It's off to state we go
Congratulations to Smackover and Strong's girls for advancing to the 3A and 2A state tournaments. Both teams advanced Thursday with tough regional victories.
That's four years in a row for the Lady Bulldogs while the Lady Bucks are making their first trip to state in a long time.
In my 17 years at the News-Times, this is Smackover's first trip to the big dance.
Smackover travels to Cave City next week while Strong heads to my favorite town of Jessieville.
It's still darn tough to qualify for state in the smaller classifications. I say every year, it's more about guts and heart than talent this time of the year.
When teams go on the road in the regional, they know they're going to have to overcome some odds, fight through some adversity and battle, battle, battle.
That's what Smackover and Strong did. I give a lot of credit for their attitude and toughness to the fact both schools played against teams from larger classifications during the season.
Smackover beat Hope, Magnolia, Hamburg and Arkadelphia this season. Strong got thumped hard by the likes of El Dorado, Ouachita (La.) and Neville and also squared off against Dumas.
I still say playing those kinds of teams instills toughness and fearlessness. After you've played against 4A, 5A and 6A opponents, competing on someone else's home court with your season on the line isn't quite as intimidating.
***
The Ouachita Baptist women’s basketball team snapped a six-game skid Thursday night by downing Christian Brothers, 66-59, in a Gulf South Conference West Division game at Bill Vining Arena.
Maranda Parker had her best game as a collegian, scoring 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting.
Ouachita Baptist improved to 5-19 overall and 2-9 GSC West.
The Lady Tigers travel 6:00 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 23 to Southern Arkansas.
That's four years in a row for the Lady Bulldogs while the Lady Bucks are making their first trip to state in a long time.
In my 17 years at the News-Times, this is Smackover's first trip to the big dance.
Smackover travels to Cave City next week while Strong heads to my favorite town of Jessieville.
It's still darn tough to qualify for state in the smaller classifications. I say every year, it's more about guts and heart than talent this time of the year.
When teams go on the road in the regional, they know they're going to have to overcome some odds, fight through some adversity and battle, battle, battle.
That's what Smackover and Strong did. I give a lot of credit for their attitude and toughness to the fact both schools played against teams from larger classifications during the season.
Smackover beat Hope, Magnolia, Hamburg and Arkadelphia this season. Strong got thumped hard by the likes of El Dorado, Ouachita (La.) and Neville and also squared off against Dumas.
I still say playing those kinds of teams instills toughness and fearlessness. After you've played against 4A, 5A and 6A opponents, competing on someone else's home court with your season on the line isn't quite as intimidating.
***
The Ouachita Baptist women’s basketball team snapped a six-game skid Thursday night by downing Christian Brothers, 66-59, in a Gulf South Conference West Division game at Bill Vining Arena.
Maranda Parker had her best game as a collegian, scoring 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting.
Ouachita Baptist improved to 5-19 overall and 2-9 GSC West.
The Lady Tigers travel 6:00 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 23 to Southern Arkansas.
posted by Tony at
9:56 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home