THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Hot Springs High School Athletics

Hot Springs 40, Blytheville 32 Hot Springs didn't shoot lights out Thursday night, but the Trojans had enough power to burn Blytheville. The Trojans shut the Chickasaws down on the defensive end and got what it needed offensively to seize a 40-32 victory in the second round of the Class 5A boys state tournament at Maumelle High School. "A team full of young kids, they're growing up before my eyes," Hot Springs Coach Rodney Echols said. "That's the beauty of coaching. These guys have bought into everything we've taught them. "[Thursday] wasn't pretty at all, especially on offense, but defensively, we got after it. We really got after it, and now we're back in the semifinals." Sophomore forward Santiair Thomas had 14 points to lead Hot Springs (23-11), which is headed to the state semifinals for the fourth consecutive year. The Trojans, who were just 6 of 20 from the floor in the second half, forced 12 turnovers over the final two quarters. Thankfully for Echols, his team relied on its defense to provide a boost. "We didn't shoot it well, that's for sure," Echols said. "But to hold an athletic team like Blytheville to 32 points, 14 at the half. ... we wanted to bear down defensively because defense wins championships." The Chickasaws, who upset Little Rock Christian a day earlier, were just 7-of-27 shooting (25.9 percent) in the second half. Still, Blytheville (16-14) managed to stay within striking distance for nearly the entire game. The Trojans led 20-14 at halftime, but the Chickasaws trimmed the deficit to 22-21 in the third quarter after a three-pointer from senior forward Michael Caruthers with 5:16 to go. The Trojans responded by scoring six quick points, with the final two coming on an offensive rebound from Miles, to establish a seven-point advantage. Hot Springs took a 28-23 lead into the fourth quarter, but Blytheville, despite woeful shooting, was within 30-28 with 4:01 left in the game. But the Chickasaws couldn't make shots when it needed them. The Trojans were ahead 31-28 when Thomas' baseline dunk over a Blytheville defender with 1:36 remaining in the game put an end to their opponent's postseason run. Treay Jamison had nine points to lead Blytheville. Hot Springs will play in one semifinal matchup Saturday at 1:30 p.m. against the winner of today's game between Little Rock Parkview and Harrison.

THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Hot Springs High School Athletics

TROJANS OVERCOME BAD SHOOTING WITH TESTY DEFENSE

ERICK TAYLOR

Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette | 3/2/2018

PHOTO CREDIT: Hot Springs High School Athletics