Rose Bud and Harding Academy shared one common denominator in Friday's semifinal girls game at the 3A-2 Region tournament being played at Rose Bud.
Neither could hit the three-point shot.
Rose Bud missed 14 from long range, while Harding Academy missed 12, but managed to make enough free throws to advance to today's championship game with a 59-51 victory.
Senior Elaine Helpenstill led Harding Academy with 25 points and got help from Audrey Laird with 10 points.
Harding Academy led 6-2 early in the opening quarter before Rose Bud took the lead at 10-9 and led 15-10 to start the second quarter, where the Lady Wildcats pushed their advantage to 21-12.
Harding Academy cut the lead to 21-20 but got no closer as Rose Bud held a 30-24 lead at the half.
Rose Bud continued to hold the lead into the third quarter, pushing its advantage to 34-26. Rose Bud finished the third leading 39-37.
Harding Academy forced a 48-48 tie on two free throws by Caroline Citty and a spin move for an inside layup by Helpenstill gave Harding Academy a 50-48 lead with two minutes left.
Harding Academy closed out the victory by outscoring Rose Bud 9-3 over the final two minutes and outscored the Lady Ramblers 22-12 in the quarter.
Savannah Lacy led Rose Bud with 18 points, eight of that coming in the fourth quarter, while Hope Hartle finished with 11 points.
While the three-point shooting went south for Harding Academy, the Lady Wildcats did their job at the foul line, hitting 23 of 27 free throws. Citty made five of six free throws in the fourth.
BALD KNOB 38, MARIANNA 34
Bald Knob held off Marianna to advance to today's championship game.
Forward Madi Pierce led Bald Knob with 24 points, 11 in the second quarter and nine in the fourth. Kinlee Varnell added 12 points and the Lady Bulldogs went 10 for 12 at the foul line.
Tionna Martin finished with 13 points for Marianna.
BOYS
BARTON 57,
GLEN ROSE 47
Barton's boys punched their ticket to today's championship by defeating Glen Rose.
Hakeem Hancock led Barton with 17 points, hitting 6 of 8 free throws in the fourth quarter.
Jaylon Johnson finished with 12 points while Wanya Wilkins finished with 11 for the Bears.
Noah Ellis led Glen Rose with 15 points, eight coming in the second quarter while Zane Hardage added 9 points.
Sports on 02/24/2018