Heber Springs junior Ellie Riddle looks to get past Pea Ridge’s Blakelee Winn during semifinal action of the Cowboy Chevrolet Heber Springs Holiday Classic. PHILIP SEATON PHOTO
December 27, 2019
BY LARRY “SCOOP” McCARTY
The Heber Springs Lady Panthers appeared on path through three quarters for a berth in the Steve Landers Cowboy Chevrolet-Heber Springs Holiday Basketball Classic championship game.
But Pea Ridge regained its shooting eye and held the Lady Panthers without a field goal until two minutes remaining in the game and advanced to the finals with a 49-44 win at the Panther Den Friday.
The Lady Blackhawks (12-2) will play Southside Batesville for the tournament championship at 6:30 p.m. today. Heber Springs (10-3) will meet Mayflower in the third-place game at 4 p.m.
HUSTLE AWARD FOR PEA RIDGE/HEBER SPRINGS GAME: Heber Springs’ Jillian Herring
“Two good teams were playing and we came up one scoring run short,” Heber Springs head coach Jamey Riddle said. “We would make a scoring run, and then Pea Ridge would have a scoring run. We couldn’t get that scoring run in the fourth quarter and Pea Ridge did. We took good shots, but they would not go in.”
Libby Stutts and Jillian Herring each scored 16 points for the Lady Panthers. Blakelee Winn led Pea Ridge with 13 points. Aidan Dayberry scored 11 points and Allisa Short had 10 points.
Claudia Newberry and Stutts started the game with field goals. Herring made a 3-pointer as Pea Ridge, which trailed 7-0, took a timeout early in the first quarter. Heber Springs maintained the lead and took an 11-8 advantage into the second quarter.
The lead changed three times during the second quarter. A three-point play late in the quarter gave Pea Ridge the lead 21-20 at halftime.
Heber Springs dominated the third quarter. The Lady Panthers went on a 20-8 scoring run and led 40-29 going into the fourth quarter.
“We didn’t want to go ice cold late in the game,” Riddle said. “Ellie, Jillian and Ashley (Spanel) took good shots. We didn’t do a good job of rebounding the misses. I don’t believe we had a single offensive rebound in the fourth quarter. You can’t rely on one shot.”
Riddle anticipates a tough game against Mayflower.
“Mayflower didn’t play well against Southside (Batesville) in the semifinals,” he said. “I expect them to be ready for us. It should be a good game. I’m hoping we will come out and play with a lot of energy. We need to have a great game.”
Hailey Bresnahan, who is one of the first players off the bench, didn’t play because of an injured knee. Bresnahan will be examined again next week to determine when she may return.
“We held Hailey out because it’s important to her ready for the conference games,” Riddle said. “Hopefully, she will get healed by then.”
Rose Bud’s Ian Bomar attempts to drive past DeWitt’s Johnta Wright during semifinal action on Friday at the Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic in Heber Springs. PHILIP SEATON PHOTO
GAME 8 – SENIOR BOYS
DeWitt 50, Rose Bud 38
DeWitt trailed by nine at the half but rallied for a 50-38 victory over Rose Bud in the semifinals of the Steve Landers Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic at Heber Springs
GAME MVP DeWitt’s Cody Brown
DeWitt will meet Greene County Tech for the title while Rose Bud will play Sheridan in the third-place game on Friday.
The Dragons trailed the Ramblers 24-15 at the break before storming back in the third quarter to take a 38-34 lead into the final quarter.
In the fourth period, Rose Bud was held to a pair of Avery Orman field goals as DeWitt outscored the Ramblers 10-4 in the quarter.
DeWitt’s Caleb Brown led all scorers with 25 points, including 19 points in the second half.
Orman paced Rose Bud with 10.
DeWitt (4-4) 6 9 23 12 - 50
Rose Bud (3-11) 8 16 10 4 - 38
DeWITT SCORING (50): Caleb Brown 25, Seth Courtney 8, Johnta Wright 7, Tarence Ticey 4, Jamarian Kennedy 4, Dax Courtney 2
ROSE BUD SCORING (38): Avery Orman 10, Ian Bomar 9, Keaton Bates 7, Kyle Hannah 4, Robbie Reedy 3, Kayden Sherwood 3, Stetson Nix 2
GAME 7 – SENIOR GIRLS
Pea Ridge’s Aidan Dayberry drives past Heber Springs’ Libby Stutts in the semifinals of the Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic Friday. PHILIP SEATON PHOTO
Pea Ridge 49, Heber Springs 44
Pea Ridge overcame a 11-point deficit at the end of the third quarter to claim a 49-44 victory over the host, Heber Springs, in the Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic.
