Manila clinched the outright 3A-3 conference championship with a 56-38 victory over Walnut Ridge Tuesday night at Lion Gymnasium.
The Lions got off to a sluggish start, falling behind 14-11 after the
first quarter. Manila rallied in the second period, outscoring the
Bobcats 17-6 to take a 28-20 halftime lead.
The Lions increased their advantage to 41-27 entering the final frame.
Brock Birmingham and Daley Belew scored 14 points apiece to lead Manila.
Ty Wagner also hit double digits with 10 points. Brian Gonzalez contributed eight, Trenton Thomas had four while Anthony Lopez chipped in three points. The Lions, who improved to 20-4 overall and 14-1 in conference play, made eight of nine free throws and knocked down four three pointers.
Kai Cunningham poured in a game high 21 points, all on three pointers, to pace Walnut Ridge. The Bobcats finished with 10 treys, seven by Cunningham, and hit two of five charity tosses.
In the junior high contest, Manila downed Walnut Ridge 48-40.
The Lions (14-4, 11-4 3A-3) put three players in double figures. Jake Baltimore and Drew Dogan scored 12 points each while Brayden Nunnally had 10. Dax Davison netted nine while Tyler Perez pitched in five points.
Mason Andrews and Kel Slusser topped the Bobcats with 14 and 13 points respectively.