SHERWOOD — White Hall tried to make a late rally in its first conference game of the season, but state 5A runner-up Sylvan Hills proved too much Friday night, beating the Bulldogs 61-49.
The host Bears (5-1, 1-0 in 5A-Southeast) led 47-31 through three quarters, but the Bulldogs (4-4, 0-1) didn’t go away easily. Kentucky committal Archie Goodwin scored 13 points for Sylvan Hills, but Dion Patton led the team with 15 points and Devin Pearson added 10.
“Joe’s (coach Joe Stacey) kids from White Hall battled us to the end,” Sylvan Hills coach Kevin Davis said. “They could have easily said it’s over, but they kept fighting.”
Jeremy Sprinkle scored 16 points and Jalen Wilkins 15 for White Hall, which trailed 16-10 through one quarter and 34-20 at halftime.
Ridgway Christian 74,
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Victory Christian 44
At Ridgway, Demetrius McCullough and Blake Pennington each scored 16 points in leading the Eagles (9-4, 3-2 AACS Southeast District) past Camden-based Victory Christian. Larry Tate added 14 points in the win.
Dumas 51, Drew Central 44
DUMAS — The Bobcats (3-2) wrapped up the championship in their own Dumas Classic on Friday behind Charleston Dobbs’ 25 points.
Dominique Rhodes had 20 and Damarius Thomas netted 16 to lead Drew Central (10-3). Dumas was ahead 25-21 at halftime of what was a close game throughout.
In the third-place game, Helena-West Helena Central beat Barton 86-52.
Star City 58, Yellville-Summit 53
SEARCY — The Bulldogs (1-4) picked up their first victory of the season after withstanding a late charge by the Panthers in the Riverview First Security Bank Classic.
Due to a late schedule change, Star City will play Augusta at 1:30 p.m. today.
Star City led 24-22 at halftime and opened up the lead to 18 points in the fourth quarter. D.J. Pace scored 14 points, Landen Burns 13 and Jemiel Thompson 11 to lead the Bulldogs.
Hamburg 59, Warren 49
HAMBURG — A strong start by the Lions propelled them to victory over the Lumberjacks (0-4, 0-1 in 8-4A).
Kaleel Thomas led Warren with 18 points and Jalen Cobb added 12 points, going 8 for 9 from the free-throw line.
Hamburg led 31-13 at halftime.
GIRLS
White Hall 53, Sylvan Hills 47
SHERWOOD — Patience Walker had 19 points in leading the Lady Bulldogs over the Lady Bears. It was the first 5A-Southeast Conference game for White Hall, which improved to 5-3 overall.
The Lady Bulldogs held on to win after holding a 32-15 halftime lead and stretching that to 21 in the third quarter. Sylvan Hills got as close as four in the final frame, but White Hall was able to make shots when it mattered, according to coach Mike Upshaw.
White Hall does not play again until a Jan. 6 home game against Helena West-Helena Central.
Pine Bluff 48, Helena-West Helena Central 23
DUMAS — The Fillies improved to 6-4 and picked up third place in the Dumas Classic with a win over the Cougarettes. No statistics were available.
Dumas 61, Drew Central 51
DUMAS — The Lady Bobcats won the Dumas Holiday Classic behind Shabr’an Richardson’s 22-point effort. Dumas also got 12 points from Mona’ Mitchell, 10 from A’Diamond Johnson and nine from Whitney Henderson.
Drew Central was led by Aaliyah Block’s 17 points.
Next for Dumas will be a Dec. 26 game in the Camden Fairview tournament.
Ridgway Christian 46,
Victory Christian 12
At Ridgway, the Lady Eagles (8-1, 3-0 AACS Southeast District) remained unbeaten in league play behind Hailey Wilkins’ 16 points and Dyimond Anderson’s 10 points.
JUNIOR BOYS
Jack Robey 52, Dumas 46
ALTHEIMER — The Colts overcame a sluggish start to get their 10th win of the season, moving to 10-2 in the James Liddell Classic.
John Tate led Jack Robey with 15 points, Ladarius Skelton added nine and Jayshon Williams finished with eight.
Coach Kenneth Conley said his team will have to improve for their game against Marianna today.
Watson Chapel 66, Dollarway 54
ALTHEIMER — The Wildcats outscored the Cardinals 40-19 in the second half for the victory. Watson Chapel improved to 5-6 this season.
Leonard Robinson led Watson Chapel with 27 points, as Kyran Thomas added 19. As a team, the Wildcats converted 31 of 38 free throw attempts.
At 6 tonight, Watson Chapel plays Dumas in continued action of the James Liddell Classic.
JUNIOR GIRLS
Watson Chapel 34, Dollarway 23
ALTHEIMER — The Lady Wildcats beat the Lady Cardinals in the James Liddell Classic. Further information was not available.
Ridgway Christian 27,
Victory Christian 8
At Ridgway, Madison Heflin scored 17 points, and the Lady Eagles held Victory Christian scoreless in the second half.
Ridgway improved to 2-1 and 2-0 in the Southeast District.