By JASON KINGLeader sportswriterHEBER SPRINGS – Spreading the wealth is always a good thing, especially when a state tournament berth is on the line.That’s exactly what Lonoke did in its 74-59 opening-round win over Gosnell on Thursday night in the 4A East Regional tournament. Five players ended up in double-digit scoring, led by 15 points each by seniors Michael Howard […]

By BILLY WOODSSpecial to The LeaderWEST MEMPHIS — As Laquinton Miles brought the ball upcourt there was no doubt as to who was going to take the last shot for Jacksonville.Miles, the lanky senior guard, almost willed his way into the lane and hit a floating jumper after being fouled with 1.7 seconds left here Tuesday night to give the […]

By JASON KINGLeader sportswriterAUGUSTA – The Lady Red Devil fans were not aware that they were witnessing history in the making. Nor did they much care.That was evident by the stunning silence in their gymnasium with 2:42 left to play when Abundant Life sophomore Sydney Venus stepped up to the foul line with the Lady Owls holding a 46-33 lead. […]

By KELLY FENTONLeader sports editorNorth Pulaski lost a game and won a championship on Thursday night.Needing a win or a loss by five points or fewer at McClellan, the Falcons achieved the latter when Aaron Cooper stepped to the line and made two free throws with 8.5 seconds remaining in the Lions’ 55-51 victory over North Pulaski at Lions Gym. […]

By JASON KINGLeader sportswriterAUGUSTA – Abundant Life qualified for the 2A state tournament for the second consecutive year, but not without a serious fight from the regional hosts.Augusta rallied in the fourth quarter to make a game out of it after the Owls secured a 33-22 lead at halftime. It was enough to get the hometown crowd on its feet […]

By KELLY FENTONLeader sports editorThis one had all the makings of a trap game for Cabot.Winners of eight straight, the Panthers headed to Russellville on Tuesday night to take on a talented, somewhat desperate Cyclone team against whom Cabot began its winning streak after a remarkable comeback last month.Add to that a short week with Cabot’s makeup game at Van […]

By KELLY FENTONLeader sports editorThe streak lasted only one year but that was plenty long enough for Danny Starkey.After winning the 3A state championship in 2007, the Riverview Raiders failed to make the state tournament last year. They’re back. The Raiders pounded Bauxite 68-37 in the opening round of the 3A-3 Regional at Jessieville on Wednesday night. The added bonus […]