Hogs face Pine Bluff in first round of state tournament
WEST MEMPHIS, Ark.—The ball is in their court.
Arkansas High (14-11, 8-8) takes on Pine Bluff (16-10, 7-4) in the first round of the Conference 6A state basketball tournament at 5:30 p.m. at Blue Devil Gym in West Memphis.
“It’s going to be a challenge for us,” Arkansas High head basketball coach Sam Weaver said. “Pine Bluff has two really good guards who can get up and down the floor. Whenever you’re in postseason play, it’s typically a great challenge.”
The Hogs will rely on the play of senior Ajon Gray in the post.
“We have to utilize Ajon a little more on the block,” Weaver said. “He’s gotten better and more consistent with his scoring. He’s been in a little foul trouble. That’s the thing that has plagued him all year.
“We plan to throw the ball a little more inside than we have the past five or six games.”
Seniors Malik Dunn, Cameron Dockery and Fabian Phillips will also have the daunting task of harassing the Zebras in Weaver’s full-court press.
DeJordan Mask and Micah Yarber are also expected to contribute, but the Razorbacks also have to plan for a long bus ride before their game.
“It can be a factor, but it is what it is,” Weaver said. “We’re not going to even talk about that because that is something we have to do. We must stay focused and maintain mental preparation.”
The Hogs are 1-4 their last five games, while the Zebras went 3-2.
The winner plays Benton on Thursday at 8:30 p.m.