Story By Eli Sampson
The Bears win their ninth area title in the last ten years with a 62-42 victory over DAR Tuesday night.
Plainview got off to a fast start in the opening quarter as Owen Hope scored the first four points of the game on a pair of layups. DAR answered with an and-one opportunity, converting the three-point play to keep things close.
DAR returned to the free-throw line shortly after and made one of two attempts to tie the game at 4-4 early in the quarter. The teams battled evenly again at 6-6 before Plainview used a quick 5-0 run to create an 11-6 advantage.
The Bears’ defensive intensity began to create problems for DAR, forcing multiple stops in a row. Another steal that led to a layup pushed the lead to eight, and Plainview closed the first quarter ahead 16-8.
Plainview continued to build momentum in the second quarter, attacking downhill and kicking the ball out for open three-point opportunities. The Bears extended their lead to 26-13 with 3:43 remaining in the half.
Defensively, Plainview was dominant, holding DAR to just eight points in the second quarter. The Bears carried a commanding 30-16 lead into halftime.
Both teams traded baskets to open the third quarter, but Plainview’s offensive rhythm proved too much to slow down. The Bears cut hard off the ball and consistently found easy layups at the rim.
DAR knocked down a pair of three-pointers in an attempt to chip away at the deficit, but Plainview remained determined to extend its lead. The Bears led 40-22 with 3:25 remaining in the third quarter and maintained control to take a 49-30 advantage into the final period.
Plainview cruised through the fourth quarter, stretching the lead to 20 with contributions off the bench. The Bears secured another victory and claimed the 4A Area 16 Championship with a 62-42 win over DAR.
Owen Hope led Plainview with 17 points while Grant Nickelson and Cy Traylor each scored 10 points.
The Bears improve to 22-6 on the season and will now host Cleburne County in the Northeast sub Regional on Saturday.
4A Area 16 semifinal
Plainview and Madison County traded baskets early in the opening quarter as both teams settled into the game. Plainview used a pair of key three-pointers from Jay Williams and Sawyer Wilborn to grab an early 10–9 lead, forcing Madison County to call a timeout.
Coming out of the break, the Bears stayed aggressive. Owen Hope threw down a dunk, followed by a corner three from Brayden Lingerfelt to extend the momentum. Madison County answered with a big three and points in the paint to rally back and tie the game at 17 apiece at the end of the first quarter.
Plainview came roaring out of the second quarter, knocking down two straight three-pointers to push the lead to 23–17, prompting another Madison County timeout. Despite the Tigers’ efforts to stay within striking distance, the Bears continued their offensive dominance. Plainview closed the half with several key three-pointers and a huge and-one conversion by Sawyer Wilborn on the final possession, taking a 43–32 lead into halftime.
The Bears picked up right where they left off in the third quarter. An easy dump-off to Owen Hope and an and-one by Grant Nickelson set the tone early. Plainview controlled the game by stringing together defensive stops and turning them into points on the offensive end, stretching the lead to 53–36 with 4:45 remaining in the third quarter. The Bears finished the period strong and carried a commanding 66–44 advantage into the fourth.
In the final quarter, Plainview slowed the pace, controlled its possessions, and ran the clock while continuing to get easy layups and defensive stops. With the lead firmly in hand, the game slipped out of reach for Madison County as the Bears secured the victory in the Area Tournament semifinals and advanced to the finals.
Grant Nickelson led Plainview with 25 points, Sawyer Wilborn had 18 points, Jay Williams had 14 points and Owen Hope scored 10 points.
Plainview earned the win by a final score of 82–56.
