Panthers hold strong

Bud Sullins/Special to Siloam Sunday Siloam Springs senior Keetun Pierce goes up for the shot while Conway’s Prentice Mullins, left, and John Nekonchuck, right, try to block his shot during Friday’s game at Panther Activity Center.
Bud Sullins/Special to Siloam Sunday Siloam Springs senior Keetun Pierce goes up for the shot while Conway’s Prentice Mullins, left, and John Nekonchuck, right, try to block his shot during Friday’s game at Panther Activity Center.

Siloam Springs' one-point win against Class 7A Conway on Friday won't do anything to help its postseason prospects.

But it'll do wonders for the Panthers' confidence moving forward.

Siloam Springs had one last defensive stand on Conway's final offensive possession and the Panthers held on for a 43-42 win Friday at Panther Activity Center.

"This time of year teams are going in two directions," Siloam Springs head coach Tim Stewart said. "This is one of those games that proves our kids our bought in and they want to keep working and pulling for each other. A lot of kids contributed. It's really fun to see with this group."

The game didn't end without a bit of controversy.

On Conway's final possession with 8.1 seconds remaining, Wampus Cats senior Javonte Ellis tripped while driving to the basket, but no foul was called. Ellis lost control and the Panthers corralled the loose ball as time expired.

A similar no-foul call occured earlier in the game on Siloam Springs when Kyle Comiskey tripped along the baseline.

"We've always told our kids the aggressors usually end up getting some beneficial calls," Stewart said. "Tonight for the majority of the game, our kids came out fighting and hustling. It's fun as a coach to see them improve. We haven't done that all year. Tonight, as far as aggressiveness, we really got after it."

Conway coach Will Johnson did not comment on the non-foul call on the trip, instead deferring credit to Siloam Springs.

"They played a tough game," Johnson said of Siloam Springs. "It was a great win for them."

The Panthers (11-7, 3-2) led by as many as 14 in the first half fueled by four 3-pointers from senior Roman Lambert. The Panthers also drew four charges in the second quarter.

Leading 8-6 in the first period, Lambert hit his second 3-pointer of the game and freshman Marquan Sorrells scored to give the Panthers a 13-6 lead after the first quarter.

Keetun Pierce scored on a putback to open the second quarter and Lambert hit a 3-pointer to put Siloam Springs ahead 18-6.

Kyle Snavely scored on a lob and Lambert's jump shot rolled around the rim and fell as the Panthers led 22-8, their largest lead of the game.

Conway (12-5, 3-2) went on a 13-2 run and pulled within 24-21 at halftime.

Siloam Springs pulled ahead 32-27 going into the fourth quarter but couldn't distance themselves from Conway.

The Wampus Cats took a 37-36 lead with 2:55 left when Ellis canned a trey on the wing, but Lambert got the lead back for the Panthers with his fifth 3-pointer for a 39-37 lead.

With the game tied at 39, Lambert's driving layup with 35 seconds left gave the Panthers a lead they wouldn't relinquish.

"Early on this season we lost some close games," Lambert said. "It definitely shows some maturity, us winning a close game."

Kyle Snavely hit two free throws to go up 43-39, but Conway's Prentice Mullins banked in a 3-pointer with 8.8 seconds left to cut it to 43-42.

Luke Loveless missed the front end of a 1-and-1 with 8.1 seconds left and the Wampus Cats moved the ball ahead to Ellis just before he tripped driving in the paint.

Conway 6-foot-7 post John Nekonchuk led the Wampus Cats with 18 points.

Lambert scored 21 for Siloam Springs and had five 3-pointers. Snavely added 14, including 10 in the second half and several putbacks underneath the basket.

"In the second half (Lambert) scored some tough baskets, but he handled the ball," Stewart said. "As far as turnovers, we had it as 11-14 in our favor. That's a huge stat. We couldn't have done that earlier in the year. That's a lot of credit to Roman for handling the ball."

The Panthers host Alma (15-2, 4-1) on Tuesday in an important game against 6A teams. The Airedales and Panthers are both 2-0 against 6A competition.

"That will be a battle," Stewart said. "(Alma coach) Stan (Flenor) does a great job. They're going to be well-coached. They're going to be tough. They can dribble, pass and shoot. It's going to be a great game. It's going to be a good battle for us."

Siloam Springs 43, Conway 42

Conway 6 15 6 15 -- 42

Siloam Springs 13 11 8 11 -- 43

Conway (12-5, 3-2): Nekonchuk 18, Smith 7, Mullins 5, Ellis 5, Longing 3, Johnson 2, Canada 2.

Siloam Springs (11-7, 3-2): Lambert 21, Snavely 14, Pierce 4, Loveless 2, Sorrells 2.

Van Buren 50, Siloam Springs 38

VAN BUREN -- Van Buren's defense held Siloam Springs to just eight points in the second and third quarters combined to build a double-digit lead in a 7A/6A-Central victory at Clair Bates Arena.

Van Buren led 16-14 after the first period but limited Siloam Springs to just one point in the second quarter as it took a 23-15 lead at halftime.

The Pointers led 32-22 after the third quarter and extended that margin to as much as 20 points in the fourth quarter.

Van Buren's offense seemingly struggled at times, as 6-foot-10 center Mitchell Smith was limited to just 10 points. The Pointers, though, did make seven 3-pointers in the game -- four from Dylan Kinney and three from Jason Harms, who had 12 and 11 points respectively. Van Buren also received a combined 17 points from forward Beau Beckner (9) and Westin Hawkins (8) to help carry the scoring load.

Roman Lambert hit three 3-pointers for Siloam Springs and led with 12 points. Freshman Marquan Sorrells scored all eight of his points in the fourth quarter, while sophomore Luke Loveless had seven.

Van Buren 50, Siloam Springs 38

Siloam Springs 14 1 7 16 -- 38

Van Buren 16 7 9 18 -- 50

Siloam Springs: Lambert 12, Sorrells 8, Loveless 7, Pierce 3, Johnson 2, Snavely 2, Norberg 2, Comiskey 2.

Van Buren: Kinney 12, Harms 11, Smith 10, Beckner 9, Hawkins 8.

Sports on 01/25/2015