Taylor Strickland scored 27 points and Rogers High used an 11-0 first quarter run to defeat Drew Central (3-1) 54-28 at Arkansas-Monticello. Rogers (1-0) led 20-10 at the end of the first period and 35-18 at halftime.
Rogers coach Preston Early said his players, many of whom lack significant experience, were “very jittery” early in the game. Strickland, however, quickly shook whatever first game jitters might have bothered her. Strickland had 18 points at halftime.
“She’s the franchise and we lean heavily on her,” Early said of Strickland. “She does a lot of things for us and gives us confidence, gives our other kids confidence.”
Hannah Hawley added 14 points for the Lady Mounties. Rogers hosts West Fork Tuesday in a girls only game.
Pea Ridge 71
Rogers High 69 OT
BOYS — Levi Pitts led four Pea Ridge players in double figures with 20 points as the Blackhawks edged Rogers High 71-69 in overtime Saturday night.
Pitts was 7 of 13 from the field and he also had six rebounds. Isaac Mangrum added 16 points for the Blackhawks (1-0) while Nick DeLeon added 11, Jacob Hall 10.
Hunter Hill led Rogers with 29 points. Hill was 4-for-9 from three-point range and the junior guard hit 11 of 12 free throws. Keifer Holt was also in double figures for Rogers with 16 points.
Rogers was 21-of-59 from the field, including 8 of 22 from 3-point range.
Pea Ridge was 23 of 50 from the floor and they made 9 of 23 3-point attempts.
Rogers (0-1) travels to Subiaco Academy tonight.