The Greenwood Lady Bulldogs earned back to back State Championships for the 2nd time since 2015.
In a town that has been touted as a Football town with their 10 State Championships, the Lady Bulldogs Basketball team with Head Coach Clay Reeves are making the case that Greenwood IS Title Town. On Thursday Night in Hot Springs, Greenwood capped an amazing 31-2 season with victory over Vilonia 58-35 to earn their 7th State Championship.
1st period saw Greenwood jump out to a 16-9 run with the Lady Eagles putting up an anticipated fight. Brooklyn Woolsey would get two three pointers to lead the Lady Bulldogs in the first period. Mady Cartwright would be just behind with 5 points.
Going into the 2nd period both teams struggled to get shots off, with Vilonia being held to 7 points. Greenwood would then go on a huge run before the half out scoring the Lady Eagles 18-7 to put the score at 34-16 going into the half. Cartwright, Carley Sexton, and Anna Trusty had 4 a piece in the period. Sophomore Izzy Smith would sink a 3 pointer as time in the half expired.
The Clay Reeves led squad came out of halftime ready to put the game away ending the period 51-23 over Vilonia. The 3rd period saw 3 different Lady Bulldogs getting 3 pointers, in Anna Trusty, Brooklyn Woolsey, and Carley Sexton. Sexton would put Greenwood over the 50 point mark with 37 seconds left in the period. Going into the fourth period Greenwood had forced 16 turnovers.
The 4th period the Lady Bulldogs tried to keep possession as long as they could, only adding 7 points from the Trusty and Cartwright. Vilonia would try to keep it interesting adding a few 3 pointers of their own to try and cut the lead but the damage was already done. A total of 21 turnovers that was turned into 32 points was too much for the Lady Eagles to overcome.
As time ran out the Lady Bulldogs ran on to the court and celebrated and were presented the their 2023 Class 5A State Championship trophy. It joins the 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2020, and 2022 trophies. Mady Cartwright won the 5A Tournament MVP with a 13 point effort. Anna Trusty lead the scoring with 17. Senior Adriana Rusin’s 9 rebounds proved to be a difference maker once again for Greenwood.
As this chapter closes, (and a tip of the hat to Tim Terry for this fact) Mady Cartwright joins Megan Hartness as the only Lady Bulldog Basketball players to get a third State Championship. She signed with the University of Tulsa. Head Coach Clay Reeves now joins Football Head Coach Chris Young with 10 State Championships in a single sport. Coach Reeves won three previously at Greenland.
