7A/6A-CENTRAL BOYS

Conway misses mark after swift start

— The Conway Wampus Cats started out hot, but they didn’t stay that way in a 64-47 loss to Fort Smith Northside Friday.

Conway (10-5, 1-2 7A/6ACentral) made four threepointers in a 19-point first quarter.

But the Wampus Cats were held to 10 points in the next two quarters, including three in the second quarter.

“We tried to do a better job of covering their shooters,” Northside Coach Eric Burnett said. “That’s what I told them. We had to make sure we did a better job rebounding on both ends. Sometimes we sit around and just kind of watch. Instead, we went after the rebound.”

Tim Boyd jump-started Conwaywith a four-point play after tipoff. AJ Burton made consecutive three-pointers late in the first quarter and the Wampus Cats led 19-14 after Darvin Thompson’s basket to end the first quarter.

The Grizzlies (11-6, 3-0) turned up the defensive intensity, allowing Conway three field goals over the next two quarters while dominating play inside.

Adrian Moore’s basket late in the first half gave Conway a 22-21 lead, but the Grizzlies scored the half’s final seven points. Jace Richardson converted a three-point play, and then added a follow-up basket. Joe Dye’s baseline jumper made it 28-22 at the half.

Conway’s offensive struggles continued at the outset of the second half. Benow Stevenson scored fivee points for Northside to make it 38-24. Burton ended a four-minute scoreless stretch for Conway with a three-pointer, but the Grizzlies led by 15 after three quarters.

For Smith Northside led by as many as 20 points in the final quarter.

Stevensonscored 11 of his game-high 23 points in the fourth quarter, countering every Conway comeback attempt.

“He had a great game for us,” Burnett said of Stevenson. We’ve gotta have that. He’s a senior, and that’s what I expect from him.”

Moore, a freshman, led Conway with 12 points. Boyd added 10 for the Wampus Cats, who managed only seven two-point field goals.

Sports, Pages 22 on 01/12/2013

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