Basketball Archives - Page 13 of 26

Heber Springs couldn’t overcome Central Arkansas Christian’s 8-0 scoring run at the start of the fourth quarter as the Panthers lost their basketball season opener 52-46 to the Mustangs at the Panther Den Thursday.

CAC held a 38-37 lead going into the fourth quarter. Andrew Haughaboo started CAC’s scoring run by making back-to-back 3-pointers. Karsen Richard connected on a jumper, increasing the lead to 46-37 with five minutes to go.

J.T. Spear, who transferred from CAC to Heber Springs this year, pulled the Panthers within 46-40 by making a 3-pointer. The Panthers never pulled closer.

“We were winded at the beginning of the fourth quarter and let No. 3 (Andrew Haughaboo) get loose for 3-point shots,” Heber Springs coach Dusty West said. “The 3-pointers separated us. We kept battling and adjusting to CAC’s defense, and they were resilient and played with a lot of pride.”

Bauer Pruitt, Logan Monahan and Ryan Crocker each scored 11 points for the Panthers. Haughaboo (19 points) and Richard (16 points) scored 35 of CAC’s 52 points.

“Three guys scored in double figures and for the first game, that was encouraging,” West said. “We had great effort and kept competing. I told the players if we kept doing that, we would have a chance to win in the fourth quarter.”

Monahan and Crocker are the only two Panthers who played last year. West said those players’ experience benefitted the team.

“A senior point guard (Monahan) is important,” West said. “Logan can take control and doesn’t let the pressure get to him. We have a lot of positives. We started three sophomores (Pruitt, Spear and Bent McClain), and they played well.”

Heber Springs trailed 10-8 midway through the first quarter. CAC went on an 8-0 lead before Monahan made a 3-pointer as the Panthers trailed 18-11 going into the second quarter.

The Mustangs maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. Heber Springs trailed 24-18, but made a move late in the first half. Crocker started the scoring run with a 3-pointer and McClain had a field reducing CAC’s lead to 24-23.

The Mustangs increased the lead to 28-23, but Spear pulled the Panthers within two points on a 3-pointer by halftime, 28-26.

Heber Springs took the early in the third quarter, 32-31, on 3-pointers by McClain and Crocker. CAC regained the lead until Pruitt’s 3-pointer gave the Panthers a 37-36 advantage late in the third quarter. Haughaboo made 2-of-2 free throws as CAC led 38-37 going into the fourth quarter.

West also liked the crowd support for the first home game.

“We had a great student section and a loud crowd,” he said. “The team gained confidence. We had a lot of new faces, and we will get a few more players from football. We are excited to get those guys because they will make us better. But we need to get to the free-throw line more. We only shot seven free throws. This team has a lot of potential.”

Heber Springs will host Batesville in a nonconference game Tuesday.

CAC 18 10 10 14–52
Heber Springs 11 15 11 9–46
CAC scorers — Andrew Haughaboo 19, Karsen Richard 16, Levi Smith 9, Jeff Gilbrech 4, Jack Devitt 3, Eli Echols 1.
Heber Springs scorers — Bauer Pruitt 11, Logan Monahan 11, Ryan Crocker 11, J.T. Spear 8, Bent McClain 4, Harley Bresnahan 1.

CAC hands Heber Springs first loss

By LARRY “SCOOP” McCARTY

After starting the season with two wins, the Heber Springs Lady Panthers ran into a buzzsaw at the Panther Den Thursday.

Central Arkansas Christian built a 28-9 first-quarter lead and defeated the Lady Panthers 62-32 in a nonconference basketball game.

“CAC has more playing experience, shot well and ran its offense well,” Heber Springs coach Jamey Riddle said. “I knew it would be a high-caliber game. We needed to attack them quicker early in the game, but we didn’t have success.”

Heber Springs (2-1) trailed 52-18 at halftime. The Arkansas Activities Association sportsmanlike rule was in effect during the final two quarters.

“When you trail by that much at halftime, all you can tell them is go out and play hard, do a better job of running our offense and pick it up on defense,” Riddle said. “I also told them go out there and play for pride. This was a game that the team will learn to grow.”

Ellie Riddle scored 12 points for Heber Springs.

The Lady Panthers will host Batesville in a nonconference game Tuesday.

