Bulldogs lose to Bobcats in first-ever meeting

Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS

Cayden Bingham (Decatur 21) blocks a Bobcat as team mate Conner Sutton (Decatur 33) goes for a layup during the Decatur-Flippin conference matchup at Peterson Gym in Decatur Jan 11.
Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS Cayden Bingham (Decatur 21) blocks a Bobcat as team mate Conner Sutton (Decatur 33) goes for a layup during the Decatur-Flippin conference matchup at Peterson Gym in Decatur Jan 11.

DECATUR -- A cold, driving rain and occasional sleet from winter storm Gia did not stop two teams from coming together at Peterson Gym in Decatur Jan. 11. Fortunately for both teams, the weather did not deter the fans either as they filed into the gym and filled the bleachers in support of their favorite teams. The end result was an exciting contest that saw the Flippin Bobcats defeat the Decatur Bulldogs by 20 points.

When the conferences were reorganized by the Arkansas Activities Association in May 2018, the Flippin Bobcats, located in north central Arkansas east of Harrison, were moved into the 2A Region 1 conference with the Decatur Bulldogs. This would be the first time the Bulldogs and Bobcats met on the court.

The contest began on an even keel for both teams through much of the first half, with the Bobcats and Bulldogs staying dead even until the final minute of the second quarter when Flippin jump out to a five-point lead at the break.

Flippin when on a run in the third quarter, outscoring the Bulldogs, 21-7, widening its lead to 44-25 going into the final eight minutes of play.

Decatur tried to catch up but the poor offensive showing in the previous quarter had cost them and the Flippin Bobcats defeated the Decatur Bulldogs, 59-39, to take the conference win.

Leading the drive for the Decatur Bulldogs was Ryan Ross with 16, followed by Tafari James with seven. Jose Rubi and Conner Sutton each had four, followed by Kelvin Moreno, Bryson Funk, Jimmy Mendoza and Cayden Bingham with two each.

Sports on 01/16/2019