by Mike Finnerty (mike.finnerty@surewestsports.com)
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The Pleasant Grove Eagles are heading to their first section championship appearance after their 68-60 win over the Bella Vista Broncos in Wednesday night's Division I semi-final at Sleep Train Arena.
With the win, the No. 2 Eagles will take on a team they know well in the No. 1 Sheldon Huskies.
Bella Vista didn't make it easy for Pleasant Grove with both teams exchanging leads throughout the game.
It wasn't until late in the fourth quarter when Pleasant Grove grabbed lead and pushed it to seven points at 45-38, and then later at 64-57.
Pleasant Grove senior guard Malik Thames (23 points) did it all on the offensive end for the Eagles. Thames hit jump shots, attacked the basket, and played his usual role as floor general.
Thames' backcourt mate Matt Hayes finished with 16 points, including a pair of critical three-pointers in the fourth quarter that helped Pleasant Grove keep it's lead
Tyler Berkness (24 points) and Austin Hennen (13 points) came up with big shots all night for the Broncos.
Pleasant Grove and Sheldon will square off at Sleep Train Arena on Saturday at 8:30pm.
Sheldon beat Pleasant Grove twice this year, 85-79 and 84-77, and if the Huskies can beat the Eagles for a third time this season they will capture their fourth straight Division I section championship.