GENTRY -- Garrison Jackson's bucket with 3:41 remaining put Gentry ahead to stay as the Pioneers outlasted Pea Ridge during 4A-1 Conference action Friday night in Pioneer Gymnasium for a 43-41 win.
After falling behind early in the contest, the Pioneers fought their way back in the second and third quarters to make it a neck-and-neck race during the final quarter of play against the visiting Blackhawks.
Bric Cates hit back-to-back buckets within a 25-second span to give Pea Ridge (8-12, 2-3) a 41-39 lead with 4:55 remaining, but it turned out to be the last points the Blackhawks scored. Jackson hit a free throw to make it a one-point game before his bucket then put Gentry ahead.
Jonathan Corter hit a free throw with 21.6 seconds left to give the Pioneers a two-point cushion, then Bart Walker stole an inbound pass with 3.4 seconds remaining to preserve Gentry's lead.
Walker finished with 19 points for Gentry, while Jackson added 14. Bric Cates had 15 points for Pea Ridge while Jared Brewer chipped in 14.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Gentry's Bart Walker (right) and Will Anderson of Pea Ridge both get ready to jump for the ball during play in Pioneer Arena on Friday, Jan. 13.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Gentry senior Garrison Jackson shoots from under the basket during play against Pea Ridge in Pioneer Arena on Friday, Jan. 13.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Gentry senior Garrison Jackson shoots from under the basket during play against Pea Ridge in Pioneer Arena on Friday, Jan. 13.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Gentry's Jonathon Corter attempts to shoot from under the basket during play against Pea Ridge in Pioneer Arena on Friday, Jan. 13.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Gentry senior Bart Walker dribbles past a Pea Ridge defender heading for the basket during play in Pioneer Arena on Friday, Jan. 13.