LITTLE ROCK — Helena-West Helena Central (5-6, 2-4) survived a three-point assault in the second half to escape the Warrior Gymnasium at LR Christian with a 59-54 victory.

Helena-West Helena Central held Little Rock Christian (3-14, 0-7) to nine first-half points until Cole Hendrixson hit a half-court three-pointer as time expired in the second quarter for a 27-12 halftime lead.

The Warriors outscored the Cougars 9-2 to start the second half, cutting Helena-West Helena Central’s lead to 36-28 with 1:32 to go in the third quarter when Alex Caroom hit two free throws. Helena-West Helena got a basket from Frederick Bedford to make the score 38-28 after three quarters.

Little Rock Christian made a game of it in the fourth quarter. Hendrixson’s three-pointer, one of nine made by the Warriors, made it 44-37. Hendrixson made two more three-pointers, cutting the lead to 53-48, but the Cougars would hit their free throws down the stretch to win 59-54.

Bedford led Helena-West Helena Central with 18 points. Rickey Beckwood added 12 points, followed by Anthony Lewis with 10 points.

The Warriors were led by Hendrixson with 20 points.

Sports, Pages 26 on 01/26/2013