This Saturday will present another opportunity this season for adults to help mentor young hunters in the fields or the flooded timber areas in pursuit of waterfowl.
The second of two youth and veteran waterfowl hunts will give a few hunters one more shot at Arkansas’s premier game species before the waterfowl season finally wraps for 2020-21. The Special Active Duty Military and Veteran Waterfowl Hunt will again take place alongside Arkansas’s Special Youth Waterfowl Hunt on Feb. 6 from 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset statewide.
The state’s wildlife management areas are open all day (see the Waterfowl Report by clicking the green button below), while hunters will also be enjoying private land hunting. A handful of Arkansas Waterfowl Rice Incentive Conservation.
Enhancement fields were obtained for permits as well; all permits were assigned by Jan. 24 for this weekend and must be in hand to use on any of the AGFC’s permitted locations.
Duck and goose hunters 15 and younger may hunt during this special season, which was created nearly 20 years ago by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission after this option was offered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It was modified last year to allow active-duty military personnel and veterans to hunt as well in a show of gratitude for their service.
Youths and veterans may have additional people with them during their hunt as a mentor or observer. Those people may call, video the hunt, or work a dog to retrieve ducks, but they may not carry a firearm or assist with shooting. Shooting hours and bag limits are the same as regular duck and goose seasons.
Also, shell restrictions on WMAs for the regular 60-day hunting season are lifted during these special hunts.
“This is an excellent opportunity for mentors to instill those unwritten rules of waterfowling to new hunters,” Luke Naylor, AGFC waterfowl program coordinator, said “It’s a great way to show them that waterfowl hunting isn’t about racing in the woods for a YouTube video or seeing who can take a picture of the biggest pile of birds; it’s about sharing the experience.”
While the spirit of the special hunt is to allow for more time between a mentor and youth hunter, youths who have completed a hunter education course may hunt on their own if their parent or legal guardian feels comfortable allowing them to do so. Youths who have not completed a hunter education course must be accompanied by a mentor who is 21 years or older.
Over one thousand miles from Paris in the small Pennsylvania town of Punxsutawney, the ground hog “Phil” saw his shadow and predicted six more weeks of winter. On that same night, two outstanding programs and young teams played lights out at Paris Gymnasium, each hoping to gain momentum and extend their seasons six more weeks into the upcoming post-season tournaments. And of course, anytime Paris and Charleston get together, regardless of sport or records, it is almost guaranteed to be a fun night of good, hard-fought competition. And last night in Paris, the fans of both schools were treated to two games that were played hard by both schools. This time, the Paris Eagles and Lady Eagles won signature games that are by far their biggest wins of the season. The wins could be a turning point for both teams as they finish this year and build toward the future. In fact, both Paris and Charleston are young and have bright futures, but neither school is ready to give up on this season just yet.
Resident Press Photo / Jim Best
In the first game, the Paris Lady Eagles survived an early ten point lead by Charleston to fight their way back to their biggest victory of the season. The Lady Eagles, who have been up and down, experiencing the highs and lows of a young team that is growing and developing, had perhaps their best defensive game of the year. Lady Eagles coach Donald Hart commented after the game, “I thought the team played hard from start to finish. I was very proud of their effort on both sides of the ball.”
Resident Press Photo / Jim Best
The Lady Eagles played tough defense against the Lady Tigers who all but ran them out of Tiger Center in January. The young Paris team has grown and is starting to see improved play from members of its starting rotation, giving help to senior Jadyn Hart with scoring and rebounding.
In the second game, the Paris boys fought hard in a back and forth, highly intense game that saw the Eagles finally break the game open very late with two three-point baskets from the corner by sophomore Jesse Wells.
Resident Press Photo / Ronni Tate Young
After the game, and ecstatic Paris head coach, Blain Brewington said, “We battled all night. We played physical, tough defense and rebounded the ball well for the most part. We hit some big shots in the fourth quarter. I really liked that we didn’t settle for 3’s and were patient offensively and got the ball inside for the easy baskets. We got down seven points in the third quarter and kept battling. We gave ourselves a chance in the fourth; took the lead and held on. So proud of our fight and learning how to play through our mistakes with such a young team.”
For Charleston, the Lady Tigers are one of the top girls programs in Class 3A, and their future is bright. I expect to see Charleston competing in the state tournament next year; perhaps to the point of the state semifinals or even deeper, just as the program did in 2019-20. Coach Jason Rucker has done a great job this year with just seven players dressed for most games, and will be a factor this year in the district and regional tournaments.
