PEARCY — Playing for the first time in nearly two weeks, the Bryant Lady Hornets freshman team ran out to a 12-2 lead in the first quarter and rolled to a 42-21 win over the Central Arkansas Academy Lady Mustangs freshmen in the first round of the Kameron Hale Invitational Tournament at Lake Hamilton High School Saturday.
The win moved the Lady Hornets into the semifinals on Monday at 5:30 p.m., against the host team.
“After a long lay off, it was good to come out and have a good first quarter,” said Bryant coach Nathan Castaldi. “We were able to execute offensively and get some easy shots. I think this gave us confidence for the rest of the game.”
By halftime, the advantage was 22-8. It was 33-17 going into the fourth quarter.
Nine different players contributed to the scoring, led by Raven Loveless with 8. Paige Adams and Stephanie Cullen added 6 each. Daniele Singleton, Kelly Williams and Raelae Benton had 5 apiece. Baylee Rowton pitched in with 3 while Jalen Sparks and Maddie Miller scored 2 each.
“Paige Adams (who was voted player of the game) did a good job of getting us in our offense and controlling the tempo of the game,” Castaldi said. “CAC tried to put a little pressure on us when they got behind but Paige handled it very well.”
With a win on Monday, the Lady Hornets would advance to the tourney finals on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. A loss would set them up in the third-place game at 3 p.m.
