'Hawks come up big, knock off Huntsville

The Blackhawk boys' varsity basketball team hosted the state's second-ranked cage team, but their lofty ranking didn't deter the locals as they broke open a tie game in the fourth quarter to win going away. The win tied the both teams in the loss column for the district lead.

"Our defense played as it has all season," a pleased head coach Trent Lloyd remarked. "We played with a lot of energy and kept the pressure on Huntsville throughout the contest."

"We executed our offense well, and just played like a team. We've been improving all year and we have the chance to have a special year," Lloyd concluded.

The 'Hawks got on the Eagles early, outscoring their guests 14-6 to take an 8-point lead after the first quarter. The 'Hawks' balanced attack was never more evident as six different players registered points in the period. Tristan Trundle led the way with a pair of baskets, with Nick Hardy, Joey Hall, Britton Caudill and Weston Church all scoring 2 points.

Demonstrating why they are ranked so high, the previously undefeated Eagles got untracked in the second period by outscoring Pea Ridge 16-10 to cut the lead to just two by half-time. Hall provided the brunt of the offense, ripping a trey, field goal and free throw for 6 points with Beckman helping out with a goal while Caudill added a free throw. Their scoring gave the 'Hawks a scant 24-22 lead at intermission.

The two teams battled on even terms throughout the third quarter with the Eagles scoring a field goal more than the 'Hawks to knot the contest at 38-38 heading into the last period. It was Blake Sheppard's turn to lead the assault as the senior guard dropped in two 3-pointers as well as a field goal and free throw to score 9 points in the frame. Church's trey and Hardy's field goal kept the 'Hawks from falling behind as the teams were tied at the buzzer.

The final period saw the 'Hawks put on a furious rally that left their guests in the dust. Having been quiet on offense to that point, senior forward Zach Davis erupted for 12 points to personally outscore Huntsville in the quarter. Hall added a 3-pointer with Sheppard and Hardy ripping a pair of free throws with Church adding one free shot.

Sheppard led the scorers with 13 followed by Davis with 12. Hall scored 10, Hardy had 6, Church 6, Trundle 4, Caudill 3, and Beckman 2.

The 'Hawks rode a nine-game win streak into last night's battle with Shiloh on the road in Springdale. The boys will take on Gentry this Friday, also on the road. The Pioneers upset Pea Ridge on the 'Hawks] home floor in the conference opener 42-39 last month for the homeboys' only league loss.

District, region, state basketball sites

The Blackhawk basketball teams won't have too far to travel this season for the various levels of playoff competition.

Shiloh is hosting the 4A-1 District Tournament next month, with Pottsville slated to host the Arkansas 4A North Region. Pottsville is located just east of Russellville. Former district member Ozark will be hosting the 4A State Tourney.

In any case, all levels of competition will be located just off an interstate highway so travel time will be reduced as compared with former years.

MaxPreps/CBS 4A State Poll

1. Monticello

2. Huntsville

3. Pocahontas

4. West Helena

5. Jonesboro Westside

6. Riverview

7. Arkansas Baptist

8. Brookland

9. Central Arkansas

10. Dollarway

13. Pea Ridge

23. Prairie Grove

30. Shiloh Christian

33. Gentry

37. Gravette

43. Berryville

45. Lincoln

MaxPreps/ CBS North Region poll

(4A-1 and 4A-4 Districts)

1. Huntsville

2. Arkansas Baptist

3. Pea Ridge

4. Dardanelle

5. Subiaco

6. Dover

7. Pottsville

8. Prairie Grove

9. Shiloh

10. Ozark

The top four finishers in the region tournament qualify for the state tournament.

All semi-finalists in the district tournament qualify for the regional.

4A-1 District standings

1. Huntsville 6-1

2. Pea Ridge 5-1

3. Prairie Grove 4-3

4. Shiloh 3-2

5. Gentry 4-3

6. Gravette 2-4

7. Berryville 0-5

7. Lincoln 0-5

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Editor's note: John McGee is an award-winning columnist and sports writer. He is the art teacher at Pea Ridge elementary schools, coaches elementary track and writes a regular sports column for The Times. He can be contacted through The Times at [email protected].

Sports on 01/21/2015