The Blackhawks trailed 40-29 heading into the final quarter but slowing chipped away at the deficit as the Panthers couldn’t buy a basket in the final quarter, going over six minutes without a field goal before Jillian Herring scored with under two minutes to play.
GAME MVP Centennial Bank Market Director Don Rodgers presents Pea Ridge’s Aidan Dayberry with her game MVP plaque.
Meanwhile Pea Ridge would get points from five players including 3-pointers by Ravin Cawthon and Aidan Dayberry.
Dayberry was one of three Blackhawks in double figures with 11. Blakelee Winn had 13 while Allisa Short finished with 10.
Heber Springs’ Libby Stutts, who has signed to play next season at Lyon College in Batesville, finished with a game-high 16 points along with Herring.
Pea Ridge will face Southside Batesville for the championship on Saturday while Heber Springs will tangle with Mayflower in the third-place game.
Greene County Tech’s Zane Butler drives past Sheridan’s Tyler Cacciatori in semifinal action at the Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic. PHILIP SEATON PHOTO
Greene County Tech 46, Sheridan 43
The defending tournament champion, Greene County Tech, punched its ticket to the finals of the Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic with a hard fought 46-43 victory over Sheridan.
Sheridan led by a point at the half, 24-23, before the two teams traded the lead seven times in the third quarter and had one tie.
The Yellowjackets enjoy their biggest lead of the quarter at 32-28 after a Blake Morris 3-pointer with 5:02 left in the third, but Zane Butler responded for the Eagles.
The senior, who is being recruited as preferred walk-on by Eric Musselman’s Razorbacks – among other schools, scored on a putback of his own missed shot to make it 32-30 with 3:53 left and gave his team the lead at 33-32 with a 3-pointer on Greene County Tech’s next possession.
GAME MVP Greene County Tech’s Jayke Bolen
Sheridan re-took the lead on a Morris putback and increased it to 36-33 with a pair of Tyler Cacciatori free throws with 1:50 left in the third.
But the Eagles closed on a 6-0 run to close the quarter on top 39-36.
Greene County Tech held on the lead for most of the fourt quarter before Cacciatori’s bucket put the Yellowjackets back on ton top at 43-42 with 4:03 left.
A 3-pointer by Butler with 2:53 remaining would give the Eagles a lead that they wouldn’t relinquish.
Sheridan had several attempts to tie the game or take the lead but couldn’t get a shot to fall.
Butler paced the Eagles with 19 points while Sheridan’s Cacciatori, who has signed by play baseball for Dave Van Horn’s Razorbacks, led all scorers with 20.
Greene County Tech will play the winner of Rose Bud/DeWitt in the title game on Saturday while Sheridan will play the loser for third place.
Southside Batesville’s Olivia Allen looks get past Mayflower’s Hailey Carney in semifinal action from the Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic on Friday in Heber Springs. PHILIP SEATON PHOTO
Southside Batesville 54, Mayflower 32
Three Southside Batesville players finished in double figures as the Southerners advanced to the title game of the Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic at Heber Springs with a 54-32 victory over Mayflower.
GAME MVP Southside Batesville London Cuzzort
Southside Batesville (11-2) led 30-14 at the break and 44-22 at the end of three quarters.
Kierra Fulton paced Mayflower (8-3) with nine points.
London Cuzzort led the way for Southside Batesville with 16 points, including four 3-pointers, while Brett Gardner added 12 and Reese Gardner 11.
Southside Batesville will face the winner of Heber Springs/Pea Ridge in the title game on Saturday. Mayflower will meet the loser of that match-up in the third-place game.
Heber Springs’ Garrett Hudspeth and Batesville’s J.P. Morgan battle for a rebound as Heber Springs’ Adam Martin (24) looks on. PHILIP SEATON PHOTO
Batesville 72, Heber Springs 60
J. P. Morgan scored 26 points as Batesville downed the host, Heber Springs, 72-60, in a consolation contest from the Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic on Friday.
Batesville trailed only once at 2-0 and raced out to a 31-19 lead, but the Pioneers couldn’t quite shake the Panthers as Adam Martin finished with 21 points in a losing effort.
GAME MVP – Batesville’s J.P. Morgan
Caleb Anderson was also in double figures as Batesville (11-3) led 31-19 at the half and 49-40 at the end of three.
The Pioneers, who because of scheduling conflict with the mandated Arkansas Activities Association “Dead Day” period during the Christmas break, was knocked into the consolation bracket after not being able to play on the first day of the tournament.
Batesville will face conference foe, Southside Batesville, in the consolation championship on Saturday. Heber Springs will tangle with Mayflower in a consolation game.
