QUITMAN 58, JOHNSON COUNTY WESTSIDE 50
JUDSONIA -- Next weekend at Hot Springs, the Earle Lady Bulldogs will take on defending state champion Quitman in the Class 2A state championship game.
Quitman was led by 5-9 junior Nicki Hooten in Saturday's semifinal game to put away the Johnson County Westside Lady Rebels 58-50 in a game played at White County Central.
Hooten scored 21 points and made five three-pointers to turn back the Lady Rebels. She scored six points in the first quarter as the Lady Bulldogs took a 17-8 advantage.
Westside took advantage of Quitman's scoring lapse in the second quarter to put together a 7-2 run to pull within 27-20 after trailing 25-15.
Lauryn Brasel nailed a three-pointer in the quarter as did Alysa Cummins. Kelsey Criss dropped in three of four free throws to bring the quarter to an end, with Westside down 31-26 at the half.
Westside pulled within 34-31 early in the third quarter, but the Lady Bulldogs regained control with a Hooten putback and two free throws by Lucy Holland to take a 43-34 lead into the fourth quarter.
Each team opened the final frame by putting up five points, which led to a 48-39 lead for Quitman with just over three minutes left in the game.
A Holland baseline basket made it 52-44 Quitman, but Criss nailed a three-pointer to pull Westside within 52-47 with 59 seconds left. Quitman closed out the game by hitting 6 of 8 free throws.
Rieley Hooten, Quitman's 5-8 guard, added 12 points while Holland finished with eight points.
Criss led Westside with 18 points while Cummins had nine.
From the foul line, Quitman dropped in 17 of 28 free throws.
EARLE 58, CADDO HILLS 27
JUDSONIA -- The Earle Lady Bulldogs, led by 26 points from junior guard RoShala Scott, will play for a state title in Hot Springs next weekend, knocking off Caddo Hills.
Earle led 19-8 after one quarter, 34-19 at the half and 45-25 to begin the fourth quarter.
Colbi Maples finished with 17 points for Earle.
Caddo Hills ends the year at 29-11.
Rachel Dumont led the Lady Indians with 20 points.
Sports on 03/04/2018