Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Rogers Heritage claims Hoopfest title

- PAUL BOYD

ROGERS — Rogers Heritage swingman Seth Stanley tossed up an off-balance shot while falling to the ground under the basket early in the second half of the 13th annual Arvest Hoopfest finals on Saturday evening in King Arena.

War Eagles coach Tom Olsen pumped his fist and the Heritage bench erupted as the ball bounced off the backboard and through the basket.

Stanley added a free throw to complete the three-point play to key a 14-4 run to start the second half and lead Heritage to a 57-48 win over Fort Smith Southside to win their second consecutiv­e Hoopfest title.

Olsen was pleased with how his team executed, particular­ly in that third quarter. His War Eagles improved to 6-2 and have now won five in a row.

“We got the ball in some places that put them at risk and got to the foul line and made some free throws,” Olsen said. “That’s basketball. Southside’s a good team. We’ve had a good two weeks here in December. Things haven’t been easy, but our kids have executed and played together.

“Obviously Seth makes a lot of plays, but Ethan Carpenter comes in tonight and plays great defense, takes a couple charges. He added to the mix and a lot of other kids, too. I couldn’t be more happy with where we are. We’re in a good place.

Stanley, a 6-foot-5 senior swingman poured in a gamehigh 25 points. That also included included 14 of 17 from the free-throw line. Bryce Breedlove was also in double figures with 11 and Ty Olsen added nine. Senior Ollis Brewer was Southside’s only player in double figures with 13. David Sykes also had nine.

Stanley started the second half with a 3-pointer in the corner and a jumper in the lane and Ty Olsen hit two free throws to end 14-4 run to begin the second half for a 39-23 lead with three minutes, 3 seconds left in the third quarter. Southside (6-2) got no closer than eight the rest of the way.

Fort Smith coach Charles Cooper said his team got some good shots early in the third quarter, but just couldn’t make them. At the same time, Heritage caught fire.

“Out of the first six possession­s of the second half, we missed three layups and a wide open three,” Cooper said. “You can’t let a team like Heritage get out on you like that. It’s hard if you’re playing make-up the rest of the game. They are a good ballclub, but I’m proud of my kids.”

“Stanley’s one of those players who has a silent 22. It doesn’t seem like sometimes that he’s maybe doing all that. But then you look up there and say ‘holy cow.’ He’s a good player.” Heritage ............ 9 16 22 10 — 57 Southside ......... 10 9 14 15 — 48 Rogers Heritage (6-2): Stanley 25, Breedlove 11, Olsen 9, Peek 4, Carpenter 4, Clines 4.

Fort Smith Southside (6-2): Brewer 13, Sykes 9, Moore 8, Hamilton 5, Soloman 4, York 3.

ROGERS HIGH 77, CLARKSVILL­E 30

The Mounties (4-5) hit 10 of their first 12 shots and jumped to a 49-18 halftime lead to cruise to the easy win in the fifth-place game.

Rogers bounced back after an opening loss to finish with back-toback wins in the tournament.

Sophomore Elliot Paschal led a balanced scoring attack with 13 points for Rogers, which led 70-26 after three quarters. Jaden Uecker added 13 and Baylor Lacewell chipped in 11. Trace Thomas led Clarksvill­e (1-6) with 13.

 ?? NWA Democrat-Gazette/BEN GOFF • @NWABENGOFF ?? Rogers Heritage’s Seth Stanley (34) attempts a shot as Ike Moore of Fort Smith Southside defends Saturday during the championsh­ip game of the Arvest Hoopfest tournament at King Arena at Rogers High.
NWA Democrat-Gazette/BEN GOFF • @NWABENGOFF Rogers Heritage’s Seth Stanley (34) attempts a shot as Ike Moore of Fort Smith Southside defends Saturday during the championsh­ip game of the Arvest Hoopfest tournament at King Arena at Rogers High.

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