CAC 28 24 5 5–62
Heber Springs 9 9 7 7–32
CAC scorers — Bethany Dillard 24, Riley Bryant 15, Ava Knoedl 7, Payton Gaston 5, Reese Shephard 3, Livian Burton 2, Katie Odom 2, Carleigh Petlak 2, Avery Lillard 2.
Heber Springs scorers — Ellie Riddle 12, Jaylee Hooten 8, Sophie Stone 6, Hailey Bresnahan 3, Madison Clemons 3

Lady Panthers open season with win over Bald Knob

By LARRY “SCOOP” McCARTY

Heber Springs needed almost eight minutes to shake off its inexperience against Bald Knob in the basketball season opener.

The Lady Panthers took the lead for good at 12-11 less than two minutes left in the first quarter and pulled away to 58-36 win in a girls’ high school nonconference basketball game at the Panther Den on Monday.

Heber Springs led 17-11 after the opening quarter and then outscored Bald Knob 41-25.

Sophomores Madison Clemons and Jaylee Hooten led the Lady Panthers with 18 and 16 points, respectively. Senior Ellie Riddle, the only returning player with high school game experience, contributed 13 points.

“The slow start could be attributed to first-game jitters,” Heber Springs coach Jamey Riddle said. “We were unsure how we played at times during the first quarter and our inexperience showed. We fouled too much. For the most part, when things didn’t start out smooth and you still win, you have to be happy with that.”

Riddle said he was pleased with three players scoring in double figurers, but the team will need production from other players off the bench to be successful this season.

“Ellie will play a different role than the past two seasons,” Riddle said. “Madison can score, but we will need to get her the ball in the right spots. We need other players, like Oliva Norton, Brandi Meredith and Kylie Carr, to come off the bench and make contributions.”

Bald Knob led 11-4 midway through the first quarter before the Lady Panthers made their move. Hailey Bresnahan connected on a 3-pointer and Hooten scored as Heber Springs pulled to within two points.

Clemons hit a 3-pointer for a 12-11 lead as the Lady Panthers never trailed again. Clemons connected on a 3-pointer and Riddle scored for a 17-11 lead going into the second quarter.

The Lady Panthers outscored Bald Knob 7-6 during the second quarter for a 24-17 halftime lead.

Heber Springs gained its first double-digit lead at 30-20 midway through the third quarter. The Lady Bulldogs didn’t go away and pulled to within six points. The Lady Panthers finished by scoring six unanswered points and took a 40-28 into the fourth quarter.

It will be a busy week as the Lady Panthers were scheduled to play at Newport Tuesday and will host Central Arkansas Christian on Thursday.

“We need to get into game shape and the best way is to play games,” Riddle said. “I’m glad we are playing three games this week. You can work on conditioning in practice, but it’s hard to simulate it in a game. The best way to improve conditioning is playing games. We will get there. I’m just exciting that the team is playing.”

Bald Knob 11 6 11 8–36
Heber Springs 17 7 16 18–58
Bald Knob scorers — Molli Pierce 15, Regianna Ward 14, Reese Brimer 3, Gunn 2, Karlie Cochran 2.
Heber Springs scorers — Madison Clemons 18, Jaylee Hooten 16, Ellie Riddle 13, Hailey Bresnahan 5, Oliva Norton 4, Hope Turney 2.

AAA releases COVID-19 basketball guidelines

2020-21 Arkansas Activities Association COVID-19 Basketball Guidelines

In accordance with the Directives Regarding Large Outdoor Venues/Large Indoor Venue Plans for School Sponsored Team Sports, all athletic events must follow the requirements linked below.

DIRECTIVES FOR LARGE OUTDOOR/INDOOR VENUE PLANS

Facility Modifications

Family groups must be spaced 6 feet apart.

Have a separate entrance and exit point for facilities to avoid congestion and aid in social distancing.

Create and display COVID-19 information signage throughout the venue.

Use tape, paint, and signage within the bleachers and around the facility to mark areas where spectators may gather to maintain social distancing. Specify where spectators and participants may sit.

Everyone inside the facility is required to wear a mask at all times, except players that are actively participating.

Appropriate social distancing must be maintained on sidelines and benches during contests and events. Bench personnel must sit with a minimum distance of 6 feet apart and must be separated from the audience by a minimum of 12 feet.

Appropriate locker room space should be provided to officials for social distancing (i.e. larger room or separate rooms). The space(s) must be sanitized prior to arrival.

