BATTLE AT THE BRIER BOYS

Change in plans a winner

— The Sheridan Yellowjackets were scheduled to play in a tournament in Mountain Home this weekend, but after winter weather intervened they settled for winning the Battle at the Brier.

Sheridan (9-3) found out just after noon Thursday that it would be playing Greenbrier at 7 that night in Greenbrier instead of going to Mountain Home.

The Yellowjackets defeated the Panthers in the opening round, then beat Guy-Perkins to advance to Saturday’s final, where they beat Searcy 56-37 to win their eighth consecutive game.

“We had scouting report and a game plan for Paragould, who we were supposed to play in Mountain Home,” Sheridan Coach Joe Scott said. “We came here last minute. I told them we were going to just come here and play basketball.”

The Yellowjackets led 22-17 at halftime but erupted in the third quarter, repeatedly forcing the Lions into turnovers and outscoring them 19-8. Emaje Young’s three pointer pulled Searcy within 26-20 before the Yellowjackets scored 10 consecutive points

Austin Theiss scored in the lane, and after a free throw by Brady Bowlin, Dylan Morris made a steal and hit a three pointer. Another Searcy turnover led to a basket by Bowlin for a 34-21 lead, and Morris’ acrobatic put back capped the run for Sheridan.

Young, who had averaged 25 points a game in Searcy’s two tournament victories, scored a team-high 13.

Morris led a balanced scoring attack for Sheridan with 15.

BATTLE AT THE BRIER GIRLS

ROGERS HERITAGE 30, BENTON 28

Brittany Ward’s driving layup with six seconds left broke a 28-28 tie and proved to be the game-winner for the Lady War Eagles. Benton advanced the ball to midcourt where it called timeout to set up a final play, but failed to get off a shot in the last five seconds.

Sports, Pages 27 on 12/30/2012

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