TOUGH NIGHT FOR THE BULLDOGS

Cabot coach Jerry Bridges said his Panthers had some kinks to work out in the first quarter Friday night at Springdale. As the Panthers took an 11-10 lead into the second, the physicality and defensive toughness that fueled last year's state championship run took over in a 58-36 win over the Bulldogs. Cabot forced numerous turnovers in the second quarter and limited Springdale's execution on offense. The Panthers used the miscues to extend its lead by halftime, outscoring the Bulldogs 21-8 to take a 32-18 edge into the break. Springdale registered just eight field goal attempts in the first half. "We had way too many turnovers tonight. We've got to take better care of the basketball," Springdale coach Jeremy Price said. "(Cabot is) strong, they move well and we're learning how to play against that. We'll play a handful of teams here probably in the next week that are up there (in toughness) like they are, if not better." Similarly to last season, guard Bobby Joe Duncan and forward Matt Stanley led Cabot defensively in harassing ballhandlers and protecting the rim, as well as scoring the ball, adding 11 and 15 points, respectively. "I was proud of our effort, and I liked our balance. We don't have that superstar, but I do have some good players," he said. "We work good together and they fit very well into what I like to do. "And I thought we did a good job of forcing some turnovers with our half-court game," he continued. "It's early in the year. We can't live on what we did last year." University of Arkansas football commit and two-sport star Jarrod Barnes did not play in the win for Cabot. Bridges said his defense will get even better once his lockdown defender returns and heals from a Panthers playoff run. Springdale fell to 1-1 on the season and faces Conway today at approximately 5 p.m. while Cabot moved to 2-1. Freshman guard Jajuan Boyd led all Red'Dogs scorers with seven points and Edwin Aquino, fresh off a 23-point outing at Greenwood in the team's season opener, added five. Cabot's Logan Gilbertson led all scorers with 17, seven coming in the fourth quarter. "We had some good defensive possessions," Price said. "There were some times we had a breakdown or they came up with a 50-50 ball, but I saw some good things. I like where we're at, but we've got to be a lot better a month from now and take some big steps in the next few weeks." Cabot 51, Springdale High 48 GIRLS -- Led by Holly Allen's game-high 20 points, Cabot overcame an 8-point halftime deficit to knock off Springdale Friday night. Allen scored 12 of her 20 in the second half and sunk all four free throw attempts in the fourth quarter with the game in the balance. As a team, Cabot shot 50 percent from the floor after halftime following a 7-of-22 first-half effort and limited Springdale to 4-of-20 shooting in the second half. Sophomore guard Destiny Jackson connected on four 3-pointers and led Springdale with 18 points. Jeniya Gause also added eight points in the loss. Springdale hosts Conway today at approximately 3 p.m.

TOUGH NIGHT FOR THE BULLDOGS

Photo Credit: Springdale High School Athletics