Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
Russell Conwell/River Radio Sports Central
SESSER — The Edwards County Lady Lions overcame a 12-point first half deficit to edge Christopher 47-43 to win the Sesser-Valier 1A Regional championship. The Lady Bearcats had eliminated Edwards County in three of the last four postseasons, including last year’s sectional championship.
Led by Nebraska signee Amiah Hargrove, Christopher led 16-8 after one quarter and extended that lead to 22-10 early in the second quarter before the Lady Lions got rolling.
Edwards County closed the half on a 15-4 run to pull within 26-25 by halftime. The Lady Lions’ run continued with the first four points in the third quarter to take a 29-26 lead. EC led 33-32 after three quarters.
Christopher appeared to seize control early in the fourth, regaining a 39-33 lead, but Edwards County scored 14 of the game’s final 18 points for the win.
Hargrove wrapped up her stellar high school career with a game high 24 points. She leaves as Christopher’s all-time leading scorer, boys or girls. Londynn Pontious added 10 for the Lady Bearcats, who finished 17-15.
Grace Bishop led Edwards County (21-9) with 15 points. Alice Robb added 12 and Lola Nussmeyer 10 for the Lady Lions, who advance to next week’s Elverado Sectional where they will face either Pope County or Meridian in the first semifinal Tuesday at 5:30.
