DeLeon Steps Up Game

Senior's Role, Skill Increase As Season Progresses

Nick DeLeon, a Pea Ridge senior guard, brings the ball down the court against Lincoln on Feb. 15 in Gentry.

Nick DeLeon, a Pea Ridge senior guard, brings the ball down the court against Lincoln on Feb. 15 in Gentry.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

— 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 DeLeon 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 has become 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 will face Pottsville on Friday at 8:30 p.m. in 4A-North Region Tournament at Maumelle with the winner earning a berth to the Class 4A State Tournament.

Class 4A North Region Tournament

At Maumelle

Boys

Today’s Games

Game 1: No. 1 Farmington vs. No. 4 Booneville, 5:30 p.m.

Game 2: No. 1 Subiaco vs. No. 4 Lincoln, (n)

Friday’s Games

Game 3: No. 2 Maumelle vs. No. 3 Gravette, 5:30 p.m.

Game 4: No. 2 Pea Ridge vs. No. 3 Pottsville, 8:30 p.m.

Saturday’s Games

Game 5: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 3, 5:30 p.m.

Game 6: Winner Game 2 vs. Winner Game 4, 8:30 p.m.

Monday’s Games

Consolation Round

Game 7: Loser Game 4 vs. Loser Game 5, 1:30 p.m.

Championship

Game 8: Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6, 7:30 p.m.

*Games postponed one day due to weather

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 are the No. 2 seed at the regional after losing to the Cardinals in the district tournament championship game.

“Basically, our state tournament begins on Thursday,” Clark said.

Pottsville (22-5) won the 4A-4 Conference regular season title but was upset by Subiaco Academy in the district semifinals. Pottsville guards Travis Cole and Michael Perry are both averaging in double figures for the Apaches.

“It’s a tough deal playing another conference champion,” Pottsville coach Shane Thurman said. “We shot ourselves in the foot against Subiaco. But I feel like we have a lot of depth, and that will help us against a team like Pea Ridge that has the ability to score a lot of points.”