Panthers host Hounds tonight in opener

Heber Springs quarterback John McBroome throws a pass last week against Johnson County Westside in a benefit scrimmage contest. Heber Springs opens its season tonight at 7 p.m. against Newport. PHILIP SEATON PHOTO

September 4, 2020

By LARRY “SCOOP” McCARTY

Heber Springs received a passing grade for its performance in last week’s benefit game against Johnson County West Side and hope for a higher grade when the Panthers will host the Newport Greyhounds at 7 p.m. tonight in the 2020 football season opener.

Newport opened its season last week by defeating Little Rock Mills, 47-22.

“It was nice to play the benefit game, but there is nothing like Friday night and playing in front of your fans,” first-year head coach Todd Wood said. “It’s a different level of excitement.”

The Panthers scored 29 of its 42 points against Johnson County Westside in the first of two quarters during the benefit game. Wood said the game came at a good time.

“We went into the (benefit) game looking to see what we could do against a different team,” Wood said. “We learned a lot from our mistakes. That is the purpose of a benefit game. Every player got in the game and that gave them an opportunity to gain experience going into the season.”

Nathan McKee, who was sidelined by an ankle injury for most of the preseason, will be available in Friday’s opener. Linemen Jayden Bremmon, who didn’t play in the benefit game, also will be in the starting lineup.

“They will give us a big boost,” Wood said. “I told the team again this week it is not how we start the season, but how we finish the season. We worked on a lot of things in practice and hope to click against Newport. The first three games are to prepare us for the conference games.”

Wood said John McBroome will start at quarterback, but Matthew Cook and Conner Riddle could see action at that position.

“We worked with John this week about making his reads and throwing the ball quicker to the receivers,” Wood said. “Cook will start at one of the receivers, but we have plays that he could be used at quarterback. Matthew will help us at receiver and quarterback. Conner was the junior high starter last season and also will be another option.”

Diego Rubio will get the nod at running back, with Jackson West, Kenan Sneed and Cook possibly playing in the backfield.

“I was impressed by Diego with his hard work and determination from the first day of practice. “Jackson is not only a good runner, but a good receiver. Kenan is not as fast as those two players, but he me makes up with his ability of how the defense is playing. Cook also is an option.”

McKee’s return to the lineup will strengthen the receiving corps. He and Hunter Kent were two of the team’s leading receivers in 2019.

“Nathan was one of our better returning receivers,” Wood said. “Hunter has speed with good hands and can help us stretch the defense. Cook and West also are good receivers.”

The coach said two newcomers have potential to balance the receiving corps.

“Gus Hannah was one of the most impressive receivers during summer camp,” Wood said. “He runs good routes and takes care of the ball. Easton Cusick is a sophomore and proved to be a reliable receiver. We won’t have to depend on one or two receivers to carry the load.”

Heber Springs junior Gus Hannah kicks a PAT in the Panthers scrimmage contest last week against Johnson County Westside. PHILIP SEATON PHOTO

Wood said the offensive line quickly learned the new blocking schemes. Zach Thomas anchors the line at center, with tackle Bremmon and guard Preston Roberson on the left side. Thad Bray, Payton Owens and Trevor Weathers will alternate on the right side.

“They played with a lot of confidence in the benefit game,” Wood said. “We have the guys who can do the job. They are improving with their run game blocking. I’m pleased with their work.”

Heber Springs will also play a different defense than previous seasons. The Panthers will line up in a 3-4 alignment, but occasionally play a four-player front.

Bray, Bremmon, Owens and Weathers will be the players to watch on the front line. Roberson, who will start at inside linebacker, will be the fourth lineman.

“The play on the defensive line is very important,” Wood said. “We must control the line of scrimmage and take away the other team’s running game.”

Sneed will start at inside linebacker opposite Roberson, with Rubio and West at the outside linebackers. Dakota Farmer and Cook will provide depth at inside and outside linebacker.

McGee and Cook will start at the safeties. Kent and Farmer will be the cornerbacks. Hannah will provide depth at safety and cornerback, and Riddle will see playing time at safety.

Wood said he is ready to start the season and play one of the top-ranked teams in Class 3A.

