Chicks open season with 57-50 win over Osceola

In front of a packed Chickasaw Gym Tuesday night, the new-look Blytheville Chickasaws got off to a good start by topping the rival Osceola Seminoles, 57-50, in their season opener.

New Blytheville head coach McKenzie Pierce had a successful debut, as did senior transfers Josh Richardson and Austin Phelan, who combined for 29 points, despite being plagued by foul trouble part of the night.

The 6-foot-4 Richardson proved to be a load inside, scoring a team-high 18 for the Chicks, while 6-foot-3 Phelan chipped in 11.

Six-foot-3 sophomore Winston Peace also had a big night, pouring in 16 for Blytheville, which battled back from a two-point halftime deficit to lead 42-31 going into the fourth quarter .

After scoring Blytheville's first six points to help the Chicks to a quick 10-2 lead, Richardson picked up his second foul with 3:15 left in the first quarter and was forced to the bench. Phelan picked up his second foul with 1:38 showing in the opening frame, and Osceola pulled within 10-5 going into the second quarter.

The Seminoles took the lead, 16-14, midway through the second quarter, when Steveuon Fowler put back a miss. Osceola took a 21-19 advantage into halftime.

With Richardson and Phelan back on the floor to start the third quarter, Blytheville went on a 15-4 run to enjoy the first double digit lead of the game. Richardson's bucket with about a minute to play in the third gave Blytheville a 40-30 lead. His eight points helped the Chicks to a 42-31 lead going into the fourth.

Osceola got as close as 49-43 with 2:34 to play, but the Chicks held off the Seminoles down the stretch to preserve the win.

Also scoring for Blytheville were Tony Newmy with four points, AJ Love with three, Demareon Garvin and Bobby Cook with two each and Tydarius Pope with one.

Michael Caruthers and Makai Caruthers led Osceola with 13 each. Fowler chipped in eight, Darion Gilmore seven, Noah Smith six, Jonathan Stevenson three and Griffin Denkins one.

The Seminoles were coming off a 96-71 win over Marianna on Monday night.

The Chickasaws are scheduled to play in the Rumble on the Ridge this weekend.