MAUMELLE — The Blytheville Chickasaws’ (17-13) season ended Thursday in the 5A State Elite 8, after they were upended by the Hot Spring Trojans, 40-32.
The Chicks trailed 20-14 at the half to the Trojans.
"I've told my teams since day one, the offense doesn't always travel but the defense does," said Chickasaws head coach McKenzie Pierce. "Tonight was odd because our defense was exceptional; unfortunately, it seemed like every shot we took did everything but go in. The bounces didn't go our way but give credit to Hot Springs because their defense was really good too."
Chickasaw junior forward Winston Peace led the way with 11 points. Senior Treay Jamison chipped nine points and classmate Michael Caruthers added five points.
Pierce also spoke highly of his seniors.
"I can't say enough about the seniors, they have worked so hard for two years,” he said. “Since I took over in May 2016, there has literally only been four weeks out of the year that we weren't in the gym grinding, the two weeks each summer that is the dead period. They have a lot to be proud of, they brought this program back to a contender, finished second out of the 5A East teams both years in the regular season, two winnings seasons, two state tournament berths, an NEA title, a win over the Jonesboro Hurricanes and an Elite 8 finish in the state. All things that haven't happened in five-plus years."