Panthers fall at Pottsville

January 28, 2020

Dalton McCollum finished with 21 points in a losing effort as Pottsville defeated Heber Springs in 4A-4 action in Pottsville.

Kade Mainhart scored 20 points in the first half for the Apaches as they led 40-23 at the break. Mainhart would finish with 22 as Pottsville came out of the half by outscoring Heber Springs 20-9.

The Panthers travel to Ozark in 4A-4 play tonight.

Ozark defeated Heber Springs earlier this season.

HEBER SPRINGS AT POTTSVILLE BOXSCORE
Heber Springs 15   8   9 17 - 49
Pottsville    24  16  20  8 - 68
HEBER SPRINGS SCORING (49): Dalton McCollum 21, Garrett Hudspeth 7, Adam Martin 7, Logan Monahan 5, Zach Thomas 4, Wyatt Sanders 3, Austin Winchester 2
POTTSVILLE SCORING (68): Kade Mainhart 22, Zach Byrum 12, Trey Thurman 9, Matthew Moore 7, Quinn Lee 6, Jon Francis 5, Trevor Lyles 4, Adrain Hall 2, Drew Rust 1
HEBER SPRINGS SENIOR BOYS BASKETBALL
2019-2020 SCHEDULE RESULTS
RECORD: 1-17
4A-4 RECORD: 1-7
November 21 - Riverview 68, Heber Springs 36
November 26 - Clinton 71, Heber Springs 35
December 3 - Conway St. Joseph 44, Heber Springs 21 #
December 5 - South Side Bee Branch 50, Heber Springs 49 #
December 10 - Heber Springs 37, Dover 32 ^
December 12 - South Side Bee Branch 64, Heber Springs 53
December 13 - Marshall 69, Heber Springs 43
December 16 - White County Central 65, Heber Springs 43
December 20 - Ozark 69, Heber Springs 34 ^
December 26 - Rose Bud 68, Heber Springs 65 (OT) *
December 27 - Batesville 72, Heber Springs 60 *
December 28 - Mayflower 66, Heber Springs 41 *
January 7 - Pottsville 59, Heber Springs 26 ^
January 10 - Subiaco Academy 47, Heber Springs 28 ^
January 14 - Dardanelle 70, Heber Springs 13 ^
January 17 - Clarksville 38, Heber Springs 32 ^
January 21 - Morrilton 58, Heber Springs 43 ^
January 24 - Dover 55, Heber Springs 50 ^
January 28 - Pottsville 68, Heber Springs 49 ^
January 31 - at Ozark ^
February 4 - at Dardanelle ^
February 7 - Subiaco Academy ^
February 11 - at Morrilton ^
February 14 - Clarksville (Senior Night) ^
February 17 - 4A-4 District at Dardanelle

(# - Denotes Conway St. Joseph Tournament)
(^ - Denotes 4A-4 conference contest) 
(* - Steve Landers' Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic at Heber Springs)

Lady Panthers claim big road

January 28, 2020

Jillian Herring and Claudia Newberry combined for 51 points as Heber Springs downed Pottsville, 74-64, in 4A-4 action Tuesday night.

Herring (4) and Stutts (3) combined for seven first-half 3-pointers as the Panthers led 37-32 at the break.

The Lady Panthers finished the night with 10 3-pointers while Dover had 9, including two in the third quarter as Heber Springs clung to a 55-49 advantage after the stanza.

Herring, who had six 3-pointers on the night, added one 3-pointer in the final quarter to go along with her 11 points in the period as the Lady Panthers held on for the win.

Stutts was also in double figures for Heber Springs (14-7) with 16 points.

The win by the Panthers over the Apaches even the season series but more importantly the 10-point win over Pottsville gave Heber Springs the conference-seeding tiebreaker if the two teams are tied at the end of the year. Pottsville had 49-45 on Jan. 7 at the Panther Den. Heber Springs also owns the tiebreaker over Dover.

Heber Springs travels to Ozark tonight hoping to win three in a row for the first time since mid-December.

DISTRICT TOURNAMENT: The 4A-4 district tournament will begin on February 17 at Dardanelle. The top two teams automatically get a bye into the semfinals and a sport at the regional tournament at Berryville. The No. 6 and No. 7 seeds will play on Monday with the winner advancing to face the No. 3 seed on Tuesday with the winner getting a spot in the semifinals and regional bid. The No. 4 and No. 5 seed will meet on Tuesday with the winner moving into Thursday’s semifinals.

