MVP
Anton Beard followed up his 28-point effort in Monday’s semifinal victory over Bentonville with a 29-point game in Thursday’s championship victory over Springdale. Beard was 12 of 23 from the floor, 2 of 4 from three-point range and 3 of 5 from the free-throw line. He also had 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. The University of Arkansas signee scored 11 points in the first quarter and 12 in the third quarter.
AND 1S
Springdale was making its first state championship game appearance since 1998. The Bulldogs lost to Little Rock Parkview that season in Pine Bluff. … Both teams had 16 second-chance points. … Springdale committed just nine turnovers, but North Little Rock took advantage of those miscues for 15 points. … The lead changed hands once. … North Little Rock is 54-3 during the past two seasons and has not lost to another Class 7A school during that period.
Sports, Pages 22 on 03/14/2014