Bobcats start season with 2 wins

The Berryville Bobcats are off to a 2-0 start this season after victories over Eureka Springs and Greers Ferry West Side in a span of less than 24 hours.

The Bobcats beat Eureka Springs 5944 on Friday, Nov. 11, at Highlander Arena, then topped Greers Ferry West Side 58-52 in the first round of the First Service Bank Classic at Clinton.

Coming off their first state semifinal appearance in more than 50 years, the Bobcats return three senior starters in Nate Allen, D.J. Colbert and Jake Wilson. They are joined in the starting lineup by seniors Jack Dignan and Chet Hudgens.

“We have guys with good experience,” Berryville coach Brent Compton said. “Our size is going to be an issue at times, but it’s going to be a fun group. It’s a group of kids that I really like and we’re going to have a lot of fun. I don’t know if that means we’re going to win a bunch of games, but we’re going to play hard. They’re going to be fun to watch. They’re going to be fun to coach. It just makes my job easier when when you have such good kids.”

Allen made four three-pointers and scored 22 points in the season-opening victory at Eureka Springs, then added six more threes in a 26-point performance against Greers Ferry West Side.

Against Eureka Springs, Berryville outscored the Highlanders 35-21 in the second and third quarters to take control. Wilson had 14 of his 19 points during that stretch. Colbert, who made five three-pointers and led the Bobcats with 23 points in a benefit game loss at Siloam Springs on Tuesday, Nov. 8, scored 12 against Eureka Springs.

In Saturday’s victory over Greers Ferry West Side, Berryville jumped out to a 27-16 halftime lead and led 46-39 after three quarters. Wilson scored 13 points.

Berryville will face Shirley in the second round of the Clinton tournament at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.