Each player should use their own towel and water bottle to avoid sharing.

Concession Stands may operate but must follow all applicable sections of the Directive for Resuming Restaurant Dine-In Operations.

Modifications to Regular Season

BENEFIT GAMES – will only be allowed between two teams.
NO MULTI SCHOOL EVENTS IN OR OUT OF STATE – such as tournaments, classics, showcases, etc. This does not preclude two schools junior and senior high teams participating at a venue.
NUMBER OF COMPETITIVE EVENTS:
- Non Football schools are allowed:
  - 34 high school varsity games
  - 28 junior high school varsity games
- Football schools are allowed
  - 26 high school varsity games
  - 24 junior high school varsity games
Junior varsity limitations remain the same as listed in the 2020-2021 AAA Handbook for high school and junior high school (except no tournament)
Save the last week before the regional tournament for 1A-4A schools and the last week before the state tournament for 5A-6A schools for a conference tournament if needed.

Return to Competition

Basketball Rules Considerations

Pregame Protocol (2019-2021 NFHS Officials Manual, page 16, 1.8
- Limit attendees to the referee and the head coach from each team with each coach standing on the center circle on each side of the division line.

All individuals maintain a social distance of 6 feet or greater at the center circle.
Suspend handshakes prior to and following the Pregame Conference.
Team Benches (1-13-1) Includes: Coaches, players, and managers
- Social distancing should be practiced when possible. Below are some suggestions.
  - Limit the number of bench personnel to observe social distancing of 6 feet or greater.
  - Consider limiting game rosters to 15 students.
  - Additional chairs or rows may be added to allow bench personnel to observe social distancing of 6 feet or greater.
  - Create separation by a minimum of 12 feet between the team bench and spectator seating behind the bench.
  - Limit contact between players when substituting.
  - Personnel not in the game shall wear face coverings.
Officials Table (2-1-3)
- The host should sanitize the table before the game and at half time.
- Place officials table sufficiently away from the sideline to allow for additional space for substitutes.
- Limit seats at the table to essential personnel which includes home team scorer and timer with a recommended distance of 6 feet or greater between individuals. Other personnel (visiting scorer, statisticians, media, etc.) may not be deemed essential personnel and consider an alternate location for them.
- Table personnel shall wear face covering.

Pre- and Post-Game Ceremony

Suspend the pregame introduction handshakes.
Suspend post game protocol of shaking hands.

Basketball Rules Interpretations

Equipment and Accessories
- Sanitizer should be provided by the host team at the table.
- Cloth face coverings are permissible for players.

Officials Uniform and Equipment
- Long-sleeved shirts are permissible.
- Officials should not be required to wear jackets during pregame court/player observation.
- Electronic whistles are permissible (supplies are limited).
  - Choose a whistle whose tone will carry inside.
  - Check the market for choices
- Cloth face coverings are permissible.
- Gloves are permissible.

Other Considerations

Throw-in
Officials may stand 6 feet or greater away from a player making the throw-in and bounce the ball to that player on a front court throw-in.
Free Throw Administration
The lead official shall stand on the end line and bounce the ball to the free thrower.

Time Out

Coaches should limit the number of individuals in huddles during time outs.

Bramlett ready to take over Heber Springs hoops

April 28, 2020

By LARRY “SCOOP” McCARTY

Scott Bramlett remains ready to take the reins of the Heber Springs High School boys’ basketball program.

The Corona 19 virus prevents Bramlett from meeting his players in person or conducting workouts, but he’s excited about the opportunity of returning to basketball.

Bramlett, who recently completed his third year with the district, was named head coach at a recent Heber Springs school board meeting. He had been an assistant football coach and the head baseball coach. Before coming to Heber Springs, Bramlett coached basketball two years at Augusta.

“I always hope to get back in coaching basketball and baseball,” he said. “I was glad to become head baseball coach last year. I never thought the opportunity to coach basketball would come this soon.”

Bramlett replaces Chad Johnson, who coached the past two seasons when the Panthers were 9-43. Johnson remains a classroom teacher at the high school.

“When they offered the job to me, I took a weekend to think about,” Bramlett said. “I didn’t want to jump right into the job. “I didn’t take the job lightly. I wrote down the pros and cons before making my decision.”

Bramlett will assist Dusty West with the junior high school boys’ basketball program and coached the seventh grade team. West will be Bramlett’s assistant for the high school team and also remains head softball coach.

