Lions reach NEA semifinals

Manila stormed into the Northeast Arkansas Invitational Tournament semifinals with a pair of resounding victories last week. The Lions blasted Maynard 88-44 Wednesday afternoon before knocking off a stubborn Ridgefield Christian team 71-55 Saturday afternoon.

Manila's Blake Wheeler guns a 3-pointer in NEA victory over Ridgefield. (Town Crier photo/Trent Fletcher)

The Lions put four players in double figures in its victory over Maynard. Blake Wheeler led the way with 18 points, Levi Wallace scored 16 while J.J. Helton and Kam Ashabranner added 13 and 12 respectively. Dillon Burrow just missed double digits, scoring nine points. Taylor Morgan netted seven, Blake Carr tallied six, Tracey Wade Reinhart contributed five while Garrett Scott chipped in two points.

The Lions shrugged off a sluggish start to upend Ridgefield Christian. Manila held a slim 15-13 lead after the first quarter and led only 29-26 at the half.

Manila stretched its advantage to 49-42 after three quarters and put the game away in the final period, outscoring the Warriors 22-13.

Blake Wheeler pumped in 19 points to lead Manila while Kam Ashabranner and J.J. Helton pitched in 16 and 15 respectively. Levi Wallace tallied nine, Garrett Scott and Blake Carr scored five points apiece while Taylor Morgan added two.

Matt Pierce scored 16 to lead the Warriors while Adam Thrasher netted 15 and Reese Thrasher tallied 11 points.

Manila (14-1) will face third seeded Bay Monday afternoon at 4:30 in semifinal action.