Arkansas high school basketball state tournament: North Little Rock boys defend home court
NORTH LITTLE ROCK — The North Little Rock Charging Wildcats learned their lesson and the payoff is a trip to the Class 6A state semifinals.
On Dec. 15, North Little Rock jumped out on Fayetteville before falling 60-51 in the Conway Classic. Friday night, in a 80-63 victory over Fayetteville at Charging Wildcat Arena, North Little Rock made sure Fayetteville didn’t have a chance to come back
The Charging Wildcats (21-7) jumped out a 18-9 lead after the first quarter and led 39-24 at halftime. Fayetteville did close to 47-38 midway through the third quarter, but baskets by Braylon Frazier, Andre Barnes off a turnover and a three pointer by Frazier pushed the lead to 54-38 and Fayetteville (25-6) never got close after that.
North Little Rock's Robert Griffin celebrates a win Friday night. (Photo by Jeff Halpern)
“We played them early in the year at the Conway Classic and jumped out on them and they put a press on us and fought back and beat us by 15 (actually 9). The whole conversation was we could play with them and stay locked in on them. They locked in and bought in,” said North Little Rock head coach Nathan Clayborn.
“We’re a different team at home. When we play at home, we play with a lot of energy and effort and it showed tonight.”
Ja’Kory Withers led North Little Rock with 26 points, making 12-of-13 free throws. Frazier added 16 points and Robert Griffin finished with 11.
Fayetteville was led by Xavier Brown and D.J. Hudson, with both finished 17 points. Ornette Gaines finished with 10.
Next up is a matchup with 6A-Central rival Bryant. The Hornets won 65-64 on Dec. 30 in a tournament in Fort Smith. They also won 64-53 on Jan. 23 in Bryant before North Little Rock won 55-52 on Feb. 16.
“Coach A (Mike Abrahamson) is a great coach. They have a great team. We like our chances with anyone at North Little Rock,” said Clayborn.
BOYS
BRYANT 51, BENTONVILLE WEST 43
The Bryant Hornets punched their ticket to the Class 6A semifinals for the first time since the 2018-2019 season with a victory over Bentonville at Charging Wildcat Arena.
The Hornets reached the state finals that year, falling 44-41 to Fort Smith Northside.
The Hornets (28-3) led 9-6 after the first quarter, 25-22 at halftime and 39-38 after three quarters before outscoring the Wolverines (17-14) 12-5 in the final quarter.
Kellen Robinson and R.J. Young led the Hornets with 15 points. Cameron Bead added 10 points and Trent Ford finished with 6.
Jayson Brust led Bentonville West with 10 points while Ben Van Hecke had 8 points while Landon Price and Caleb Crusinbery had 7.
GIRLS
CONWAY 65, SPRINGDALE 31
The Conway Lady Wampus Cats (25-6) made their way back to the semifinals for the second consecutive year with a convincing victory over the Springdale Lady Bulldogs (23-8).
As a result, Conway, the defending Class 6A state champions, will meet conference rival Cabot in the semifinals at 6 p.m. today. Conway defeated Cabot 60-47 on Jan. 9 and 66-61 on Feb. 6.
Conway led 19-9 after the first quarter, 31-12 at halftime and 57-27 after three quarter, putting the Arkansas Activities Association’s mercy rule into effect.
Emerie Bohanon led the Lady Cats with 20 points while making 12-of-14 free throws. Amiya Taylor added 16 points and Alexis Cox finished with 12.
Aubrianna Wilson led Springdale with 9 points while Kaiya McCoy added 7 points.
CABOT 59, FAYETTEVILLE 54
The Cabot Lady Panthers overcame a 15-9 deficit after the first quarter to beat Fayetteville Lady Bulldogs and earn a trip to the semifinals against 6A-Central rival Conway.
Cabot (28-5) outscored Fayetteville 15-6 in the second quarter to take a 24-22 lead with Abbi Grace Cunningham scoring five of her 18 points In that quarter and Jaycie Cook adding 4 of her 15 in that quarter too. Cabot led 36-32 after three quarters before holding on.
Fayetteville (22-9) was led by Whitney Brown, who had 14 points while Mariyah Moss added 12 points and Syniah Coachman added 10.
--Jeff Halpern | @SBLiveArk
