Pine Bluff won the Class 6A boys state title last season and because of that, Coach Clarence Finley said he expects the Zebras will be in for a battle for many games this season.
"I don't know if there will be a target on our back, but I think every game is going to be a grind," said Finley, whose team won the North Pulaski Invitational last weekend. "I think the target is on [Little Rock] Parkview because they are the almost always the favorite and El Dorado is loaded. It's going to be a dogfight each and every night."
Pine Bluff (3-0) overcame a five-point halftime deficit Saturday to knock off eStem 63-52 in the North Pulaski Invitational championship game. Marcus Thomas led the Zebras with 25 points. Thomas also had 27 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists in a 75-66 victory over Little Rock McClellan in the semifinals.
"[Thomas] can score in transition and he can shoot the three," Finley said following Thursday's game. "He can take it to the basket and he will defend, too. He's going to have to be like that every night for us to be successful."
Pine Bluff plays Marion in the West Memphis Classic on Dec. 4.
EL DORADO BOYS
'Cats see positive change
El Dorado returns almost everyone from last year's team that finished 21-7, but that does not mean the Wildcats did not experience any changes.
Juniors Daniel Gafford (6-8) and Czar Perry (6-2) have added some weight and Perry has moved from a two-guard position to the point guard.
"Approximately 90 percent of our kids are back, and they seem to be ready and focused," El Dorado Coach Gary Simmons said. "Gafford has put on 15 pounds and Perry has added about 10. They're both bigger, stronger and they seem to be on a mission."
Perry averaged 16.5 points per game last season, while Gafford averaged 13.4 points and 14.4 rebounds. The Wildcats return 77 percent of their scoring from a year ago.
"They work well together," Simmons said. "And since Czar has moved to the point, there's even more chances that he and Daniel are going to interact together a lot more this season. Their relationship is good."
In a benefit game in Clarksville on Saturday, El Dorado rolled to a 99-47 victory over Providence Academy. Perry scored a game-high 20 points while handing out 10 assists. Senior Josh Ford added 17 points, and Gafford scored 12 points and pulled down 13 rebounds. Senior Dee Stewart hit four three-pointers to account for his 12 points, junior Ryu Unice scored 13 points and senior Vonteego Talley added 12.
El Dorado will play Hoover, Ala., on Thanksgiving in the opening round of the Rumble on the Ridge in Forrest City.
FAYETTEVILLE BOYS
2 games, 2 routs
In their first two games, the Fayetteville Bulldogs have outscored North Little Rock and Conway by a combined 141-70.
"We shot it really well against North Little Rock," Fayetteville Coach Kyle Adams said. "Overall, I'm pleased with where we're at. I've liked our effort."
Josh Breathitt, a 6-6 senior, led the Bulldogs in a 78-48 victory over North Little Rock with a 19-point, 9-rebound effort. Payton Willis, a 6-4 senior guard, and Auugust Carlson, a 6-4 senior, followed with 16 and 14 points, respectively.
Adams said he was troubled that his team committed 20 turnovers against North Little Rock, but he was pleased when the Bulldogs made only five turnovers in a 63-22 victory over Conway.
"We had a couple of days to work hard on that," Adams said. "That's one thing I like about our kids, they are coachable and they will absorb everything we try to teach them."
Fayetteville returns to action next week when the Bulldogs face Greenwood in the opening round of the Citizens Bank Classic in Van Buren.
MARMADUKE/ENGLAND GIRLS
Championship rematch
Last season's top two Class 2A girls teams are scheduled for a rematch tonight in England.
Defending state champion Marmaduke, which finished 40-2 last season, enters tonight's game with a 7-0 record and is coming off an 88-9 victory over Steele (Mo.) South Pemiscot in the Rector Classic. Abby Meredith led the Lady Greyhounds with 21 points, 18 of which came in the first quarter.
England was 29-7 last season and is 3-1 this season. The Lady Lions finished third in a tournament at Pulaski Robinson during the weekend, taking a 54-42 victory over Conway Christian. Alesha Penister led England with 15 points.
England Coach David Mackey earned his 200th coaching victory last week in a victory over Caddo Hills.
Sports on 11/24/2015