Host team Watson Chapel survived a closely contested battle with Sheridan to pick up a 30-28 victory Thursday in the girls semifinals of the River City Conference basketball tournament.
Sheridan, the No. 1-seeded team, tried a half-court shot at the buzzer, but it fell just a foot shy. The victory gives fifth-seeded the Lady Wildcats a spot in Saturday’s championship game against Pulaski Academy.
Ladesha Scott was the only player in double figures for Watson Chapel with 10 points. Sheridan’s Ashton Hill led all scorers with 14.
The Lady Wildcats led 7-6 after one period, were tied with the Lady Stingers at 12 at halftime and re-took a 23-19 lead through three.
Watson Chapel and PA will tip off at 11 a.m. Saturday.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Pulaski Academy 45, Maumelle 42
Also Thursday, Kamry Orr’s game-high 22 points were not enough for the Lady Hornets to get by the Lady Bruins.
Joy Porter scored 15 points and Katherine Wellons had 10 for third-seeded PA.
BOYS
Maumelle 53, Watson Chapel 28
All but two Hornets scored in a blowout victory over the host Wildcats. The victory places the No. 1 seed in Saturday’s final against No. 2 Sylvan Hills.
Aaron Fagen led Maumelle with 10 points. For Watson Chapel, Kyran Thomas, Keilon Savage and Leonard Robinson each had six points.
Sylvan Hills 49, Jacksonville 39
Free throws in the final moments helped separate the Bears from the Red Devils in the other boys semifinal.
Andrew Smith had a game-high 12 points and Devin Campbell netted 11 for Sylvan Hills. Maurice Young and Kerry Knight each scored nine for Jacksonville.
The boys final will follow the girls championship.