MORRILTON — The Armorel Tigers (20-16) came away from Thursday with more than just a 62-52 victory over the Deer Antlers; they survived the first round of the 1A State Tournament for the first time since the early 2000's.
The Tigers led the Antlers, 25-24, heading into the half, after trailing 13-7 after the first quarter.
AHS outscored the Antlers 38-29 in the second half.
"We are certainly happy with the win. We watched the tape on [the Deer Antlers] and knew they shot the three a lot. I think we had to come out and contest them. The kids did a good job of adjusting, to make them take low percentage shots and blocked out pretty good. Was able to beat them in transition a little bit. We didn't battle on the boards early on and we picked up the intensity on that a little bit later on," said Tigers head coach Gary Burnside. "We were able to score a little bit, and I think as time went on, I think their legs got a little weary and our defense began to bother them just a little bit. They were a good bunch. They were 33-4, we knew we had to get out and pressure them a little bit and take away what they wanted to do, and the kids did a good job of that."
Tiger senior Monroe Carr had a big game on and off the court as he turned 18 and finished the night with a double-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.
The Tigers were led by senior Brock Elliott with a game-high 18 points, four rebounds and three assists. Classmate Weston Hollingsead chipped in 14 points, including four three-pointers in the second quarter, four rebounds and two assists. Senior Matt Wyatt added 10 points and five assists.
"I am definitely happy for the seniors. Monroe [Carr] played well. Brock Elliott really played well. Of course, Brock has done a great job for us defensively all year long, but he put up 18 points for us and I believe he was eight-for-eight in the fourth quarter from the free-throw line and so he did an excellent job," Burnside said. "Weston [Hollingsead] shot the ball extremely well. He hit four threes in the second quarter. Shot the ball really well... I am extremely proud of all the seniors."
The Tigers face the Guy-Perkins Thunderbirds (33-8) Friday at 8:30 for a trip to the 1A State Final Four.
The Thunderbirds defeated the Dermott Rams 88-77 Wednesday.