FLIPPIN -- With just enough players to participate in the 2A region 1 district tournament Feb. 14, Fess Thompson, assisted by Dayton Shaw and Katy Sojka and nine players, set out on a long journey east for the first round action against another local rival, the Centerton-based Life Way Christian Lady Warriors. In the end, it was the Lady Warriors that took the win.
The Lady Warriors got on the scoreboard first with a three-pointer from the right wing for the early lead. As Life Way continued its run on the scoreboard throughout most of the first quarter, Decatur finally was able to score at the 1:29 mark on a field goal and free throw by Annabelle Bell.
The Lady Warriors continued to control the contest throughout the second and third quarters and, by the start of the final eight minutes of the contest, led the Lady Bulldogs, 34-13.
The Lady Bulldogs only scored five more points in the fourth quarter and the Life Way Christian Lady Warriors took the first-round win, 46-18, to advance to round two the next afternoon.
The 2021-22 season was a tough one for Thompson. Two games had to be cancelled due to lack of players. Overall, the Lady Bulldogs won five games this season and lost 18. Their conference record was two wins and 11 losses with one loss in tournament action.
What is in store for the Decatur Lady Bulldogs next season when the team moves to the 1A Region 1 District? Lady Bulldog fans will just have to wait until November to find out.
Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS
Lady Bulldog Sherlin Giron (5) maneuvers her way around a Lady Warrior in order to get a clear shot at the basket during the Decatur-Life Way district tournament contest in Flippin Feb. 14. The Lady Bulldogs ended its 2021-22 basketball season with a 46-18 loss to the Centerton based Lady Warriors.
Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS
Kadodoatpi Barry catches up with a loose basketball after a teammate lost it near the basket during the Feb. 14 Decatur-Life Way Christian district tournament contest in Flippin.
Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS
Lady Bulldog Heaven McGarrah makes a run on the basket to shoot a layup during the Decatur-Life Way Christian district tournament game at Bobcat Gym in Flippin Feb. 14. The Lady Warriors took the win 46-18 over the Lady Bulldogs to advance to the next round.