The Rockets’ man

Dante Adams scored a combined 39 points in the Tri-County’s two victories Saturday, which came as no surprise to Rockets’ Coach Tarrus Hayes.

“Dante Adams brings energy. Dante Adams brings excitement,” Hayes said. “He’s a crazy athlete. When he gets going, he really is a good outside shooter. I try to have him do everything, but first and foremost, he has to buy in on the defensive end.”

The Rockets are based in Northeast Arkansas with the majority of their players coming from Osceola.

Adams, who averaged 15.2 points a game at Osceola High School this season, scored 17 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and made 4 steals in the Rockets’ 64-56 victory over Team PTW. Later in the day, Adams put in 22 points in a 66-61 victory over Memphis Hoopsters.com.

Tri-County came up with 14 steals against Team PTW (Play To Win), with nine of them coming in the second half.

“Usually we do tend to pick up the intensity at the start of the second half,” said Hayes, whose team held a 27-25 lead at the half. “I tell them if the defensive effort is there, the offense is going to come.”

Forward DeAnthony Poole added 14 points and eight rebounds against Team PTW. Poole scored 13 points vs. Memphis Hoopsters.com. Also against the Hoopsters, Makai Caruthers scored 11 points and Jariq Scales scored 10.