Jaida Harden scored 24 points, including four crucial points in the final minutes, as the Star City Lady Bulldogs rallied to defeat the eStem Lady Mets, 48-45, in the semifinals of the Heavenly Hoops tournament at Mount St. Mary in Little Rock.
The Lady Mets held the lead for the majority of the game, but failed to hang on.
“I told our kids if we just kept playing defense then we would be alright,” Star City Coach Becky Brown said.
Defense prevailed in the final three minutes as eStem failed to get points on five of its final six possessions.
“We talked about that,” eStem Coach Johnecia Howard said. “We aren’t very deep so we have to manage our fouls.”
Central Arkansas signee Olivia McWilliams led eStem with 16 points. She scored seven of eStem’s 13 points in the first quarter, including a three-pointer to open the game.
Star City took the lead for good when Harden made a baseline move and scored on a reverse layup. Her free throws on Star City’s next possession put the Lady Bulldogs ahead 46-43.
WATSON CHAPEL 57, SYLVAN HILLS 40 Krystalyne Miles scored 20 points as the Lady Wildcats (1-1) earned a consolation round victory over the Lady Bears in the Mount St. Mary Heavenly Hoops tournament. Peyton Martin added 11 for Watson Chapel.
TUESDAY’S BOYS
BENTON HARMONY GROVE 55, BISMARCK 34 Mitch Scoggins led the Cardinals (2-0) with 17 points in a home victory over the Lions (0-2). Jake Scoggins added 11 and Drake Wilks 10 for Harmony Grove.
Sports, Pages 24 on 11/21/2013