WARREN, Ark. – For the second time this season the Warren Lumberjacks defeated the Star City Bulldogs on the hardwood, beating their 8-4A opponents Tuesday night February 7, 2023 by the final of 76-70 in front of a loud crowd at Lumberjack Arena in Warren.
In what was another must-win to start out a huge week packed with three games, the Lumberjacks were on the attack from the tip-off. Five Lumberjacks contributed points in the opening quarter. Star City answered back each time. Nothing could separate the sides in after the first eight minutes as the two teams were tied 16-16 going into the second.
Top photo: The Lumberjacks celebrate the 76-70 win over Star City with the student-section at Lumberjack Arena Tuesday night. Photo by Saline River Chronicle.
MORE PHOTOS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STORY.
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Star City found some success from beyond the arc, and that was a big factor in the first half. The Jacks remained persistent, however. Jordyn Ingram knocked down a couple of buckets in the second to take his tally to eight by the midway point. Guard Neon’dre Thomas had a quiet first half on the scoresheet with just two points, but his work on the boards proved crucial. The sophomore hauled down seven rebounds before halftime.
Point guard Malik Day went down with an injury in the first half. He did return with limited minutes, but the senior toughed it out and would go on to help Warren immensely in the second half.
Ingram hit one of Warren’s two threes of the night in the third. He, Day, Antonio Jordan, Dontavion Bluford, Thomas, and Jalin Lee each put points on the board in the third quarter. Thomas would also add a clutch three in the third. That helped Warren take a 52-45 lead into the final period of play. Bluford provided some really big minutes on the night in relief for Day as he was rested for the injury. He hit three massive buckets in the second half, two of which came in the fourth.
Star City clawed back late, cutting the Lumberjack lead to as little as three. However, the Jacks played lights out in the fourth. Day played a chunk of the final quarter. He would hit seven of eight free throws in the last eight minutes, most of which came with under three to go. Warren went on to pick up another massive 8-4A win, defeating Star City 76-70.
Antonio Jordan added another double-double to his season. The sophomore scored 24 points and posted 15 rebounds. He was also perfect from the line, going eight for eight.
Although he left with an injury in the first half, Malik Day roared back to score 15 points. The senior went 11 of 12 from the free-throw line.
Jordyn Ingram had another sensational night. He contributed 13 points and five rebounds.
Warren had three players with eight points, including Dontavion Bluford, Neon’dre Thomas, and Jalin Lee. Thomas posted ten rebounds as well. Lee also had a great night defensively with multiple steals.
The Jacks are now 7-7 overall and 5-4 in the 8-4A. They will be back in action Thursday at Lumberjack Arena as they host Stuttgart immediately following the Lady Jack game that tips off at 5:30 p.m.