“Newport is very quick with a lot of speed,” Wood said. “They have a very good running back and quarterback. The quarterback played well against Mills and makes good decisions. They also like to pass and have two tall (6-foot-5) receivers. Newport will put you in bad situations and take advantage of your mistakes.”

Wood said execution will decide who wins Friday’s game.

“We must stop Newport’s big plays, limit our turnovers and create turnovers on defense,” Wood said. “We must execute on offense and defense, especially doing the little things right. On defense, we need 11 guys going to the ball and make things happen. If we can do all of that, we will have a good night.”

NOTEBOOK

NEWPORT (1-0) AT HEBER SPRINGS (0-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m.
WHERE: Panther Stadium, Heber Springs
RADIO: 101.9 The Lake. Billy Morgan will handle play-by-play with Lance Hamilton providing color. Panther Pregame begins at 6:45. 
STREAMING: 101.9 The Lake will also be providing live streaming of the game.
LAST WEEK: Newport 47, Little Rock Mills 22; Heber Springs was idle
SERIES: Newport leads 10-4
LAST MEETING: Heber Springs 33, Newport 20, 2015
NOTES: The two teams were scheduled to meet in the first season of football for Heber Springs in 1913, but as was the case in the early decades of high school football, the game was not played. The two teams would finally meet for the first time on November 5, 1937 at Newport (a 45-0 win for the Greyhounds) ... Newport claimed another win in the series in 1945 before the two teams would meet again 57 years later when Newport moved down in classification and was placed in the 2AAA conference with Heber Springs in 2002. The Greyhounds would win the first four games by a combined 169-47 before the Panthers claimed their first win in the series with a 24-14 win at Newport in 2006. After a Newport win in 2007, the two teams were placed in separate conferences but would meet again in the 4A quarterfinals in 2008 where the Greyhounds ended Heber Springs' season with a 46-14 victory. In 2010, Newport was placed in the 2-4A with Heber Springs and the two teams split the six meetings before the Greyhounds dropped down to class 3A starting in the 2016 cycle ... Though the two teams took a 57-year hiatus, after the Panther football program returned from a two-year absence 1949, the Heber Springs varsity team would play Newport's "B" team. The Greyhound second-teamers would win the first contest, 13-6, in Heber Springs, but Heber Springs' would claim victories over Newport's "B" in 1958, 1960 and 1963 -- the 1960 win over Newport "B" was the Panthers lone victory of the season ... Newport running back Tharon Davis has been offered by North Alabama ... Newport sophomore quarterback Dejai Marshall was 22 of 27 passing for 183 yards and two touchdowns last week against Little Rock Mills ... Senior Night festivities began at 6:15 p.m.

-- By PHILIP SEATON

Panthers dominate in benefit contest

Heber Springs senior Diego Rubio looks upfield against Johnson County Westside Tuesday night at Panther Stadium. Pictured for JC Westside, Ashton Yarbrough (13) and Peyton Chrisman (5). PHIILIP SEATON PHOTO

August 25, 2020

By PHILIP SEATON

Heber Springs took advantage of three Johnson County Westside turnovers and cruised to a 42-8 victory in an Arkansas Activities Association benefit game Tuesday night at Panther Stadium.

The game was the first for new Panther head coach Todd Wood after taking over the reigns of the program earlier this year.

“This is a big night for us,” Wood said. “I’ve been waiting for this night since I got here on February 3. We didn’t have spring ball, so we started June 1st so we had to implement all of those things we’ve been trying to put in both offense and defense.”

Offensively, the Panthers gave the home faithful a taste of what to expect this season spreading the ball out with four-receiver sets.

Junior quarterback John McBroome, stepping in for graduated All-State quarterback Adam Martin, was 12 of 17 passing for 141 yards and three touchdowns against the class 2A Rebels.

“John McBroome is a quarterback in progress,” Wood said. “He is learning every day, every week. He is better than he was months ago. He is still hesitant and we’ve got to work on that a little bit. 

