Big high school games set for tonight, but bigger ones next week

Last season, the only thing Magnolia basketball teams had to do was finish among the top four in the conference during the regular season to qualify for the state tournament.

Both appeared to have done that this year, but it’s not a guarantee they will play in the Class 5A State Basketball Tournament.

The local teams’ regular season comes to an end tonight at Panther Arena with two big games against rival El Dorado. Though the Wildcats are talented, Magnolia feels it has the athletes to play with them.

The Lady Panthers seems to have the Lady Wildcats number and will go after their fourth consecutive victory.

Both are looking to finish on a strong note because next week will determine if they will keep their basketball seasons going. To earn a spot in the postseason tournament, which will be held at Panther Arena in two weeks, Magnolia must win their first game in the 5A-South District Tournament, which will be held at Watson Chapel High School in Pine Bluff.

Regardless of what they’ve done this season, the Panther and Lady Panther games following tonight will be the biggest of the season.

For the Panthers, it’s safe to say they will finish in third place. The standings should wind up with Hot Springs leading the way, followed by Hope, Magnolia, Watson Chapel, Camden Fairview, White Hall, Hot Springs Lakeside and De Queen.

In case you’re wondering, El Dorado, Arkansas High and Lake Hamilton will head back to Class 6A after tonight for their district tournament.

White Hall and Watson Chapel rejoin the 5A-South.

As for seeding, it appears to be Hot Springs vs. De Queen; Hope vs. Hot Springs Lakeside; Magnolia vs. White Hall; and Watson Chapel vs. Camden Fairview.

White Hall has won only one league game this season, but everything is out the door during tournament time.

The Panthers will be the favorite, but they have not played the Bulldogs this season and won’t really know what to expect.

During tournaments, teams (especially underdogs) pull out all the stops.

The Panthers know the importance of that first game. A win not only allows them to advance in district tournament play, but guarantees them getting back on Panther Arena floor this season.

The Lady Panthers’ journey to Panther Arena could be a little tougher, but not impossible.

Donnell Ford’s team may be the hottest in the league right now, winning four of its past five games.

The girls’ standing has Watson Chapel on top, followed by Hot Springs, Hot Springs Lakeside, Magnolia, De Queen, White Hall, Camden Fairview and Hope.

The district tournament should match Watson Chapel vs. Hope; Hot Springs vs. Camden Fairvew; Hot Springs Lakeside vs. White Hall; and Magnolia vs. De Queen.

The fourth-seed Lady Panthers and fifth-seed Lady Leopards have played each other twice this season, splitting their games.

Magnolia won 43-35 on its home court and the Lady Leopards had a 44-31 victory in De Queen.

Their third meeting next week will determine who’s season continues and who has to call it a year.

But again, the Lady Panthers are playing with more confidence. They are a different team that loss by 13 to De Queen back on Dec. 16.

Don’t forget, the Class 5A State Tournament at Panther Arena will begin Feb. 28 and ends with the semifinals on March 4. Finals in all classifications will be played at the Hot Springs Convention Center the following weekend.

Magnolia basketball teams are not the only ones playing their final regular-season games at home. The SAU Muleriders and Lady Muleriders will be doing the same Saturday afternoon at the W.T. Watson Athletic Center.

It will be Senior Day and the Mulerider Athletic Department will honor seven basketball players.

Great American Conference action against Harding starts at 1 p.m., with the Lady Muleriders taking on the 20th-ranked Lady Bisons. The Muleriders and Bisons will square off at 3 p.m.

(Chris Gilliam is Sports Editor at the Banner-News. Email him at [email protected]).

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