HARRISON TOPS EAST NEWTON 54-28

Third-seeded Harrison shook off a sluggish start to paddle East Newton 54-28 to wrap up the first round in the annual Lady Eagle Classic on Thursday night in Kaminsky Gymnasium. The Goblins led 13-6 after one quarter and 29-10 at intermission. Harrison, Class 5A in Arkansas, improved to 6-0 and dropped the MSHSAA Class 3 Patriots to 2-4. Said East Newton coach Erin Rice: “We didn’t play well at all. We were making mistakes left and right. I was very disappointed.” East Newton committed more turnovers than Harrison, 9-6, in the sloppily-played first quarter. Said Harrison coach Doug Young: “I’m pleased with the win. But we didn’t play particularly well. I was disappointed in our defense and unnecessary fouls. Early, we didn’t shoot well.” Brylie Parker, a 5-foot-8 sophomore, sparked the Harrison offense with 16 points. Three more Goblins tallied eight — 5-7 senior Alicia Auman, 5-7 senior McKenzie Glenn and 5-9 junior Peri Knight. “Parker (who sank two treys) lives in the gym,” Young said. “She works at her game.” Koty Cooper, a 6-0 senior, scored 12 for the Patriots with 10 coming in the second half. She was hit with two early fouls and missed nearly all of the first half. Glenn’s three baskets and Auman’s pair sparked the Goblins to their lead after one quarter. The sharp-shooting Parker came alive in the second with three baskets. It was tied at 6 before Harrison began pulling away. Young said the Goblins return “31/2” starters from a 19-9 edition that lost to Pulaski Academy in the first round of the state tournament. Harrison, in winning the Willard Tri-State last week, defeated Fort Scott, Bentonville West and Willard. The Goblins also have defeated Pea Ridge and Springfield Hillcrest.

HARRISON TOPS EAST NEWTON 54-28

ANVIL WELCH

Joplin Globe | 12/9/2016

PHOTO CREDIT: Harrison Athletics