Gravette’s Woolard gets hot at right time

GRAVETTE — Gunnar Woolard got going just when the Gravette Lions needed it most on Wednesday.

Woolard buried a 3-pointer at the buzzer to give Gravette a six-point lead entering the third quarter.

Woolard then scored 16 of his game-high 23 points in the fourth quarter, including 11 in a row at one point, as the Lions pulled away for a 74-48 victory over Life Way Christian in the opening round of the Gravette Christmas Classic.

“When he gets going, especially in here, he’s really good,” said Gravette coach Matt Busch.

The Lions led 19-10 after the first quarter and 32-15 at halftime, but the Warriors outscored the Lions 20-6 to open the third quarter and pulled within 41-38 late in the third.

Life Way had also shut down Woolard up to that point to the tune of just four points.

“Early on, they took the ball out of our best player’s hands, and we had to find a way to get it back in his hands,” Busch said. “My assistant coach (Drew Paslay) gave me an idea to get the ball back in his hands.” What was the idea? “Essentially,” Busch said,

“We went from structure to a little less structure. … He did a really good job of getting us back on track.”

Twelve different Lions scored baskets on the night. Zane Schulz added eight points, while Holden Betz and JD Beem each had seven.

Tyler Hellard led Life Way Christian with 15 points, while Grainger Wilson had 14.

GIRLS GRAVETTE 66, LIFE WAY CHRISTIAN 19

After giving up an early basket, Gravette outscored Life Way Christian 29-3 the rest of the first quarter and rolled to a victory in the first round of the Gravette Christmas Classic on Wednesday, Dec. 27.

Gravette led 42-11 at halftime and 63-17 going into the fourth quarter.

The fourth quarter was played with a running clock.

Keeley Elsea led six Gravette players in double figures with 12 points. Brooke Handle had 11, while Brynn Romine, Alexa Parker, Dalacie Wishon and Gabbi Bates each had 10.

Both Gravette teams were back in action on Thursday, Dec. 28, and Friday, Dec. 29. Due to early press deadlines because of the New Year’s Day holiday, results were not available at press time.