Jackrabbits remain perfect after OT win at Heber Springs

Lonoke's Kylan Branscomb shoots for 2 against Carlisle. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

HEBER SPRINGS — The Lonoke Jackrabbits improved to 3-0 on the season with a 74-68 overtime win over Heber Springs in the 4A-2 conference opener Tuesday. 

Lonoke's previous wins were over Carlisle and DeWitt in non-conference action.

In the win over Heber Springs, Lonoke trailed 15-13 after one quarter and 30-25 at halftime. 

The Jackrabbits outscored the Panthers 15-13 in the third quarter to trail 43-40 heading into the fourth quarter.

Lonoke was able to get the game into overtime as the score was tied 57-57 at the end of regulation. 

The Jackrabbits outscored the Panthers 17-11 in the extra time to get the win. 

Isaac Toney led Lonoke with 19 points. Bryson Jackson had 15. Kylan Branscomb added 14. Juwaun Bryant had 13 while Tyler  Spencer added 11. Haven Hunter hit a free throw to round out the scoring. 

Lonoke's James signs to play softball at Rust College

Lonoke softball player Candace James, surrounded by friends, family, teammates and coaches, signs her National Letter of Intent with Rust College during a recent ceremony. (Photo Courtesy of the James Family)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

LONOKE — Lonoke Lady Jackrabbits softball player Candace James is taking her game to the collegiate level.

James signed with Rust College from Holly Springs, Miss., during a ceremony recently inside the Gina Cox Center at Lonoke High School. 

Rust is an independent member of NCAA Division III.

"I selected Rust because of the longterm opportunities that they have to offer," James said. "It wasn't the only school I was interested in but it outshines both Arkansas State and the University of the Ozarks."

James is a three-year starter at catcher for the Lady Jackrabbits as she enters her senior season this springs.

"They did recruit me as a catcher and it is something that I still want to play but I would play anywhere they saw me fitting for the team."

James has played softball for 14 years, including two years of T-ball. 

"I have dreamed of playing college softball since I began playing the sport," she said. "It is one of the most rewarding things in my life to be able to live out my dream and still get to go to school to further my education."

James, who is the daughter of Brian and Kathy James, will pursue a double major in biology and chemistry.

"Then, I'll move on to get my education in physical therapy in a sister school of Rust," Candace James said.

Lonoke catcher Candace James fires a ball to second base during 2014 action. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

Bison even record at 1-1; Lady Bison drop close game to Poyen

Bison coach Jayson Lowery talks to his team during its win over Poyen on Monday at Bison Arena (Photos courtesy of Kym Warren)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

CARLISLE — The Carlisle Bison and Lady Bison split two non-conference games with Poyen on Monday at Bison Arena.

Brynden Weems shoots for 2 of his team-high 30 points against Poyen

Bison even record

The Carlisle Bison routed the Poyen Indians 74-58 to even their record at 1-1. This is the first time since the 2012-13 season that the Bison have had at least a .500 record.

The Bison led 21-10 after on equator. DeMarcus Houston scored nine of the Bison's 21 points. Brynden Weems had six. Devon Kendrick, Jamarious Harper and Ty Golleher had two points each.

Poyen outscored Carlisle 20-17 in the second quarter but the Bison still led 38-30 at halftime. Weems scored 12 points in the second quarter. Harper had four and Zach Caviness added a free throw.

The Bison put the game away in the third quarter, outscoring the Indians 20-8 to lead 58-38 heading into the fourth quarter. Kendrick, Weems and Houston had six points each in the third quarter. 

Weems led the Bison with 30 points. Houston had 15. Kendrick added 12. Harper scored nine. Garnell Harris and Caviness had three points each. Golleher added two. 

"Tonight, our program took a huge step forward with a  big win over Poyen," said first-year coach Jayson Lowery said via his Facebook page. "I can't tell you how great it was to see the emotion and energy these young men have for this game."

Kylie Warren shoots for 2 against Poyen. She scored 35 points against the Lady Indians.

Lady Bison drop close one

The Carlisle Lady Bison had one of their highest-scoring games in several seasons but could not get over the hump in an 80-76 loss to Poyen. With the loss, Carlisle falls to 0-2 on the season. 

Carlisle led 26-15 after one quarter. Kylie Warren scored 14 points in the first quarter. Peyton Hitchings and Elex McClain had three points each. Nikita Harper and Arius McClain had two each. 

The Lady Bison led 46-41 at halftime but trailed 64-55 heading into the fourth quarter. 

Carlisle got to within three late in the game, outscoring the Lady Indians 21-16 in the fourth quarter. Warren scored 11 points in the final eight minutes. 

Warren led Carlisle with 35 points. Elex McClain had 14. Arius McClain had 11. Hitchings and Harper had seven points each. Nicquira Burnett had two. 

Carlisle will host Palestine-Wheatley in the 2A-6 opener Tuesday at Bison Arena. 

