Congratulations again to the Cabot Panthers for their stunning run to the Class 7A state championship last weekend. Their play in the championship win over Bentonville and senior sensation Malik Monk was inspiring and proved once again that defense wins championships.
Cabot ran at least four different defenders at Monk at different times in the game. The play off the ball was equally impressive. Many times, Cabot would run someone out for a double team just to force Monk to give up the ball. Once he did, the effort to get back into position was pure hustle, by everyone, the whole game.
Cabot struggled to score for much of the game, but that changed late in the third quarter, and what happened in the fourth quarter, when Cabot went on an 18-2 run, proved who the better team really was.
Once Cabot finally got on track offensively, and kept up the defensive intensity, there was no doubt which team was truly better. This was no upset. This is a great team.
The Cabot Panthers are the best 7A team in Arkansas and have earned that new plaque in the trophy case, the first one ever for boys’ basketball in school history.
Congratulations to Coach Jerry Bridges and his talented team. Here’s hoping UALR’s Trojans will do as well in their tournament.
