SILOAM SPRINGS — The Siloam Springs Panthers, from time to time, get too comfortable with leads.
Panthers coach Tim Stewart has seen it several times this season and last season, and he saw it again Friday in a 69-62 win against Springdale Har-Ber.
Siloam Springs took an early 19-6 lead on the Wildcats in the first quarter. Instead of keeping the foot on the throat, the Panthers slacked defensively, and Har-Ber was able to claw back into the basketball game.
“Defensively, our intensity wasn’t consistent tonight, and that’s got to change,” said Stewart. “Some of that is our mentality - being too comfortable and feeling like we’re comfortable.”
The Panthers (11-1, 1-0) were able to outmuscle Har-Ber (5-10, 0-1) in the fourth quarter, thanks in large part to a big night from senior forward Payton Henson (39 points, 12 rebounds) and a pair of driving layups from junior Reece Goddard.
“We got a big win in the 7A/6A-West, and now we can work on some things after getting a big win,” Stewart said. “Hopefully we keep that up.”
PLAY OF THE NIGHT: In the varsity girls game, Siloam Springs looked to have taken the momentum when Bailee Owens hit a 3-pointer to tie the game at 43. Instead, Har-Ber’s Tayleah Neal got it right back with a basket inside, and the Lady Wildcats (10-6, 1-0) never trailed again.
PLAYERS OF THE GAMES: Henson’s 39 points and 12 rebounds were huge for the Panthers. Siloam Springs sophomore Baily Cameron had 22 points in the girls game.
“(Cameron) played extremely well,” said Har-Ber coach Sandy Wright. “She’s going to be one to contend with over time.”
NOTABLE: The Panthers played their fourth straight game without senior all-conference guard Shane Carlson, who has been dealing with a back injury. Carlson scored 20 points in the Panthers’ Dec. 18 against Tulsa NOAH but hasn’t played since. ... Springdale Har-Ber’s Bailey Schalk led the team with 16 points before fouling out for the third straight game. Schalk and Neal combined to score 21 of Har-Ber’s 30 first half points but got in foul trouble in the second half.
“We were doing good early, and Schalk got in foul trouble,” said Wright. “She’s fouled out our last two games. We’ve got to learn not to pick up the useless ones or the dumb ones, because you’re going to get some called on you just from the hustle.”
THE LINGO: “My hat’s off to Siloam. Those guys play hard. Henson is a good player. The thing I like about him is he just plays. He keeps his mouth shut and plays. He doesn’t do anything to draw attention to himself other than just go out and get after it.” - ADAM SIMMONS Har-Ber boys basketball coach
UP NEXT: Siloam Springs travels to Rogers High, while Springdale Har-Ber hosts Bentonville. Both Rogers teams were swept at Springdale on Friday, while both Bentonville teams beat Van Buren at Tiger Arena.
Sports, Pages 8 on 01/06/2013