BLUFFTON — Arlington opened the McDonald’s Holiday Tournament at Bluffton High School with a 45-41 win over Allen East in the first game of a doubleheader.

Allen East stayed close late in the third quarter when Evelyn Lehman drove and floated a shot that fell, cutting the deficit. Arlington answered when Madeline Hartman connected from long range to put the Red Devils up 35-29.

In the fourth quarter, Allen East used crisp ball movement to set up Brooklynn Crumrine for a three that trimmed the margin, and Lehman later hit another big shot to pull Allen East within one at 38-37 with about 3½ minutes remaining.

Arlington responded down the stretch as Raeleigh Bower converted in the paint. On the next possession, Madison Ernst found Jada Smith for a basket and a made free throw that extended the lead.

Arlington held on for the 45-41 victory to start the tournament 1-0.

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