5A State Girls Title: Greenwood 52, Pargould 37

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(Photo by Justin Manning) Greenwood girls players celebrate after winning the 5A state title Thursday night.

By Rod Gardner

     HOT SPRINGS - Greenwood claimed the Class 5A girls' state championship Thursday night with a 52-37 thrashing of Paragould at Summit Arena.

     The Lady Bulldogs, who finished the season with a 27-4 record, cruised to a 17-5 lead through the first quarter. Greenwood then outscored Paragould 16-10 in the second quarter and 13-9 in the third for a 46-24 cushion going into the final eight minutes of play.

     The Lady Bulldogs led by 25 points with 7:22 remaining, and although the Lady Rams responded with a 13-6 fourth-quarter run, held on for the 15-point victory.

     Greenwood's balanced scoring attack was led by the 16 points of freshman Megan Hartness. Sophomore Lundon Williams added 10 points, senior Endsley Evans nine, and senior Haley Donald eight for the Lady Bulldogs.

     Sophomore Sydney Layrock's 16 points led the way for Paragould, which finished the season at 26-5. Junior Savannah added nine points for the Lady Rams.