SMACKOVER — Not even changing their opponent at the seemingly last minute could prevent the Bearden Bears from advancing to the regional tournament on Wednesday.

The Bears defeated the Dermott Rams 64-58 in the quarterfinals of the 7-2A East district tournament, ensuring the Bears will play in next week’s 2A South regional, which will be held at Mineral Springs.

As the No. 4 seed in the tournament, the Bears were originally scheduled to play the winner between Smackover and Hampton on Wednesday for the right to go to the regional, but every team’s situation was altered ...