HEBER SPRINGS AT POTTSVILLE
Heber Springs 20 17 18 19 - 74
Pottsville    19 13 17 15 - 64
HEBER SPRINGS SCORING (74): Jillian Herring 30, Claudia Newberry 21, Libby Stutts 16, Ellie Riddle 3, Mary Shearer 2, Ashley Spanel 2
POTTSVILLE SCORING (64): Shannon Lasey 18, Abbie Cain 14, Julia Reynolds 14, Kimbra Rhodes 6, Rilee Underwood 6, Lindsey Aday 5, Tori Daniel 1
 4A-4 STANDINGS
                 Conference Season
Morrilton            7-1     14-5 
Clarksville          6-2     10-11
Heber Springs        5-3     14-7
Pottsvile            4-4     10-8
Dover                4-4     13-8  
Ozark                1-6     13-8 
Dardanelle           0-7      2-19
HEBER SPRINGS SENIOR GIRLS 
2019-2020 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
RECORD: 14-7
4A-4 RECORD: 5-3
November 12 - Heber Springs 55, Nemo Vista 31
November 19 - Heber Springs 70, South Side Bee Branch 45
November 21 - Heber Springs 67, Riverview 27
November 26 - Heber Springs 56, Clinton 54 (OT)
December 3 - Conway St. Joseph 47, Heber Springs 44 #
December 5 - Heber Springs 53, South Side Bee Branch 34 #
December 7 - Heber Springs 44, Wonderview 43 #
December 10 - Heber Springs 59, Dover 56 ^
December 13 - Marshall 70, Heber Springs 52
December 16 - Heber Springs 51, White County Central 31
December 20 - Heber Springs 55, Ozark 42 ^
December 26 - Heber Springs 70, DeWitt 34 *
December 27 - Pea Ridge 49, Heber Springs 44 *
December 28 - Mayflower 58, Heber Springs 37 *
January 7 - Pottsville 49, Heber Springs 45 ^
January 9 - Heber Springs 70, Newport 51
January 14 - Heber Springs 47, Dardanelle 29 ^
January 17 - Clarksville 48, Heber Springs 41 ^
January 21 - Morrilton 52, Heber Springs 32 ^
January 24 - Heber Springs 59, Dover 53 ^
January 28 - Heber Springs 74, Pottsville 64 ^
January 31 - at Ozark ^
February 4 - at Dardanelle ^
February 11 - at Morrilton ^
February 14 - Clarksville (Senior Night) ^
February 17 - 4A-4 District at Dardanelle

(# - Denotes Conway St. Joseph Tournament)
(^ - Denotes 4A-4 conference contest)
(* - Denotes Steve Landers' Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Tournament at Heber Springs) 

Junior Panthers drop two road games

January 28, 2020

Heber Springs dropped a pair of road contests at Mayflower and Pottsville on Monday and Tuesday.

Against Pottsville on Tuesday, Heber Springs led 14-13 at the end of the first quarter but were outscored, 20-2, in the second quarter and never threatened in the second half.

Bauer Pruitt led the way for the Panthers with 8 points.

Against Mayflower, the Eagles were 20 out of 23 from the free-throw line and handed the Panthers a 52-20 setback.

Heber Springs was 6-of-12 from the line and was led by Eli Riggs’ 6 points.

The Panthers head into the final week of the regular season by traveling to Ozark for a 4A-4 contest tonight. Heber Springs will host Quitman on Monday and Subiaco Academy on Friday in its final home games of the season.

JANUARY 28 BOXSCORE
Heber Springs at Pottsville
Heber Springs  14  2  10   2 - 28
Pottsville     13 20  13  13 - 59 
HEBER SPRINGS SCORING (28): Bauer Pruitt 8, Eli Riggs 5, Conner Riddle 5, Luke Greenwald 3, Easton Cusick 2, Bent McClain 2, Xander Lindley 1
POTTSVILLE SCORING (59): Landon Stanley 24, Fryar 9, Martin 8, Nic Ybarra 7, Landon Daily 5, Nason 3, Carson Palmer 3

JANUARY 27 BOXSCORE
Heber Springs at Mayflower
Heber Springs  6  9  4 1 - 20
Mayflower     11 27 20 1 - 52
HEBER SPRINGS SCORING (20): Eli Riggs 6, Bent McClain 5, Conner Riddle 4, Hud Haggard 3, Xander Lindley 2
MAYFLOWER SCORING (52): Moody 21, (No. 11) Davis 17, (No. 3) Davis 5, Pitts 4, Robinson 4, Jones 3, Stigall 2, Donohoo 2, Raney 1
HEBER SPRINGS JUNIOR BOYS BASKETBALL
2019-2020 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
COACH: Chad Johnson
OVERALL RECORD: 5-14
4A-4 RECORD: 2-4
November 9 - Greenbrier 37, Heber Springs 17 ^
November 12 - Nemo Vista 45, Heber Springs 37
November 13 - Heber Springs 54, Yellville-Summit 50 ^
November 14 - Dover 43, Heber Springs 36 ^
November 19 - Heber Springs 44, South Side Bee Branch 38
November 21 - Riverview 51, Heber Springs 21
November 23 - Cabot South 8th 37, Heber Springs 33 *
November 23 - Conway Blue 71, Heber Springs 39 *
November 26 - Clinton 44, Heber Springs 27
December 10 - Heber Springs 45, Dover 33 #
December 13 - Marshall 46, Heber Springs 38
December 16 - Heber Springs 36, White County Central 35
December 20 - Ozark 46, Heber Springs 28 #
January 7 - Pottsville 51, Heber Springs 35 #
January 10 - Heber Springs 33, Subiaco Academy 3 #
January 14 - Dardanelle 43, Heber Springs 17 #
January 16 - Mount Vernon-Enola 44, Heber Springs 41 (OT)
January 24 - Dover 39, Heber Springs 28 #
January 27 - Mayflower 52, Heber Springs 20
January 28 - Pottsville 59, Heber Springs 28 #
January 31 - at Ozark #
February 3 - Quitman
February 4 - at Dardanelle #
February 7 - Subiaco Academy #
February 10 - District Tournament at Ozark

