Rogers 45, Van Buren 26

Rogers' ball-pressure defense gave Van Buren fits Friday night, as the Mounties (15-4, 6-2) held the Pointers in check during their 6A West Conference showdown. After Van Buren (5-15, 1-7) took an 8-6 lead late in the first quarter, Rogers' Drew Miller tied the score with a layup. The Mounties then began the second quarter on 12-2 run, including a pair of 3-pointers from senior Will Voigt. "We just came in focused and trying to bounce back from a week layoff, and trying to improve on some things," Rogers coach Lamont Frazier said. "Defensively we picked up the pressure. Our ball-pressure picked up and we were able to make some things happen. "Anytime we have been better on the ball, defensively, we have been better all the way around." Rogers outscored Van Buren 15-6 in the second, as Will Liddell's three at the buzzer sent the Mounties into the intermission with a 23-14 lead. Another three from Liddell extended the Rogers lead to 15 with 3:53 to play in the third. Liddell ended the quarter with a slashing layup on a nifty pass from Miller, putting the Mounties up, 38-21. Van Buren sophomore Gary Phillips tried to get the Pointers back into it with strong drives to the basket, converting two steals in the fourth, and finishing with a team-high 12 points. Liddell led the Mounties with 11 points, while Voigt added nine and Derek Hobbs eight. Rogers 8 15 15 7 -- 45 Van Buren 8 6 7 5 -- 26 Rogers (15-4, 6-2): Liddell 11, Voigt 9, Hobbs 8, Paschal 6, Miller 6, Garner 3, Rhame 2. Van Buren (5-15, 1-7): Phillips 12, Gilmore 6, Brothers 5, Ball 3.

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ROGERS 45, VAN BUREN 26

CHIP SOUZA

Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette | 2/2/2019

PHOTO CREDIT: Rogers High School Athletics