SHERIDAN, Ar. — Marion’s arsenal outgunned a leg-weary Lake Hamilton Saturday in the semifinals of the Class 5A State Basketball Tournament at Yellowjacket Arena, 64-46.
The Patriots advance to play top-ranked Jonesboro or Pine Bluff for the title next week in Hot Springs.
Prior to tipoff Saturday a lot was said about the Wolves’ ability to hang with the taller and faster Marion team after playing five overtimes in Friday’s win over Parkview.
Lake Hamilton (23-7) never led the Patriots, but kept the outcome in doubt until the fourth quarter when Marion pulled away with 15 free throws. Junior Jayden Forrest converted six free throws in the final two minutes, and Marion turned an eight-point cushion into 18.
Marion eyes 5A state championship
Jayden Forrest and Ryan Forrest led the winners with 19 points each.
The Wolves were once again led by senior Demetrius Sharp with 15 points. He scored 35 a day earlier against Parkway. Sophomore Ty Robinson rode the pine nearly half the game in foul trouble, but still scored 13 points. Robinson fouled out with 4:51 left in the game and the Patriots leading by eight.
Marion made 15 of 19 free throws in the final seven minutes, finishing the game 23 of 32. Lake Hamilton shot 14 free throws and made 10.