Lady Rabbits rally past Lady Bison

Lonoke's Keiunna Walker shoots a layup while being defended by Carlisle's Nikita Harper. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

CARLISLE — In a game of runs, the Lonoke Lady Jackrabbits had the last one in beating Carlisle 65-55 on Tuesday at Bison Arena. 

Carlisle led 50-43 following a free throw by Nikita Harper with 3:58 left in the game. 

Lonoke went on an 8-0 run, including five points by Keiunna Walker, to take a 51-50 lead with 2:20 left.

Carlisle tied it at 51-51 on a free throw by Kylie Warren with 2:07 left.

Lonoke's Jarrelyn McCall then scored four in a row to give the Lady Jackrabbits a 55-53 lead with 1:51 left. Carlisle's Blakely Ellis hit a layup with 1:40 left to make the score 55-53. However, Lonoke ended the game with a 10-2 run to account for the final score. The Lady Jackrabbits hit 5 of 6 free throws in the final 38.1 seconds. 

Walker led Lonoke with 35 points. McCall had 14. Kaley Woodruff, Mickenzie Williams and Ashlyn Allen had 4 points each. Kennedy White and Mia Brown had 2 points each.

Warren led Carlisle with 29 points. Harper had 8. Arius McClain, NicQuira Burnett and Elex McClain had 4 points each. Kayla Golleher and Ellis had 2 points each.

Lonoke scored the first six points of the game. Carlisle rallied to lead 18-8 after the first quarter. 

The Lady Jackrabbits led 29-28 at halftime and 37-31 with 3:10 left in the third quarter. Carlisle then went on a 12-0 run to lead 43-37 with 7:56 left in the game.

Jackrabbits pull away from Bison in season opener

Lonoke's Isaac Toney, right, defends against Carlisle's Brynden Weems during the season-opener for both teams Tuesday night. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

CARLISLE — The Lonoke Jackrabbits pulled away from the Carlisle Bison for a 76-51 win Tuesday night at Bison Arena.

The game was the season opener for both squads. 

The first quarter was close throughout with Carlisle leading 15-14 after the first eight minutes. Lonoke's Kylan Branscomb scored sixth of his team's 14 points. Carlisle's Devon Kendrick scored five of his team's 15 points. 

Lonoke outscored Carlisle 16-11 in the second quarter to lead 30-26 at halftime. Lonoke's Michael Kelly, playing his first basketball game, scored six of the Jackrabbits' 16 points. Carlisle's Demarcus Houston scored four Bison points in the second quarter.

Lonoke started to pull away in the third quarter, outscoring the Bison 25-14 to lead 55-40 heading into the fourth quarter. Lonoke's Bryson Jackson scored 10 of his team's points. Houston scored five points for the Bison in the third quarter 

Jackson led Lonoke with 15 points. Branscom had 14. Isaac Toney had 13. Kelly had 12. Haven Hunter and Tyler Spencer had 7 points each. Jawaun Bryant  had 5. Yancy Cooney had 2. Jayden Johnson added a free throw. 

Kendrick led the Bison with 14 points. Houston had 11. Jamarious Harper and Brynden Weems had 6 points each. Ty Golleher had 4. Drake Adams and Zach Caviness had 3 points each.  Garnell Harris, Jalen Kirk, Gray Amaden and Shawn Wakefield had 1 point each.

Lady Jackrabbits open season with win over DeWitt

Lonoke's Jarrelyn McCall makes a move up the floor against e-Stem last season. McCall had 14 points in her team's season-opening win over DeWitt last week. 

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

DEWITT — The Lonoke Lady Jackrabbits basketball team opened the 2015-16 season with a 46-32 win over the DeWitt Dragonettes last week.

Lonoke led 12-11 after one quarter. The score was tied 20-20 at halftime.

The Lady Jackrabbits outscored DeWitt 13-5 in the third quarter to get control of the game. Kaley Woodruff and Keiunna Walker each scored four points in the period. Ashlyn Allen added three. Jarrelyn McCall had two. 

McCall and Walker led Lonoke with 14 points each. Allen had five. Woodruff and Mickenzie Williams had four points each. Kennedy White and Arian Phillips had two points each.

Jackrabbits earn spot in Class 4A state playoffs

K

Lonoke's Gabe Rooney [30] heads off the field toward defensive coordinator Taggart Moore during the Jackrabbits' win over Stuttgart in Week 9. Also pictured for Lonoke are Jawaun Bryant [2] and Hunter Ellis [58]. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

SEARCY — The Lonoke Jackrabbits are headed to the Class 4A state playoffs by virtue of a 38-21 win over the Riverview Raiders on Thursday.

Lonoke is now 5-5 overall and 3-4 in 4A-2 play. The Jackrabbits will be the fifth seed from the conference in the playoffs and will travel to Gosnell to take on the Pirates on Friday.