Resident Press Photo / Jim Best
After the loss to Paris, Coach Rucker said after the game, “I thought we played well in the first half but just didn’t make enough plays in the second half to win. Really have to give credit to Paris for not quitting and making plays when they had to. Hats off to them.”
And the same tone of sportsmanship was used by Charleston Tigers coach B.J. Ross when he also said, “Our boys played really hard last night but couldn’t get the ball to fall in the hoop. Give credit to Paris and Coach Brewington for playing a good game.”
I don’t know about you, our readers, but it is refreshing to hear classy remarks from coaches of schools in a rivalry setting such as Paris and Charleston. The coaches’ remarks are great examples for our student-athletes and for all who follow high school sports.
Resident Press Photo / Jim Best
The Charleston basketball programs are young and talented, just as the Paris programs. I expect both schools to be serious contenders next year, and once again, treat their fan bases to great competition throughout the season.
If you have followed Paris, you know that the Eagles have had their share of both good and bad times as a young and inexperienced team has had to learn and mature on the fly. But the last two weeks have been good for the Eagles, and a win against a quality opponent is just what they needed to give them confidence that they can compete successfully in the conference tournament and into next year.
And the same can be said for the young Lady Eagles. The team will sorely miss senior guard Jadyn Hart. But the team will have a nucleus of good young players who have now had a season of playing experience under their belts and should have plenty of talent and experience to build upon for next season. The team will have to find a way to replace the point production and the ball handling of Jadyn Hart. If they can do that, they have a great chance to take the next step in being a very competitive team next year.
Resident Press Photo / Ronni Tate Young
Eagles fans need to be aware of schedule changes for the end of the regular season and the district tournament. In an email from the Paris school district this morning, the following schedule changes have been made. First, Friday, February 5, will be senior high boys and girls only at Cossatot River. Tip off time for the first game is 5 p.m.
The junior district tournament that was scheduled to be held at Booneville next week has been cancelled. In fact, some ninth grade players for both schools were dressed and on the bench for last evening’s varsity games.
Secondly, Paris will host Cedarville on Tuesday, February 9 as originally scheduled for senior high games only. Next, the games at Booneville originally scheduled for Friday, February 12 have been moved up to Thursday, February 11.
And finally, the senior high district tournament, originally scheduled for Cedarville, will now be hosted at the home sites of the higher seeded teams in the first round match-up pairs, starting Saturday, February 13. According to the district’s email, “The higher seed will host each individual game. Once the brackets have been set, or we know for sure the seeding for the tournament, we will update.”
Resident Press Photo / Ronni Tate Young
So it appears the senior high district basketball tournament will be held in the same format as the 2020 district volleyball tournament. Unlike the conference volleyball tournament, all conference basketball games will be played before the tournament, so it should be easy to seed each team according to record and order of finish. The higher seeds will host games on their campuses. I recommend that you go to the Paris school district’s website and watch for the “live feed” with the latest information from the district on game dates, times, and venues.
In the topsy turvy world of COVID-19, it appears that the high school basketball season has a chance to be completed. It was about eleven months ago that the state tournament was immediately cancelled after the semi-finals games, and the state finals were never played in Hot Springs. When the Class 3A basketball tournament, hosted by Charleston high school, had finished semi-final play, no one dreamed that the following week’s championship final in Hot Springs would not be played.
Hopefully, the entire tournament will be played to its scheduled completion, and the hard work of the players and all involved will be rewarded with a great state tournament experience ending with the crowning of state champions in each classification.
Fans from both schools can see additional photos of both games on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports. In fact, Resident Press had two photographers at the games, including yours truly and Mrs. Ronni Tate Young. I know you will love her photos, and her shots can also be found at Paris Eagles Sports. Thanks to Ronni for the additional coverage and for all that she has done this year capturing the images of Charleston sports!
If last night’s Ground Hog Day game was any indication of what is to come, there is still a lot of basketball yet to be played. Good luck to both Paris and Charleston as they continue to play for the post-season!
Jerry Taft Graves of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday January 28, 2021 in Seminole, Oklahoma. Jerry was born October 7, 1935 in Waldron, Arkansas to Hurman Fay Graves and Nellie Opal (Taft) Graves.
