Bears fall in semi-finals

LAST RESORT: Couch center Derrick Martin slides to the hoop to keep Thayer's Josh Huckabee from getting an easy shot Dec. 11. Photo/Mullins

Upon reaching the semi-finals of the annual Lyon College Invitational Tournament in Batesville, the Mammoth Spring Bears were faced with a re-match with the Melbourne Bearkatz, the only team to hand the Bears a loss so far on the season.

Jumping out to a big 14-4 lead after the first period, the Katz made it two wins in a row this year over Mammoth Spring (13-2) with a 41-31 victory Dec. 11 at Becknell Gymnasium.

Caleb Brown paced the Bears with a game-high 20 points in the game.

Brown earned a spot on the All-Tournament team with his play.

Spencer Caraway led Melbourne with 16 points.

In the quarterfinals Dec. 10, Mammoth Spring blasted past Greers Ferry-West Side 64-47.

Brown had another big outing with 29 points for the Bears.

Houston Cooper chipped in with a 15-point, 11-assist double-double.