ROGERS -- It seemed like Springdale High couldn't miss Friday night.
D.J Evans led three Bulldogs players in double figures with 22 points, and the Bulldogs used a pair of first-half runs to pull away and defeat Rogers High 67-49 in the 7A/6A-West Conference opener at King Arena.
Evans scored 16 points and hit three 3-pointers in the first half as the Bulldogs (9-3, 1-0) took a 42-28 lead. Chris Owens added 13 points while Tereke Eckwood finished with 12 points. Springdale made 10-of-23 3-point attempts, converting five times in each half.
"We have to have that balanced scoring," Springdale coach Brad Stamps dsaid . "For the most part, we got good looks. We were not forcing shots."
Zach Street hit four 3-pointers and led Rogers with 16 points. Hunter Hill added 15 points, but the Mounties made just 16-of-47 shots.
"I'll be the first one to say it: I was shocked how well Springdale shot the ball from three," said Rogers coach Wayne Herren. "If they shoot the ball like that from three every night, they are going to be a tough out for anybody. We are proud of the way we hung in there and competed."
Springdale's defense was as equally good. The Bulldogs scored 15 points off 14 Rogers turnovers. Evans had two slam dunks after intercepting Rogers passes.
"For us, it is about defensive energy," Stamps said. "When we play with defensive energy, we have a chance to be good. It all starts with defensive energy."
Rogers junior Edgar Martinez tied the game at 12-12 early with a 3-pointer but the Bulldogs would go on a 9-0 run as Evans and Eckwood combined for all nine points. Evans started things with a 3-pointer and his free throw gave Springdale a 16-12 lead. Eckwood then hit a 3-pointer and added two free throws as the Bulldogs took a 21-12 lead.
Evans then had a slam dunk and a layup to spark a 7-0 run late in the first half as the Bulldogs pulled away.
Rogers won the junior varsity game 54-42 when Milacio Freeland had a steal and layup with 10 seconds left for the Mounties.
Rogers returns to conference action at Siloam Springs on Tuesday before traveling Friday to Fayetteville. Springdale hosts Rogers Heritage on Tuesday.
NW News on 01/11/2014