Batesville (11-3) 17 14 18 23 - 72
Heber Springs (1-10) 7 18 21 14 - 60
BATESVILLE SCORING (72): J.P. Morgan 26, Caleb Anderson 12, J.T. Morgan 6, Kyrese Johnson 5, Dawson McMahan 5, Caleb Blakley 4, Logan McSpeddin 4, K.J. Cross 3, Ben Hopper 3, Gunner Shell 2, Austin Scott 2
HEBER SPRINGS SCORING (60): Adam Martin 21, Wyatt Sanders 14, Garrett Hudspeth 13, Dalton McCollum 7, Ryan Crocker 3, Zach Thomas 2
GAME 3 – SENIOR GIRLS
DeWitt’s Sydney Dumond draws a foul from Rose Bud’s Kyndal Rooks after Dumond hauled in a rebound after missed Rambler shot on Friday at the Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic in Heber Springs. PHILIP SEATON PHOTO
Rose Bud 51, DeWitt 22
Kyndal Rooks scored 31 points in helping lead Rose Bud to a 51-22 victory over DeWitt in consolation bracket action on Friday at the Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic in Heber Springs.
GAME MVP Rose Bud’s Kyndal Rooks.
Rose Bud (9-5) only led by three at the end of the first quarter, 7-4, but outscored the Dragons, 14-1, in the second half to take control.
Rooks had 18 of 31 points in the second half and finished the night by hitting four 3-pointers.
Carrington Holliman paced DeWitt (4-5) with six points.
Rose Bud will face Greene County Tech on Friday in the consolation championship while DeWitt will tangle with Sheridan in an consolation game at 11 a.m.
Mayflowers’ Jaheim Cummings dribbles past a Southside Batesville defender in action on Friday at Heber Springs. PHILIP SEATON PHOTO
Southside Batesville 54, Mayflower 46
Southside Batesville’s Devan Halford scored 10 points in the first quarter to push the Southerners to a big lead early, hit the go-ahead shot late and sealed the game at the free-throw line as Southside downed Mayflower, 54-46, to advance at the Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic.
Halford’s first quarter points helped the Southerners lead 21-7 at the first quarter, but Mayflower rebounded in the second quarter, thanks in part to 10 points by Braxtyn McCuien, to trail 28-26.
The game remained close throughout the second half as Southside Batesville clung to an advantage throughout most of the second half.
GAME 2 MVP Southside Batesville’s Trevor Longo
The Eagles trailed by as much as eight points late in the fourth quarter before making a run and even taking a 46-45 lead late in the contest after a three-point play by McCuien.
But the lead was short-lived as Halford hit the go-ahead basket and was 8-of-9 from the free-throw line in the final quarter, including hitting his final six, which also included a technical foul on Mayflower with 15.8 seconds left that stretched a 47-46 advantage to 51-46.
Southside Batesville will get the winner of Heber Spings/Batesville in the consolation championship on Saturday, while Mayflower will face the loser.
Greene County Tech’s Kylie Stokes shots over Sheridan’s Kylie Reed (4) and Sanaa Clegg (5). PHILIP SEATON PHOTO
Greene County Tech 66, Sheridan 48
Greene County Tech took control early and cruised to a 66-48 victory over Sheridan in a consolation contest at the Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic in Heber Springs.
Game 1 MVP Greene County Tech’s Emma Bates
The Eagles jumped out to 19-6 advantage in the first quarter and led 32-23 at the half.
Kylie Stokes (13) and Emma Bates (10) were in double figures for the Greene County Tech. The Eagles will face the winner of Rose Bud/DeWitt for the consolation championship on Saturday.
Meanwhile for Sheridan (3-6), they will face the loser of Rose Bud/DeWitt at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
Cassidy Henry led all scorers with 19 points. Henry was 9-of-12 from the free-throw line, including a perfect 8-of-8 in the final quarter.
Greene County Tech (3-7) 19 13 18 16 - 66
Sheridan (3-6) 6 17 10 15 - 48
GREENE COUNTY TECH SCORING (66): Kylie Stokes 13, Emma Bates 10, Carleigh Hollis 9, Hannah Foster 9, Carly Dehart 8, Brooke Barnes 7, Sierra Floyd 6, Destiny Wegner 4
SHERIDAN SCORING (48): Cassidy Henry 19, Kaitlyn Howard 6, Carley Strawn 4, Claire Denney 4, Kylie Reed 4, Sanaa Clegg 4, Lauren McGinley 2, Zoie Autrey 2, Reaggan Harper 2, Emma Patrick 1
Heber Springs’ Ashley Spanel launches a 3-pointer against DeWitt Thursday night at the Panther Den. PHILIP SEATON PHOTO
December 26, 2019
BY LARRY “SCOOP” McCARTY
The Heber Springs Lady Panthers dominated from the opening tip-off to the final buzzer and defeated DeWitt 70-34 in the quarterfinals of the Steve Landers Cowboy Chevorlet-Heber Springs Holiday Basketball Classic Thursday.
