By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Sparta, Mo. — Taylor Arnold’s scoring ability is no secret.
That said, the Blue Eye senior showcased something even more valuable during the Lady Bulldogs’ 44-38 victory over Bradleyville in Saturday’s Sparta Tournament championship.
Leadership.
The Evangel commit poured in a game-high 23 points on the evening and helped her team turn back a chaotic, fourth-quarter rally from Bradleyville.
While injuries have plagued the Lady Bulldogs’ upperclassmen, Arnold has been forced into more of an on-court mentoring role this season.
Senior Ayshia Bettlach and junior Maddie Box both recently returned to the lineup, while junior Kohnnar Patton remains inactive.
“It’s been tough with three people injured,” Arnold said. “We had to figure out different roles, but I think the girls adjusted really well, and we just tried to stay calm and take care of the basketball.”
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE GAME
Blue Eye raced out to an early 14-point lead in the first half thanks to its smothering, full-court pressure; however, the Lady Bulldog offense sputtered in the second.
Bradleyville took full advantage.
Sophomore Tay Sims connected on a pair of free throws with just over two minutes remaining to complete an 8-0 run for the Lady Eagles and, more importantly, cut the deficit to a single point.
Blue Eye head coach Ken Elfrink opted to let his team play on.
“I probably should have called a time out there,” Elfrink said, “But it’s a situation — this time of year — where they need to figure it out and try to work through it.”
The Lady Bulldogs responded.
Following a free throw from Bettlach, Arnold converted a pair of her own with just 23 seconds remaining to put Blue Eye back up by four at 42-38, the game’s final score.
“At the end of the game, it’s about who’s got more points than the other team,” Elfrink said. “We countered and held them off.”
Arnold finished with a game-high 23 points to lead the Lady Bulldogs.
Despite the loss, Bradleyville head coach Autumn Thomas was pleased with her team’s effort and composure, particularly in the second half.
Dealing with Blue Eye’s press was a primary concern, according to Thomas.
“Watching Blue Eye last night, we knew they have a really aggressive press,” Thomas said. “We knew that we had to get the ball to half court in order to set up our offense.”
Like Blue Eye, Bradleyville has been dealing with its own share of injuries lately, including one to starting guard Maddie Shipley.
“I’m just really proud of the girls,” Thomas said. “We have 11 players, total, and four are hurt right now. Maddie Shipley hurt her arm last night, and she was out tonight. That made another girl come in and have to start that’s not used to that role. For what we did and what we had, we did a good job.”
Gracie Shipley led Bradleyville in scoring with 14 points. She was joined in double figures by Sims with 10.
Five players from the title game were named to the all-tournament team.
Blue Eye selections included Taylor Arnold, Kenedi Larson and Avery Arnold, while Bradleyville’s honorees were Gracie Shipley and Emily Williams.
Sparta Tournament Championship: Blue Eye – 42, Bradleyville – 38
Bradleyville 11 06 11 10 — 38
Blue Eye 20 09 08 05 — 42
Bradleyville scoring: Gracie Shipley – 14, Tay Sims – 10, Emily Williams – 9, Taylor McHaffie – 4, Anna Turner – 1
Blue Eye scoring: Taylor Arnold – 23, Avery Arnold – 5, Kenedi Larson – 5, Riley Arnold – 3, Ayshia Bettlach – 3, Maddie Box – 3