Lonoke took a 6-0 lead on a 39-yard fumble return by Jawaun Bryant with 6:35 left in the first quarter to make the score 6-0.

Lonoke trailed 7-6 after the first quarter. The Jackrabbits reclaimed the lead on a 2-yard run by Xavier Hodge on the first play of the second quarter. Riverview took a 14-12 lead with 19 seconds left in the first half.

However, Lonoke's Justin Meadows scored on a 57-yard run on the next play from scrimmage to give the Jackrabbits a 20-14 halftime lead.

Meadows struck again on the second half kickoff, returning the ball 90 yards for a touchdown, giving Lonoke a 26-14 lead. Lonoke led 26-21 after three quarters.

Lonoke scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns. Will Miller thew a 63-yard touchdown pass to Meadows with 8:55 left. Josh Coleman scored on a 2-yard run with 1:33 left to account for the final score.

Hodge led the Jackrabbits with 94 yards rushing on 18 carries. Meadows had 69 yards on 5 carries. Coleman had 63 yards on 15 carries. 

Gabe Rooney led Lonoke with 14 tackles. Bryant had eight. Dylan Smith had seven. Meadows and Ethan Holland had six tackles each. 

Friday's game at Gosnell is set for a 7 p.m. kickoff. The Pirates are 9-1 on the season. The winner will play the winner of Central Arkansas Christian and Malvern in the second round Nov. 20. 

Lonoke High School assistant principal David Landers contributed to this story via his Twitter feed.

Lady Bison split two games in preseason scrimmages

Carlisle's Kylie Warren attempts a running jumper during her team's game with Sylvan Hills. (Photos by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

LITTLE ROCK — The Carlisle Lady Bison basketball team opened the 2015-16 season with scrimmages against Jacksonville and Sylvan Hills on Saturday at J.A. Fair High School. 

Carlisle beat Jacksonville 28-26 on a short jumper by Kayla Golleher with 8 seconds left in the second and final quarter.

In the second game, Carlisle fell to Sylvan Hills 36-27. 

Against Jacksonville, Kylie Warren led the Lady Bison with 15 points. Golleher had 7. Arius McClain and Elex McClain had 3 points each.

Against Sylvan Hills, Warren had 12 points. Arius McClain had 6. Elex McClain had 4. Nikita Harper and Golleher had 2 points each. Peyton Hitchings had 1.

Carlisle coach Jonathan Buffalo said his team played in team camps during the summer to get ready for the season. 

"It's not quite the same as putting on your real uniform and playing somebody," Buffalo said. "We've been beating up on ourselves the last three months. It was good to shake some rust off and see how we would do, competing against someone other than our own teammates.

"I thought they played hard. We played some good solid defense at times during the day."

The Lady Bison open the regular season Nov. 17 against the Lonoke Lady Jackrabbits at Bison Arena.

Peyton Hitchings brings the ball up the floor against Sylvan Hills. 

Bison clinch playoff spot with rout of Lions

Bison coach Jack Keith talks to his team prior to their game with Brinkley. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

CLARENDON — For the 25th time in 27 seasons and 10th in a row, the Carlisle Bison football team is playoff bound.

Carlisle improved to 4-5 overall and 4-3 in 2A-6 conference with a 44-12 win over the Clarendon Lions. With the win, The Bison secured a playoff spot, which starts next week.

"This is huge," Carlisle coach Jack Keith said of his team making the playoffs. "We can play loose this week against McCrory and not have to press and worrying about winning to get in."

In the win over Clarendon, the Bison took an 8-0 lead with 2:43 left in the first quarter. Devon Kendrick scored on a 9-yard run. He added the two-point conversion.

The Bison pushed the lead to 22-0 on a 2-yard run by Ty Golleher and a 58-yard touchdown pass from Golleher to Brynden Weems. 

Clarendon got on the board with a two-yard run with 2:13 left in the first half. Carlisle got that score back when Golleher scored on a 5-yard run with 25 seconds left. Kendrick added the two-point conversion to give the Bison a  30-6 halftime lead.

The Bison's lead ballooned to 37-6 when JaSean Harper scored on a 7-yard run with 8:11 left in the third quarter. Nicolas Duhoux kicked the extra point.

Carlisle's final score came on a 11-yard run by Garnell Harris with 9:17 left in the game. Duhoux kicked the extra point to give the Bison a 44-6. 

Clarendon added another touchdown with 2:22 left.

"We showed up and played the game we're supposed to play," Keith said. "We took care of business."

Golleher led the Bison with 121 yards rising on 25 carries. He completed both of his passes for 82 yards. Catching passes were Weems and Tristan Seidenschwarz.

Kendrick added 67 yards rushing on 11 carries.

The Bison conclude the regular season on the road Thursday night against McCrory. The Jaguars are undefeated in conference play at 7-0.