STATE CLASS 4A GIRLS BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

10 a.m. Saturday, March 20 At Bank OZK Arena, Hot Springs Farmington (23-7) vs. Harrison (19-3)

FARMINGTON — Moving in the right direction — forward — becomes critical in a quest to win a state championship.

Many a talented team arrives at state and doesn’t get past the first round, but Farmington didn’t allow that to happen.

Southside Batesville (17-10) cut Farmington’s lead to 39-32 early in the fourth quarter, but the Lady Cardinals squelched any ideas the Lady Southerners had of a comeback.

The Lady Cardinals began defense of their 2020 state championship with a first- round Class 4A State tournament 59-47 win on Wednesday, March 10 at Morrilton’s Devil Dog Arena.

Farmington responded to Southside Batesville’s threat by getting to the foul line where Megan Hernandez sank a pair, kickstarting a run that saw the Lady Cardinals score 10 of the next 12 points as Farmington extended its lead to 49-34 then virtually traded baskets the rest of the way. The Lady Cardinals also fashioned a 10- 0 run to conclude the second quarter on top, 26-16.

The contest showcased a battle of wills with each team relying on its core nucleus for offensive production. Three players scored all but five of Southside Batesville’s 47 points: Brett Gardner and Olivia Allen each had 15 while Kamie Jenkins added 12 points. Two players, Jenkins (15), and Callie Robbins (10) had double digit rebounding efforts for the Lady Southerners.

Meanwhile, seniors Tori Kersey ( 20) and Trinity Johnson ( 16), and junior Carson Dillard (9) combined for 45 of the Lady Cardinals’ 59 points. Dillard hit a trio of 3-pointers for Farmington, which advanced to take on No. 1 South Mena in the state quarterfinals.