Hogs topple Panthers, 61-42

Arkansas High left no doubt Friday night at Razorback Gym.

The Hogs defeated Ashdown at home, 61-42.

From the opening tip, the Razorbacks had their foot on the gas and they never looked back.

“It’s another win at home,” Arkansas High head basketball coach Sam Weaver said. “We didn’t end the game like we wanted to but we will get that corrected.”

Hog senior sharpshooter Fabian Phillips torched the nets for the home squad. Phillips scored 10 of his 27 points in the first quarter. Phillips did not miss a field goal or a free throw in the first half.

“Fabian has done a great job for us all year,” Weaver said. “He comes to practice everyday and works hard. He understands what the system is and he tries to work towards that everyday. If we could get more guys to follow his lead, we’ll be in great shape.”

The Hogs swarming defense allowed them to go on a 12-2 run in the first.

Razorback post Ajon Gray began to impose his will on the Panther defenders in the second quarter.

Gray finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks for Arkansas High.

“He did a great job for us tonight,” Weaver said. “He didn’t get to the line as much as he normally does but he did a great job with his field goals.

He’s another one that has a little more focus and trying to pay attention to get things done. Hopefully, he will keep improving.”

The Panthers trailed the Hogs, 40-16, going into the locker rooms for intermission.

The Razorbacks opened up the second half with a different lineup but kept the same defensive aggressiveness.

The swarming full-court press allotted for five Ashdown turnovers for the Hogs.

Lamar Wilkerson led the Ashdown offense with 11 points and five rebounds. Kaiden Hunter and Quellen Young, each dropped eight points apiece for the Panthers.

Arkansas High’s active hands caused 15 turnovers, while the Hogs only committed eight.

The beginning of the fourth brought Hog reserves and the Sportsmanship Rule was in effect.

Kameron Dockery ended the night with seven points and three rebounds for Arkansas High.

“Kameron is getting a better understanding the dynamics of getting a game started and how to finish one.

We head to Memphis for a tough tournament over there and we’ll come back to begin conference play. We have to get through our road trip and put our focus in on the conference competition.”