PRAIRIE GROVE -- Farmington wasn't satisfied in earning a conference championship after ending Harrison's 24-game winning streak.
Farmington beat Harrison again Saturday to capture the conference tournament championship.
Tori Kersey scored 14 points and Farmington pulled away in the second half to defeat Harrison 54-41 and claim the 4A-1 Conference Tournament championship at Tiger Arena. Makenna Vanzant added 11 points for the Lady Cardinals (27-3), who outscored Harrison 35-17 in the second half.
"We really challenged Tori to do what she does best, and that's to make plays around the rim," Farmington coach Brad Johnson said. "She did what great players do and that's to step up to the challenge."
In third-place games Saturday, the Pea Ridge girls defeated Gravette 35-21 and the Prairie Grove boys beat Shiloh Christian 59-32. All four teams in action Saturday will advance to the 4A North Regional Tournament that begins Wednesday at Berryville.
Finishing 12-0 in conference play and beating highly-regarded Harrison twice provides Farmington with plenty of momentum heading in the regional tournament.
"It's special, especially with so many good teams in this league," Johnson said about winning the regular-season and tournament championships in the 4A-1 Conference. "Our kids have played with unbelievable toughness all year long. They've stayed focus on what's in front of them."
Harrison fought back to take a 24-19 halftime lead after trailing 7-0 and 12-2 in the first quarter. The surge was led by Brynn Oleson, who had eight points in the second quarter, including a 3-pointer to put Harrison ahead 24-16. Both teams missed plenty of open shots in the first half, but the scoring picked up when Joelle Tidwell and Makenna Vanzant hit three-pointers to help Farmington to a 34-29 lead after three quarters.
Vanzant opened the fourth quarter with another 3-pointer for Farmington, which outscored Harrison 20-12 in the final period.
"Joelle Tidwell had to guard Marion Goberg, which is a tough assignment, and she hits some timely baskets," Johnson said. "Joelle can step out and shoot the three. That's an underrated part of her game."
Harrison;11;13;5;12;--;41
Farmington;13;6;15;20;--;54
Harrison (25-3): Cecil 16, Oleson 9, Groberg 6, Shrum 6, Parker 4.
Farmington (27-3): Kersey 14, Vanzant 11, Johnson 10, Tidwell 9, Culpepper 4, Brye 4, Dillard 2.
BOYS
PEA RIDGE 68, BERRYVILLE 56
Pea Ridge roared a 23-8 lead and defeated Berryville to claim the conference tournament championship after winning the league title.
Noah Peterson and Brandon Whatley scored 18 points apiece for Pea Ridge (22-4), which led 34-26 at halftime and 57-39 after three quarters. Hunter Rains added 13 points and Wes Wales 11 for the Blackhawks.
Kade Davidson scored 15 points and Weston Teague 13 to lead Berryville.
Prairie Grove defeated Shiloh Christian 59-32 in the third-place game.
Berryville;8;18;13;17;--;56
Pea Ridge;23;11;23;11;--;68
Berryville (19-11): Davidson 15, Teague 13, Smith 9, Chester 9, Lucas 6, Lehr 2, Hutchinson 2.
Pea Ridge (22-4): Whatley 18, Peterson 18, Rains 13, Wales 12, Edwards 5, Brewer 2.
Preps Sports on 02/23/2020