“He’s extremely smart so a lot of times he has to be able to be free-following … be able to say, ‘Okay there is the key, there is they read, there is the trigger, throw the ball’. He wants to process it a little bit longer than he should. If we can get him to a point where he can trust himself a little bit and be able to do the reads and throw immediately, he’ll be a lot better. But I’m very proud of him, this offense we are putting in has a lot of pieces to it and you have to know every piece of it. He is the kinda kid that can do that and that’s the kind of quarterback I want. I’ve been telling the team from the beginning, it’s not how you start but how you finish and so the quarterback he is tonight will not be the same quarterback he’ll be in about six to seven weeks.”

The two teams played two 12-minute quarters and sophomore quarterback Wyatt Winchester got most of the snaps in the second stanza completing seven of nine passes for 49 yards, including a 15-yard scoring strike to sophomore Kenan Sneed with 6:30 left in the contest.

Heber Springs scored Hunter Kent raced 27 yards for a score to make it 6-0 with 7:25 to play in the first quarter.

Heber Springs junior Jackson West (23) celebrates a first-quarter touchdown with teammate Dakota Farmer. PHILIP SEATON PHOTO

After a Johnson County Westside fumble on a high snap, McBroome connected with Kent for a 10-yard scoring strike. McBroome found sophomore Easton Cusick for the 2-point conversion to make it 14-0 with 6:44 left in the quarter.

Heber Springs struck less than a minute later when junior Jackson West picked another high snap and raced 21 yards to make it 22-0, after senior Diego Rubio ran in the 2-point conversion.

A pair of McBroome touchdown passes pushed the Panther lead to 36-0 at the 11:43 mark of the second quarter. The first, a 1-yard strike to Kent with 1:59 in the first quarter, and the second, a 13-yarder to Sneed in the second quarter.

Heber Springs finished with 12 first downs and 273 yards of offense while holding Johnson County Westside to a pair of first downs and 56 yards of offense, with 48 of those coming on a touchdown pass with 5:33 left in the contest.

“Overall, defensively, I thought we played well,” Wood said. “It is a new defensive scheme. It’s an aggressive scheme. There is a lot of moving parts to it. Overall pretty pleased with the first-team defense getting out there. They got a little help there early on. They (Rebels) had a couple of turnovers that helped us out a lot, but I was just happy to see them able to execute about 80 to 90 percent of what we wanted to do.”

Despite the score, Wood saw some things that needed to be cleaned up, including six penalties for 45, but overall he was pleased with the effort.

“I’ve been telling people from the get go that we’ve got a bunch of guys that are hungry to learn and want to do better,” he said. “So tonight was just a little glimpse, we didn’t do everything we are capable of doing. We made mistakes and we are going to clean that up before we get to Newport. 

“Overall, just thrilled to be playing a football game and stop hitting each other. Really, really happy.”

Heber Springs will host Newport on September 4th in the opener for both schools.

Scoring

First Quarter

7:25 – Heber Springs, Hunter Kent 27-yard run (Pass failed)

6:44 – Heber Springs, John McBroome to Kent 10-yard pass (McBroome to Easton Cusick pass

5:55 – Heber Springs, Jackson West 20-yard fumble return (Diego Rubio run)

1:59 – Heber Springs,  McBroome to Kent 1-yard pass (Gus Hannah kick)

Second Quarter

11:43 – Heber Springs, McBroome to Kenan Sneed 13-yard pass (Chandler Webber kick)

6:30 – Heber Springs, Wyatt Winchester to Sneed 15-yard pass (kick failed)

5:33 – Johnson County Westside, Peyton Chrisman to James Linton 48-yard touchdown pass (Chrisman to Dakota Beavers two-point pass)

Quick Stats

Team

First Downs: Heber Springs 12, Johnson County Westside 2

Turnovers: Heber Springs 0, Johnson County Westside 3

Penalties : Heber Springs 6/45, Johnson County Westside 4/25

Total Offense: Heber Springs 273, Johnson County Westside 56

Team Rushing: Heber Springs 15/83, Johnson County Westside 11/(-5)

Team Passing: Heber Springs 19/26-190-4/0, Johnson County Westside 2/7-61-1/0

Individual

Rushing: Heber Springs, Hunter Kent 2/37, Kenan Sneed 5/36, Diego Rubio 3/14, Matthew Cook 1/4 Wyatt Winchester 3/0, John McBroome 2/(-8). JC Westside, Peyton Chrisman 5/3, James Linton 3/11, Team 2/(-26), Dakota Beavers 1/2, Hunter Andrews 1/7.

