FORT SMITH, Ark. – Keziah Lofton’s 3-pointer rattled around the rim as time expired in the Bethany’s overtime game with Fort Smith Northside Saturday night (Dec. 9).

Unfortunately for the Lady Bronchos, the ball rimmed out and the Bethany dropped a heartbreaker, 71-69, in the title game of the Tournament of Champions – Fort Smith.

Northside is a 6A school in Arkansas, winners of several state titles and last won in 2021 while the Lady Bronchos won their first title last year with the 4A crown.

Zya Vann led the Lady Bronchos with 24 points while Lofton added 15 points and 11 rebounds. Kayten Donley also scored 15 points. Lofton and Vann were named to the All-Tournament Team. Donley was named as one of the Heart of a Champion recipients.

Bethany (2-1) used runs in the second and third quarter to seize the lead but the Lady Bears wouldn’t go away. Neither team shot the ball well in the overtime period (20 percent for each), but Northside hit 4-of-6 from the free throw line in the extra period.

The Lady Bronchos return home Tuesday (Dec. 12) for a Western Conference matchup with Chickasha.