A week after losing on a shot at the buzzer, the Northside Grizzlies got revenge on Friday.

The Grizzlies surged in front in the closing minutes of their 6A-Central opener on the road at Bryant and pulled out a 47-42 win, avenging a loss to the Hornets in the semifinals of the Coca-Cola Classic last week in Fort Smith on a buzzer-beating 3-point shot.

Northside junior center Jaylin Williams led the way with 13 points and 11 rebounds, as well as blocking five shots.

Senior guard Javion Releford also scored all 12 of his points in the second half.

The Grizzlies (10-5, 1-0) scored the game’s first 11 points, but the Hornets rallied to take a 21-19 lead at halftime. Northside then ended the third quarter on an 11-2 run to grab a 36-27 lead, but Bryant surged back in front in the fourth quarter.

However, the Grizzlies ran off six straight points inside the game’s last four minutes, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Noah Gordon, and never trailed.

Northside out-rebounded the Hornets, 38-27, and limited Bryant to 14-of-48 field goal shooting.

Northside 55, Bryant 47

GIRLS — The Lady Bears remained undefeated as they won their 6A-Central opener Friday at Bryant.


Northside (13-0, 1-0) built a 33-23 lead at halftime and then extended it to 17 points, 41-24, during the third quarter. But the Lady Hornets closed to within two points, 44-42, with 2:28 left.

However, sophomore point guard Jersey Wolfenbarger helped seal the win by making all six of her free-throw attempts in the final minute of play. Northside also converted 9-of-10 foul shots in the fourth quarter.

Wolfenbarger led the Lady Bears with 21 points and also hit three first-half 3's. Tracey Bershers added 14 points, including hitting four 3's. Although she was held to five points, Sara Bershers was able to grab 10 rebounds and register five assists.

Sara Bershers also hit a shot to start a 14-0 second-quarter run after the Lady Bears trailed 20-17.

Northside resumes conference play Tuesday on the road at Little Rock Central.


