PEARCY, Ark. – Lake Hamilton pulled off arguably the biggest upset in Arkansas Monday night when the Wolves dealt Pine Bluff its first loss in 5A South at the Wolf Den, 62-51.
The Zebras beat Lake Hamilton by 35 points in their first meeting this season.
“This is probably the biggest win of my coaching career,” said a jubilant Lake Hamilton coach Scotty Pennington. “I’m so proud of all the guys. Zac (Pennington) had a great game with 32 points, but Elijah Smith and freshman Tyler Robinson also contributed bigtime for us. Everyone contributed.”
Pennington scores 32 against Pine Bluff
Pennington, a sophomore, had four 3-pointers. He converted eight straight free throws in the fourth quarter. Robinson had a game-high six assists.
The Wolves (14-8, 13-4) jumped out to an 18-12 lead in the first quarter, which gave them confidence according to Coach Pennington.
“Pine Bluff didn’t shoot the ball well in the first half, but they warmed up the final two quarters,” said Pennington. “It just seemed like when they were going to make a run at us, we had an answer.”
Smith scored nine points for the Wolves, with Robinson adding eight. Lake Hamilton wasn’t at full strength with Cade Robinson quarantined.
Lake Hamilton finishes the regular season Wednesday against White Hall. A win, and a victory by Hot Springs over Lakeside could give the Wolves the second seed in 5A South.
The Zebras slip to 14-4 overall and 12-1 in league play.