Defensive pressure propels Jonesboro

5A-EAST BOYS

JONESBORO 44, WEST MEMPHIS 34

JONESBORO — Jonesboro’s pressure defense was once again too tough for West Memphis.

The Hurricane (21-3, 11-0 5A-East) turned over the Blue Devils (14-8, 6-4) six times in the backcourt and nursed a slim lead throughout for a 4434 victory Tuesday night.

Coach Wes Swift celebrated his 300th win at Jonesboro and received a memento from the Jonesboro School District following the game.

“Most of our game is based on our defense,” Swift said. “We say if you can’t guard, you can’t play. But right now we’re struggling offensively. West Memphis has held us under 50 points twice this year.”

Jonesboro’s its first double-digit lead in the first half was 21-10 after a basket on a spin move by senior Isaac Harrell, who led all scorers with 19 points. Jonesboro took a 25-13 lead at halftime.

West Memphis got a teamhigh 15 points from senior forward Kam Barnes.

GIRLS

JONESBORO 70,

WEST MEMPHIS 64

The Jonesboro girls made a season-high 12 three-pointers in a victory over West Memphis.

Senior guard Ereaunna Hardaway had a game-high 32 points, which included four three-pointers and an 11-for-11 performance from the free-throw line.

West Memphis (14-7, 7-3 5A-East) controlled the first half with accurate three-point shooting of its own. Sophomore Aniyah Price hit all three of her three-pointers in the first two quarters to lead the Lady Devils to a 32-24 halftime lead.

But Jonesboro (16-6, 10-1) sank six three-pointers in the third quarter to seize momentum. Hardaway got lots of help from teammate Bramiya Johnson, who made six three-pointers on her way to 21 points.