Crabtree Field Features Quality Teams

Thursday, November 29, 2012

— Bentonville is getting a late start to the season, but the Lady Tigers will see some tough competition when the Crabtree Classic starts today.

Crabtree Invitational

At Bentonville

Girls

Today

Bentonville vs. Huntsville, 6 p.m.

Gravette vs. Branson, Mo., 7:30 p.m.

Friday

Bentonville vs. Branson, Mo., 6 p.m.

Gravette vs. Huntsville, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday

Huntsville vs. Branson, Mo., noon

Bentonville vs. Gravette, 1:30 p.m.

The field also includes Huntsville, Gravette and Branson, Mo., and the classic ends Saturday afternoon. The Lady Tigers were 20-10 a year ago and they will open against Huntsville tonight, and then play Branson on Friday before ending the tough three-day stretch against Gravette at noon Saturday.

“We have a good base of teams coming in,” Bentonville girls basketball coach Tom Halbmaier said.

Bentonville’s season opener with Stilwell, Okla. was canceled and Halbmaier said the Lady Tigers are anxious to hit the court for the first time.

“Our kids are sick and tired of practicing against each other,” Halbmaier said. “It’s just a tough way to grind it out before the season starts, and our kids are ready to play Huntsville. We are ready to get the season going. We want to get better as the season gradually goes on.”

Senior Taylor Lee is the Lady Tigers top returning player after averaging 15 points and five rebounds a game a year ago.

“Taylor did a lot of good things last year, and her overall game has improved,” Halbmaier said. “Her supporting cast is much better, much improved and more experienced. Our chemistry is very strong for this early in the year.”

Branson (2-0) will enter the tournament on a roll after the Lady Pirates defeated Springfield Glendale 63-13 and Harrison 46-32. Branson is led by 5-foot-11 senior Moriah Dapprich. Dapprich, who has signed with Wichita State, scored 22 points in the season opener.

Branson had four players in double figures in the season opener and Halbmaier said the Lady Pirates will give the Lady Tigers, and the rest of the field, a stiff test.

“Branson plays 11 kids and their guard play is pretty good,” Halbmaier said. “It’s going to be a good contest for us, and Huntsville and Gravette are quality programs.”