(^ - Denotes Marshall Tournament)
(* - Denotes Heber Springs Tournament)
(# - Denotes 4A-4 Conference Game) 

Heber Springs drops two in junior girls play

January 28, 2020

The Heber Springs junior girls went on the road and dropped a pair of contests.

On Monday, Heber Springs fell to Mayflower, 47-42, in nonconference play and followed that by dropping a 52-24 decision in 4A-4 play at Pottsville.

Heber Springs travels to Ozark on Friday before closing out the regular season next week at home against Quitman on Monday before travelling to Dardanelle on Tuesday to close out 4A-4 play.

On Monday against Mayflower, Heber Springs led 19-7 at the end of the first quarter and 29-21 at the half before falling to Mayflower. The Panthers held an eight-point advantage heading into the final stanza but could only manage a pair of Jaylea Hooten field goals an were outscored in the final quarter.

Hooten finished with 12 points as Sophia Stone paced Heber Springs with 15 points.

The two teams combined to shot 52 free throws as Mayflower was 19 of 31 from the line while Heber Springs was 11 of 21.

On Tuesday, Heber Springs trailed 30-15 at the break and fell, 52-24, to Pottsville.

Stone finished with 15 to pace the Panthers while Hooten added 12.

JANUARY 28 BOXSCORE
Heber Springs at Pottsville
Heber Springs  8  7  7  2 - 24
Pottsville    14 16 11 11 - 52
HEBER SPRINGS SCORING (24): Sophia Stone 11, Jaylea Hooten 9, Molly Smith 2, Hope Turney 2
POTTSVILLE SCORING (52): AbbiGrace Cunningham 14, Tawnie Sweeden 12, Harmony Garner 12, Annleigh Pennington 6, R. Boley 4,  B. Harvis 2, Kennedy Corbin 1, S. B. Francis 1

JANUARY 27 BOXSCORE
Heber Springs at Mayflower
Heber Springs  19  10  9  4 - 42
Mayflower       7  14 10 20 - 47
HEBER SPRINGS SCORING (42): Sophia Stone 15, Jaylea Hooten 12, Hope Turney 7, Rylee Harrod 4, Riley Bailey 2, Madison Clemons 2
MAYFLOWER SCORING (47): Williamson 21, Francis 11, Webb 9, Mahnken 6
HEBER SPRINGS JUNIOR GIRLS BASKETBALL
2019-2020 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
COACH: Jamey Riddle
OVERALL RECORD: 10-9
4A-4 RECORD: 2-4
November 9 - Heber Springs 27, Greenbrier 16 ^
November 12 - Heber Springs 33, Nemo Vista 27
November 14 - Dover 60, Heber Springs 49 ^
November 16 - Heber Springs 40, Marshall 25 ^
November 19 - Heber Springs 44, South Side Bee Branch 22
November 21 - Heber Springs 46, Riverview 13
November 23 - Heber Springs 62, Cabot South 8th 10 *
November 23 - Conway Blue 35, Heber Springs 29 *
November 26 - Clinton 48, Heber Springs 40
December 10 - Dover 43, Heber Springs 33 #
December 12 - Heber Springs 52, South Side Bee Branch 31
December 20 - Heber Springs 21, Ozark 7 #
January 7 - Pottsville 34, Heber Springs 31 #
January 9 - Heber Springs 40, Newport 21
January 14 - Dardanelle 32, Heber Springs 29 #
January 16 - Mount Vernon-Enola 38, Heber Springs 33
January 24 - Heber Springs 55, Dover 52 #
January 27 - Mayflower 47, Heber Springs 42
January 28 - Pottsville 52, Heber Springs 24 #
January 31 - at Ozark #
February 3 - Quitman
February 4 - at Dardanelle #
February 10 - District Tournament at Ozark

(^ - Denotes Marshall Tournament)
(* - Denotes Heber Springs Tournament)
(# - Denotes 4A-4 Conference Game)

Weekly Fishing Report: Central Arkansas

January 29, 2020

By ARKANSAS GAME AND FISH COMMISSION

CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir

NOTICE: AGFC employees and contractors using airboats conducted foliar applications of EPA-approved herbicide – which will cause no harm to wildlife, people or aquatic life such as fish – to treat alligatorweed on Lake Conway last year. By federal law, these herbicides have up to a 120-day irrigation restriction after application. The AGFC asks adjacent landowners to NOT irrigate for lawn or garden use with water from Lake Conway through March 1, 2020. For more information, please contact the AGFC Fisheries Office in Mayflower at (877) 470-3309.

