The final full week of High School Basketball is underway in both Missouri and Arkansas.
Small schools in Missouri plus all Arkansas Schools are now in State Tournament Play while bigger schools in Missouri begin District action.
In Monday's District Openers in Missouri, the Forsyth Panthers get an opening win over Ava 64-48 in the Class 4 Tournament at Hollister behind the 32 points of senior Ryder Blevins. That sets up a third match-up of the season between the Panthers and the host Tigers in the District semi-finals Wednesday. The Tigers, who as the number two seed got a first round bye, defeated the Panthers in Hollister in January while the Panthers claimed a victory back in December in the finals of the Forsyth Tournament. Wednesday's game begins at 7:30 and can be heard on MOARK Sports Dot Com. The other game in Hollister Monday saw Mountain Grove pull away from Willow Springs 67-51 and advance to play top seeded Rogersville in Wednesday's other semi-final.
Meanwhile in Monett, the host Cubs end the season for the Reeds Spring Wolves in a low-scoring defensive battle 25-19, avenging a loss the Cubs suffered at the hands of the Wolves earlier this season. Cassville won the other first round Class 4 District game at Monett 37-31 over Mount Vernon.
Tonight on MOARK Sports, it will be Reeds Spring and Monett playing on the girls side of the bracket in Monett in Class 4 District action.
In Arkansas, State Tournament action begins. The Harrison Goblins opening game in the 5A Tournament in Pine Bluff is Wednesday against Valley View in a contest that can be heard at MOARK Sports Dot Com and on-air at KHOZ 94.9.
Games in State Tournament Play involving area teams today:
1A at Ozark
Omaha Girls vs. Dermott 7:00
Omaha Boys vs. Lafayette County 8:30
3A at Lamar
Bergman Girls vs. Jessieville 4:00
Other area schools open play during the week at sites around these and other sites around the state.