After Eureka Springs lost to Marked Tree in the 2A state tournament last week, Coach Brian Rambo told his team that this final loss did not define their season. “It was a somber locker room,” Rambo said, but he reminded players of the accomplishments they could celebrate from this season.
The Highlanders posted a 19-game win streak, and a perfect 16-0 record at home. The final loss still stung, however, and Rambo admitted he is “still trying to process” bidding farewell to the core group of seniors who led this team. “I’ve had six years with these guys, and they’re a really special group,” he said.
Eureka Springs had cobbled together a series of improbable victories in the district and regional tournaments. They cruised through the regional semifinal, but had to claw their way back from deficits in their other four games. Going into the game with Marked Tree, the Highlanders knew they had to control the pace. Playing a six-man rotation, Eureka Springs could not afford to run with the Indians.
Both teams had trouble finding the basket in the first quarter, and Marked Tree led 13-8 going into the second period. Their box-and-one defense held top scorer Garrett Cross in check.
The Highlanders led 14-13 after three straight baskets by Griffin Taylor, and they trailed by just a basket at the half. A Slade Clark three tied the game at 23, but Marked Tree had a flurry of scoring when they pushed the pace. After a timeout, the Highlanders settled back down and closed to within three with a Jackson Cross trey, but the lead Marked Tree quickly grew to 11, on the way to a final score of 57-44.