Wildcats Pick Up Huge Win In District Opener
The Sulphur Springs Wildcats hosted the Paris Wildcats Friday, in a a big matchup. The game was not only Sulphur Springs’ first home game since Nov. 21, but it was also their district opener.
It was junior guard Maculin Rollison who got the game started, knocking down a 3-pointer on the Wildcats opening possession, setting the tone for the rest of the game. Paris would go on to score six unanswered, before senior DJ Wilkerson tied things up, driving the baseline and making a tough shot while drawing a foul and making the free throw as well.
The offense slowed down a bit for Sulphur Springs, but it was senior Rafe Penson who heated things back up, knocking down a pair of 3-pointers on back-to-back possessions. Penson’s back-to-back 3-ball’s put the Wildcats back on top, leading 12-11 at the end of the first quarter.
Penson’s magic didn’t run out in the first quarter, as he opened the second frame getting yet another 3-ball to go. Wilkerson followed with a layup on the following possession, giving Sulphur Springs their biggest lead of the early going at 17-11.
With momentum firmly on their side, it was Rollison who gave the Wildcats another huge jolt. Being guarded heavily, Rollison created some space and knocked down a huge step-back 3-pointer, pushing the lead to 20-11 and forcing Paris to take a timeout to try to slow things down.
After not scoring up to that point, it was junior Carter Arrington who joined in, in the final two minutes of the half. Arrington knocked down a 3-pointer and got a floater to fall, helping push the Sulphur Springs lead to 28-13 at the end of the first half.
Sulphur Springs made it clear they wouldn’t be taking their foot off the gas, as Rollison got the crowd pumped up with another 3-pointer to open the second half. On the following play, Rollison made a great bounce pass, finding Arrington who was cutting backdoor and got the layup to go.
Later in the frame it was senior Logan Jackson who helped the Wildcats reach another milestone. With 4:20 left in the third quarter, Jackson knocked down a contested 3-pointer, giving Sulphur Springs their first 20-point lead of the night at 38-18.
Unfortunately for Sulphur Springs, Paris refused to go ahead, putting together a 10-0 run to cut it back down to a 10-point game. In the final seconds of the frame, Penson came through for his team once again, knocking down his fourth 3-pointer of the night and making the Wildcats lead 41-28 entering the final frame.
The offense slowed down a good bit for both teams in the final frame, though both teams continued to play tight defense the remainder of the way. Sulphur Springs was able to hold on firmly, finishing strong and picking up the district opening win by a final score of 51-39.
Rollison led the way for the Wildcats, finishing with a game-high 16 points. He also did a great job running the offense and getting his teammates involved.
Rollison was joined by Penson in being named The Way Bible Church Player’s of the Game. Penson had 12 points, including a nice run at the end of the first quarter that helped jolt the Wildcats offense.
Finishing just shy of the double-digit mark was Wilkerson, who had nine points. Wilkerson’s veteran leadership was huge, as he took care of the ball and made sure each teammate got opportunities along the way.
Right behind him was Arrington with eight points. He had five timely points to end the first half, as well as a big 3-pointer in the second half. Other scorers included Jackson and Cadyn Spigner who each had three points.
“It’s always good to start out district play with a win, but this one definitely felt extra special,” head coach Cannon Earp said. “Not playing a home game in almost two moths, our guys were really excited to be back in front of their home crowd and that gave them a little extra energy!”
The 51-39 win was their third in the last four games, and helps them open district play at 1-0. Sulphur Springs will be back in action this week against Libery-Eylau. The game was originally scheduled for Tuesday, but has since been moved to Wednesday at 7 p.m., weather permitting.
That game will be broadcast live on Front Porch News and Chad’s Media. A full broadcast of the Paris win can also be viewed on Chad’s Media as well.
