Friday, January 05, 2007

SPORTS >>Bears get win to open play in conference

IN SHORT: Sylvan Hills won its first 6A-East game of the season Tuesday against Mountain Home.

By RAY BENTON
Leader sports editor

Sylvan Hills jump-started its first winning streak of the season, and got conference play off to a positive start by defeating Mountain Home 46-41 Tuesday night in “The Hangar” at MHHS.

Sylvan Hills managed just 14 points in the first half and trailed by five points at the break. The Bears came out of halftime with more fire, and topped their first-half total in the third quarter while stifling the Bomber offense. The Bears outscored their hosts 16-5 in the third quarter, including a 12-2 run midway through to take a 30-24 lead into the final period.

PJ Ross gave the Bears their first lead at 22-21 and they never trailed again for the duration of the contest. Any hopes of a Mountain Home rally in the late going would be dashed by Sylvan Hills.

The win was only the third for Sylvan Hills this season, but the second consecutive after beating Warren last week, and gives them a 1-0 mark in the tough 6A-East Conference.

Senior post player T.J. Shelton was the only Bear in double figures with 10 points. The balanced Sylvan Hills attack also saw Deyonte Davis and Harper score eight each.

The Lady Bears were buried early and never recovered. Mountain Home led 18-7 after one quarter and 37-14 at halftime en route to a 61-37 victory.

Brittany Richardson scored 18 and Caitlin Marting scored 15 to lead Mountain Home. Amanda Condrey added 10 for the Lady Bombers, who improved to 9-4 and 1-0.

Brianna Austin led Sylvan Hills with 12 while Rochelle Dobbins added 10 for the Lady Bears, who dropped to 4-8, 0-1.