Big 4th sends Lady Miners on the road to victory | Sports

With the first three quarters home and away, the last frame proved to be the deciding factor as Bauxite took control and ran away with the win, 60-40.

“We played pretty well for about three quarters,” Harmony Grove head coach Levi Spinks said. “We made enough plays to keep him close enough to feel like we had a chance. It was a six point game for a few possessions to start the fourth and if we could have scored on one of them I felt like we might have been able to put some pressure on them. Then they outplayed us so much in fourth and we were outscored 23-9.

For Bauxite, the victory is already the second of the young season after beating Glen Rose 45-43 on Tuesday.

“I’m happy with the effort,” said second-year Bauxite head coach Greg Chenault. “We are playing hard. Can’t say we’re playing smart, though. This will come as the season progresses.

“Defensively we give up too much without proper rotations. We also have miles to go with the rebound. Offensively, I like our pace, but the decision-making has been erratic at times. Typical freshman game, and I’m confident these girls will continue to improve and remain coachable. We will always achieve victory knowing that we can improve daily.

Bauxite quickly took a narrow lead after one, leading 13-10, before racking up 15 more to lead 28-16 at the break.

Harmony Grove, however, would gain some momentum in the third with 15 of their own, while allowing just nine Bauxite to trail 37-31 going into the fourth.

Needing a defensive spark, the Lady Cardinals would struggle the most in the fourth, giving up 23 in the quarter.

Bauxite was led by Abby Beene with 17, followed by Stephanie Rico with 14 and six steals, and Gracie Hill adding 11 points.

Hill returned to action, alongside Gracie McDade, after missing the first game of the year with ankle pain.

For Harmony Grove, Olivia Wallace performed well, scoring 12 in the loss. Natalie Harder followed with 11.

“Wallace had foul issues throughout and only played maybe half the game,” Spinks said. “Natalie Harder has done really well with Kinley Carter and Eleyna Perez. They’ve done a ton of plays.

The Lady Cardinals will face Abundant Life on Tuesday. Opening tip is set at 5:30 p.m.

For bauxite, the Lady Miners head to Cutter Morning Star on Tuesday with an opening tip also set at 5:30 p.m.