Decatur is riding a seven-game winning streak and boys basketball coach John Unger said the Bulldogs have put themselves into position to make a deep run at the Class 2A State Tournament.

Decatur (15-5, 8-1) sits alone atop the 2A-4 Conference standings and it has a two-game lead over both Hackett (6-3) and Johnson County Westside (5-3) with five games left. If Decatur can finish either first or second in the conference standings, it will get a bye to the district tournament semifinals, which means an automatic a bid to the regional tournament.

“There are still so many things I feel we can get better at,” Unger said. “If we can just keep learning every game, then the sky is the limit for these kids. I really believe we are one of the top teams in 2A. I really think we can compete for a state championship because the talent is there.”

Sophomore Mario Urquidi (6-foot-4) is averaging 13.2 points a game while Victor Urquidi and Andrew Harris are each averaging eight points a game. Mario Urquidi is averaging 9.4 rebounds a game, while Harris and Victor Urquidi are getting six rebounds an outing.

“If we can get four or five guys scoring 10, 12 points a night, we are tough to guard,” Unger said. “That is our philosophy. If we can get everybody to chip in each night, that makes us that much better. If we can push the tempo a little bit more, we can create turnovers and easy baskets.”

Decatur defeated Fort Smith Union Christian on Tuesday and hosts Hartford on Friday.

“That is our only conference loss,” Unger said. “It’s a payback game, and it is not going to be an easy game.”

Blackhawks Record Big Win

Pea Ridge (16-5, 6-2) will look to keep pace in the 4A-1 Conference standings when it travels to face Prairie Grove (4-13, 2-7) Friday night.

The Blackhawks will face the Tigers at around 6 p.m. with the varsity girls game to follow as Prairie Grove is celebrating Colors Day.

“Prairie Grove is always a tough place to go and try and get a win” Pea Ridge coach Charley Clark said. “We know that Prairie Grove is going to be fired up, so we have to be equally prepared.”

Pea Ridge defeated Gentry 68-32 on Tuesday to keep the Blackhawks tied for second with Gravette. Farmington sits alone atop the league standings.

“We came out and played well,” Clark said. “Gentry came out and made some tough shots, you have to give a lot of credit to them. But our man defense has improved and we were able to get control of the game.”

Jacob Hall scored 25 points against Gentry, and he is averaging 18 points a game. Pea Ridge, however, will be without Levi Pitts again Friday.

“Jacob Hall has really picked up his offense,” Clark said. “Jacob is doing a good job shooting the ball. He is getting to the paint and scoring. We just have to hope our defense and rebounding improves.”