Heber Springs scored the game’s first 14 points and finished the opening quarter on a 15-7 scoring run. The Lady Panthers led 29-8 going into the second quarter and built their lead to 47-22 by halftime.
Heber Springs took a 64-32 lead into the fourth quarter.
Game MVP Heber Springs’ Claudia Newberry
Hailey Bresnahan came off the bench and scored 16 points for the Lady Panthers. Claudia Newberry and Jillian Herring each had 14 points.
Carrington Holliman led DeWitt with 12 points and Abby Noblin had 10 points.
“I told them before the opening tip not to do more than expected,” Heber Springs coach Jamey Riddle said. “They ran hard, played hard and let the game come to them and settled in. We got a good lead, but we didn’t want to play soft and did what was needed by playing good defense and making shots.” Riddle said he liked how the players came off the bench and contributed.
Game Hustle Award DeWitt’s Carrington Holliman
“The girls played well,” he said. “Hailey made shots and Mary (Shearer) got some rebound. It was good to see any rest from the time off.”
Heber Springs (10-2) will meet Pea Ridge in the semifinals at 6:30 p.m. today.
“Pea Ridge will be a tough game and one of the best teams we played so far,” Riddle said. “The five starters are capable of being the leading scorer in any game. We need to play good defense and shoot well to win.”
Heber Springs’ Mary Shearer and Ozark’s Summer Joy fight for the basketball during 4A-4 action at the Panther Den on Friday. PHILIP SEATON PHOTO
December 20, 2019
By LARRY “SCOOP” McCARTY
Improved accuracy at the free-throw line paid dividends for the Heber Springs Lady Panthers at the Panther Den Friday.
The Lady Panthers made 14-of-18 free throws during the fourth quarter and defeated Ozark, 55-42, in a 4-4A Conference basketball game.
Libby Stutts hit 6-of-8 at the free-throw line during the fourth quarter. Ashley Spanel made 4-of-4 and Hailey Bresnahan converted 3-of-4 attempts. Ellie Riddle was 1-of-2 at the line.
The Lady Panthers made 25-of-33 free throws for the game. Jillian Herring led Heber Springs with 16 points. Ellie Riddle added 11 points and Stutts had 10 points. Carter Crane scored 17 points for Ozark and Mary-Grace Ree had 10 points.
“Our free-throw shooting was very big in winning the game,” coach Jamey Riddle said. “We had not been shooting free throws well. We also did what was needed during the final three games to win. We outplayed them in the last three quarters.”
Heber Springs switched its full-court press at the start of the second quarter and it led to success.
The Panther trailed 13-8 after the first quarter and reduced it to 22-19 by halftime.
“The full-court press we started was not working and I decided to make a change,” Riddle said. “We contained them better and kept the ball from Ozark’s big girl. We wanted to speed up the game.”
Heber Springs tied the game at 24-24 two minutes into the third quarter on a 3-pointer by Herring.
The Lady Panthers, who outscored Ozark 20-7 during the third quarter, gained a double digit lead and took a 39-29 lead into the fourth quarter.
Ellie Riddle and Claudia Newberry committed their fourth personal fouls late in the third quarter, but strong play off the bench helped to increase the lead. Riddle and Newberry returned with two minutes to play in the game.
“Mary Shearer has a lot of playing time and a senior that you can count on playing well,” Jamey Riddle said. “She goes hard for rebounds and does what we need to help the team succeed. Hailey gave us good minutes, made free throws and got defensive rebounds.”
Riddle also credited Herring and Stutts, especially for their play during the fourth quarter.
“Libby and Jillian waited for their time and got good shots in the fourth quarter,” Riddle said. “We were able to create one-on-one opportunities for them to drive.”
Heber Springs (2-0 in conference, 9-2 overall) is one of three teams (Morrilton and Clarksville) undefeated in conference play.
“We had to win at home because it will be tough at Ozark,” Riddle said. “We must win the home games. We got a big road win at Dover.”
Heber Springs will return to action at 6:30 p.m. Thursday against DeWitt at the Steve Landers Chevorlet-Heber Springs Holiday Tournament.
“We didn’t play well at the St. Joseph Tournament and hope to play well at our tournament,” Riddle said. “We will take the approach of a end-of-the-season tournament. We would like to win the tournament.”
On Dec. 16, Heber Springs traveled to White County Central and came away with a 51-31 nonconference victory.
