ROSE BUD — Harding Academy’s girls went into Thursday’s 3A-2 regional game knowing they wanted to push the tempo and slow down Glen Rose senior Holly Crutchfield.
They accomplished both.
Senior forward Elaine Helpenstill scored 22 points as Harding Academy led the entire game in its 56-23 victory.
The Lady Wildcats worked their half-court defense to near perfection in the first half, holding Crutchfield to six points the opening two quarters and eight for the game.
“It bothered Glen Rose,” Harding Academy Coach Rusty Garner said. “And the funny thing is their halfcourt trap is good. The trap helped us push our pace.”
This year’s state-tournament trip will mark the 18th consecutive appearance for the Lady Wildcats.
BALD KNOB 68,
BISMARCK 56
Led by Kinlee Varnell’s 32 points, Bald Knob punched its ticket to the Class AAA state tournament with the victory.
Junior point guard Madi Pierce added 20 points for Bald Knob and Kahlan Gracey finished with 10.
Bismarck got 23 points from Cecilia Howell and 12 points from Hannah Weatherford.
CLASS 3A-2 BOYS
BARTON 66,
MAYFLOWER 60
Barton had four players with 10 or more points in advancing to today’s 5:30 p.m. semifinal against Glen Rose.
Barton senior forward Wanya Wilkins led all scorers with 26 points, including four threes. Cameron McMurray added 12 points for the Bears, while Jaylon Johnson finished with 10, all in the fourth quarter while Bradley Smith finished with 10.
Freshman forward Braxtyn McCuien led Mayflower with 23 points, while David Jagers added 18 and Wes Sutton finished with 11 points.
HARDING ACADEMY 51,
EPISCOPAL COLLEGIATE 46
Harding Academy held off Episcopal Collegiate to advance to the semifinals where it will face Tuckerman.
Episcopal Collegiate sophomore Treylon Payne led all scorers with 28 points.
Harding Academy junior forward Davis Morgan scored 15 points, 11 coming in the decisive fourth quarter. Travis Turley added 10 points for the Wildcats.
HARDING ACADEMY 56, GLEN ROSE 23