PRESCOTT, Ark.-Ashdown, ranked second in the state in Class 3A, extended its winning streak to 14 games in a row as the Panthers rolled to a 72-37 victory Wednesday over Rison in the Region 3A-4 basketball tournament at Prescott High School's gymnasium.
The District 7-3A champion Panthers, coached by James Smith, improve to 23-1 on the year. Ashdown, trailing only defending champion Baptist Prep in the state poll, has suffered only one loss-a one-point setback to Harrison. Baptist Prep won its regional opener 57-37 over Perryville.
Ashdown's girls also were victorious in their regional opener, downing McGehee, 64-50.
Prescott's girls faced Central Helena in a late game.
Another team with a long winning streak, De Queen's girls, won their 17th consecutive game, a convincing 67-49 victory over Monticello in the 4A-South Region at Mena High School.
The Conference 7-4A champion Lady Leopards are now 26-2 on the season and ranked No. 2 in 4A in the state behind top-ranked Batesville.
Nashville's boys also played in the regional, facing Star City.
In the 2A-4 Region at Junction City, Spring Hill defeated Acorn, 62-54. The District 8-2A champion Lady Bears improve to 21-4 with the win.
Lafayette County's boys also were impressive, recording a 73-43 romp over Cossatot River. Foreman's boys collided with Hampton in a late game.
Nevada County (27-4) clashed with Caddo Hills in the 1A-4 Region at Bradley High School.
Other first-round regional games are scheduled today. The top four teams from each region qualify for their respective state tournaments.