(updated 1-29-2020) Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) said the lake remains at its normal Lake Conway stained and has dropped of late, now at low level. Bream are good on redworms, crickets, jigs and nightcrawlers. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Black bass are good using spinnerbaits, crankbaits and plastic worms. Catfish are good on nightcrawlers, dough bait and minnows.

Little Red River

(updated 1-29-2020) Lowell Myers of Sore Lip’em All Guide Service (501-230-0730) said Wednesday the Little Red River is receiving 24 hours of generation. The Greers Ferry Lake level is above normal seasonal pool due to recent rains, so longer periods of generation to lower the lake level are expected. If you choose to fish these conditions, you will want to use long leaders and weight. Key for both fly-fishing and Trout Magnet fishing during heavy generation is the ability to get and maintain a good presentation of the fly or Trout Magnet. Working the bank with streamers is also an effective fly-fishing method during high water conditions. For fly-fishing, Lowell recommends San Juan worms, micro-jigs, egg pattern and streamers during high-water conditions. Hot pink, cotton candy and white bodies on chartreuse jigheads are recommended for Trout Magnet spin fishing. Be safe while enjoying the river. Always check before heading to the Little Red River by calling the Corps of Engineers Little Rock District water data system (501-362-5150) for Greers Ferry Dam water release information or check the Army Corps of Engineers website for real-time water release and the Southwestern Power Administration website to see forecasted generation schedule.

(updated 1-29-2020) Greg Seaton of littleredflyfishingtrips.com (501-690-9166) said the river is clear with two units running at a reduced amount round-the-clock. The flow is between 3,400 and 4,100 cfs, this amounts to approximately one-unit generation 24/7. “I have been informed that this will be the pattern through at least Monday, at which time they will probably go back to the two full-unit generation for 12-hour periods. Fishing has been limited with rainbows taking micro-jigs, large hare’s ear nymphs and sowbugs.
“Please stay safe, if on the river during the generation. Higher water with increased flows requires more attention to remain safe on the water.”
Notice: Greg’s free fly-fishing class will again be offered at First United Methodist Church in Heber Springs this year. The first class will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20. The class will consist of four consecutive Thursday nights at the same time each Thursday. There is no charge for this class but you need to call and register so we can know how many persons will be attending. This class is for beginners and anyone wishing to expand their knowledge of fly-fishing. Please call 501-690-9166 to register for the class. “If I’m on the river, please leave a message and I will return your call,” Greg says.

Greers Ferry Lake

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 464.67 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 462.54 feet msl).

(updated 1-29-2020) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level at Greers Ferry Lake is at 464.42 feet msl. It’s 2.38 feet above normal pool of 462.04 feet msl and falling just a little as they generate – but if they stop it, just back up some. “Looks like if the weather holds, a lot of early spawning will take place with all species, but as in this part of Arkansas we will have a lot of changes from now through May and I bet they will not be all warm changes,” Tommy said. Crappie are eating well with lots of fish being caught if you want to get out there, either straight up and down or troll for them in 15-30 feet of water over deeper water. Black bass are scattered from the bank out to 60 feet and all in-between and can be caught with a lot of different methods, it’s a good time of year to hone a certain technique you usually don’t catch them on and learn it. Walleye will be stopping more to feed now they have done some traveling and feel better – try rogues, crankbaits trolled or thrown at night, or fish with a jighead minnow, grub or swimbait. No report on bream. “Catfish are still eating, I am told, but no report.” Hybrid and white bass are chewing as well in 25-60 feet of water on spoons, swimbaits, grubs, hair jigs, inline spinners and the new E-Bar City rig.

Harris Brake Lake

(updated 1-29-2020) Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) says the only fishing they’ve heard about is the good catfish bite. Use worms. The lake is a little murky but is at a normal level. No other reports.

Lake Overcup

NOTICE: AGFC employees and contractors using airboats will be conducting foliar applications of EPA-approved herbicide – which will cause no harm to wildlife, people or aquatic life such as fish – to treat alligatorweed on Lake Overcup last year. By federal law, these herbicides have up to a 120-day irrigation restriction after application. The AGFC asks adjacent landowners to NOT irrigate for lawn or garden use with water from Lake Overcup through March 1, 2020. For more information, please contact the AGFC Fisheries Office in Mayflower at (877) 470-3309.

(updated 1-29-2020) Johnny “Catfish” Banks of Overcup Bait Shop and R.V. Park (501-354-9007) had no report. Visit Johnny’s Facebook page (Overcup Bait Shop and R.V. Park) for any latest updates and photos.

Brewer Lake

(updated 1-29-2020) David Hall, owner of Dad’s Bait Shop (501-977-0303), had no report.

