Northpoint breaks Harding jinx

In terms of style points, it wasn't much of a success. But in terms of it's-about-time points, it was very impressive.

Jade Wells scored 14 points as Northpoint, ranked fourth in The Commercial Appeal's Dandy Dozen, battled past eighth-ranked Harding, 44-31. It's the Trojans' first victory in nine years on the Lions' home floor.

"They do a good job of defending their home court; give them an A-plus for that," said Northpoint coach Barry Gray. "They have a lot of pride here. We weren't making shots, but it says a lot that we were able to grind it out."

Neither team had its best shooting night of the year. But with Wells and Ashtyn Baker coming up with big plays down the stretch, the Trojans (15-2) put control of the regular-season region championship in their own hands. With Northpoint hosting the regional tournament as well, a return to defend their Division 2-A championship looks like a good bet.

"I think we're a little ahead of where we were (this time) last year," said Gray. "We need to develop some depth ... and stay healthy."

Harding (17-4) had cut a double-digit lead down to 37-31 late in the game but couldn't get it any closer. Baker (12 points) hit a pair of free throws then fed Wells for consecutive baskets as Northpoint closed the game on a 6-0 run.

Lindsey Whiteside had 11 for the Trojans.

Carley Rhoads led Harding with 10. South Alabama signee Antoinette Lewis was saddled with foul trouble and managed just four.

IN OTHER GAMES

Dandy Dozen No. 1 White Station improved to 16-2 with a 63-44 victory over Whitehaven. Damiah Griffin led the Spartans with 22 while Zaire Hicks and Brittni Moore each had 13. Jasmine Carson led the sixth-ranked Tigers with 18. ... Second-ranked Olive Branch (22-1) got 20 points and 7 assists from Myah Taylor in a 68-55 victory over No. 10 Southaven. Katie Blackman had 14 points and 14 rebounds. ... No. 3 Central (!6-4) limited Hamilton's Tesia Thompson — the city's leading scorer — to 13 in a 65-42 victory. Kynadi Kuykendoll led a balanced attack with 12.

In boys play, William Douglas had 18 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists as third-ranked CBHS (18-3) fought off upset-mined St. Benedict, 53-50. Ben Spence added 15 and 8 rebounds while Moses Fofana had a game-high 20 for the Eagles. ... Mark Freeman continued his excellent play of late with 26 points as No. 4 Southwind ran past No. 5 Ridgeway, 87-66. Kameron Jones added 24 for the Jaguars (20-4) while Christian Jones had 16.

BOWLEY WINS BOWLING TITLE

Harding's Nia Bowley was the lone state champion from Shelby County as the TSSAA individual bowling tournament ended at the Smyrna Bowling Center.

Bowley won the Division 2 championship in an all-Memphis final, defeating Grace Becker of St. Agnes, 154-133.

"I think I took it more seriously this year," said Bowley, who qualified for state last year but failed to advance to the final six. "I just tried to do my best and stay humble."

Lauren Davis of St. Mary's finished third while Caroline Conrad — the state bowler of the year and the 2016 champ — ended up in fifth. In Division 1, Germantown's Jada Horn took fourth.

Jimmy Morrow of MUS fell in the D2 boys final, losing to Quinn Collins of Pope John Paul II, 212-188. Nic Ferrante and Connor Nichols of St. Benedict were fourth and fifth while Will Drummond of CBHS was sixth. Terry Salvant of Middle College and Ross Jenner of Collierville finished 4-5 in D1.

The tournament wraps up Saturday with the team finals.

Reach Varlas at john.varlas@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @johnvarlas