Heber Springs led 30-14 at the half and 41-23 at the end of three quarters.
Ellie Riddle (13) and Claudia Newberry (11) each finished double figures in scoring for the Panthers.
HEBER SPRINGS SENIOR GIRLS BOXSCORES
December 20 vs. Ozark
Ozark 13 9 7 13 - 42
Heber Springs 8 11 20 16 - 55
OZARK SCORING (42): Carter Crane 17, Mary-Grace Ree 10, Kelsee Barnett 5, Briley Burns 4, Summer Joy 3, Tanner Richard 3.
HEBER SPRINGS SCORING (55): Jillian Herring 16, Ellie Riddle 11, Libby Stutts 10, Ashley Spanel 5, Hailey Bresnahan 5, Claudia Newberry 4, Mary Shearer 4.
December 16 at White County Central
White County Central 8 6 9 8 - 31
Heber Springs 21 9 11 10 - 51
WHITE COUNTY CENTRAL SCORING (31): Jaidyn Koerdt 6, Abigail Mullins 6, Makayla Baker 5, Hailey Jackson 4, Ashlyn Mullins 4, Destiny Clark 4, Kalista Altom 2
HEBER SPRINGS SCORING (51): Ellie Riddle 13, Claudia Newberry 11, Jillian Herring 9, Ashley Spanel 7, Libby Stutts 6, Hailey Bresnahan 2, Kylie Carr 2, LiLi Chaney 1.
HEBER SPRINGS SENIOR GIRLS
2019-2020 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
RECORD: 9-2
4A-4 RECORD: 2-0
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 vs. DeWitt *
December 27 - Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic
December 28 - Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic
January 7 - Pottsville ^
January 9 - at Newport
January 14 - Dardanelle ^
January 17 - at Clarksville ^
January 21 - Morrilton ^
January 24 - Dover ^
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)
Heber Springs couldn’t overcome a sluggish second quarter Friday night at Marshall and as a results suffered a 70-52 nonconference setback in senior girls action.
The loss drops the Lady Panthers to 7-2 on the season.
Heber Springs will look to bounce back tonight (Dec. 16) at White County Central in another nonconference contest.
Against the Bobcats, Heber Springs and Marshall were tied at 14-all at the end of the first quarter before the Bobcats outscored the Panthers, 19-4, in the second quarter. Heber Springs also trailed 47-30 at the end of three.
HEBER SPRINGS SENIOR GIRLS
BOXSCORESDecember 7 at Conway St. Joseph Tournament
CONSOLATION CHAMPIONSHIPWONDERVIEW SCORING (43): Angel Olds 13, Emmy Lou Duvall 12, Audrey Ward 10, Alexis McClaven 6, Taylor Zimmerman 2
HEBER SPRINGS SCORING (44): Jillian Herring 12, Ellie Riddle 12, Ashley Spanel 10, Claudia Newberry 6, Hailey Bresnahan 2, Mary Shearer 2
December 5 at Conway St. Joseph Tournament
South Side Bee Branch 4 12 7 11 - 34
Heber Springs 10 20 16 7 - 53
SOUTH SIDE BEE BRANCH SCORING (34): Briana Yount 12, Hannah Mauldin 9, Mary Payne 6, Maggi Huddleston 5, Abi Shepard 2
HEBER SPRINGS SCORING (53): Claudia Newberry 12, Jillian Herring 11, Libby Stutts 10, Ellie Riddle 8, Lili Chaney 5, Hailey Bresnahan 4, Mary Shearer 2, Kylie Carr 1
December 3 at Conway St. Joseph Tournament
Conway St. Joseph 11 10 10 16 - 47
Heber Springs 12 15 8 9 - 44
CONWAY ST. JOSEPH SCORING (47): Lilly Hill 13, Emily Briggler 10, Brooklyn Kordsmeier 10, Savannah Mooney 9, Elizabeth Chandler 3, Ashleigh Mallett 2
HEBER SPRINGS SCORING (44): Libby Stutts 16, Jillian Herring 12, Claudia Newberry 12, Ellie Riddle 2, Mary Shearer 2
HEBER SPRINGS SENIOR GIRLS
2019-2020 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
RECORD: 7-2
4A-4 RECORD: 1-0
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 - at White County Central
December 20 - Ozark ^
December 26 - Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic
December 27 - Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic
December 28 - Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic
January 7 - Pottsville ^
January 9 - at Newport
January 14 - Dardanelle ^
January 17 - at Clarksville ^
January 21 - Morrilton ^
January 24 - Dover ^
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)
DOVER – The Heber Springs Lady Panthers withstood a barrage of 3-pointers and opened the Conference 4-4A basketball schedule by defeating Dover, 59-56, Tuesday.