Panthers drop heartbreaker to Pirates

Heber Springs’ Adam Martin dribbles to the basket past Dover’s Robbie Flowers at the Panther Den Friday night. PHILIP SEATON PHOTO

JANUARY 24, 2020

By LARRY “SCOOP” McCARTY

Dover’s outside-inside combination of Josh Besterfeldt and Caden Frazier prevailed in the final minute against the Heber Springs Panthers at the Panther Den Friday.

Besterfeldt made a 3-pointer to give Dover a 51-49 lead with 49 seconds left in the game as the Pirates defeated Heber Springs 55-50 in a 4-4A Conference basketball game.

Frazier and Ross Laffoon led Dover with 15 points. Besterfeldt had 14 points. Dalton McCollum scored 22 points for the Panthers, followed by Adam Martin with 21 points.

“We did a good job of taking Besterfeldt out of the game until late,” Heber Springs coach Chad Johnson said. “Dover adjusted and got the ball to Frazier on the onside and we don’t have a players with height that could match up against him. We tried to double-team Frazier, but he would pass the ball back to Besterfeldt.”

McCollum and Martin, who are the team’s leading scorers on the season, each fouled out in the final two minutes.

“It hurt losing them late in the game,” Johnson said. “They always give the team great leadership and they are good ballhandlers.”

McCollum’s field goal started a 12-4 scoring run midway through the first quarter. The Panthers led 18-11 going into the second quarter.

Heber Springs increased its lead to 27-17 late in the first half. Dover responded by scoring two field goals as the Panthers led 27-21 at halftime.

The third quarter remained close and Heber Springs emerged with a 39-33 lead going into the fourth quarter.

“We played with a lot of intensity throughout the game,” Johnson said. “The players loved the big crowd and the loud student section. They were playing for the crowd, which inspired them. I’m proud of the way they played.”

Heber Springs (1-7 in conference, 1-17 overall) face a two-game road trip. The Panthers will play at Pottsville Tuesday and then go to Ozark on Friday.

“We will be playing two good teams,” Johnson said. “Both games will be tough matchups.”

JANUARY 24, 2020 BOXSCORE
Dover at Heber Springs
Dover         11 10 12 22 - 55
Heber Springs 18  9 12 11 - 50
DOVER SCORING (55): Caden Frazier 15, Russ Laffoon 15, Josh Besterfeldt 14, Leighton Alexander 7, Robbie Flowers 3, Landen Parker 1
HEBER SPRINGS SCORING (50): Dalton McCollum 24, Adam Martin 21, Garrett Hudspeth 4, Zach Thomas 1

JANUARY 17, 2020 BOXSCORE
Heber Springs at Clarksville
Clarksville  11 9 17 1 - 38
Heber Springs 9 9 14 0 - 32
CLARKSVILLE SCORING (38): Braden Payne 10, Garrett Waddill 6, John Case 6, Owen Ashlock 6, Cameron Patterson 5, Miles Castleman 5
HEBER SPRINGS SCORING (32): Dalton McCollum 16, Garrett Hudspeth 8, Wyatt Sanders 3, Logan Monahan 3, Zach Thomas 2

JANUARY 10 BOXSCORE
Heber Springs at Subiaco Academy
Subiaco Academy 15 4 18 10 - 47
Heber Springs    4 7  2 15 - 28
SUBIACO ACADEMY SCORING (47): Johnathan Mercera 12, Jackson Frederick 11, Conner King 10, Ivan Martijn 8, Jude Percy-Allen 2, Jeadan Nieveld 2, Justin Luidens 2
HEBER SPRINGS SCORING (28): Dalton McCollum 14, Adam Martin 8, Wyatt Sanders 4, Garrett Hudspeth 2
4A-4 SENIOR BOYS STANDINGS
                 Conference Season
Morrilton            7-1     15-6
Ozark                6-2     13-7
Dardanelle           6-2     19-2 
Pottsville           4-4      6-10
Clarksville          4-4      8-12
Subiaco Academy      3-5      7-12
Heber Springs        1-7      1-17
Dover                1-7      5-16  
HEBER SPRINGS SENIOR BOYS BASKETBALL
2019-2020 SCHEDULE RESULTS
RECORD: 1-17
4A-4 RECORD: 1-7
November 21 - Riverview 68, Heber Springs 36
November 26 - Clinton 71, Heber Springs 35
December 3 - Conway St. Joseph 44, Heber Springs 21 #
December 5 - South Side Bee Branch 50, Heber Springs 49 #
December 10 - Heber Springs 37, Dover 32 ^
December 12 - South Side Bee Branch 64, Heber Springs 53
December 13 - Marshall 69, Heber Springs 43
December 16 - White County Central 65, Heber Springs 43
December 20 - Ozark 69, Heber Springs 34 ^
December 26 - Rose Bud 68, Heber Springs 65 (OT) *
December 27 - Batesville 72, Heber Springs 60 *
December 28 - Mayflower 66, Heber Springs 41 *
January 7 - Pottsville 59, Heber Springs 26 ^
January 10 - Subiaco Academy 47, Heber Springs 28 ^
January 14 - Dardanelle 70, Heber Springs 13 ^
January 17 - Clarksville 38, Heber Springs 32 ^
January 21 - Morrilton 58, Heber Springs 43 ^
January 24 - Dover 55, Heber Springs 50 ^
January 28 - at Pottsville ^
January 31 - at Ozark ^
February 4 - at Dardanelle ^
February 7 - Subiaco Academy ^
February 11 - at Morrilton ^
February 14 - Clarksville (Senior Night) ^
February 17 - 4A-4 District at Dardanelle