“I worked with a lot of good coaches and talked with them before making the decision,” Bramlett said. “I want to become more a part in the community, along with the program. I want the players to become not just good basketball players, but learn how to become good men.”

Bramlett said it will be a clean slate for all players. He plans to take a similar apporach to the basketball program as he did with the baseball. The Panthers were 2-1 under Bramlett before the season was cancelled by Covid 19.

“I don’t know of any specific changes for next year, but every change will be to help the program become more successful,” he said. “I know some kids are walking the halls at the school who need to play basketball. “They make not have played basketball in the past, but I want to give them an opportunity to play.”

Bramlett is looking forward to coaching the players in person.

“I talked with some of the returning players on the phone and got a good response,” he said. “I coached a lot of those players in other sports and we know each other. They know they my passion for athletics and that I want the best for them.”

Bramlett said he will decide once the players get on the court of what style of player is best for the players.

“I want to put the players in the best position to win,” he said. “I prefer playing man-to-man defense, but we will play some zone. I like playing with patience on offense, but the players will dictate that.”

Bramlett said he hopes to increase the number of players on the roster and put a competitive team on the court.

“We will work as hard as any team,” he said. “The players will become more involve with the community and create an atmosphere that people want to be a part of. I believe we can cause the same excitement like the fans do for football.”

Bramlett said he also agrees with other coaches that athletes should participate in more than one sport.

“All of the coaches are in agreement with that,” he said. “We want the best for our athletes and our teams.”

2A State Title Game: Quitman vs. Melbourne

March 12, 2020

2A STATE FINALS COVERAGE SPONSORED BY

GAME STORY: Melbourne wins back-to-back titles

QUITMAN: Shooting woes cost Bulldogs in title game

MELBOURNE: Back-to-Back titles for the Bearkatz

VIDEO CLIPS: Melbourne Quitman

MELBOURNE POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE (By Billy Smallwood)

QUITMAN POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE (By Billy Smallwood)

Shooting woes cost Bulldogs in title game

The **Quitman Lady Bulldogs** pose with the state runner-up trophy on Thursday in Hot Springs. **PHILIP SEATON PHOTO**

March 12, 2020

By LARRY “SCOOP” McCARTY

HOT SPRINGS — One of Quitman’s major strengths — outside shooting — didn’t materialize in the Class 2A girls’ state tournament basketball game at the Bank OZK Arena Thursday.

The Lady Bulldogs made 10-of-43 shots (23.3 percent), 2-of-18 3-pointers (11.1 percent), in the 47-28 loss to Melbourne.

2A STATE FINALS COVERAGE SPONSORED BY

Quitman started the game by hitting 4-of-20 (1-of-9 3-pointers) during the first half. Hooten voiced concerned earlier this week of Melbourne’s height affecting his team’s shooting efficiency.

“We didn’t shoot up to our capability,” he said. “Maybe, it was the bright lights, but Melbourne needs to be credited from sticking with us. We had a lot of shooting difficulty. Melbourne’s size affected us. They always had a hand in our face.”

Quitman’s **Lucy Holland**. **PHILIP SEATON PHOTO**

Senior post Lucy Holland led the Lady Bulldogs with 14 points and all of the team’s points during the first quarter. Holland made 5-of-14 shots (1-of-2 3-pointers) and had seven rebounds.

Players also dealt with the possibility of cancellation of the game because of the COVIDA-19 virus and suspension of spring sports by the Arkansas Activities Association until March 30.

“We found out right before the game that the virus may cancel softball and track and field,” Holland said. “We knew this may be our last chance to play. That helped to motivate us, but we tried not to think about it much. The possibility of not playing again also gave us motivation to play until the final second.”

A majority of the players also play softball and won back-to-back state championships. They also are the nucleus of the track and field team that competes at a high level.

But basketball was the No. 1 concern during the game. Holland did yoeman work on the boards with five of her seven rebounds on the defensive end.

The taller Lady Bearkatz held a 31-28 rebounding advantage against Quitman.

“Even if you are smaller, you can’t be thinking that way,” she said. “You can’t think that way when going up against someone taller. It may be a disadvantage, but it can be an advantage for your teammates. You can pass out to one of the guards on the perimeter.”

