Lead Hill steadied itself late, getting key buckets and clutch free throws to secure the narrow win and advance to the championship round.
Dawson Lively powered Lead Hill with a double-double, finishing with 23 points and 10 assists. Hunter Rogers added 16, Coda Lemon scored 15, and Noah Royce had 13.
In the other boys game, Jasper rolled past Yellville-Summit 64-35 to punch its ticket to Saturday’s title game. The Pirates will meet Lead Hill in the championship, with tipoff set for 2:30.
On the girls’ side, Marshall earned a 57-42 win over Norfork to move on. Cotter battled in a tight contest but ultimately came up short against Jasper, falling 66-61.
Marshall and Jasper will square off for the girls’ championship Saturday at 1.
Outside the Arvest Bank tournament,
Maynard earned a road victory with a 60-50 win over Mammoth Spring, and Calico Rock notched a 50-40 decision over Concord.
Harrison dropped a home matchup to Bentonville, falling 73-55. Rural Special continued its strong start with a 77-39 win over Nemo Vista, and Berryville stayed unbeaten after posting a 67-54 victory at Valley Springs.
In senior girls action,
Norfork fell on the road to Marshall, 57-42, while Harrison suffered its first loss of the season in a 54-42 setback to Clinton. Rural Special rolled past Nemo Vista 50-27 to improve to 7-4.
Mammoth Spring held off Maynard for a 56-53 win, and Calico Rock moved to 4-4 with a 52-43 victory over Concord. Salem earned a strong home win, defeating Highland 58-46.
Kingston edged Lead Hill 47-45 in a tight contest, and Berryville topped Valley Springs 46-42. Riverside defeated Bay 61-30, and Buffalo Island Central cruised past Marmaduke 70-45.
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