(# - Denotes Conway St. Joseph Tournament)
(^ - Denotes 4A-4 conference contest) 
(* - Steve Landers' Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic at Heber Springs)

Lady Panthers hold Dover for key 4A-4 win

Heber Springs’ Ellie Riddle gets past Dover’s Avery Reichert in action Friday night at the Panther Den. PHILIP SEATON PHOTO

January 24, 2020

By LARRY “SCOOP” McCARTY

The Heber Springs Lady Panthers benefited from adjusting adjusted their perimeter defense against Dover at the Panther Den Friday.

The Lady Panthers (4-3 in 4-4A Conference, 13-7 overall) limited Dover to five 3-pointers and completed a season sweep with a 59-53 victory.

Dover (3-4 in conference, 12-8 overall) made 11 3-pointers earlier this season against Heber Springs.

The win kept the Lady Panthers in a third-place tie with Pottsville and moved one game ahead of Dover in the conference standings. In case a tiebreaker is necessary for seeding at the conference tournament, the Lady Panthers will hold the advantage over Dover.

“The threes kept them in the game at Dover,” Heber Springs coach Jamey Riddle said. “We changed our defense by always having a player defending on the wing. We played mostly man-to-man in the second half to keep them from getting that big scoring run.”

Riddle said the players executed the defensive plan.

“We got lost on some of the threes Dover made because of transition” he said. “Dover found the open gaps. We played well, made free throws down the stretch and got rebounds.”

The Lady Panthers broke out of a recent offensive slump, led by Ellie Riddle, Libby Stutts and Jillian Herring, who scored 44 of the team’s 59 points.

Riddle led the offense with 18 points. Stutts scored 15 points and Herring had 11 points.

Avery Reichert scored 11 points for Dover, while Audrey Reichert finished with 10 points.

“We had one period of the game when we had shots and they would not fall,” Riddle said. “When Dover switched to a man defense, we took advantage of it with field goals in transition or by driving to the basket and drawing a foul.”

Stutts made a 3-pointer midway through the first quarter to break a 6-6 tie. Heber Springs never trailed again. Dover stayed close and pulled within one point twice and led 14-13 going into the second quarter.

Heber Springs increased its lead to eight points, but it never reached double digits. The Lady Panthers withstood Dover’s challenges and had a 34-25 halftime lead.

The Lady Panthers retained the momentum during the third quarter, but Dover didn’t make it easy. The Lady Pirates reduced Heber Springs’ lead to 44-39 going into the fourth quarter.

Dover trailed 46-44 early in the fourth quarter, but it never pulled closer.

“Ellie made shots in transition during the first half,” coach Riddle said. “Jillian and Libby did good jobs driving against Dover for shots in the second half. You need that in close games.”

Heber Springs hopes for a duplicate performance at Pottsville starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

“Every game will be big for the remainder of the season,” Riddle said. “Our focus will be on Pottsville. We should have defeated them earlier at home. We need to play with the same mentality as we did against Dover. We need another win.”

JANUARY 24 BOXSCORE
Dover at Heber Springs
Dover         13  12  14  14 - 53
Heber Springs 14  20  10  15 - 59
DOVER SCORING (53): Avery Reichert 11, Amelia Besterfeldt 10, Audrey Reichert 9, Kaylee Singleton 8, Faith Bowden 5, Gracie Bowden 5, Jacqueline Fields 3, Haley Villareal 2
HEBER SPRINGS SCORING (59): Ellie Riddle 18, Libby Stutts 15, Jillian Herring 11, Claudia Newberry 8, Mary Shearer 4, Ashley Spanel 3