Ellie Riddle led the Lady Panthers (1-0 in conference, 7-1 overall) with a game-high 22 points. Jillian Herring had 15 points. Libby Stutts and Claudia Newberry each scored 10 points.
Amelia Besterfeldt (19 points) and Kaylee Singleton (11 points) each made three 3-pointers for Dover (0-1 in conference, 5-4 overall). Avery Reichert made two 3-pointers.
“I knew Dover was small in size and could shoot the three,” Heber Springs coach Jamey Riddle said. “We tried to spread our defense out and get a hand in their faces. Dover shot the ball well. We dug down, and we made stops and shots when it was needed to win the game.”
Riddle liked his team’s balanced scoring.
“One of the good things about this team is either of the five starters can be the leading scorer,” he said. “That can be good and lead to success.”
Riddle told the team before the start of the game that it was important to start the conference season with a win.
“I told them it will start with this game,” Riddle said. “If we have the desire of winning the conference championship, we needed a win.”
The Lady Panthers responded, but it was not easy.
“We won a tough game on the road,” Riddle said. “We switched defenses to try and throw them out. We made them rush some  shots, and we were able to get rebounds. We played with a lot of fire in the first half. Dover came back and made shots in the second half.”
Heber Springs led 11-9 midway through the first quarter before gaining its first double digit lead. The Lady Panthers finished with a 14-4 scoring run and took a 25-13 lead into the second quarter.
Dover gained ground with three 3-pointers and reduced Heber Springs’ lead to 38-30 by halftime. The Lady Panthers took a 53-42 lead into the fourth quarter. Dover pulled to within 58-56 with less than a minute left in the game. Herring made 1-of-2 free throws, while Heber Springs held the Lady Pirates in the final seconds.
The Lady Panthers will play road games against Marshall on Friday and at White County Central on Tuesday.
“Those will be two tough games before hosting Ozarks (Dec. 20) in conference play,” Riddle said. “Both schools are having good seasons.”
HEBER SPRINGS SENIOR GIRLS
2019-2020 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
RECORD: 7-14A-4 RECORD: 1-0
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 - at Marshall
December 16 - at White County Central
December 20 - Ozark ^
December 26 - Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic
December 27 - Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic
December 28 - Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic
January 7 - Pottsville ^
January 9 - at Newport
January 14 - Dardanelle ^
January 17 - at Clarksville ^
January 21 - Morrilton ^
January 24 - Dover ^
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)
Heber Springs was knocked into the consolation bracket of the Joe Mallett Classic with a 47-44 setback to the host Conway St. Joseph.
Heber Springs will face South Side Bee Branch Thursday at 7 p.m. in consolation contest at the tournament. The Lady Panther defeated the Lady Hornets, 70-45, in game last month at the Panther Den.
If Heber Springs wins on Thursday, they would play in the consolation championship game at noon on Saturday in Conway.
In a played over the Thanksgiving break on November 26, the Lady Panthers traveled to Clinton and claimed a 56-54 overtime victory.
Jillian Herring and Ellie Riddle each finished with 17 points on the night to pace Heber Springs.
The Lady Panthers trailed, 38-36, but outscored the the Lady Yellowjackets, 17-15, in the fourth quarter thanks in part to six points in the quarter by Herring.
Neither team managed a field goal in the extra period but Ellie Riddle hit a pair of free throws in the overtime period while Hailey Bresnahan added another. Heber Springs was 3-for-8 in the overtime period from the line while Clinton was 1-of-4.
Aly Bramlett paced the Yellowjackets with 19 points.
Heber Springs 12 9 15 17 3 – 56 Clinton 15 13 10 15 1 – 55 CLINTON SCORING (55):Â Aly Bramlett 19, Madison Speer 8, Lacey Belle McJunkins 5, Haven Stoltzfus 5, Livie Dufrene 2, Ashley James 2. HEBER SPRINGS SCORING (56):Â Jillian Herring 17, Ellie Riddle 17, Libby Stutts 8, Ashley Spanel 6, Mary Shearer 5, Claudia Newberry 2, Hailey Bresnahan 1.
HEBER SPRINGS SENIOR GIRLS
2019-2020 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
RECORD: 4-1
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 - vs. South Side Bee Branch #
December 10 - at Dover ^
December 13 - at Marshall
December 16 - at White County Central
December 20 - Ozark ^
December 26 - Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic
December 27 - Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic
December 28 - Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic
January 7 - Pottsville ^
January 9 - at Newport
January 14 - Dardanelle ^
January 17 - at Clarksville ^
January 21 - Morrilton ^
January 24 - Dover ^
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)
The Heber Springs Lady Panthers avoided a slow start and remained undefeated on the season with a 67-27 rout of Riverview in a non-conference basketball game at the Panther Den Thursday.