Passing: Heber Springs, John McBroome 12/17-141-3/0, Wyatt Winchester 7/9-49-1/0. Johnson County Westside, Peyton Chrisman 2/7-61-1/0

Receiving: Easton Cusick 4/42, Kenan Sneed 4/39, Matthew Cook 3/47, Hunter Kent 3/20, Austin Winchester 3/14, Payton Talbert 1/18, Conner Riddle 1/9. Johnson County Westside, James Linton 1/33, Dakota Beavers 1/13.


Panther football team embracing challenge

August 23, 2020

By LARRY “SCOOP” McCARTY

Heber Springs players accepted a challenge from first-year head coach Todd Wood at the beginning of preseason football practice.

Exercising prevention measures against the threat of corona virus remains a priority, but Wood asked his players to take advantage of every day in becoming better football players.

“Our motto has been not how we start, but how we finish,” Wood said. “Every time we go onto the field, it could be the last time. I told the players you must live the moment and understand tomorrow is not a guarantee.”

Wood said his players quickly accepted a new philosophy. COVID-19 changed some aspects of practices, but Wood said he was pleased overall how his players responded.

“Everything has been a challenge {COVID-19},” Wood said. “Everyone was happy when we started conditioning work and now in practice. We do have some limitations at practice, but the players have been learning a new offense and defense.”

Coaches and players began the catch-up work in June when the Arkansas Activities Association authorized schools to conduct conditioning workouts. Preseason practice began on time.

Wood talked with players about the importance of progressing every day and stressed that hard work would help in closing the gap of no spring practice.

“I told the players that we were behind because of COVID-19,” he said. “We knew the hand dealt to us with few returning players. I have no problem with that, and building a foundation for a successful program.”

Wood liked how the high school and the junior high teams improved throughout August.

“We have the beginning of good things, but we have a long way to go,” he said. “I’ve been pleased with the junior high team. We have taken the first steps of building a program, and it starts with the current players.”

The Panthers will host Johnson County West Side in a benefit game starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday. Wood said COVID-19 could force a change in schedule, but he said the game is important for the development of players heading into the regular season.

“We are working on putting players in the right positions,” Wood said. “The players are ready to go against players who are not their teammates. I hope we can play the benefit game because we need that experience going into the first game.”

After the benefit game, the Panthers will focus on the season opener at home against Newport on Sept. 4.

“We continue working for the first game,” Wood said. “The players are hungry to play football again and look at this as an opportunity. They understand what we must do and what is necessary to get back on the field.”

Bramlett ready to take over Heber Springs hoops

April 28, 2020

By LARRY “SCOOP” McCARTY

Scott Bramlett remains ready to take the reins of the Heber Springs High School boys’ basketball program.

Scott Bramlett

The Corona 19 virus prevents Bramlett from meeting his players in person or conducting workouts, but he’s excited about the opportunity of returning to basketball.

Bramlett, who recently completed his third year with the district, was named head coach at a recent Heber Springs school board meeting. He had been an assistant football coach and the head baseball coach. Before coming to Heber Springs, Bramlett coached basketball two years at Augusta.

“I always hope to get back in coaching basketball and baseball,” he said. “I was glad to become head baseball coach last year. I never thought the opportunity to coach basketball would come this soon.”

Bramlett replaces Chad Johnson, who coached the past two seasons when the Panthers were 9-43. Johnson remains a classroom teacher at the high school.

“When they offered the job to me, I took a weekend to think about,” Bramlett said. “I didn’t want to jump right into the job. “I didn’t take the job lightly. I wrote down the pros and cons before making my decision.”

Bramlett will assist Dusty West with the junior high school boys’ basketball program and coached the seventh grade team. West will be Bramlett’s assistant for the high school team and also remains head softball coach.

“I worked with a lot of good coaches and talked with them before making the decision,” Bramlett said. “I want to become more a part in the community, along with the program. I want the players to become not just good basketball players, but learn how to become good men.”

