Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Lady Tigers Began 2010 Postseason Run
SPORTS EDITOR’S NOTE: This story is part of an on-going series highlighting top sports stories for the 2010-2019 decade at Prairie Grove High School and its alumni.
PRAIRIE GROVE — On Friday, Feb. 20, 2010, Prairie Grove claimed the 4A-1 District championship by knocking off defending state champion Shiloh Christian, 52-33, on the Lady Saints’ home court at Springdale.
Both teams advanced to the 4A North Regional Tournament. Shiloh, which was led by Hannah Persing’s 12 points, advanced as the 4A-1 No. 2 seed to face 4A-4 No. 3 Pottsville, while Prairie Grove took the No. 1 seed from the 4A-1 up against 4A-4 No. 4 Clarksville.
Prairie Grove jumped ahead 9-4 in the first quarter and led 26-10 at halftime. The Lady Tigers were led by seniors Elysia Clement with 13 points, 5 rebounds, 5 blocks, and 2 steals; along with Kendra Coyle chipping in 12 points, 3 assists and 2 steals. Freshman Justyne Huber added 7 points, 5 assists, 2 steals and a blocked shot.
Prairie Grove blocked 6 shots in all. Shiloh made a small dent in the deficit by outscoring the Lady Tigers 12-10 in the third, but Prairie Grove controlled the fourth and the outcome with a 16-11 scoring advantage in the final period.
In the semifinals Prairie Grove easily got past Gentry, 71- 48. The Lady Tigers dominated virtually every quarter leading 13- 6 after one and 29-15 at halftime. The disparity was 16 points after three quarters of play (47-31) and Gentry wouldn’t get any closer with Prairie Grove erupting for 24 points in the fourth.
Ten Lady Tigers scored, topped by Coyle with 19 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals along with Clement with 15 points, 3 rebounds and an assist.
Brittany Green led Gentry (20-9) with 16 points, while Terra Jones added 11 for the Lady Pioneers, who took the No. 4 seed into the 4A North Regional tournament in Farmington.