Heber Springs completed a 3-game homestand and appeared ready for its first road test when the Lady Panthers travel to Clinton on Tuesday.
“I told the players after the game not to be into a false sense of security from the last three games,” Heber Springs head coach Jamey Riddle said. “Our next game will not be like these games. It will be a new challenge at Clinton.”
The Lady Panthers came out firing and quickly gained control against Riverview. Libby Stutts started a 16-0 scoring run by making a 3-pointer and Ellie Riddle scored two field goals. Claudia Newberry converted a jumper and later sank 1-of-2 free throws. Jillian Herring capped the surge by making a pair of 3-pointers.
Riverview didn’t score until almost three minutes left in the first quarter.
Heber Springs finished the quarter strong as Ashley Spanel and Herring made 3-pointers for the 22-6 lead going into the second quarter.
“We fouled too much early in the game against Southside Bee Branch,” Jamey Riddle said. “We did a better job of trapping on the first pass and waiting to go for the steal on the second pass in this game. We converted our layups and made good things happen.”
Herring, who made three 3-pointers, led the Lady Panthers with 14 points. Ellie Riddle and Hailey Bresnahan each had 13 points. Newberry scored 12 points.
Heber Springs had its only scoring lull early in the second quarter. Riverview scored five consecutive points and held the Lady Panthers scoreless until midway through the quarter.
Newberry scored with 4:31 left in the first half, giving the Lady Panthers a 24-11 lead. The Lady Panthers closed out the quarter on a 17-7 scoring run and for a 41-18 halftime lead.
“We had that one cold period and couldn’t set up in our fullcourt press,” Riddle said. “When we can’t do that, it is more difficult for us to score.”
Heber Springs returned for the second half and left little doubt. The Lady Panthers outscored Riverview 18-4 during the third quarter and took a 59-22 lead into the fourth quarter.
“After the period when we couldn’t score, we picked up the pace late in the first half and played well in the second half,” Riddle said. “We got steals and kept rolling.”
The coach expects a tougher time against Lady Yellowjackets on Tuesday.
“We got good play from everyone,” Riddle said. “The players know the competition will be tougher at Clinton. We need to play well in our first road game and see how we will respond.”
Tuesday’s game is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m. following the junior high school games.
HEBER SPRINGS SENIOR GIRLS
2019-2020 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
RECORD: 3-0
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 - at Clinton
December 2 - at Conway St. Joseph Tournament
December 10 - at Dover ^
December 13 - at Marshall
December 16 - at White County Central
December 20 - Ozark ^
December 26 - Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic
December 27 - Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic
December 28 - Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic
January 7 - Pottsville ^
January 9 - at Newport
January 14 - Dardanelle ^
January 17 - at Clarksville ^
January 21 - Morrilton ^
January 24 - Dover ^
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 4A-4 conference contest)
Heber Springs’ Hailey Bresnahan drives past at a South Side Bee Branch defender Tuesday night at the Panther Den. PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHELLE MCCARTY
November 19, 2019
By LARRY “SCOOP” MCCARTY
A week between games temporarily slowed down the Heber Springs Lady Panthers against South Side Bee Branch at the Panther Den Tuesday.
Heber Springs (2-0) tied the game at 13-13 late in the first quarter, then took and lead before pulling away to a 70-45 non-conference basketball game.
The Lady Panthers gained the lead on Ashley Spanel’s field goal with 49 seconds left in the first quarter. Ellie Riddle increased it to 17-13 before South Side connected on a 3-pointer and trailed 17-16 going into the second quarter.
Heber Springs went on a 25-7 scoring run during the second quarter and led 42-23 at halftime. The Lady Panthers took a 61-34 lead into the fourth quarter.
Claudia Newberry was one of four Heber Springs players who scored in double figures with 16 points. Hailey Bresnahan had 11 points, while Libby Stutts and Spanel each chipped in 10 points.
“That is why it’s important to practice with consistency,” Heber Springs coach Jamey Riddle said. “We worked on what was needed during practice, so we will play well in the next game. South Side played well in the first quarter.”
Riddle liked how his team recovered from its slow start.
“We played fine and consistent and I liked how the players responded,” he said. “It changed late in the first quarter when we changed our defense to put more pressure on South Side’s 3-point shooters. Ellie came off the bench and gave the team a spark, and we also picked up our tempo.”
Riddle praised Newberry for her performance.
“Claudia performed well and I hope that will continue,” Riddle said. “She has improved her offensive moves and did a good job of finishing drives to the basket.”
