Conway's Nolen rises to key role

Cardrina Nolen grabbed 15 rebounds during Conway's 54-43 semifinal victory over Fort Smith Northside, including one that could be considered the turning point of the contest. Northside had cut a nine-point deficit to one early in the fourth quarter, and the Lady Bears were still within 48-42 with 2:17 left when Nolen got into position for an offensive rebound on a missed free-throw attempt. Nolen was not able to hit the ensuing shot, but she was fouled and made both free throws. Conway scored six of the game's final seven points. "Cardrina is one of our two seniors, and she's been a JV player the last two years," Conway Coach Ashley Nance said. "She is the storybook JV girl who has worked her way into a starting role." Conway plays North Little Rock in Thursday's Class 7A state championship game at the Bank of the Ozarks Arena in Hot Springs. It is the second time in three years the two teams have played for the state title. Nolen scored all seven of her points in the semifinals from the free-throw line. Five of her 15 rebounds came on the offensive end, and she blocked three shots. Conway managed to outrebound Northside 29-27. "I was barking at our players in August that if we're going to be any good we've got to rebound and we've got to make shots," Nance said. "Cardrina has a big frame, but she's only about 5-10 on a good day. I was just so pleased. She played the whole game. She's got a great shot, and she's just a really good inside role player. She doesn't try to do too much offensively, but when she does get it, she knows what to do with it."

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Conway High School Athletics

CONWAY'S NOLEN RISES TO KEY ROLE

TIM COOPER

Arkansas Online | 3/6/2018

PHOTO CREDIT: Conway Athletics