The Town Crier: High School Sports: Valley View defeats Manila 58-50 to capture Gerald Jennings Invitational Tournament (12/08/09)

Valley View took home both the senior high and junior high championships in Saturday night's finals of the Gerald Jennings Invitational Tournament at Manila.

Kimberly Wise drives through Valley View's defense. Wise led all players with 27 points for the night.

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The Lady Blazers outlasted host Manila 58-50 in the senior girl's championship matchup while the junior Blazers completed the sweep with a 35-30 win over Paragould.

Amy Philamlee and Colby Hundley led Valley View, scoring 19 points apiece, while Manila got a game high 27 points from senior guard Kimberly Wise.

The Lady Blazers (5-2) held a 12-11 edge after the first quarter and stretched their margin to 32-24 at the half. Valley View built their lead to 46-32 after three quarters, and held on in the fourth period to secure the championship.

Lion Tiffany Pentecost makes a three in the final minutes of the championship game.
(Town Crier photos/Revis Blaylock)

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Carla Kemp netted nine points, Kristen Painter scored six points, Katie Donner and Tiffany Pentecost tallied three points apiece while Savannah Jones added two points to round out the Manila scoring attack.

Manila advanced to the semifinals with a 67-57 victory over Riverside Thursday night. Carla Kemp poured in a game high 22 points while Kristen Painter and Kimberly Wise pitched in 16 and 15 points respectively. Meagan Goza led Riverside with 20 points and nine rebounds while Becca Frayer scored 15.

Manila led 18-15 after the first period and 33-28 at the half. The Lady Lions took a 46-43 edge into the final frame.

Manila senior Lady Lions were runner-up in the Gerald Jennings Holiday Tournament hosted by Manila. Pictured are, from left: Back -- Taylor Craig, Jordan Robertson, Savanah Jones, Kimberly Wise, Peyton Joyner, Maegan Presson, Tiffany Pentecost, and Cortney Craine. Front -- Carla Kemp, Katie Donner, Jonna Dodd and Kristen Painter.

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In junior high action, East Poinsett County edged Manila 37-36 behind Alicia Ross' 19 point performance.

The score was tied 4-4 after the first period before Manila took a 13-9 lead into the dressing room at the half. EPC outscored the Lady Lions 16-8 in the third quarter to take a 29-25 lead into the final frame.

Shelby Wallace, Kirsten Adcock and Devon Burrow led Manila with eight points apiece. Taylor Bishop and Taylor Teague scored five points each while Charlie Smith pitched in two points.

Manila will play host to Corning Tuesday night before traveling to Hoxie for another

3A-3 conference tilt Thursday night.

Manila ran its record to a perfect 8-0 with a 98-68 thrashing of the Bearcats Friday night at Brookland.

The Lions, 4-0 in 3A-3 conference play, got a team high 26 points from Kam Ashabranner. Blake Wheeler drilled five three pointers en route to a 23 point performance while Levi Wallace recorded a double-double, scoring 20 points while grabbing 12 rebounds.

In junior high action, Brookland took a 60-49 decision over the Lions.

Manila will return to the hard court this week when they travel to Caraway to participate in the Gerald Jennings Invitational Tournament. The Lions will also play a regular season conference game, hosting Harrisburg on Tuesday night.