Jerry was a hard working man who loved spending time with his family. He loved working with his cattle. He was a member of the Evening Shade Baptist Church. Jerry retired from the Department of Soil Conversation but he was a self taught welder and did it as a hobby. Because of his talent he was sought after for projects by people all over.
Jerry leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife Doris Jean (Barto) Graves, his son Robert Graves and wife Kara of Waldron, Arkansas, his daughter Melissa Graves Shelton of Shawnee, Oklahoma. Papaw will forever remain in the hearts of his grandchildren: Robert Tyler Graves, Kalie Graves and wife Kimberlee, Rayan Butterworth, Nicholas Butterworth, Aaron Butterworth.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Hurman Fay Graves and Nellie Opal “Taft” Graves.
Jerry’s life celebration will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 5, 2021 at Square Rock Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Bobby Cagle officiating. Interment will follow. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Jerry’s visitation will be Thursday, February 4, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel.
You may leave words of remembrance for Jerry’s family by visiting: www.heritagememorialfh.com.
The Greenwood Bulldogs need no introduction when it comes to tradition, with a growing list of accomplishments each year. That reputation which precedes any formal discussion is as important as the continuous stream of talent their athletic program continues to produce.
Such is the case today, as nine seniors sign their letter of intent to play football at their respective college of choice.
“It was a special day for our staff, and the participating families. I couldn’t be prouder for these athletes who have all worked hard to not only pursue their dreams, but also exhibit leadership on and off the field and into their collegiate sports careers”
– Greenwood Bulldogs Head Football Coach, Chris Young
Beau Asher, Lyon College Parents: Roy and Winnie Asher
Peyton Carter, Pitt State Parents: James Carter and Stacy Carter
Jordan Hanna, University of Arkansas Parents: Aundrea Hanna and Mike Hanna Brothers: Ashton, Morgan, and Gage Sister: Chaise
Jayden Jasna – Arkansas Tech University Parents: Justin and Karina Jasna Sister: Londyn Jasna Brother: Kaylor Jasna
Connor Marvin, Hendrix College Parents: Bill and Cheryl Marvin Brother: Colin Marvin Sister: Arabell Marvin
LD Richmond, Chattanooga Valley Community College Parents: Derek and Melissa Richmond
Braden Stein, Pitt State (LtoR) Debbie, Braden, and James Stein
Jase Strozier, Southern Nazarene University Parents: Scott and Crystal Strozier
Hunter Wilkinson, Arkansas Tech University Parents: Jeff and Tina Wilkinson
On Tuesday, February 2, a grassroots 2A gun organization’s efforts proved successful in challenging the NRA’s sponsored Stand Your Ground bill.
SB 24 passed the Senate in January and moved on to the House Judiciary Committee where it failed overwhelmingly. Senator Trent Garner commented that “the Stand Your Ground Bill was halted by radical extremist liberals who stacked a committee to kill it.”
GO-AR members in attendance at the House Judiciary Committee hearing.
But, in an unusual and unprecedented alignment, a staunch conservative gun group, Gun Owners of Arkansas, crossed party lines in challenging the bill. The group’s President, Gary Epperson, has been quite vocal regarding the organization’s stand, and in fact, he and others have worked diligently with legislators to achieve the necessary language changes to support the bill. “Calling it Stand Your Ground is misleading at best,” stated Epperson. “Before a person has the protections of this law, they must determine if they’re lawfully present. If not, then the individual has a duty to ‘attempt’ to retreat even if the threat is a drawn weapon.”
Michael Kaiser/Criminal Defense Attorney
Michael Kaiser, a criminal defense attorney testified against the bill in committee on Tuesday. “As written, this bill will add far more situations where a citizen will have to retreat rather than less,” stated Kaiser. “This bill will make a lot more innocent people guilty of murder or battery, where they would be not guilty under current law.”
State Representative Marcus Richmond agrees and did not support the bill. “I have been an NRA Lifetime member since 1979 which is longer than some of my colleagues have been alive. So I found myself in unusual territory today concerning a gun rights bill. I could not support SB24, SYG bill. While I support simplification and strengthening our ability and right to self-defense, this bill in my opinion did neither. Inclusion of the terminology ‘lawful presence’ created more possibilities of prosecution instead of improving your self-defense rights.”
