BERGMAN -- It is no secret that Bergman's boys can put points on the scoreboard, especially since they have scored at least 61 points in each of their games and surpassed the 80-point mark on a dozen occasions this season.
But it was the Panthers' defense that gave Cedarville fits Saturday night as Bergman captured the Class 3A Region 1 tournament championship with a 73-40 victory at the place affectionately called the "Panther Palace."
"Our kids have taken it to another level defensively, particularly in the past few weeks," Bergman coach Bo Martin said. "They're just showing their heart and character and what kind of kids they are."
Bergman (29-4) never trailed, thanks to its 1-3-1 full-court press and its ability to force Cedarville into turnovers and costly mistakes. The Panthers took their chances with four players going in all directions in the backcourt and allowing senior post Elijah Royce to provide the last line of defense by himself.
The plan worked as Bergman was able to get one score, then force a turnover and get another score moments later. The Panthers quickly grabbed a double-digit lead as back-to-back buckets by Asher Fultz in a 25-second span made it a 20-8 game.
"First of all, you have to have five guys that are willing to lay it on the line and flying to the ball," Martin said. "But it certainly helps to have a guy like Elijah back there to clean up any messes and help out. He does a great job blocking shots, challenging shots and taking charges. He's done a great job of that all year long."
Cedarville (16-11) was able to get within single digits on one more occasion as Lane Hightower -- whose late 3-pointer allowed the Pirates to pull off an upset Friday over Waldron -- scored early in the second quarter and made it a 20-12 game. Bergman then turned on its offense and went on to take a 42-26 halftime cushion and led 63-35 after three quarters.
The Panthers, who had scored 88 and 89 points in their previous two regional tournament games, didn't have a reason to do it again. Kaden Henson's layup to start the fourth quarter forced the running clock, and Bergman emptied the bench after that.
Walker Patton hit six 3-pointers and finished with 22 points to lead Bergman, which plays a 1 p.m. game Monday in the Class 3A state tournament in Clinton. Royce and Fultz finished with 15 points apiece.
Austin Cluck and Darryl Kattich 11 each had 11 points for Cedarville, which plays again at 1 p.m. Thursday in the state tournament.
In the third-place game, Waldron needed overtime to earn a 65-61 victory over Elkins.
Girls: Bergman 52, Valley Springs 32
In Bergman's previous two meetings with Valley Springs, the Lady Panthers put together a strong offensive run and made sure it was enough to withstand a late comeback attempt.
When Bergman finally made its run during the Class 3A Region 1 championship game Saturday afternoon, there wasn't enough time for Valley Springs to recover as the Lady Panthers rolled to a victory on their home floor.
Bergman (35-1) outscored Valley Springs 28-8 over the final 15 minutes after Cayley Patrick tied the game at 24 with a 3-pointer early in the fourth quarter. Abby Hodges had seven of Bergman's next nine points, including a bucket to break the tie and a 3-pointer to give the Lady Panthers a 33-24 lead with 1:30 left in the third quarter.
Valley Springs (25-8) ended the run with Karyce Flud's bucket and made it a seven-point game going into the fourth quarter, but the Lady Tigers couldn't get any closer. Kara Ponder, who led Bergman with 19 points, hit back-to-back 3-pointers and gave the Lady Panthers a 41-28 cushion, then Bergman used another spurt of nine unanswered points to put the game away.
Maddi Holt added 13 points and Hodges 11 for Bergman, which will open the Class 3A State tournament with a 10 a.m. game Monday against Little Rock Episcopal. Patrick had nine points to lead Valley Springs, which won't play in the state tournament until a 10 a.m. Thursday game against Lamar.
In Saturday's early game, West Fork claimed third place with a 46-42 victory over Elkins.