Heber Springs will host Riverview on Thursday  in four games starting with the junior high girls at 4 p.m., followed by the junior high boys. The senior girls’ game is scheduled to start at 6 p.m., followed by the Panthers’ home opener.
“We need to come out and play with the same intensity and fire,” Riddle said. “Riverview will be a good team and a new challenge.”
HEBER SPRINGS 2019-2020 SENIOR GIRLS SCHEDULERECORD: 2-0
November 12 - Heber Springs 55, Nemo Vista 31
November 19 - Heber Springs 70, South Side Bee Branch 45
November 21 - at Riverview
November 26 - at Clinton
December 2 - at Conway St. Joseph Tournament
December 10 - at Dover ^
December 13 - at Marshall
December 16 - at White County Central
December 20 - Ozark ^
December 26 - Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic
December 27 - Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic
December 28 - Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic
January 7 - Pottsville ^
January 9 - at Newport
January 14 - Dardanelle ^
January 17 - at Clarksville ^
January 21 - Morrilton ^
January 24 - Dover ^
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 4A-4 conference contest)
Heber Springs coach Jamey Riddle gives some instructions during the Lady Panthers season-opening victory over Nemo Vista last week. PHILIP SEATON PHOTO
November 19, 2019
By LARRY “SCOOP” McCARTY
The Heber Springs senior girls started the basketball season with a bang with a 55-31 win against Nemo Vista at the Panther Den last week.
Heber Springs will begin a busy week with home non-conference games against South Side Bee Branch at 6 p.m. tonight and Riverview on Thursday.
HEBER SPRINGS LADY PANTHERS
COACH JAMEY RIDDLE
CONFERENCE 4A-4
LAST SEASON: 13-12, lost to Ozark in conference quarterfinals
The Lady Panthers have plenty of experience with four returning starters – Â Libby Stutts, Jillian Herring, Ashley Spanel and Ellie Riddle – and a fifth player – Claudia Newberry – who played a key role off the bench during the past two seasons.
“Those players’ experience showed in the first game,” Heber Springs head coach Jamey Riddle said. “They showed a lot of leadership and played with continuity on offense and played well on defense. They made good things happen.”
“Claudia is like a fifth returning starter,” Riddle said. “She played a lot of minutes during the past two seasons. Libby scored three points in the first game. That was one of many positives.”
Ellie Riddle led the Lady Panthers with 14 points against Nemo Vista and Ashley Spanel scored 13 points.
“Libby and Jullian (who had 24 points in a senior night victory over Morrilton last season) will be two of our leading scorers in most games,” Janet Riddle said. “We need seven to 10 points  a game from Claudia.”
Heber Springs came within one win of qualifying for the regional tournament in each of the past two years. The coach said game experience will play an important role in the team’s success.
“We lost by three points (44-41) to Ozark on the road at last year’s conference tournament,” Riddle said. “One of our goals is to make the regional tournament.”
The coach said the team’s depth will lead to more success.
“We got good production from Mary Shearer coming off the bench at post against Nemo Vista,” Riddle said. “Hailey Bresnahan will give us depth at guard and post. LiLi Chaney is a very good defensive player. She will make good things happen and can make the other team play faster.”
Olivia Norton and Brandy Meredith are two players to watch on the inside.
“They will provide good minutes throughout the season,” Riddle said. “It was good to see all of the players playing well in the first game.”
Heber Springs will play non-conference games against Clinton and White County Central, plus the Conway St. Joseph tournament before the conference opener at Dover on Dec. 10.
“We will play at Clinton before the Thanksgiving break,” Riddle said. “The St. Joseph’s tournament will have a lot of good competition. We will use those non-conference games to work on different defenses and putting players in the best places on the court.”
Riddle believes the team is capable of finishing among the top half of the conference standings and make a run at the regional tournament.
“We need to play defense with more intensity,” he said. “We are not the talest team, but rebounding will be important. That can separate you against your opponent. We need to limit possessions of the other team and push the ball fast up and down the court.”
HEBER SPRINGS 2019-2020 SENIOR GIRLS SCHEDULE
November 12 - Heber Springs 55, Nemo Vista 31November 19 - South Side Bee Branch
November 21 - at Riverview
November 26 - at Clinton
December 2 - at Conway St. Joseph Tournament
December 10 - at Dover ^
December 13 - at Marshall
December 16 - at White County Central
December 20 - Ozark ^
December 26 - Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic
December 27 - Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic
December 28 - Cowboy Chevrolet Holiday Classic
January 7 - Pottsville ^
January 9 - at Newport
January 14 - Dardanelle ^
January 17 - at Clarksville ^
January 21 - Morrilton ^
January 24 - Dover ^
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 4A-4 conference contest)