Richmond went on to add why the language of the bill is so crucial. “You could find yourself in a location such as a business where you are unaware that the owner does not permit people to carry in his store. Suddenly you find it necessary to use deadly force. You could be prosecuted even though you were unaware of the owner’s policy. You might be within a thousand feet of a school and not know it and find yourself prosecuted. Look at Kyle Rittenhouse in Wisconsin. That kid ran away as hard and fast as he could and finally was forced to use deadly force or he would have been murdered. He is going to jail and part of the prosecutor’s strategy is that Kyle was not lawfully present, he was breaking curfew. The sponsors said such a thing would never happen in Arkansas and I say, “no one has a crystal ball.” Better language would have been, “a right to be present.” Laws change, rights do not.
Richmond added that legislators have spent the last month asking for the change, but the sponsors “responded with vilification, verbal attacks, and political threats.” Richmond refused to back down or be intimidated, however. “I refuse to be intimidated by someone who thinks they can threaten or bully me into submitting. It will never happen. So the bill that I and most of my Republican colleagues wanted to vote for, failed. I cannot tell you why they would not amend the bill except the sponsors said the prosecuting attorneys may not support such a change. Maybe not, but why so important to the prosecutors? Because it makes it easier for a prosecutor to use his 20/20 hindsight and pick apart your reason for not retreating. Such language makes it almost a certainty that they can find something in your defense to prosecute if they are a mind to do so. So in the sponsor’s opinion, their support was critical to him. I can only surmise the reason for wanting not to jeopardize prosecuting attorney support is that one of the sponsors may be considering a run for the Attorney General. Having the prosecuting attorney’s association endorsement would be politically helpful. Once again political ambition may have trumped the people’s considerations. Then again maybe not because I can’t read minds. The last issue I have as to why we should use ‘right to be present’ instead of lawful presence is because our laws are going to change under the Biden administration, and not for the good. Remember laws can change, rights do not. This bill was not about my ego. It is not about my political ambition. I have neither. What it is about is getting it right so a law-abiding citizen knows when he is in his right to defend himself…”
After the bill failed to pass out of the House Judiciary Committee, the bill’s sponsor, Senator Bob Ballinger, called for the bill to be brought out of committee to the House floor for a vote.
The Greenwood City Council met in regular session on Monday evening, January 1 at 7 p.m. Members present- Ralph Meeker, Lance Terry, Tim Terry, and A.C. Brown. Aldermen Rod Powell and Daniel McDaniel were absent. Also present, Mayor Doug Kinslow and City Clerk/Treasurer Sharla Derry.
After approving the minutes of the previous meetings, the council heard the committee reports.
A representative with the Sebastian County Boys and Girls Club was present and reported a “skyrocketing” number of kids with the after-school program. He went on to share about the current flag football drafts and ongoing basketball and future baseball signups. He concluded by expressing his gratitude towards the city, “we appreciate everything you all do for us.”
Next in the citizen’s forum, Councilman Tim Terry read a comment from Mark Anderson. “He wondered if I would ask tonight what the city council would like to do with any additional funds the city receives as a result of the census count.” Mayor Kinslow responded that the question was difficult to answer until if and when that happens.
Next, Michael Jones from Hackett addressed the council regarding the lack of residential development. He reaffirmed his offer to the city for future possible development on 68 acres of land above Maple Ridge. “We are very invested in the community,” stated Jones. “We think it would benefit the city in a large way.” Kinslow agreed and stated that there has been ongoing conversations regarding the issue.
Finance Director Tom Marsh
Next, Tom Marsh gave the financial report. Following Marsh’s favorable financial report on the city, the council moved on to new items of business.
Planning and Development Director Sonny Bell
Mayor Kinslow asked to table the first item of new business, an amendment to Ordinance #502 prohibiting loud and unnecessary noises. The next item, the adoption of a curative amendment to Ordinance #18-09 zoning regulations, was passed unanimously.
The 2019 water/sewer audit review was presented. Marsh discussed “mitigating controls,” or issues within the audit that are common for cities the size of Greenwood. Other issues noted included accounts receivable balances and meter deposit payables. The last issue dealt with the 2016 bonds to fund and agree to maintain at least 110% coverage of the debt service requirement for each fiscal year. In 2019, the fund had a shortage of $125,000. “It requires us to put in place a plan in order to resolve that issue,” stated Marsh. The city is in technical compliance because they have in reserve the entire amount of the principal balance assigned for that purpose. In conclusion, Marsh stated that the findings showed a “clean opinion…with no problems with management…and a very well-received audit.” The council voted unanimously to accept the audit report.
