BAUXITE — The Bryant Blue Hornets seventh grade team of Bethel Middle School swept three[more] games to capture the championship of a tournament at Bauxite on Saturday, defeating the Bryant White team in the finals, 29-13.
To get there, the Hornets opened with a 37-8 win over Anthony School then edged Jessieville, 42-40.
The team improved to 10-3 with the wins.
“I was very proud of these boys,” said Bryant Blue coach Derek McGrew. “They beat a very good Jessieville team in the semi’s and were able to revenge one of our losses this year and beat Bryant (White).
“This team plays with great heart,” he added. “We actually slowed the game down with Bryant and concentrated on our half-court defense. Once we got a lead, we were able to spread Bryant out. We played very disciplined and executed the game plan.”
The Hornets led 10-7 after a quarter and held Bryant White scoreless in the second period upping the advantage to 15-7. By the end of the third quarter, Bryant Blue held a 22-13 lead.
Calvin Allen and Desmond Duckworth each finished with 9 points. Caylin Allen added 7 with Dillon Medlock and Chase Kincaid pitching in with 2 apiece.
In the win over Jessieville, Bryant Blue took a 13-9 lead in the first quarter but the Junior Lions rallied for a 24-16 advantage at the intermission. A Bryant Blue surge had it tied at 31 going into the white-knuckle fourth quarter.
Calvin Allen pumped in 25 points in the game. Caylin Allen added 7 with Medlock and Duckworth scoring 4 each. Hunter Handley and Kincaid each hit a free throw.
Calvin Allen’s 13 points paced the win over Anthony School. Duckworth finished with 6, Caylin Allen 5, Caleb Dorsey 4. Kameron Fox, Derrick Blake, Medlock and Kincaid scored 2 apiece with Kade Endl adding a free throw.
The Hornets built a 13-3 lead in the first quarter and had the game under control 28-6 at the half. It was 35-6 going into the fourth quarter.
