Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
ELDORADO — It will be a clash between Johnson County and Black Diamond-West rivals Vienna and Goreville for the championship of the 25th Lady Eagle Winter Classic championship at Eldorado.
Vienna’s Lady Eagles earned a spot in the title tilt with a 71-66 win over top-seeded Harrisburg in the first semifinal. Vienna outscored the Lady Bulldogs 24-8 in the third quarter to take a 54-35 lead into the fourth. Harrisburg made it interesting in the fourth, cutting the deficit to 63-59 with 1:16 to play, but the Lady Eagles made their free throws to hang on for the win.
Ayva Rush led Vienna with 27 points. Emmy Vinson added 16 and Karina Botello 12. Harrisburg’s Jamisen Green led all scorers with 34 points to go along with 11 rebounds,
In the second semifinal, Goreville jumped out to a big lead early, withstood a huge Hamilton County rally, then pulled away in the second half for a 74-47 win. The Lady Blackcats built a 27-8 lead late in the first quarter, only to watch the Lady Foxes score the final six points of the first, then open the second on a 13-2 run to pull within 29-27.
Abby Compton scored 10 of her game high 35 late in the first half as Goreville extended its lead to 40-29 at the break.
Compton had a monster day, stuffing the stat sheet with 10 rebounds, four assists, and four steals to go along with the 35 points. Teammate Breanna Suits added a double-double with 20 points and 11 assists along with five steals.
Harrisburg and Hamilton County will meet for third place at 6:00 Thursday with Vienna and Goreville to follow for the championship.