Bramlett said it will be a clean slate for all players. He plans to take a similar apporach to the basketball program as he did with the baseball. The Panthers were 2-1 under Bramlett before the season was cancelled by Covid 19.

“I don’t know of any specific changes for next year, but every change will be to help the program become more successful,” he said. “I know some kids are walking the halls at the school who need to play basketball. “They make not have played basketball in the past, but I want to give them an opportunity to play.”

Bramlett is looking forward to coaching the players in person.

“I talked with some of the returning players on the phone and got a good response,” he said. “I coached a lot of those players in other sports and we know each other. They know they my passion for athletics and that I want the best for them.”

Bramlett said he will decide once the players get on the court of what style of player is best for the players.

“I want to put the players in the best position to win,” he said. “I prefer playing man-to-man defense, but we will play some zone. I like playing with patience on offense, but the players will dictate that.”

Bramlett said he hopes to increase the number of players on the roster and put a competitive team on the court.

“We will work as hard as any team,” he said. “The players will become more involve with the community and create an atmosphere that people want to be a part of. I believe we can cause the same excitement like the fans do for  football.”

Bramlett said he also agrees with other coaches that athletes should participate in more than one sport.

“All of the coaches are in agreement with that,” he said. “We want the best for our athletes and our teams.”

2A State Title Game: Quitman vs. Melbourne

March 12, 2020

2A STATE FINALS COVERAGE SPONSORED BY 

GAME STORY: Melbourne wins back-to-back titles

QUITMAN: Shooting woes cost Bulldogs in title game

MELBOURNE: Back-to-Back titles for the Bearkatz

VIDEO CLIPS: Melbourne Quitman

MELBOURNE POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE (By Billy Smallwood)

QUITMAN POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE (By Billy Smallwood)

Shooting woes cost Bulldogs in title game

The Quitman Lady Bulldogs pose with the state runner-up trophy on Thursday in Hot Springs. PHILIP SEATON PHOTO

March 12, 2020

By LARRY “SCOOP” McCARTY

HOT SPRINGS — One of Quitman’s major strengths — outside shooting — didn’t materialize in the Class 2A girls’ state tournament basketball game at the Bank  OZK Arena Thursday.

The Lady Bulldogs made 10-of-43 shots (23.3 percent), 2-of-18 3-pointers (11.1 percent), in the 47-28 loss to Melbourne.

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Quitman started the game by hitting 4-of-20 (1-of-9 3-pointers) during the first half. Hooten voiced concerned earlier this week of Melbourne’s height affecting his team’s shooting efficiency.

“We didn’t shoot up to our capability,” he said. “Maybe, it was the bright lights, but Melbourne needs to be credited from sticking with us. We had a lot of shooting difficulty. Melbourne’s size affected us. They always had a hand in our face.”

Quitman’s Lucy Holland. PHILIP SEATON PHOTO

Senior post Lucy Holland led the Lady Bulldogs with 14 points and all of the team’s points during the first quarter. Holland made 5-of-14 shots (1-of-2 3-pointers) and had seven rebounds.

Players also dealt with the possibility of cancellation of the game because of the COVIDA-19 virus and suspension of spring sports by the Arkansas Activities Association until March 30.

“We found out right before the game that the virus may cancel softball and track and field,” Holland said. “We knew this may be our last chance to play. That helped to motivate us, but we tried not to think about it much. The possibility of not playing again also gave us motivation to play until the final second.”

A majority of the players also play softball and won back-to-back state championships. They also are the nucleus of the track and field team that competes at a high level.

But basketball was the No. 1 concern during the game. Holland did yoeman work on the boards with five of her seven rebounds on the defensive end.

The taller Lady Bearkatz held a 31-28 rebounding advantage against Quitman.

“Even if you are smaller, you can’t be thinking that way,” she said. “You can’t think that way when going up against someone taller. It may be a disadvantage, but it can be an advantage for your teammates. You can pass out to one of the guards on the perimeter.”

The Quitman seniors, from left, Haley Trawick, Gracie Smith, Lanny Goff, Autumn Johnson, Erin Stephens, Lucy Holland, Halle Bennett, and Carson Rackley. PHILIP SEATON PHOTO

Holland also talked about not changing her shot, even against a taller opponent.

