MAGNOLIA-- After a season full of positives under first year head coach McKenzie Pierce, the Blytheville Chickasaws lost to the Morrilton Devil Dogs, 72-58, on Wednesday night. They finished the season at 17-13 overall and took second in 5A-East, after winning the Northeast Arkansas Invitational back in December.
"It was a great season. Obviously, the ending wasn't optimal but it doesn't define the success this team has had. Won an NEA championship, finished second in 5A-East and made it to the state tournament. All things that were first for this group and the first for the program in a few years," said Pierce.
The Chicks led, 25-24, at the halfway point in the first round of the 5A State Tournament, but the Devil Dogs outscored the Chicks in the third quarter to take a 45-38 lead into the final quarter of play.
"You have to give Morrilton credit. They made shots and we didn't. We threw a couple different defenses at them early and it had them confused for most of the first half but we struggled to get into a flow early offensively as well. In the third quarter they got hot from three. We were down one possession with 30 seconds left in third quarter, and they scored a bucket, and then we lost focus and threw the ball away. They hit a three with the clock expiring, and we were never able to get any momentum rolling after that," said Pierce, "They also shot the ball much better from the free throw line as well."
The Chicks will also lose 10 seniors due to graduation who were big contributors to this year's successful season.
"Great group of seniors. Ten guys who will definitely be missed, not just as players but people. They were great to be around and had good attitudes and leadership," said Pierce.
jfondren@blythevillecourier.com