Moody’s 22 lead NLR over Southside

NORTH LITTLE ROCK 68, FORT SMITH SOUTHSIDE 51

North Little Rock rebounded from its second loss in the 7A-Central Conference by going to its sophomore star guard Friday night.

Moses Moody scored 22 points to lead North Little Rock to a 68-51 victory over Fort Smith Southside at Charging Wildcat Arena.

The Charging Wildcats (20-5, 8-2 7A-Central) lost 68-60 at Conway on Tuesday night, but at home Friday they never trailed the Mavericks (12-12, 4-6) and shot 24 of 43 from the floor.

Moody, who also had 14 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and 5 blocked shots Friday, scored 13 of his 22 points in the first half as the Charging Wildcats took a 42-30 lead at halftime.

“He’s becoming a complete player,” North Little Rock Coach Johnny Rice said of Moody, a Little Rock Parkview transfer. “He’s scoring from the three-point line. He’s getting to the free-throw line. He’s getting in there and finishing. He’s going to be good. He knows he has some things he’s got to get better at, but he’s becoming a complete player, which will make us good down the road.”

The Charging Wildcats had a 21-9 lead after one quarter, but the Mavericks pulled within 23-17 with junior guard Jordyn Jackson’s three-pointer. North Little Rock extended its lead to 3019 on Moody’s basket and had a 36-24 advantage with less than four minutes remaining in the half.

Senior guard Justin Thrower hit a three-pointer as time expired to give the Charging Wildcats a 12-point lead at the half.

“He makes shots,” Rice said. “He makes us better. He’s probably the best threepoint shooter we’ve got.”

North Little Rock led 57-42 at the end of the third quarter. The Charging Wildcats finished 16 of 20 at the freethrow line Friday.

“We were 8 of 20 from the line last Friday [against Little Rock Central in a 62-60 victory],” Rice said. “16 of 20 is a lot better.”

Senior guard Ike Moore led Southside, which shot 20 of 47 overall, with 20 points. Junior guard Taye Gatewood added 12 points.