JANUARY 17 BOXSCORE
Heber Springs at Clarksville
Clarksville    14 13  4 17 - 48
Heber Springs   5 11 10 15 - 41
CLARKSVILLE SCORING (48): Autumn Miller 13, Abby Domerese 11, Emmaline Rieder 10, Kenleigh Rieder 9, Myra Smith 5
HEBER SPRINGS SCORING (41): Jillian Herring 14, Libby Stutts 13, Claudia Newberry 12, Ashley Spanel 2
 4A-4 STANDINGS
                 Conference Season
Clarksville          6-1     10-10
Morrilton            6-1     13-5
Heber Springs        4-3     13-7
Pottsvile            4-3     10-7
Dover                3-4     12-8  
Ozark                1-6     13-7 
Dardanelle           0-6      2-18
HEBER SPRINGS SENIOR GIRLS 
2019-2020 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
RECORD: 13-7
4A-4 RECORD: 4-3
November 12 - Heber Springs 55, Nemo Vista 31
November 19 - Heber Springs 70, South Side Bee Branch 45
November 21 - Heber Springs 67, Riverview 27
November 26 - Heber Springs 56, Clinton 54 (OT)
December 3 - Conway St. Joseph 47, Heber Springs 44 #
December 5 - Heber Springs 53, South Side Bee Branch 34 #
December 7 - Heber Springs 44, Wonderview 43 #
December 10 - Heber Springs 59, Dover 56 ^
December 13 - Marshall 70, Heber Springs 52
December 16 - Heber Springs 51, White County Central 31
December 20 - Heber Springs 55, Ozark 42 ^
December 26 - Heber Springs 70, DeWitt 34 *
December 27 - Pea Ridge 49, Heber Springs 44 *
December 28 - Mayflower 58, Heber Springs 37 *
January 7 - Pottsville 49, Heber Springs 45 ^
January 9 - Heber Springs 70, Newport 51
January 14 - Heber Springs 47, Dardanelle 29 ^
January 17 - Clarksville 48, Heber Springs 41 ^
January 21 - Morrilton 52, Heber Springs 32 ^
January 24 - Heber Springs 59, Dover 53 ^
January 28 - at Pottsville ^
January 31 - at Ozark ^
February 4 - at Dardanelle ^
February 11 - at Morrilton ^
February 14 - Clarksville (Senior Night) ^
February 17 - 4A-4 District at Dardanelle

(# - Denotes Conway St. Joseph Tournament)
(^ - Denotes 4A-4 conference contest)
(* - Denotes Steve Landers' Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Tournament at Heber Springs) 

Dover tops Heber Springs junior boys

Heber Springs’ Eli Riggs dribbles past Dover’s Landon Canfield Friday night at the Panther Den. PHILIP SEATON PHOTO

January 24, 2020

A rough second quarter cost the Panthers Friday night at the Panther Den as Dover claimed a 39-28 victory in junior boys action.

It was the second time this season Dover has beaten Heber Springs, the Panthers had won the conference opener at Dover on Dec. 10, but fell at the Marshall junior high tournament in November.

Conner Riddle finished with 13 points in a losing effort as the Panthers trailed 16-9 at the half and 27-20 at the end of three quarters of play.

DOVER AT HEBER SPRINGS BASKETBALL
Dover          12  4 11 12 - 39
Heber Springs   9  0 11  8 - 28
DOVER SCORING (39): Caleb Krentz 11, Brantley Craig 10, Lane Standridge 5, Wesley Dale 5, Landon Canfield 3, Cody Vickers 3, Joseph Mathews 2
HEBER SPRINGS SCORING (28): Conner Riddle 13, Eli Riggs 8, Luke Greenwald 5, Bauer Pruitt 2
HEBER SPRINGS JUNIOR BOYS BASKETBALL
2019-2020 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
COACH: Chad Johnson
OVERALL RECORD: 5-12
4A-4 RECORD: 2-3
November 9 - Greenbrier 37, Heber Springs 17 ^
November 12 - Nemo Vista 45, Heber Springs 37
November 13 - Heber Springs 54, Yellville-Summit 50 ^
November 14 - Dover 43, Heber Springs 36 ^
November 19 - Heber Springs 44, South Side Bee Branch 38
November 21 - Riverview 51, Heber Springs 21
November 23 - Cabot South 8th 37, Heber Springs 33 *
November 23 - Conway Blue 71, Heber Springs 39 *
November 26 - Clinton 44, Heber Springs 27
December 10 - Heber Springs 45, Dover 33 #
December 13 - Marshall 46, Heber Springs 38
December 16 - Heber Springs 36, White County Central 35
December 20 - Ozark 46, Heber Springs 28 #
January 7 - Pottsville 51, Heber Springs 35 #
January 10 - Heber Springs 33, Subiaco Academy 3 #
January 14 - Dardanelle 43, Heber Springs 17 #
January 16 - Mount Vernon-Enola 44, Heber Springs 41 (OT)
January 24 - Dover 39, Heber Springs 28 #
January 27 - at Mayflower
January 28 - at Pottsville #
January 31 - at Ozark #
February 3 - Quitman
February 4 - at Dardanelle #
Februaryr 7 - Subiaco Academy #
February 10 - District Tournament at Ozark

(^ - Denotes Marshall Tournament)
(* - Denotes Heber Springs Tournament)
(# - Denotes 4A-4 Conference Game) 

Stone scores 31 as Heber Springs downs Dover

Heber Springs’ Sophia Stone looks to drive to the basket after getting help off a screen from teammate Jaylea Hooten during action in December at the Panther Den. Stone scored 31 points in helping lead Heber Springs to a 55-52 victory over Dover on Jan. 24 at the Panther Den. PHILIP SEATON PHOTO

January 24, 2020

Sophia Stone scored a career-high 31 points as Heber Springs downed Dover, 55-52, in junior girls action Friday night at the Panther Den.

