Trojan teams extend winning streaks ahead of Lake Hamilton matchups
Hot Springs handled El Dorado and every phase of the game Tuesday night as the Trojans cruised to a 71-44 victory over the Wildcats at Trojan Fieldhouse.
“The guys came out and had good energy and intensity from jump street,” said Hot Springs head boys’ basketball coach Antoni Lasker. “We pride ourselves on getting off to a good start, and we were able to do that today.”
Hot Springs (21-3, 9-1 5A-South) has won six straight games since a
39-36 home defeat to conference leader Lake Hamilton (19-2, 10-0) on Jan. 15. It is the Trojans’ only loss since a road loss at Fayetteville (18-3,
9-0 6A-West) on Dec. 6.
“Overall, I’m pleased with the effort and energy that we gave on both ends of the floor,” Lasker said. “(J.J.) Walker is our point guard and our leader; he stepped up and had a big game. (Santiair) Thomas also stepped up big.
“(Jabari) West was a force around the basket … He did a lot of good things and protected the rim. It was a good team effort.”
Walker paced the Trojans with 18 points and seven assists. Senior Eddie Miles tallied 14 points, four assists and four rebounds, while Thomas had 13 points. West added five points and four rebounds.
“Going into the end of the season, I’m pleased with the way we’re playing,” Lasker said. “As coaches, we’re perfectionists, and we feel like the team can always get better.
“But as of right now, I’m pleased with how we’re playing and the en-
ergy we’re playing with. There is a togetherness in this group of young men.”
El Dorado (10-11, 6-4) is tied for third in the conference with Benton (13-8, 6-4) with only four league games remaining on each team’s schedule. Sheridan is in fifth place.(14-8, 4-6).
The Trojans will travel to Pearcy tonight to face Lake Hamilton at Wolf Arena in hopes of avenging the lone conference loss.
Girls
Sophomore Jaylia Reed and the Hot Springs senior high girls’ basketball team withstood a late comeback bid on Tuesday in a 49-39 win against El Dorado at Trojan Fieldhouse.
El Dorado (15-7, 6-4) outscored the Lady Trojans (11-9, 7-3), 25-24, in the second half, but Hot Springs led, 25-14, at halftime. Junior Alivia Erby and senior guard Kiah Beauford each hit from 3-point range late in the second quarter to solidify the lead.
“I thought we played well in the second quarter and late first quarter,” said Hot Springs head girls’ basketball coach Josh Smith. “There was a slow start to the game, but it was kind of that way for both of us. We finally got into a rhythm and knocked down some shots.
“Jaylia stepped up big like she does most nights and hit some threes. Kiah Beauford hit a big three and had some good passes in the first half to get us that lead and gave us some cushion.”
Reed converted on all four her attempts from the free throw line in the fourth quarter. Beauford and sophomore Jurnee Hicks added two more.
El Dorado trailed, 31-22, going into the final quarter.
“We came out slow in the third and let them cut the lead to about five, but we battled to get it back up and stayed in it,” said Smith. “We’ve been asking them to find a way to finish games and play all four quarters.
“This time of year, it’s about execution and finishing it out.”
Reed scored 11 more points in the fourth quarter to help Hot Springs hold a comfortable advantage. She was 11 of 14 at the free throw line and finished with 27 points, four steals and three assists.
Erby added seven points. Senior post player Bre Collins collected six points and five blocks.
“El Dorado does a great job and coach (Destinee) Rogers has her team ready,” said Smith. “Defensively, they’re one of the toughest matchups in the conference. They’re up in your face, man-to-man, and make you handle the ball.
“We had enough good moments tonight that we came out on top. Fortunately for us, this was the second win against El Dorado and it moves us up one spot closer to where we want to be. We’ve got Lake Hamilton next and it’s going to be a dog fight at their place.”
El Dorado is now tied for fourth in the
5A-South standings with Benton (13-10, 6-4). Hot Springs and Sheridan (19-3, 7-3).
The Lady Trojans will play at conference leader Lake Hamilton (15-6, 8-2) tonight at Wolf Arena. Hot Springs won the first matchup, 3832, in overtime at Trojan Fieldhouse on Jan. 15.