Clinton Girls Secure Key Win, Morrilton Boys Dominate in Heated Showdown

Lady Yellowjackets Overpower Lady Devil Dogs, 56-38

The Clinton Lady Yellowjackets extended their winning ways Friday night with a decisive 56-38 victory over the Morrilton Lady Devil Dogs at Devil Dog Arena. The win moves Clinton to 11-13 overall and 3-2 in 4A-5N conference play, while Morrilton slips to 12-12 overall and 2-3 in conference action.

The game started fiercely competitive, with Clinton holding a slim 2-point lead at the end of the first quarter. Morrilton’s Kenzie Jackson and Trinity Everette sparked the Lady Devil Dogs by knocking down key shots from beyond the arc, while Clinton focused on locking down the paint, recording two crucial blocks—one by Kaelyn Lasley and another by Maggie Gresham.

However, the second quarter proved to be the turning point. Clinton outscored Morrilton 14-2, heading into halftime with a commanding 27-13 lead. Despite Morrilton’s determined effort on the boards, the Lady Devil Dogs struggled to convert offensive rebounds into points, allowing Clinton to build an insurmountable advantage.

Clinton’s Lexi Wallace delivered a standout performance, finishing as the game’s leading scorer with 26 points, seven rebounds, and three steals. Wallace’s fearless drives to the basket and efficient shooting (9-of-14 from the paint) set the tone for the Lady Yellowjackets.

On the Morrilton side, Samya Robins showcased her tenacity, leading her team with 15 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block. Robins, known for her scrappy play and ability to drive hard to the basket, continues to be a bright spot for the Lady Devil Dogs. Although she only connected on one three-pointer during the game, her shooting ability remains a threat.

Senior Aubrey Henderson added seven points, four rebounds, and a block. Henderson, the only remaining starter from last year’s squad that made it to the 4A state tournament finals, provides critical experience to this year’s team. Other notable contributions came from Kenzie Jackson, who displayed a keen ability to assist her teammates, Ambriele Stricklen, who showed strength under the basket and a high potential ceiling, and Trinity Everette, who demonstrated a knack for drawing fouls.

Boys Showdown: Devil Dogs Prevail Over Yellowjackets, 66-51

The boys’ game was a fiery contest from start to finish, as the Morrilton Devil Dogs secured a critical 66-51 victory over the Clinton Yellowjackets. The win pushes Morrilton’s record to 14-7 overall and 6-1 in conference play, while Clinton falls to 14-9 overall and 5-2 in conference. With both teams battling alongside the Robinson Senators for the top seed in the 4A-5N, the stakes were high.

The first quarter saw an even battle, with both teams trading blows to end the period tied at 11. Clinton’s Karter Holland, a senior and Harding commit, was electric early, scoring eight of his 26 points in the opening quarter. Morrilton kept pace with aggressive shooting and strong rebounding.

The second quarter turned intense as the game got "spicy," with technical fouls and increasingly vocal fan reactions—even resulting in the Clinton mascot’s ejection during the third quarter. Both teams fought hard, knowing the importance of this matchup in the 4A-5N standings. Morrilton edged ahead to a 27-26 lead at halftime.

The second half belonged to Morrilton’s Isaiah Templeton. The dominant junior scored 17 of his 24 points in the half, finishing with 14 rebounds, two assists, a steal, and two blocks. Templeton’s ability to take control of the game proved decisive and showcased his leadership on the court.

Ty Wright also made key contributions with sharp shooting from beyond the arc and slick passing, while Andrew Rhoden was relentless on defense, contesting shots, pressuring the ball, and pulling down crucial rebounds that helped Morrilton maintain their lead. Jamarcus Sandidge added nine points, all from beyond the arc, demonstrating his precision shooting.

Despite Holland’s heroic effort—which included nine rebounds and three blocks—the Yellowjackets struggled to keep pace with the Devil Dogs’ offensive onslaught in the second half, being outscored 39-25.

The Players Behind the Numbers:

Templeton’s dominating performance was supported by a balanced Morrilton squad, with Wright, Rhoden, and Sandidge stepping up when it mattered most. Rhoden’s defensive intensity was a game-changer, frustrating Clinton’s offense and helping Morrilton control the tempo. Holland’s relentless effort for Clinton was admirable, but the Yellowjackets couldn’t overcome Morrilton’s depth and determination.

What’s Next:

Morrilton travels to Pulaski Academy next Tuesday, while Clinton hosts Heber Springs.

KFletch 🖤