go.

Crossett held leads of 21-13 and 23-15 in the third quarter the last when Shekirra Gavin caught the ball in the paint and needed only one dribble to free up space to make a layup.

Sorg led the Lady Redskins with 12 points while Anaya Jones scored 11 to lead Crossett.