News-Times Staff
BEARDEN - For the 14th time in 16 years, Parkers Chapel is headed to the regional tournament.
Bailey Norwood led three players in double figures with 19 points, as Parkers Chapel downed Bearden 45-35 in the quarterfinals of the 7-2A East District Tournament on Thursday night.
The Lady Trojans (21-7), who are the South's No. 2 seed, will take on Harmony Grove, the North's No. 1 seed tonight at 7 p.m. in the semifinals.
"I thought we struggled with the week off," said Parkers Chapel coach Mark Young. "They moved up some ninth-graders to give them some depth. It took us awhile to get it figured out, but we did."
Leading 24-19 at intermission, the Lady Trojans saw their lead cut to 30-27 after three periods.
However, the Lady Trojans were able to pull away thanks to their aggressiveness.
Overall, the Lady Trojans went to the free-throw line 39 times, making 20 to help seal the win and extend their season.
"We stepped up in the fourth quarter and got to the line," Young said.
Although Parkers Chapel shot just over 50 percent from the charity stripe, Young thought the layoff aided in their poor shooting.
"I think it goes back to having the week off, but we were able to get into their depth," Young said.
Terri Malone had 14 points and Allison Young chipped in with 10 points for the Lady Trojans.
SECOND-HALF COMEBACK PROPELS BULLDOGS
HAMPTON - Thanks to a terrific second half, Strong extended its season.
Jadarrius Dixon had 21 points and Desmond Newton added 16 points, as Strong rallied past Hermitage 61-52 in the quarterfinals of the 8-1A East District Tournament on Thursday.
The Bulldogs (8-16), who are the No. 3 seed, will take on second-seeded Hampton at 5:20 p.m. today in the semifinals.
The Bulldogs trailed 32-27 at intermission before coming back to tie the game at 44-all after three periods.
"We had a great second half on both ends of the floor," said Strong coach Greg Anthony. "We played a triangle-and-two on their two best scorers. We held one of them scoreless after he had hit 29 on us in the last game."
Anthony credited his team for persevering.
"Overall, a great team effort," Anthony said. "We have been through a lot this year. I'm really proud of the guys for sticking together and making it to the regionals another year."
DREW CENTRAL 58,
JUNCTION CITY 57
FORDYCE - Garry Lucas sank a free throw with 0. 2 seconds left in regulation, as the Pirates upended the Dragons in the semifinals of the 8-3A District Tournament.
It was the second straight hotly-contested win for the Pirates over the Dragons in less than a week.
The Pirates knocked off the Dragons 58-54 to end the regular season last week in Monticello.
The Dragons got out of the gates quickly, taking a 17-11 lead after one period of play.
However, the Pirates sliced the Dragons' lead to 27-25 at intermission.
Junction City led 41-39 after three periods before Lucas' free throw won the game.
The Dragons (18-8), who will be the conference's No. 3 seed for next week's regional tournament, were led by Keelen Ford's 11 points.
Hishmma Taylor was also in double figures with 10 points for Junction City.
Terrell Gibson and Jalen Davis had nine points apiece.