BRYANT (AR) 65, NORTH OLDHAM 41

The Bryant Hornets (8-4) advanced to their first-ever Gardner Law King of the Bluegrass championship with a dominant 65-41 victory over the North Oldham Mustangs (6-3) in the semifinals. Camarion Bead earned Central Bank Player of the Game honors with a stellar 16-point, nine-rebound, and four-assist performance. Bryant also became just the second Arkansas team in tournament history to reach the final.

Bryant wasted no time establishing control in the opening quarter, jumping out to a 20-10 lead. The Hornets’ defense stifled North Oldham, forcing turnovers and converting them into transition points. Bead scored six points in the first quarter, including a putback off an offensive rebound that showcased Bryant’s dominance on the boards.

The Mustangs struggled to generate consistent offense, with Tommy Gregg’s three-pointer and layup providing brief sparks. Gregg finished with a team-high 13 points, including three three-pointers. By halftime, the Hornets extended their lead to 36-21, with RJ Young contributing 10 of his 14 points in the first half.

Bryant’s defensive pressure intensified in the third quarter, holding North Oldham to just four points in the period. Bead continued to lead the way, adding six more points and dominating the glass. The Mustangs shot just 15.4% from the field in the third quarter, while Bryant outscored them 14-4 to take a commanding 50-25 lead into the fourth.

RJ Newton and Young provided key support for the Hornets, combining for 25 points and seven rebounds. Newton’s three assists kept Bryant’s offense fluid, while Young’s interior presence disrupted the Mustangs’ rhythm.

Despite a late push by North Oldham, Bryant maintained control in the final quarter. Pierre Rondo added six points off the bench, while Bead capped his performance with a highlight-reel layup and a block on the defensive end. The Hornets’ rebounding dominance (35-18 overall) and second-chance points (9-2) sealed the victory.

North Oldham’s Gregg and Pierre Rondo provided moments of resistance, but the Mustangs’ 34.8% shooting and 21.7% from three-point range were not enough to overcome Bryant’s balanced attack.

Bead’s all-around effort led the Hornets with 16 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, while Young added 14 points and seven rebounds. Newton contributed 11 points, six assists, and five rebounds, providing steady play on both ends of the floor. Bryant shot an efficient 56.5% from the field and 80% from the free-throw line, highlighting their offensive efficiency.

For North Oldham, Gregg led the way with 13 points, while Rondo chipped in 13 points and two rebounds. The Mustangs struggled to match Bryant’s physicality and depth, committing 13 turnovers and securing just seven offensive rebounds.

Bryant’s victory propels them into their first-ever KOB championship game, where they will look to make history as the first Arkansas team to win the tournament. They will meet Saint Xavier at 7:30pm Sunday. North Oldham will regroup in the 3rd Place Final against Frederick Douglass at 6:00pm Sunday.

[Click to View Box Score]