Arkansas high school girls basketball state tournament: Little Rock Central, Springdale Har-Ber advance in 6A first round

Both teams move on to the quarterfinals Thursday

NORTH LITTLE ROCK — Little Rock Central (16-12) took a 26-21 halftime lead and stretched it into a 45-27 lead after three quarters en route to a 59-42 victory over Bentonville (15-16) in the first round of the Class 6A State Tournament at Charging Wildcat Arena on the campus of North Little Rock High School. 

Central jumped out to a 16-2 start in the third quarter thanks to five points by Taylor Davis and 5 points by Alivia Montgomery and a three-pointer by Ashlyn Kimble.

“We almost put together a clean ballgame, but we’re working on it,” said Central head coach Marlon Williams. “The second quarter was tough. Usually, the third quarter is tough, but we did a good job today. I’m excited we get one more game.”

For the game, Jordan Marshall led Central with 14 points and 9 rebounds, Montgomery had 10 Kiaya Davis had 11 points.

Bentonville, which fell behind 21-12 after the first quarter, closed to 26-21 at halftime, was led by Cambrie Phillips, who had 15 points.

Central meets Fort Smith Northside at 4 p.m Thursday in the quarterfinals.

SPRINGDALE HAR-BER 56, JONESBORO 39

Delany Roller made six three pointers while leading the Lady Wildcats (21-9) with 18 points in a rout of Jonesboro in the first round of the Class 6A state tournament.

Har-Ber led 15-4 after the first quarter and led 24-4 midway through the second quarter. They led 30-15 at halftime and 43-27 after three quarters.

--Jeff Halpern I @SBLIveAR