Postseason Basketball Friday: Branson Advances to Girls District Finals, Bergman Girls/Boys, Marshall Boys Advance in State

For the first time in seven years, Branson will play for a District Championship while three area schools move on to the Arkansas State Semifinals.

In the Class 5 District Tournament at Marshfield, the Branson Lady Pirates avenge an earlier loss to West Plains with a 61-52 win in the tournament semifinals Friday. Branson, who lost by eight to West Plains in the Pink and White Tournament Consolation in December, trailed only once in the game but never got the lead higher than 12 as the Lady Zizzers kept rallying. Maci Rogers connected on six three-point shots to lead the Lady Pirates in scoring and overcome a 31-point effort from Olivia Lawson of West Plains. Branson will play host Marshfield in the Championship Game Monday at 6:00. The Lady Blue Jays rolled to a 58-29 win over Carl Junction in the other semi-final.

In the Arkansas State Basketball Tournaments, both Bergman teams advance to the 3A Semi-finals at Elkins after wins on Friday. The Panthers held off Osceola 55-50 while the Lady Panthers won over Mountain View 64-54. The semi-final opponents Saturday will be Mayflower in the Girls Game at 12:00 and Lamar in the Boys Game at 1:30.

In the 2A Tournament at Mansfield, the Marshall Boys advance with a 84-55 win over Lavaca while the Marshall Girls lost to the host school 67-26. Cotrer was also beaten in the 2A Tournament, losing to Mount Vernon Enola 64-20.