By Cort Reynolds
Photo by Marvin Foster
Tournament host Bluffton High School girls basketball team toppled Arlington 59-43 in the semifinals of the annual Lewis Family McDonald's Holiday event Friday night, November 18.
The Pirates jumped to a 14-6 lead after the first period, but the Red Devils cut the margin to 31-25 at intermission.
Arlington's Brooklyn Smith scored 11 of her game-high 23 points in the second stanza to keep the visitors close.
Bluffton held a 40-34 lead going into the fourth period after a 9-9 third stanza.
The Pirates then sank 12 of 17 free throws in the final quarter to win it 19-9 and cruise to victory by 16 points.
Better-balanced Bluffton placed four players in double figures, compared to one by Arlington.