7A/6A-EAST GIRLS

Basket at buzzer lifts LR Central

— Jamie Ruffins hit a jumper from the top of the key at the buzzer to give Little Rock Central’s girls a 63-61 victory over North Little Rock in the 7A/6A-Central regular season finale Friday night at Tigers Fieldhouse.

“I just exited everything out of my mind and said a quick prayer,” Ruffins said of her game-winning shot that gave Central (21-5, 13-1) the outright conference title. “I said, ‘God, thank you!’ ”

Kyra Collier had tied the game for North Little Rock on two free throws with 21.5 seconds left. However, that was enough time for Central Coach Michael Green to shout out the setup for the last play as time was winding down.

“I called an offense that worked against man and a zone, and when I saw it was straight man, it was automatic that we were going to go,” Green said. “I just have a great group of kids who work hard and we like winning.”

Alaysia Ready led Central with 21 points that included hitting a three-point play that tied the game at 56-56 with 3:25 to play after North Little Rock had led for most of the second half. Ready put Central ahead with a steal and layup a minute later and made a driving layup with 28 seconds left to keep Central ahead 61-59. Ultimately, Ruffins scored her 12th point of the game at the buzzer.

Fouls plagued both teams in the second half, but North Little Rock edged out to a 43-41 lead. Dajha Hardamon hit two baskets in a row to give North Little Rock a 55-50 lead early in the fourth quarter.

Collier led North Little Rock with 18 points, while Malica Monk added 13.

Sports, Pages 24 on 02/23/2013

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