“You can’t alter your shot because you get off rhythm,” he said. “You have to keep doing what you want to do.”

The seniors compiled a 126-18 record, four conference and regional championships and three state final appearances.

“We hope the program’s success continues,” Hooten said. “These girls set the bar very high. We don’t say we are rebuilding, but reloading. We intend to be back here (to state final) next year.”

‘Katz bite ‘Dogs for 2A championship

Melbourne wins back-t0-back titles with win over Quitman
Quitman’s Autumn Johnson walks off the floor at the end of the 2A senior girls championship game. PHILIP SEATON PHOTO

March 12, 2020

By LARRY “SCOOP” McCARTY

HOT SPRINGS — Melbourne’s height advantage and a tenacious full-court press defense proved too much for the Quitman Lady Bulldogs to overcome at Bank OZK Arena Thursday.

Quitman (30-4) never recovered from the second quarter and lost to defending champion Melbourne 47-28 in the Class 2A state basketball championship game.

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“We had an outstanding season,” Quitman coach Tim Hooten said. “We played a team with outstanding height and speed. We still won 30 games and kept the streak of five consecutive conference and regional championships going.”

The Lady Bulldogs stayed close during the first quarter, but Melbourne pulled away by outscoring Quitman 26-9 in the second quarter. Lucy Holland scored all of Quitman’s points during the opening quarter and finished with 14 points.

Quitman’s Erin Stephens looks to drive past Melbourne’s Kylee Humphries. PHILIP SEATON PHOTO

Melbourne (34-2) outscored the Lady Bulldogs 16-14 during the second half.

“We did a good job defending them during the first quarter,” Hooten said. “We took away the things from them we wanted to take way. The full-court press hurt us in the second quarter. We never recovered from the second quarter.”

Melbourne coach Eric Teague said winning back-to-back state championships was not easy.

“We started the season with a different group of players and didn’t know what was going to happen,” he said. “They trusted the coaches and each other.”

Jenna Lawrence led Melbourne with 11 points and blocked seven shots.

“Both teams were nervous at the beginning of the game,” Teague said. “We needed to let game come to us in the first quarter. I told them between quarters they hadn’t played well and they need to pick up their play. Our full-court press and by making 3-pointers helped us to the lead in the second quarter. We did a better job of challenging Quitman.”

Melbourne’s Josie Roark goes up for a shot against Quitman’s Carson Rackley. PHILIP SEATON PHOTO

Holland became the first player to score as she drove, drew a foul and made the shot with 3:54 left in the first quarter. She sank the free throw to complete the three-point play.

Kenley McCarn and Dani Hardaway answered by making 3-pointers and Melbourne never trailed again. Holland hit 2-of-2 free throws as the Lady Bearkatz led 6-5 going into the second quarter.

McCaron started the second quarter by making a 3-pointer. Holland kept Quitman close by making 2-of-2 free throws, reducing Melbourne’s lead to 10-9. The Lady Bearkatz broke the game open on a 22-5 scoring run and built a 32-14 halftime lead.

Melbourne’s Kenley McCarn was named the state finals MVP. PHILIP SEATON PHOTO

Melbourne increased its lead to 44-21 by the end of the third quarter.

“We felt a target on our back this year after winning it last season,” Teague said. “Every team gave us everything they had. We kept getting better and I knew it would help us to get back to the state final. That was one of the big differences against Quitman.”

Melbourne lost back-to-back games to Bentonville and Classen SAS from Oklahoma City, the second-ranked team in that state, in late December. Teague said that was a turning point for his team.

“Those experiences taught them to listen and trust more,” Teague said. “We lost to two good teams and learned our weaknesses.”