The next item of discussion, the resolution to amend Resolution 117-18, a salary schedule adjustment for COLA. The motion was made, seconded, and passed to make the amendment.
The council discussed and approved the following non-profit contracts: Chamber of Commerce, SRCA (Sebastian Retired Citizens Association), Boys and Girls Club, and the Sebastian County Library.
The last three items of new business pertained to salary schedules. A motion was made and seconded to repeal Ordinance #20-24 and amend Ordinance #16-09, amending the city clerk/treasurer’s salary. The motion was made and seconded to amend ordinance #20-03, adjusting the salary for the city attorney. And finally, the motion was made and seconded to amend the ordinance adjusting the salary for the mayor. Each amendment was passed unanimously.
Next, the council heard the departmental reports. Police Chief William Dawson presented his report, which included information about a new patrol vehicle. The council also discussed the proposed annexation, favoring the Shadow Lake area, and Highway 10 to Hendrix Road, south.
With no other items of business, the meeting of the Greenwood City Council adjourned.
The Mansfield Jr Lady Tigers have proven so far this season that they are gamers. They’ll play Scrabble and pull off the word OXYPHENBUTAZONE by the second round of the game. They can play six straight Draw 4 cards in Uno, change the color, and win with a Red 1 card. They are the holders of Boardwalk, Park Place, all four Railroads, and both utilities in Monopoly. When it comes to basketball, the Jr Lady Tigers can’t help but win that game too. They gave another example of that on Monday, February 1st with a 55-15 victory over an up incoming Magazine Lady Rattlers program.
Lady Tiger, Cole Smith
Mansfield’s defense was again dominant in the game as they held the Lady Rattlers to a goose egg at the end of the first quarter with a 19-0 score. This is the second game in a row that they have been able to shut out their opponents in scoring in the first quarter (JC Westside and Magazine). But the Lady Rattlers didn’t just stand there and take it though. They made the Lady Tigers earn every point that they garnered. Defense isn’t Mansfield’s only weapon though. The Lady Tigers checked off every box in the stat book with 3 point shots, layups, box shots, free throws, and put back points against the Lady Rattlers. With an unmovable defense and unstoppable offense, Mansfield walked off the court into halftime with a 39-6 score.
Lady Rattler, Jailynn Sims
Playing the first half with a set of starters that are on a roll is one thing. Being able to continue that run from the benches though is something special. As the Lady Tigers rolled fresh bodies in and out of the game, it became very evident that this team is much more than a few good players. The defensive play from the subs was just as stingy as the starters. It was during the second half of the game though that the Lady Rattlers came to life more than doubling their points from the first two quarters. The offensive play covered just as many stat boxes from both of these teams. Although the Lady Tigers gave up a few more points in the closing minutes of the game, they were still able to walk out of The Jungle with a final score of 55-15 and the W.
Kynslee Ward
Securing the 55 points for the Lady Tigers was Kynslee Ward hoppin’ and boppin’ with 14 points followed by Alyson Edwards and Harlie Fuller who tied with 11 each. Shelbie Fuller had one of her best nights snagging 6 points. Kaylee Ward ruled defensively while also earning 6 points in the process. Raine Hecox jumped into action with 5 points. And Ambria Whittaker perfectly assisted her teammates as well as also netting 2 points. The Lady Rattlers had the perfect liftoff countdown of 6,5,4 as Jailynn Sims (6), Destiny Corley (5), and Gracee Franklin (4) were the offensive ringmasters for Magazine.
Lady Rattler, Presley Crosby and Lady Tiger, Trinity Triska
The Mansfield Jr Lady Tigers have only two conference games left in the regular season schedule and boy are they doozies. The Lady Tigers will have to travel into hostile territory on Wednesday, February 3rd to face an Acorn Lady Tigers team who are more than capable of being a threat to their supremacy and they follow that up with a trip up north to another hostile environment on Friday, February 5th as they enter the cave of the Mountainburg Lady Dragons.
Shelbie Fuller
The Magazine Jr Lady Rattlers are also wrapping up their final week of conference play as they prepare for another round of war with the Lady Indians of County Line on Thursday, February 4 and they turn around the next night on Friday, February 5 for a shootout with the JC Westside Lady Rebels.
