NEOSHO, Mo. — An early run was more than enough to carry the Bentonville girls into the second round of the 55th annual Neosho Holiday Classic.
The Lady Tigers used a 12-0 first-quarter run to take control of their opening game and cruise to a 38-21 victory over Cassville, Mo.
The Lady Tigers (7-3) will play Seneca, Mo., at 9 p.m. today in the second round. Seneca beat Diamond, Mo., 50-28 in the tournament’s first game.
Montana Lewis had five of her game-high 15 points during that opening run that gave Bentonville a 12-2 lead.
Cassville cut the lead to five late in the second quarter, but Bentonville finished the half on a 6-0 spurt to take a 21-10 halftime lead.
Cassville never threatened in the second half as Bentonville finished its solid defensive effort.
The Lady Tigers allowed just six field goals and forced 20 turnovers.
Blaklee Sanders added six for Bentonville and Jessi Murch had five.
Hannah Elkins led Cassville with 10 points.
The Tigers are also playing in Neosho this week but their opener against the host Wildcats finished after press deadlines Monday. The Bentonville boys will be back in action today at either 1:30 or 4:30 p.m. at Neosho High School.