FORT SMITH --The nationally-ranked Fort Smith Northside Lady Bears (25-1) took a 17-9 first-period lead en route to the first-round 57-42 victory over the Cabot Lady Panthers (15-12) Tuesday at the Class AAAAA State Tournament in Fort Smith.
Northside, the defending Class AAAAA state champions, outrebounded Cabot 35-21 and was led by 18 points on 9 of 10 shooting from Louisiana Tech signee Tamika Kursh.
Brittany Goings, granddaughter of former Forrest City minister Dr. Merle Allison Johnson, led Cabot with 18 points and Allie Gammill added 10.
Northside will face either Bryant or Conway, Friday at 4 p.m.
In other first-round games, the West Memphis Lady Blue Devils (25-2) and champions of the AAAAA-East jumped out to a 15-6 first-quarter lead and went on to post a 52-38 first-round victory over the Mount St. Mary's Lady Belles (20-9), Tuesday.
West Memphis forced 21 turnovers and was led by junior Tamala Turner, who scored 17 points.
The Lady Blue Devils will go against either Springdale or Lake Hamilton Friday at 1 p.m.
In the other girls' game played Tuesday, Sheridan eliminated Rogers 46-43.
In the Class AAAA State Tournament, being played at Greenwood, defending champion Harrison rolled past Wynne 71-47 in first-round action Tuesday.
Harding Academy from Searcy advanced to second-round play at the Class AA State Tournament, with a 50-37 win over Benton Harmony-Grove.
By FRED CONLEY
T-H Sports Editor
A fast start will be the key ingredient for the Forrest City Mustang baseball team.
At least, that's how second-year coach Reggie Murphy is calling it.
The Mustangs are scheduled to open the 2002 high school season today when they host Searcy at 4:30 p.m., at the Sports Complex.
"We have to get out of the blocks quick and experience success early," Murphy said, "if we are going to improve on last year and make a run at postseason. We have to start a winning tradition now."
The Mustangs are coming off a 5-16 season in 2001 which produced only two AAAAA-East Conference victories.
Murphy said hitting -- something the Mustangs did not do well a year ago -- remains a big question mark headed into the new season.
"Our seniors, Marcus Hancock, Brandon Cochran, Adam Roberts and Brad Taylor, have to produce at the plate," Murphy added. "These guys are the veterans and they will have to be the leaders."
Murphy hopes to utilize a three-man pitching rotation this season using Hancock, Colby McKennon and Desmond Golatt in the starting spots.
Hancock will get the start in today's opener. he will be joined in the lineup by McKennon at third base, Golatt at shortstop, Roberts at second base, Danny Flowers at first base, Taylor behind the plate, Princeton Davis in left field, Cochran in center and either Isaac Davis or Rashad Williams in right.
"We may platoon in the outfield some," Murphy added. "We'll see how it goes."
Today's scheduled doubleheader begins with the varsity game.
Forrest City's youth baseball and softball registration process continues through Monday, March 4.
Fees are $15 per player living inside the city limits and $25 for those living outside the city limits.
For information, call 633-3667.
* PREP SPORTS
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL
Wednesday, February 27
Searcy at Forrest City, 4:30 p.m.
Friday, March 1
Brinkley at Forrest City, 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Match 5
Forrest City at Jonesboro, 4 p.m.
HIGH SCHOOL GOLF
Tuesday, March 5
Forrest City vs Marion at Marion, 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 7
Searcy at Forrest City, 3:30 p.m.
GIRLS FAST-PITCH SOFTBALL
Tuesday, March 5
Little Rock Mills at Forrest City, 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 7
Forrest City at Jacksonville, 5 p.m.
HIGH SCHOOL TRACK
Thursday, March 7
Forrest City at West Memphis, 4 p.m.
(Boys and Girls)
JUNIOR HIGH TRACK
Tuesday, March 12
Forrest City Blue & White at West Memphis,
4 p.m. Boys & Girls