Streaks on the line in 5A-South

The last time Lake Hamilton and Hot Springs met the contest came down to a final possession. Tonight’s rematch will be for the 5A-South title.

“I suspect this game won’t be the type of grind-it-out meeting we had last time,” Lake Hamilton Coach Scotty Pennington said. “They pressed us and although we didn’t turn it over, it did slow us down. I think we’ll see a faster pace this time.”

Lake Hamilton’s 39-36 road victory on Jan. 15 was not decided until the final seconds. The Wolves (19-2, 10-0) held a six-point lead late in the game when Hot Springs (21-3, 9-1) hit a threepointer. After a missed Lake Hamilton free throw, the Trojans could not convert a desperation shot that would have sent the game into overtime.

Tonight’s game will be played at Lake Hamilton, where the Wolves own a 32-game winning streak. Pennington said he “would not be shocked” if 2,000 or more fans showed up at the 2,300-seat arena.

Low-scoring games are not out of the norm for Lake Hamilton. The Wolves have allowed fewer than 45 points in 9 of their 10 conference games. They are giving up 43.6 points per game overall.

“As sophomores, this team was built on defense,” Pennington said. “They struggled offensively early but they’ve shown they can guard you. Defense travels well and that always gives you a chance to win, whereas offense doesn’t always travel well.”

Pennington said 6-3 senior Kanaan Williams always asks to defend the other team’s best player and that 6-0 senior guard Mondo Watkins is a “freak athlete who does a good job” of forcing turnovers.

Senior guard Lane Kersey is the Wolves’ leading scorer, averaging 15 points a game while junior guard Malique Hill scores at a 14-point clip.

Lake Hamilton enters tonight’s game with a 15game winning streak, with its last loss coming at Jonesboro on Dec. 7. Hot Springs has won six consecutive games and 19 of its last 20.