Jays fall 67-46 in finals

ROSSTON – Sometimes a team’s best isn’t good enough.

Nevada’s Blue Jays found this out Friday night against the Cougars of Izard County in the Class A State Basketball finals in Hot Springs. Izard County posted a 67-46 win over the Jays to take the title. Izard County entered the game with a 42-4 records, while the Jays were 33-4 going in.

Nevada dropped Timbo, 72-68, in the opening round of the tourney, demolished Deer, 89-48, in the quarterfinals and sent Hillcrest packing, 56-38 in the semifinals. That set up a date with the Cougars Friday night.

“We played a good game,” said Jay Coach Bobby Mullins. “We didn’t play very well.” Mullins said his squad didn’t hit free throws consistently and didn’t perform as well as it could have. Both teams, he added, knew what the other was bringing to the table. “They did better. We didn’t make the adjustments we needed or score like we’ve done.”

Last year, the Cougars made it to the finals but were defeated. According to Mullins, Izard County has two players being recruited by Division 1 colleges.

Now, Mullins said, it’s time for the team to regroup. The squad will get a few days off, along with the week for Spring Break, then return and go back to work. “We’ll get better and make another run.”

The Jays will practically bring back the same team next year as the squad will only lose one player to graduation. Mullins said there’s some players on the junior high team that could help when they move up next year as well.

This is the third straight year the Jays have won both the district and regional tournaments. “This group is hungry,” Mullins said. “They believe they can win and will learn from their mistakes. Sometimes you have to get knocked down before you can look up. They’re hurt, but we’ll meet, start the healing process and get back to work.”

There’s no lack of confidence on the Jay’s squad, he said, as the team feels it belongs. “Experience is a good teacher. We’re in a good place and I’m proud of this team.”