Fort Smith Northside defeated Fayetteville on the biggest stage to win the 6A state championship, overcoming two conference losses to their opponent. The Lady Bears, under coach Rickey Smith, secured their ninth state title with a 56-48 victory. Senior Erianna Gooden, named the tournament MVP, led the team with 12 points. Cam Schmidt and Hazley Grotjohn also made significant contributions. The game marked an all-West final between two teams with a combined 29 state championship appearances. Northside’s victory was a result of a strong season turnaround after early losses. On the other side, Fayetteville, led by coach Vic Rimmer, showed a mix of senior leadership and talented youth. Players like Whitney Brown and Syniah Coachman emerged as top prospects with offers from notable college programs. The game saw competitive back-and-forth moments, with Northside holding the lead at critical points. Senior twins Erianna and Erikka Gooden played key roles in securing the championship win. Coach Smith celebrated his eighth state title with the team’s victory. Northside’s victory showcased their resilience and determination throughout the season. Both teams displayed exceptional skills and competitiveness, making the championship game a thrilling and memorable event for fans and supporters.
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