Postseason Basketball: Branson Boys Rally Falls Short, Valley Springs Season Ends

Two area teams fell short in their bids to extend their seasons in postseason basketball action Thursday.

In a game heard on MOARK Sports, the Branson Boys second half rally fell short as the Pirates lost to Springfield Hillcrest 73-62 in the Class 5 District at Marshfield. The Pirates rallied several times in the second half to close the gap but the Hornets forced some turnovers in the fourth quarter allowing them to hold on for the win. The Pirates end their season at 12-15, doubling the number of wins in Coach Pete McBride's second season leading the program.

Tonight on MOARK Sports, the Branson Girls play in Class 5 District Semi-finals at Marshfield against West Plains at 7:30. 

Meanwhile, in the Arkansas State Tournament, the Valley Springs Girls lost a close match-up with Lamar, losing 45-42 to Lamar in the 3A State Tournament at Elkins. 

Two other area teams did win their State Tournament openers on Thursday in the 2A competition in Mansfield. The Marshall Boys held off Riverside 58-56 while the Girls won defeating Buffalo Island Central 84-71.

The two teams and earlier winners will play in the quarterfinals today. Schedule is below:
2A at Mansfield
Cotter vs. Mt. Vernon-Enola Girls 1:00
Marshall vs. Mansfield Girls 4:00
Marshall vs. Lavaca Boys 5:30

3A at Elkins
Bergman vs. Mountain View Girls 1:00
Bergman vs. Osceola Boys 2:30

While the area teams are eliminated, action does continue in the 1A State Tournament at North Arkansas College today with quarterfinal round games. Schedule is below:

Wonderview vs. Concord Girls 1:00
Claredon vs. New School Boys 2:30
Norfork vs. Emerson 4:00
Marked Tree vs. Bradley Boys 5:30
Marked Tree vs. Augusta Girls 7:00
Rural Special vs. Brinkley Boys 8:30