The win by Heber Springs was the first in three tries against Dover this season. Dover handed the Panthers their first setback of the season, 60-49, on Nov. 14 at the Marshall tournament and then downed Heber Springs, 43-33, in the conference opener for the Panthers on Dec. 10 at Dover.

But on Friday it was Heber Springs that would come out on top.

Dover jumped out to a 14-7 advantage at the end of the first quarter and also led 24-21 at the break, but the Panthers would come out of the half and take an eight-point advantage into the final stanza as Stone scored 11 points of the 15 Heber Springs points in the quarter.

In the fourth, the game got bogged down at the free-throw line as Dover hit 14 out of 18 from the charity stripe while Heber Springs was 5-of-9, but the Panthers were able to hold on as Stone was a perfect 4-of-4 in the quarter from the line. She finished the night by going 9-of-11 from the charity stripe.

Dover’s Abree McCrotty, who had a combined 49 points in the previous two meetings with Heber Springs, finished the night with 29 points, going a perfect 9-of-9 from the line in the fourth quarter. She finished the night by going 13-of-19 from the stripe.

The two teams combined to shot 57 free throws on the night as Dover went 20-34 from the line while Heber Springs was 13-of-23.

Jaylea Hooten finished the night with 19 points, including eight in the final quarter.

The loss was only Dover’s second of the season and their first in 4A-4 conference play as Heber Springs improved to 10-7 overall and 2-3 in the conference.

Heber Springs will travel to Mayflower on Monday for a nonconference contest. The Eagles handed Dover its first loss of the season. On Tuesday, the Panthers will travel to Pottsville for a 4A-4 contest. The Apaches downed Heber Springs earlier this year at the Panther Den, 34-31.

DOVER AT HEBER SPRINGS BOXSCORE
Dover        14 10  4 24 - 52
Heber Springs 7 14 15 19 - 55
DOVER SCORING (52): Abree McCrotty 29, A. Reams 17, S. McClendon 3, L. Young 3
HEBER SPRINGS SCORING (55): Sophia Stone 31, Jaylea Hooten 19, Riley Bailey 2, Addison Hudspeth 2, Hope Turney 1
HEBER SPRINGS JUNIOR GIRLS BASKETBALL
2019-2020 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
COACH: Jamey Riddle
OVERALL RECORD: 10-7
4A-4 RECORD: 2-3
November 9 - Heber Springs 27, Greenbrier 16 ^
November 12 - Heber Springs 33, Nemo Vista 27
November 14 - Dover 60, Heber Springs 49 ^
November 16 - Heber Springs 40, Marshall 25 ^
November 19 - Heber Springs 44, South Side Bee Branch 22
November 21 - Heber Springs 46, Riverview 13
November 23 - Heber Springs 62, Cabot South 8th 10 *
November 23 - Conway Blue 35, Heber Springs 29 *
November 26 - Clinton 48, Heber Springs 40
December 10 - Dover 43, Heber Springs 33 #
December 12 - Heber Springs 52, South Side Bee Branch 31
December 20 - Heber Springs 21, Ozark 7 #
January 7 - Pottsville 34, Heber Springs 31 #
January 9 - Heber Springs 40, Newport 21
January 14 - Dardanelle 32, Heber Springs 29 #
January 16 - Mount Vernon-Enola 38, Heber Springs 33
January 24 - Heber Springs 55, Dover 52 #
January 27 - at Mayflower
January 28 - at Pottsville #
January 31 - at Ozark #
February 3 - Quitman
February 4 - at Dardanelle #
February 10 - District Tournament at Ozark

(^ - Denotes Marshall Tournament)
(* - Denotes Heber Springs Tournament)
(# - Denotes 4A-4 Conference Game)

Panthers come back to beat Clinton

January 20, 2020

Heber Springs trailed by three heading into the final quarter but outscored Clinton 13-7 in the final quarter to claim a 29-25 seventh-grade boys victory at the Panther Den.

Liam Buffalo (13) and Jacob Harrod (10) each finished in double figures for the Panthers.

Heber Springs led 13-9 at the break but trailed 18-15 at the end of three quarters.

Heber Springs was 15-of-27 from the free-throw line. Buffalo was 7-of-11 from the line including 5-of-6 in the final quarter.

Clinton was 6-of-12 from the line on the night.

JANUARY 20 BOXSCORE
Clinton at Heber Springs
Clinton        2  7  9  7 - 25
Heber Springs  7  6  2 13 - 29
CLINTON SCORING (25): B. Standlee 11, L. Hudson 6, R. Fosko 4, J. Medine 2, B. Mooney 1, W. McFall 1
HEBER SPRINGS SCORING (29): Liam Buffalo 13, Jacob Harrod 10, Braden Biggs 2, Ty West 2, Cooper Cantrell 2 
HEBER SPRINGS 7TH-GRADE BOYS SCHEDULE  
Jan. 27 - at Mayflower 
Jan. 30 - at Southside Batesville 
Feb. 03 - Quitman 
Feb. 06 - Cedar Ridge