GREENWOOD -- Greenwood girls basketball coach Clay Reeves wanted his team to pick up the pace in Wednesday's game at H.B. Stewart Bulldog Arena.
Greenwood did just that, using its defense and fast-break offense to pull away in a 54-29 victory against Harrison in a Class 5A/6A District 1 matchup.
"We needed to be at a quicker pace and get up the floor faster," Reeves said. "We have practiced at the pace. Our kids were playing hard and getting where they needed to be."
Kyiah Julian scored a game-high 12 points to lead a balanced offense for Greenwood, which had 10 different players score points. Kinley Fisher, Stormi Baggs and Shea Goodwin each added eight points for the Lady Bulldogs.
Harrison (7-16, 2-7) was led by Kenzie Park scoring a team-high 10 points off the bench.
Greenwood (15-9, 8-2) was able to convert turnovers into quick baskets on the other end, which helped build a 32-10 advantage heading into the break.
The Lady Bulldogs scored 18 unanswered points in the first quarter and into the second to take a 20-2 lead. Harrison was able to score early in the game but then didn't score again until about four minutes were left in the second quarter.
"Our guards were driving the ball and scoring and also getting it inside," Reeves said. "You never know who we'll have score in different spots. Our kids take advantage on different nights."
Harrison was limited to one of eight shooting from the field and turned the ball over eight times in the first quarter. The Lady Goblins also missed their initial five shots of the second quarter.
"We didn't shoot the ball very well, but we did have some decent looks," Harrison coach Doug Young said. "That's frustrating. But they were good and were the better team tonight. They will go a long ways in state."
The Lady Bulldogs were able to find high-percentage shots throughout the first half, making 14 of 25 shots while finishing with just four first-half turnovers.
Greenwood was able to push its edge out to 45-13 in the third quarter using a 13-0 run in the middle of the period.
"They have some much depth," Young said. "We couldn't keep up. They are a very well-coached team. I probably had the worst seat in the house to watch it, but they are fun to watch."
Greenwood made its only two 3-point baskets of the game to help take a 52-17 advantage heading into the final quarter.
The Lady Bulldogs were able to push their winning streak to four games and avenge a loss earlier in the season. Harrison was able to win the previous matchup against Greenwood, 57-56, on the road last month.
"They beat us by one point up there so the motivation was there from our kids," Reeves said. "We knew we could play better than we did up there. They came out there and played really well."
Greenwood 54, Harrison 29
Harrison 2 8 7 12 -- 29
Greenwood 11 21 20 2 -- 54
Harrison (7-16, 2-7): K. Parker 10, Horn 8, Cecil 4, Doshier 3, B. Parker 2, Whitehor 2.
Greenwood (15-9, 8-2): Julians 12, Fisher 8, Baggs 8, Goodwin 8, Terry 6, Price 4, Clements 3, Sockey 2, Rozell 2, Glass 1.
Boys
Harrison 53, Greenwood 51
It came down to a final shot at the buzzer that didn't fall, but Harrison was able to leave H.B. Stewart Bulldog Arena unbeaten in conference play Wednesday night.
Skyler Young made a basket with less than a minute left to take back a 52-51 lead. The Goblins were able to hold on after that in the final seconds to extend their winning streak to nine games.
"We knew we were going to get their best shot," Harrison coach David Stahler said. "We had no doubt. They do a good job and are a really good team. Credit to Greenwood because they played hard."
After taking the lead, Harrison was able to come up with a defensive stop with a blocked shot. The Goblins then missed the front end of a one-and-one attempt that gave Greenwood an opportunity.
Greenwood, too, missed the front end of a one-and-one free throw on the next possession. Harrison then pushed its edge to 53-51 with about nine seconds left with a free-throw from Noah Ditmanson.
Greenwood got a three-point shot at the buzzer, but it wasn't able to fall for the Bulldogs.
"We still are making mistakes down the stretch in some games," Stahler said. "But we haven't had a whole lot of close games like this. We need games like this. We just try to find a way to win these games."
Harrison (19-4, 9-0 Class 5A/6A District 1) was led on offense by Ditmanson, who finished with a team-high 14 points. Ben Elliot added 11, while Young chipped in 10 for the Goblins.
"We have a lot of guys who can score in different ways," Stahler said. "It makes us tough to guard. We are playing good basketball right now."
Jordan Sheppard scored a game-high 20 points for Greenwood (12-11, 7-3). Zane Harmon also finished with 17 points for the Bulldogs.
Greenwood was able to take a 39-36 advantage into the final quarter after being down 26-21 at halftime.
Harrison 10 16 10 17 -- 53
Greenwood 13 8 18 12 -- 51
Harrison (19-4, 9-0): Ditmanson 14, Elliot 11, Young 10, Journagan 7, Shrum 5, Youngblood 4, Huskey 2.
Greenwood (12-11, 7-3): Sheppard 20, Harmon 17, Holt 9, Rice 2, Barrett 2, Stewart 1.
Preps Basketball on 02/08/2018