DeLeon transitioned well from football to basketball season

Pea Ridge boys basketball coach Charley Clark didn’t get much time over the summer with Nick DeLeon after the senior moved to town from Bentonville.

But what little the Blackhawks coach saw of his new player was enough to convince him that De-Leon would be an impact player.

One day after finishing his kicking duties with the Pea Ridge football team, DeLeon put on a basketball jersey and helped the Blackhawks to a victory over Rogers High.

As the season progressed, DeLeon’s role became even more important as the Blackhawks have had to deal with injuries to key players. DeLeon is now playing his best basketball of the season and that is good news for the Blackhawks.

Pea Ridge faced Pottsville Friday in 4A-North Region Tournament at Maumelle. The Blackhawks lost 60-43.

DeLeon is averaging 10 points, six rebounds and four assists a game from his guard position.

“We have been pleased with the way Nick has played the entire year,” Clark said. “He did a good job with the football team and he stepped right in and has done a good job with the basketball team.

“Nick has really picked it up the last month of the season and he is doing the stuff that will make him successful.”

DeLeon (6-foot) can play either guard position, but his athleticism allows him to even matchup with opposing team’s post players.

“Nick is physical, strong and quick.” Clark said. “Defensively, he is just very versatile.”

DeLeon was a little apprehensive moving into a new school district, but he said his football and basketball teammates made him feel at home from the get-go.

“Everyone has welcomed me,” DeLeon said. “Being at ease has really helped me to concentrate on just helping the team the best that I can. All of us have stepped up because of the injuries. Some of us have different roles now and we are all doing those roles well.”

Pea Ridge (22-6) shared the 4A-1 Conference championship with Farmington, but the Blackhawks were the No. 2 seed at the regional after losing to the Cardinals in the district tournament championship game.