Lady Rattler, Ainslee Chappell and Lady Tiger, Ambria Whittaker
On Monday, February 1, Hackett Police Chief Ricci Pyle was terminated. Mayor Trini Harper could not comment on the action but did state that the city would welcome a new full-time officer beginning Friday, February 5.
Pyle’s termination comes on the heels of Wednesday’s incident at Hackett High School. The district requested Pyle respond to an alleged threat by two juveniles. However, Pyle failed to respond, stating he “was at home and would not come out.” The school incident is being described as “communicating a false alarm” and remains under investigation.
Pyle has served as chief of police since September 2019.
On Friday night, the Bulldogs traveled to take on the Cedarville Pirates in a 3A-4 conference match-up. The Pirates were hoping to keep their conference championship hopes alive and the Bulldogs were looking to get one step closer. The Bulldogs had won six games straight and the Pirates had won six of their last seven games. This set up a battle that would be an instant classic!
Austin Cluck
Darryl “The Kraken” Kattich got the night started off with a put-back basket for the Pirates to give them the early 2-0 lead but then Bulldog, Caden Fuller, answered back with his own basket on the next possession knotted the score 2-2. The Pirates and the Bulldogs would exchange back and forth baskets before Austin Cluck hit a three and get fouled. Cluck completed the four-point play, to put the Pirates up 8-4 early in the first quarter. The Bulldogs then used a 6-0 run to take their first lead of the game, 10-8, behind a basket from Gada Wagner and back-to-back baskets from Braden Williams. That lead was short-lived for the Bulldogs though as Kattich scored a two-point basket on the following possession. Wagner hit a pull-up jumper to put the Bulldogs back on top 12-10. Cedarville ended the first quarter on a 5-0 run, with a Kattich three-pointer and a Tommy Metcalf lay-up, to take the first-quarter lead, 15-10.
Waldron #10 Caden Fuller
The second quarter saw an offensive explosion that made a Fourth of July fireworks show look puny. Dylan Cluck started the second quarter with a basket at the rim and gave the Pirates a 17-12 lead. Jaden Hutchens next scored on the following possession for the Bulldogs. Austin Swaim hit his first of four three-pointers in the quarter to give the Pirates the 20-14 lead. Hutchens came back and connected again for the Bulldogs but Swaim shot back connecting on his second three giving the Pirates a 23-16 lead. In the following possession, Wagner got the basket and free throw to bring the Bulldogs back within four, 23-19. Waldron and Cedarville were relentless in exchanging free throws and baskets to make the score 30-25, Pirates. The Pirates then used an 8-0 run with all 8 points going to Swaim, to take the biggest lead of the night, 38-25. Isaac “The Real” Villarreal stepped up and stopped the bleeding with a deep three and along with a free throw from Jaden Hutchens, the Pirates lead 38-29 going into the half.
Waldron #1 Jaden Hutchens
Kattich left fans with deja-vu as he got the scoring underway in the second half just as he did to start the game. He netted a running jumper to give the Pirates an 11-point lead. The Bulldogs responded right back with a Wagner 3-pointer to cut the lead to 8 and spark a 12-2 run. Isaac Villarreal hit his second three of the night while Wagner and Hutchens combined for three baskets, and Cedarville’s lead was cut to a point, 42-41. Dylan Cluck stopped the run with a basket from the post giving the Pirates a three-point lead. The Bulldogs used a 4-0 run from Hutchens to take their first lead since the 1:20 mark in the first quarter, 45-44. The one-point lead for the Bulldogs turned into a 5 point deficit as Austin Cluck buried two threes to end the third quarter and give Cedarville the 50-45 lead.
#5 Gada Wagner
To start the final quarter in this epic showdown, Austin Cluck extended the lead to seven for the Pirates with a put-back basket making the score 52-45. The Bulldogs turned around and used a 10-2 run to retake the lead 55-54 with 4:30 to go in the game. After a block call, Kattich gave the Pirates the lead after two made free throws. Austin Swaim added a bucket to make the score 58-55. Then Jaden Hutchens logged a three for the Bulldogs to even the score once again. Swaim connected again for the Pirates giving them the three-point lead but Jaden Hutchens, who scored 18 of his game-high 23, would answer right back with his second three of the quarter.
