Wildcats, Dragons eager to pursue lofty goal

State basketball tournaments in every classification have been postponed for two days due to hazardous winter weather making its presence felt.

A major inconvenience, absolutely.

A true disappointment, for many it is.

Nonetheless, safety is of the utmost importance. Therefore, the El Dorado Wildcats and Junction City Dragons - both of whom have aspirations of advancing to their respective state championship games - have been forced to momentarily suppress their desire to compete.

However, the two Union County teams are in somewhat different situations.

El Dorado is 20-6 overall, and has experienced a breakthrough campaign. The No.2 seed from the 6A South is highly dependent upon young players as coach Gary Simmons starts only one senior.

The 'Cats enter the tournament in Siloam Springs having lost two of their last three games. El Dorado was initially slated to compete Friday evening. Now it will play its first game of the tournament Monday at 2 p.m.

"This team is full of gamers," Simmons confidently stated. "They always seem to get up for a game. I believe this group is maturing. I believe they'll be fine."

As for Junction City, it has advanced to at least the state semifinals in each of the last three seasons. At 25-1 overall and the No.1 seed from the 2A South Regional, coach Kendall Hutcheson's Dragons are among the favorites to claim the state title.

Junction City is a veteran led squad as four of its starters are seniors.

"Our experience, it helps. In the past, when staying in a hotel, we've had to tell people 15 times to be quiet, stay in bed, turn the lights off. We haven't had that at all this time," Hutcheson stated.

"The guys are treating this like a business trip. The seniors are some of the ones leading that.

"It's good for us and that's important. They've seen a bunch of stuff from football, to basketball, baseball, track, they've seen a lot. They know why we're here.

"They're ready to play. Over the last 10 games we've been playing good ball. I want to play and they want to play, too. We're itching to go. Right now we're trying to stay active. So far it's going good and the seniors have shown good leadership."

In regard to practice, both teams have been able to maintain a somewhat normal routine.

Junction City has been in Searcy since Tuesday and has worked out at Riverview High School preparing for its first round game against Brinkley.

Meanwhile, El Dorado has remained in South Arkansas and was able to practice everyday until Thursday.

Yesterday, the dangerous driving conditions due to the inclement weather in El Dorado kept the Wildcats from meeting.

"We had a good practice Wednesday and it would've been good if we were able to practice (Thursday)," Simmons stated.

"We were shooting it well and life was good. It's just a waiting game now. But we're not the only ones having to deal with this."

Junction City will continue to practice and strengthen its cohesion.

"I think it's going to workout pretty good. If we were back home and there's no school, we wouldn't even be able to practice. It works out where we're able to practice, keep the kids together, and build comradery," Hutcheson stated.

"The guys are having fun being with one another. So far it's been a good bonding experience for the kids. That can help you more than anything else this time of the year."

Eventually El Dorado - which has a first round bye - will face the winner of the Benton-Russellville game. Meanwhile, at Panburg High School, Junction City will play its first round Class 2A state tourney affair Saturday at 8:30.

For the Wildcats and Dragons, it would be apropos to keep things simple being that they've dealt with a situation which has hindered their original plans.

Both El Dorado and Junction City have dynamic players that easily position their teams to compete with or beat anybody they play.

If one or both of the previously referenced squads are competing in Hot Springs' Bank of the Ozarks Arena for a state title, do not be surprised. And for many of the local hoops fans, if that were to unfold the irritating postponements will be reduced to a mere afterthought.

(Kev Moyé is a sports writer for the News-Times. Follow him on Twitter @Moye06. He can also be contacted via e-mail at kevmoye@yahoo. com)