Lady Lions advance to NEA semifinals

The Lady Lions rolled into the semifinals of the 65th Annual Northeast Arkansas Invitational Tournament with a pair of victories last week. Manila got by Crowley's Ridge Academy 53-47 Wednesday afternoon before knocking off Black Rock 54-43 Saturday afternoon at the Convocation Center in Jonesboro.

Lady Lion Jordan Robertson scores 2 points in Manila's NEA win over CRA. (Town Crier photo/Trent Fletcher)

Kimberly Wise drilled seven three pointers en route to a 29 point performance to lead Manila past the Lady Falcons. Carla Kemp pumped in 17 points. Kristen Painter and Tiffany Penetecost added four and three points respectively.

The Lady Lions connected on 15-21 free throw attempts, including a perfect six for six performance by Wise. Manila drilled nine three pointers on the afternoon.

The Lions held a slim 17-14 lead after the first period and took a 26-23 edge into the dressing room at the half. CRA bounced back to take a 37-35 lead on a three pointer by Lindsey Killough late in the third quarter, before Wise tied the game, 37-37, entering the fourth period.

Carla Kemp started the fourth quarter with back to back buckets to give the Lady Lions the lead for good, 41-37. CRA would get no closer the rest of the way.

Melody Engleman led the Lady Falcons with 22 points while Killough added 13 more.

Kimberly Wise connected on six of six free throws in the final period as the Lady Lions held off Black Rock on Saturday, 54-43. All 14 fourth quarter points came from the foul line for Manila.

Wise led Manila with 19 points while Carla Kemp tallied 15 more. Courtney Craine netted six, Kristen Painter added five while Jordan Robertson, Savannah Jones and Tiffany Pentecost all finished with three points apiece.

Megan Jones led Black Rock with 18 points while Teri Aden added 12 points and 17 rebounds.

Manila held a 15-11 lead after the first period and built their advantage to 32-22 by halftime. The Lady Lions took a 40-31 lead into the final quarter.

Manila, seeded third, improved to 11-4 on the season and will play second seeded Bay in Monday's semifinals.