GENTRY — A pair of juniors led Gentry to a big win on Senior Night, giving the Pioneers some much-needed confidence for a post season run.
Junior guard Joe Morris had 13 points in the first half and junior center Kevin Scherer led Gentry with 19 points in a 51-45 win against Berryville.
Despite the loss, Berryville (11-14, 5-9) will be the fifth seed for this week’s 4A-1 District Tournament, which started Tuesday (after press time) at Shiloh Christian.
The Pioneers (11-15, 2-12) are the seventh seed, thanks to their two wins this week.
“They definitely have a different look in their eye,” said Gentry coach Tim Rippy, who took over the boys team on Jan. 22. “When you’re confident and playing hard, good things can happen. Especially when you have a little bit of talent.”
After getting shut out in the first quarter, Scherer scored at least six points in each of the final three quarters.
His put back late in the second quarter capped an 8-0 run for a 27-14 halftime lead. He added a short jumper midway through the third quarter for a 34-22 lead before Berryville went on an 11-2 run - the first nine points from senior K.J. Phillips - to get back in the game.
Berryville tied the game twice in the fourth quarter - the second time at 38 on a Phillips put back - but Scherer had two tough baskets and the Pioneers closed the game hitting 5 of 10 free throws to hold off the Bobcats.
Morris led Gentry early, attacking the basket and getting to the free-throw line. He hit an early 3-pointer and a three-point play late in first quarter but the rest of his points came from the foul line.
“That’s what we need both of those guys to do,” Rippy said. “If we have both of those guys producing, we’re pretty tough to guard.”
Gentry 66, Berryville 47
GIRLS - Junior Terra Jones finished with a game-high 18 points and the Lady Pioneers pulled away late.
Berryville stayed close through the third quarter, tying the game at 32 on Katie Swofford’s bucket. Gentry built an eight point lead, but the Lady Bobcats (8-17, 2-12) got a jumper from Jessie Phillips and a 3-pointer from Arel Ferguson to finish quarter.
Gentry started the fourth on a 9-0 run - the first five by Jones - and outscored Berryville 24-8 in the final period.
Junior Courtney Millsap added 13, and senior Kelsea Whitten had 12.
The Lady Pioneers (18-8, 8-6) will be the fifth seed at the district tournament.
Elise Holman led Berryville - which will be the seventh seed - with 18 points. She had 12 points in the first half.
Girls GENTRY 66, BERRYVILLE 47 Berryville 13 13 13 8 - 47 Gentry 14 13 15 24 - 66 Berryville (8-17, 2-12): Holman 18, Swofford 6,Winkle 6, Phillips 5, Donahoe 4, Ferguson 3, Newberry 3, J. McCullough 2.
Gentry (18-8, 8-6): Jones 18, Millsap 13,Whitten 12, Green 6,Wilkins 6, Cripps 6, Jech 3, Dane 2.
Boys GENTRY 51, BERRYVILLE 45 Berryville 7 7 19 12 - 45 Gentry 13 14 9 15 - 51 Berryville (11-14, 5-9): Phillips 24, Sugg 8, Howerton 5, Dowdle 4, Price 2, Holman 2.
Gentry (11-15, 2-12): Scherer 19, Morris 13, Bryant 10,Wiands 5, Millsap 4.
Sports, Pages 7 on 02/17/2010