The 2019 Arvest Invitational did not disappoint this week as it featured some thrilling basketball games, great performances, and big-time shots. The Acorn Tigers, Mansfield Tigers, Ozark Hillbillies, and Waldron Bulldogs all showcased their talent and crowned two teams champions.
The girls’ side of the action featured the Lady Tigers of Acorn and Mansfield battling it out for the title. The game was close throughout but saw Mansfield finishing on top to be awarded the 2019 Arvest Invitational Championship and the Acorn Lady Tigers bringing home the runner-up plaque. In addition to the team awards this year, the tournament included the “Lacey Pollard MVP” award. This award is in remembrance of Lacey who was a Lady Bulldog basketball player who approached life with determination and an infectious smile. That same determination was displayed by Natalie Allison of Mansfield as she was awarded the MVP award.
The boys’ championship game matched the Ozark Hillbillies against the Waldron Bulldogs. The Hillbillies, which features a squad packed with young talent, flew to the Bulldogs behind some solid defense and good guard play. The boys’ MVP award is in remembrance of Josh Waddle whose hard work, commitment, and no-quit attitude was just a few of the characteristics that made him an impact on the Waldron community. This year’s MVP displayed those same traits and was awarded to Trenton Hunt of Waldron.
“I would like to offer a tremendous ‘Thank You’ to the Arvest family and especially Mrs. Shelley Buckles,” expressed Coach Josh Atchley. “Her desire to support the area kiddos and mine are aligned, and she is the facilitator of a phenomenal Jr High tournament. This week could not be possible without her and all the ladies at Arvest. There are a lot of moving parts to run a successful tournament and several people stepped up to rock this past week. Rogers Sparks, Ray Jett, Mac Davis, Cody Mahar, and Kerry Barnett are some of the best score table people around, along with Mrs. Gina Efurd and Kristen Atchley running the hospitality room, and Coach Brown doing whatever needed to be done. We are so blessed as a community to have people ‘step up’ and help our kiddos. Thank You!”
