Big third quarter fuels Bryant girls over Van Buren

Kalia Walker wasn’t auditioning for college coaches Wednesday afternoon. But it sure seemed like it. “She’s only 5-5; she doesn’t have any offers,” Bryant coach Brad Matthews said. That might change following Wednesday’s 34-point effort against Van Buren. The hot-shooting Walker hit three 3-pointers as part of her 13-point third quarter that carried the Hornets to a 54-35 win over Van Buren. But the Hornets rallied to within four at the half, then stepped on the gas in the third quarter. “We were kind of sloppy in the first half,” Matthew said. “We were a little anxious and we were lucky to be only down by four at the half. We hit a three to start the third quarter, then we hit another three, and we were off. “When we play well is when we’re creating some transition opportunities.” Van Buren (15-13) had played itself into the state tournament by playing well defensively and avoiding turnovers. Wednesday, 18 Van Buren turnovers led to 20 Bryant points — the difference in the game. “That was huge,” Matthews said. “We can put some length on there, and I think that helps us get some deflections and we can create some turnovers from there.” Van Buren led 21-12 after Lexi Miller’s 3-pointer. But Bryant ended the half on a 6-1 run, then opened the second half back-to-back 3-pointers by Tierra Trotter and Walker. After racing ahead 35-24, the Hornets for all practical purposes put the game away with two late treys to close the third, including Walker’s high-arching shot that made it 44-29. “We thought we were in a good situation early; we thought we had them on the ropes,” Van Buren coach Chris Bryant said. “They started to pressure us and there was a little apprehensiveness on our part. “We kind of backed off, and it kind of snowballed.” Rylee Ryan, who popped two early 3-pointers for the Pointers, helping them to a quick 6-0 lead, led 13-6 after one quarter. A pair of Olivia Schnakenberg helped Van Buren maintain some first-half momentum. And when Miller dropped her only trey, it appeared the Pointers were on their way. Then Walker hit another gear. “She’s capable of that,” Matthews said. “The last three or four games, she’s had 20-plus for us, and she played really well last week against Conway. She doesn’t have any offers, but I think in April, after everything’s settled down, she’ll get some looks.”

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Van Buren High School Athletics

BIG THIRD QUARTER FUELS BRYANT GIRLS OVER VAN BUREN

KEVIN TAYLOR

Times Record | 2/28/2019

PHOTO CREDIT: Van Buren High School Athletics