Report by Chris Vines/Photo by Vicki Stephenson
The Southside Lady Southerners (24-5) dominated fifth-ranked Pulaski Academy (25-3) from the opening tip till the final buzzer sounded leading by as much as 23 points before ending with a 61-45 win advancing to the regional finals to set up a fourth showdown with the top ranked Batesville Lady Pioneers.
Pulaski Academy came in averaging over 66 points per game but were stymied by a tenacious Southerner defense led by Brett Gardner who held one of Pulaski’s leading scorers to zero points on the night.
The Southerners shot 60 percent from the field and 76 percent from the charity stripe.
Reese Gardner had 23 points, five rebounds. London Cuzzort had 18 points, eight boards, and three steals. Olivia Allen had eight points, five rebounds, and three steals.
The Southerners and Pioneers will tip off at 6 p.m. Saturday night at Blazer Arena in Valley View.