The **Quitman seniors**, from left, Haley Trawick, Gracie Smith, Lanny Goff, Autumn Johnson, Erin Stephens, Lucy Holland, Halle Bennett, and Carson Rackley. **PHILIP SEATON PHOTO**

Holland also talked about not changing her shot, even against a taller opponent.

“You can’t alter your shot because you get off rhythm,” he said. “You have to keep doing what you want to do.”

The seniors compiled a 126-18 record, four conference and regional championships and three state final appearances.

“We hope the program’s success continues,” Hooten said. “These girls set the bar very high. We don’t say we are rebuilding, but reloading. We intend to be back here (to state final) next year.”

‘Katz bite ‘Dogs for 2A championship

Melbourne wins back-t0-back titles with win over Quitman

Quitman’s **Autumn Johnson** walks off the floor at the end of the 2A senior girls championship game. **PHILIP SEATON PHOTO**

March 12, 2020

By LARRY “SCOOP” McCARTY

HOT SPRINGS — Melbourne’s height advantage and a tenacious full-court press defense proved too much for the Quitman Lady Bulldogs to overcome at Bank OZK Arena Thursday.

Quitman (30-4) never recovered from the second quarter and lost to defending champion Melbourne 47-28 in the Class 2A state basketball championship game.

2A STATE FINALS COVERAGE SPONSORED BY

“We had an outstanding season,” Quitman coach Tim Hooten said. “We played a team with outstanding height and speed. We still won 30 games and kept the streak of five consecutive conference and regional championships going.”

The Lady Bulldogs stayed close during the first quarter, but Melbourne pulled away by outscoring Quitman 26-9 in the second quarter. Lucy Holland scored all of Quitman’s points during the opening quarter and finished with 14 points.

Quitman’s **Erin Stephens** looks to drive past Melbourne’s **Kylee Humphries**. **PHILIP SEATON PHOTO**

Melbourne (34-2) outscored the Lady Bulldogs 16-14 during the second half.

“We did a good job defending them during the first quarter,” Hooten said. “We took away the things from them we wanted to take way. The full-court press hurt us in the second quarter. We never recovered from the second quarter.”

Melbourne coach Eric Teague said winning back-to-back state championships was not easy.

“We started the season with a different group of players and didn’t know what was going to happen,” he said. “They trusted the coaches and each other.”

Jenna Lawrence led Melbourne with 11 points and blocked seven shots.

“Both teams were nervous at the beginning of the game,” Teague said. “We needed to let game come to us in the first quarter. I told them between quarters they hadn’t played well and they need to pick up their play. Our full-court press and by making 3-pointers helped us to the lead in the second quarter. We did a better job of challenging Quitman.”

Melbourne’s **Josie Roark** goes up for a shot against Quitman’s **Carson Rackle**y. **PHILIP SEATON PHOTO**

Holland became the first player to score as she drove, drew a foul and made the shot with 3:54 left in the first quarter. She sank the free throw to complete the three-point play.

Kenley McCarn and Dani Hardaway answered by making 3-pointers and Melbourne never trailed again. Holland hit 2-of-2 free throws as the Lady Bearkatz led 6-5 going into the second quarter.

McCaron started the second quarter by making a 3-pointer. Holland kept Quitman close by making 2-of-2 free throws, reducing Melbourne’s lead to 10-9. The Lady Bearkatz broke the game open on a 22-5 scoring run and built a 32-14 halftime lead.

Melbourne’s **Kenley McCarn** was named the state finals MVP. **PHILIP SEATON PHOTO**

Melbourne increased its lead to 44-21 by the end of the third quarter.

“We felt a target on our back this year after winning it last season,” Teague said. “Every team gave us everything they had. We kept getting better and I knew it would help us to get back to the state final. That was one of the big differences against Quitman.”

Melbourne lost back-to-back games to Bentonville and Classen SAS from Oklahoma City, the second-ranked team in that state, in late December. Teague said that was a turning point for his team.

“Those experiences taught them to listen and trust more,” Teague said. “We lost to two good teams and learned our weaknesses.”

