Troy zaps error-prone Leopards
After a grueling 13-game stretch that included tournaments in Benton, Fayetteville and Paris, Texas, Hot Springs returned to Trojan Fieldhouse Tuesday night for its first home game since Dec. 2.
The Trojans gave their home fans plenty to cheer about, opening the game on a 26-3 run before cruising to a 76-32 victory over winless De Queen.
“It’s great to be back here where the fans can be behind you for 32 minutes, and it’s what you’re accustomed to,” Hot Springs coach Rodney Echols said. “Us being on the road for the last month has tremendously helped us. My guys getting better from the point guard position to the center position is a big plus for us.
“We wanted to take this group down through some tough competition early so that when January and February comes, we’ll be ready.”
Hot Springs set the tone for the rest of the game with a blistering stretch to open the first quarter. Senior Curtis Frierson and sophomores Latrell Ellis and Kaleb Hughley each connected on 3-pointers as the Trojans rode separate 8-0 and 18-0 runs to a commanding 26-3 lead.
Applying pressure to force the Leopards into difficult decisions, Hot Springs came away with four steals in the first quarter and 10 in the game.
“We were aggressive, and we rotated in our press very well,” said Echols. “In the second half, we committed some fouls and allowed them to shoot free throws, but that’s just us getting too relaxed. We didn’t finish the game as well as we started it, but we had reserves in there and they were doing some good things and contributing across the board for us.”
With senior Payton Hayes and sophomore Santiair Thomas each nursing injuries, the Trojans continued to get contributions from everyone in the second quarter.
Senior Isiah Calhoun, junior Ramelo Cason and freshman J.J. Walker combined for 12 points in the frame as Hot Springs stretched its lead to 42-15 at the half.
“It’s all about confidence, them believing in themselves and them believing in their teammates,” Echols said. “That’s what we’re trying to get across to them right now. We’re going to be without those guys (Hayes and Thomas) for possibly a game or two. Tonight was a good night to get other people some playing time, and see what areas they can help us in.”
Hughley scored five quick points to open the second half, one of seven Trojans in the scoring column in the third quarter, while junior Eddie Miles and Walker each scored four points to give Hot Springs a 6427 lead entering the final frame.
With the mercy rule and running clock enacted, Miles buried a 3-pointer and scored seven points to lead the Trojans in the fourth quarter, Calhoun later converting on two shots from the free throw line to set the final margin.
Walker led the Trojans with 12 points, while Miles finished with 11 points. Ellis, Frierson and Hughley each scored 10 points. Sophomore Weston Harp paced De Queen with 10 points and senior Bailey Brandon added seven points.
Now 10-9 overall and 5-0 in conference, Hot Springs travels to Camden Fairview Friday night.
“That’s going to be a big game for us, and we can’t let our guard down,” said Echols. “Hopefully we can keep the boat rolling until we get our top two scorers back.”