Tigers Prepare For Battle At Booneville

By Megan Hecox
The Mansfield Sr High Tigers have wrapped up the Hackett Classic with both boys and girls basketball teams finishing 1-1. Enjoying a few days off, the Tigers look forward to dominating the court in the upcoming Booneville Tournament.
The Sr High boys are now 1-2 in non-conference play after taking on Hackett and Booneville earlier in the week. The boys won 60-48 against a well-coached fast-paced Hackett team on Day 1 of the Tournament. The following night, the Tigers lost 62-28 against Booneville. “Booneville was big, fast, talented, and loaded with seniors that have started since the 10th grade,” Boys Head Coach Keith Dake said. The boys’ team is still struggling with injuries after the conclusion of football season for some of the players. The Tigers will continue to use the preseason to get the varsity players healthy while allowing the rest of the team quality playing time in varsity situations.
The Sr High Lady Tigers are also sitting 1-2 in non-conference play so far this season. The girls fell short 35-27 against the Lady Hornets in Round 1 of the Hackett Classic. Refusing to be defeated, the girls came back the next night with an unyielding determination, stealing the win against Booneville 53-44. Leading the team with 21 points against the Lady Bearcats was sophomore Makayla Strutton. Sophomore Amber Elmore led in rebounding while senior Rylea Weaver led in defensive deflections and steals. With less than two weeks left until conference play starts, the girls have been working hard every day and evolving their talents on the basketball court.
The Booneville Invitational will start Monday, November 26th. Both Tiger teams will play on Tuesday, November 27th against the Dover Pirates. Girls will start at 4 pm with the boys following at 530 pm. The loser of Tuesday’s game will go on to face either Waldron or Danville on  Wednesday, November 28th with girls starting at 4 pm and boys starting at 530 pm. The winner of Tuesday’s game will either face Waldron or Danville on Thursday, November 29th at 4 pm for the girls and 530 pm for the boys.