CLASS 2A SENIOR GIRLS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
QUITMAN VS. MELBOURNE
March 12, 2020
at Bank OZK Arena, Hot Springs
Quitman (30-4)   5  9 7  7 - 28
Melbourne (34-2) 6 26 12 3 - 47
QUITMAN SCORING (28): Lucy Holland 14, Taylor Hooten 6, Halle Bennett 5, Autumn Johnson 3.
MELBOURNE SCORING (47): Jenna Lawrence 11, Kenley McCarn 8, Dani Hardaway 8, Kiley Webb 6, Halle Weaver 6, Josie Roark 5, Kylee Humphries 3.
QUITMAN STATISTICS: Autumn Johnson 2 rebounds; Halle Bennett 4 rebounds, 3 steals; Taylor Hooten 3 rebounds, 1 rebound, 1 steal; Lucy Holland 7 rebounds; 4 rebounds; Carson Rackley 1 assist, 1 blocked shot, 1 steal; Erin Stephens 1 rebound, 1 steal; Gracie Smith 1 rebound; Haley Trawick 2 rebounds.
MELBOURNE STATISTICS: Kiley Webb 3 rebounds, 1 assist; Dani Hardaway 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals; Josie Roark 5 rebounds, 1 assist; Jenna Lawrence 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 7 blocked shots, 1 steal; Kenley McCarn 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals; Halle Weaver 1 rebound, 1 blocked shot.

Back-to-Back titles for Bearkatz

March 12, 2020

By PHILIP SEATON

HOT SPRINGS — Could the Melbourne Bearkatz senior girls basketball team win four state titles in a row?

That question was posed to Melbourne coach Eric Teague shortly after his team won its second consecutive 2A state title on Thursday with a 47-28 victory at Bank of OZK Arena.

2A STATE FINALS COVERAGE SPONSORED BY

Normally that might seem like a far-fetched question, considering that Teague’s team hasn’t “three-peated” yet, but looking at the Bearkatz roster it is not hard to imagine that Melbourne might be able to accomplish that rare feat — the last senior girls team to do that was Fort Smith Northside from 1999-2002.

“It’s possible,” Teague said. “Anything’s possible. Maybe that will help us for next year.”

The Bearkatz coach said his team already has the experience having the “target on our backs.”

“I am sure these kids can tell you … every team we played they gave us everything they had,” Teague said. “I think that’s what put us over the top at the end of the year. We faced so much adversity with teams coming in during the first quarter, the first half giving everything they had. Our kids just kept getting better and they would absorb everything that those other teams brought at them; and I really think that was the difference tonight.”

Melbourne started one senior, two juniors, a sophomore and a freshman.

NICE MOVE: Melbourne’s last state tournament loss came on March 3, 2018 with a 63-40 setback in the 3A state tournament semifinals in Monticello. Since then the Arkansas Activities Association re-adjusted the conferences eliminating the 7A in all sports, except football, and moving some schools down for sports other than football — for example, Melbourne competes in class 3A for football and 2A in other sports.

Since that move the Bearkatz have gone 64-6 with two state titles.

MVP: Melbourne’s Kenley McCarn was named the game’s most valuable player. The sophomore, daughter of Melbourne football coach Kevin McCarn, finished with eight points and a game-high 10 rebounds.

“This year I think we all knew we were going to have to step up more often,” McCarn said in comparing the 2019 title with the won on Thursday. “We did everything as a team. Our points were even across the board and that really helps. “

Teauge played eight off his 15-player roster with seven of those scoring.

Melbourne freshman Jenna Lawrence drives to the basket against Quitman’s Lucy Holland. PHILIP SEATON PHOTO

FRESHMAN: Ninth-grader Jenna Lawrence paced the Melbourne with 11 points. The 6-foot-2 post player also finished with seven blocked shots and tied for the team lead with two assists.

TOUGH DECEMBER: Melbourne only lost two games all season and both of those losses came one-week apart in December.

The first loss came to 6A Bentonville, the top-ranked team in the state, on December 21 with a 55-31 setback in the Malik Monk Nike Holiday Classic in Bentonville. One week later in the semifinals of the Pine and White Classic Tournament in Springfield, Missouri, the second-ranked team in Oklahoma, Classen SAS High School of Oklahoma City, defeated Melbourne, 62-40.

“I learned how tough they were,” Melbourne coach Eric Teague said. “That experience allowed them to open up, listen to me a little more and trust me, because we got wore out a couple of times, to really good teams.

“I did that on purpose. I wanted us to open our eyes and see ‘what are our weaknesses?’ ‘how good are we?’ I really think that helped us to start building the blocks to get here because we understood … we weren’t playing as a team.”

The Bearkatz closed the season by winning their final 24 games.