CLASS 2A SENIOR GIRLS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
QUITMAN VS. MELBOURNE
March 12, 2020
at Bank OZK Arena, Hot Springs
Quitman (30-4)   5  9 7  7 - 28
Melbourne (34-2) 6 26 12 3 - 47
QUITMAN SCORING (28): Lucy Holland 14, Taylor Hooten 6, Halle Bennett 5, Autumn Johnson 3.
MELBOURNE SCORING (47): Jenna Lawrence 11, Kenley McCarn 8, Dani Hardaway 8, Kiley Webb 6, Halle Weaver 6, Josie Roark 5, Kylee Humphries 3.
QUITMAN STATISTICS: Autumn Johnson 2 rebounds; Halle Bennett 4 rebounds, 3 steals; Taylor Hooten 3 rebounds, 1 rebound, 1 steal; Lucy Holland 7 rebounds; 4 rebounds; Carson Rackley 1 assist, 1 blocked shot, 1 steal; Erin Stephens 1 rebound, 1 steal; Gracie Smith 1 rebound; Haley Trawick 2 rebounds.
MELBOURNE STATISTICS: Kiley Webb 3 rebounds, 1 assist; Dani Hardaway 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals; Josie Roark 5 rebounds, 1 assist; Jenna Lawrence 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 7 blocked shots, 1 steal; Kenley McCarn 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals; Halle Weaver 1 rebound, 1 blocked shot.

Back-to-Back titles for Bearkatz

March 12, 2020

By PHILIP SEATON

HOT SPRINGS — Could the Melbourne Bearkatz senior girls basketball team win four state titles in a row?

That question was posed to Melbourne coach Eric Teague shortly after his team won its second consecutive 2A state title on Thursday with a 47-28 victory at Bank of OZK Arena.

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Normally that might seem like a far-fetched question, considering that Teague’s team hasn’t “three-peated” yet, but looking at the Bearkatz roster it is not hard to imagine that Melbourne might be able to accomplish that rare feat — the last senior girls team to do that was Fort Smith Northside from 1999-2002.

“It’s possible,” Teague said. “Anything’s possible. Maybe that will help us for next year.”

The Bearkatz coach said his team already has the experience having the “target on our backs.”

“I am sure these kids can tell you … every team we played they gave us everything they had,” Teague said. “I think that’s what put us over the top at the end of the year. We faced so much adversity with teams coming in during the first quarter, the first half giving everything they had. Our kids just kept getting better and they would absorb everything that those other teams brought at them; and I really think that was the difference tonight.”

Melbourne started one senior, two juniors, a sophomore and a freshman.

NICE MOVE: Melbourne’s last state tournament loss came on March 3, 2018 with a 63-40 setback in the 3A state tournament semifinals in Monticello. Since then the Arkansas Activities Association re-adjusted the conferences eliminating the 7A in all sports, except football, and moving some schools down for sports other than football — for example, Melbourne competes in class 3A for football and 2A in other sports.

Since that move the Bearkatz have gone 64-6 with two state titles.

MVP: Melbourne’s Kenley McCarn was named the game’s most valuable player. The sophomore, daughter of Melbourne football coach Kevin McCarn, finished with eight points and a game-high 10 rebounds.

“This year I think we all knew we were going to have to step up more often,” McCarn said in comparing the 2019 title with the won on Thursday. “We did everything as a team. Our points were even across the board and that really helps. “

Teauge played eight off his 15-player roster with seven of those scoring.

Melbourne freshman Jenna Lawrence drives to the basket against Quitman’s Lucy Holland. PHILIP SEATON PHOTO

FRESHMAN: Ninth-grader Jenna Lawrence paced the Melbourne with 11 points. The 6-foot-2 post player also finished with seven blocked shots and tied for the team lead with two assists.

TOUGH DECEMBER: Melbourne only lost two games all season and both of those losses came one-week apart in December.

The first loss came to 6A Bentonville, the top-ranked team in the state, on December 21 with a 55-31 setback in the Malik Monk Nike Holiday Classic in Bentonville. One week later in the semifinals of the Pine and White Classic Tournament in Springfield, Missouri, the second-ranked team in Oklahoma, Classen SAS High School of Oklahoma City, defeated Melbourne, 62-40.

“I learned how tough they were,” Melbourne coach Eric Teague said. “That experience allowed them to open up, listen to me a little more and trust me, because we got wore out a couple of times, to really good teams.

“I did that on purpose. I wanted us to open our eyes and see ‘what are our weaknesses?’ ‘how good are we?’ I really think that helped us to start building the blocks to get here because we understood … we weren’t playing as a team.”

The Bearkatz closed the season by winning their final 24 games.