Waldron #33 Camdon Holcomb and Cedarville #23 Connor Templeton
The Pirates then added a free throw from Swaim to gain a 1-point advantage. After trading possessions and 13 seconds to go in the game, Gada Wagner found Caden Fuller for the go-ahead layup for the Bulldogs. After a missed three-point attempt, the Pirates fouled Villarreal, who went on to make both free throws giving the Bulldogs a 65-62 lead with 1.9 seconds left on the clock. After a deflection at half-court, the Pirates had one shot with .6 seconds to tie the game but their attempt hit the front of the rim and the Bulldogs took the victory.
Shooting is #5 Austin Swaim
Coach Brown stated about the game, “Cedarville is a tough-nosed team and a tough team to beat at home. I’m very proud of our young men and the way they carried themselves. When things didn’t go our way, we responded. When they hit big shot after big shot, we responded. Down 1 with 20 seconds left, we responded! Thank you to every fan that came and made it known that the Bulldogs were in the building. You were the 6th man! I’m proud of every young man that put on that jersey tonight because they have put in the work each day. Games aren’t won on just Tuesday and Friday. They’re won on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday and these guys come to work every day!”
Cedarville #22 Darryl “The Kraken” Kattich and Waldron #13 Isaac “The Real” Villarreal
Coach Brown added, “Our team is resilient. They faced adversity early in the week at Danville and then again Friday night on the road but they found a way. This was a big game and our guys knew what was at stake. We moved one step closer to reaching one of our goals and that is winning a conference championship but we still have work to do!”
#12 Tommy Metcalf
The Bulldogs move to 17-5 in total season play and 9-1 in conference and will next play host to Cossatot River on Tuesday, February 2. They will then travel to Charleston on Friday, February 5. Cedarville will next host Hackett on Tuesday, February 2.
Box Score:
Team
1st Quarter
2nd Quarter
3rd Quarter
4th Quarter
Final
Waldron
12
17
16
20
65
Cedarville
15
23
12
12
62
Waldron—Jaden Hutchens (23), Gada Wagner (22), Isaac Villarreal (10), Caden Fuller (6), Braden Williams (4)—65
Cedarville—Austin Swaim (20), Austin Cluck (14), Dylan Cluck (12), Darryl Kattich (11), Lane Hightower (3), Tommy Metcalf (2)—62
Basketball season is closing quickly and every game is being treated as what could be the last. There is no exception for the Mansfield Jr Tigers as they continue to aim to play a better game each week. Instead of a rush mentality though, Mansfield is slowing things down and taking it easy, and soaking in the close of the season. The Tigers played the Eagles on their long drive to Coal Hill on Friday, January 29th and they chose to “Take It To The Limit” against the JC Westside Rebels in a 34-24 win.
Travis Tobey
The Jr Tigers played cat and mouse with JC Westside in the first half allowing the Rebels to stay in the game for an upset. The Tigers and Rebels fired back and forth at each other closing the 1st quarter with a tie and going into half with the Tigers only up by one point at a 12-11 score. If you’re a Mansfield Jr Tiger basketball fan then you know that getting splinters in your rear from sitting on the edge of the bleachers the first half is common. But in the second half, that’s when the Tigers tend to explode the boards. It was no different against JC Westside. Mansfield got hot, hot, hot and lit every fuse the Rebels had as they jumped to a 25-15 lead at the end of the 3rd quarter. The 4th quarter was more of the same as the Tigers would score another 9 points on the Rebels to close out the game with a 34-24 victory.
Tyler Turnipseed
“Mr. Do It All” Tyler Turnipseed scored every way possible in the game as he hit free throws, jump shots, layups, and sank a three for a total of 8 points in the game. Peyton Martin was clutch for the Tigers at the free-throw line and drilled a 3 pointer from the perimeter to put up 8 points as well. Dakota Langford dominated the backboards reigning in offensive and defensive rebounds over the Rebels while also putting up 8 points. Travis Toby was the solid player he’s been known to be on both sides of the court and also scored…….you guessed it, 8 points. To round out the scoring, Zach Hayslip was able to score 2 points in the game but was more valuable as a rebound and deflection weapon.
Zach Hayslip
The Jr Tigers now sit at 7-6 overall and 4-1 in conference play. Their season isn’t over though. Not by a long shot. So long as there is a team on the schedule, the Jr Tigers will not quit giving it all they have. Next up is the Magazine Rattlers on Tuesday, February 2nd at The Jungle in Mansfield.
