BENTONVILLE -- Jason McMahan wanted effort Saturday afternoon, and Bentonville High's boys delivered.
Michael Shanks scored a season-high 29 points to lead a trio in double figures, and the Tigers closed out the Crabtree Invitational with a 76-43 victory over Clarksville in Tiger Arena.
Bentonville High 76, Clarksville 43
Clarksville^16^13^11^3^—^43
Bentonville^18^27^23^8^—^76
Clarksville (3-3): Hernandez 21, Thomas 9, Hurley 4, Burrett 4, Scaccia 3, Rivera 2.
Bentonville (1-3): Shanks 29, Hutchinson 17, Smith 12, Hemphill 7, Estrada 4, Akbar 3, Jarrett 2, Walker 1, Keliiliki 1.
"This was all about playing for Tiger pride and effort," McMahan said. "I think every guy on our team gave amazing effort, and that's what we have to do. We have to focus on effort, and everything else will fall into place.
"The skills are in place for us. The basketball talents are in place. It just all about effort -- motivational effort."
McMahan went as far as shuffling his lineup and started the five players who he believed gave the most effort. It caused normal starters Jordan Hemphill and Asa Hutchinson to be on the bench while Kam'ron Mays-Hunt and Cole Phillips drew the starts.
Shanks scored 10 of Bentonville's first 12 points and later added a bucket to give the Tigers (1-3) an 18-16 lead to end the first quarter. Josh Smith then hit a trio of 3-pointers to start the second quarter and quickly extended Bentonville's lead to 27-16 with 6 minutes, 26 seconds before halftime.
"Michael is so good and so consistent with his effort," McMahan said. "We were struggling with confidence to start this game, and he hits 10 quick points. When you get a sophomore to score 10 points when his team is struggling with effort and played disappointingly, that's some really good leadership.
"Josh can do that for us. Josh can get away from you. If he earns his time on the court with his defense, energy and rebounding, Josh can hit that shot."
Clarksville (3-3) did pull within 31-26 on Mekhi Burrett's bucket with 3:23 left in the first half, but the Panthers didn't get any closer. The combination of Hutchinson and Shanks helped Bentonville extend its lead back to 45-29 at halftime, then the Tigers started the second half with eight straight points and pushed their cushion to 53-29 on Arman Akbar's free throw with 4:36 left in the third quarter.
"This was a big game for them, and they responded well," Clarksville coach Tony Davis said. "We came in a little tight, and our lack of size hurt us. When we don't shoot the ball well, it could be a big problem for us."
Hutchinson added 17 points and Smith 12 for Bentonville, which travels Tuesday to Alma for a nonconference game. Juan Hernandez led Clarksville with 21.
Girls
Bentonville 55, Clarksville 23
Bentonville jumped out to an 18-2 lead and completed a three-game sweep in the Crabtree Invitational with its win over Clarksville.
Avery Hughes led the Lady Tigers (3-1) with 14 points while Krista Clark added 11. Grace Dougan had nine for Clarksville.
Boys
Bryant 76, Wynne 56
Bryant bolted to a 17-4 lead in the first quarter and went on to complete its three-game sweep.
Braylon Steen had 30 points to lead Bryant, followed by Calvin Allen with 11 and Sam Chumley with 10. Tyler Hutchinson and Omar Parchman had 12 points apiece for Wynne and Jerimiah Patterson chipped in 11.
Girls
Bryant 73, Wynne 25
Bryant led 25-13 after one quarter, then extended it to a 48-22 margin by halftime to cruise past Wynne.
Kelly Williams had 18 points and Mary Catherine Selig 17 for Bryant. Destiny Jones had 11 for Wynne.
Sports on 12/04/2016