Wampus Cats fall at Van Buren

By Zachary O'Neal
UCA sportswriting

The Conway High Wampus Cats were shut down by the Van Buren Pointers’ defense Friday, leading to a 58-49 loss at Van Buren.

The Wampus Cats had a difficult time breaking down the Pointers’ post man Hooper Vint, who stands at 6 feet, 11 inches.

“I thought our kids had a tough time with number 29,” Conway coach James Bates said. “He was 6-11 and skilled. Our tallest guy is 6-6."

The Pointers jumped ahead in the first quarter with an 8-0 lead. The Wampus Cats rallied to force a 10-10 tie, but Van Buren led at halftime, 31-19.

“We had too many guys that struggled to put the ball in the basket,” Bates said. “We did have a lot of possessions, though.”

The Wampus Cats outscored the Pointers in the third quarter, 16-14, and in the fourth, 14-13. Unfortunately for them, though, the hole they were in was a bit deep, causing them to be 16-6 overall and 9-3 in the 7A/6A Central conference.

Micah Delph and Jim Boyd helped keep the Wampus Cats in the game with 12 points apiece.

The Wampus Cats play at home Tuesday against the Russellville High School Cyclones.