ROGERS — Rogers Heritage got off to a slow start, but more than made up for that with a strong finish against crosstown rival Rogers High on Tuesday.
The War Eagles held the Mounties scoreless for a five-minute stretch in the fi nal quarter to pull away for a 68-54 7A/6A-West Conference win at King Arena.
It was a dream come true Heritage coach Tom Olsen said to see his guards execute in the fourth quarter to pull away for a big win. It’s also just the second win for Heritage over Rogers in the six years of its existence.
“To get our guards out there with a lead in the fourth quarter, executing, making free throws and extending the lead,” Olsen said. “We’re tickled. This is a rivalry game. We’d just won one game against Rogers before tonight. We’re happy as all get-out.”
Heritage (12-7, 2-4 7A/6AWest) led only 50-48 entering the fourth quarter, but outscored Rogers (6-11, 0-6) 11-2 to take control.
Much of that damage was done by 6-foot-2 Connor Hirsh, who accounted for nine of those points to start the final quarter. But Olsen was quick to praise the work of 6-6 sophomore Julian Jensen, who led his team with a season-high 20 points and eight rebounds.
“Connor was huge,” Olsen said. “He had a bunch of steals, a bunch of boards. But how about our sophomore Julian Jensen stepping up tonight in a big game. He was spectacular rebounding the basketball and making free throws.
HOW THEY SCORED
BOYS
ROGERS HERITAGE 68 ROGERS HIGH 54
Heritage 15 11 24 18 — 68 Rogers 21 3 24 6 — 54 ROGERS HERITAGE (12-7, 2-4): Jensen 20, Hirsh 19, Kinnamon 15, C. Olsen 8, Sams 3, Prince 2, D. Olsen 1. ROGERS (6-11, 0-6): Street 22, Martinez 17, Smith 7, Hill 4, Gentz 2, Salvador 2.
“I thought our kids executed well and just finished the game.”
Rogers coach Wayne Herren said his team struggled down the stretch.
“Same story, different night, can’t execute when you need to,” Herren said. “Very, very frustrated. This is about as low as it gets right now. We have to go to practice and get ready for Friday. You have to rebound. You have to make shots.”
Zach Street led Rogers with 20 points, while Edgar Martinez chipped in 17.
Hirsh added 19 points for the War Eagles, while Wyatt Kinnamon added 15. But Heritage was also big at the foul line, making 22 of 26 for the game, including 10 of 11 in the fourth quarter. The War Eagles also took advantage of 25 Mounties’ turnovers, converting those miscues into 21 points.
Heritage will host Siloam Springs on Friday, while the Mounties will play host to Springdale Har-Ber for colors day and play first at 6 p.m.