CAC Boys Basketball Archives

Although committed to attending the University of Arkansas on a football scholarship, senior David Williams garnered more basketball awards than football awards his senior year as he earned 7-4A Most Valuable Player honors on the way to being named on the 7-4A All-Conference first team, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette All-Metro team, and Arkansas 4A All-State team. Joining Williams on the All-State team was junior Ryan Farr who was also named to the 7-4A All-Conference first team with senior Paul Holderfield.

Williams capped a brilliant basketball career as a four-year letterman and three-year starter by leading the Mustangs to the Final Four for only the second time in school history. He averaged 15.0 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.8 steals and nearly a block a game as a senior. Williams' biggest game may have occurred in his last home game on "Senior Night" when he played both post and point guard and collected CAC's only known triple-double against second-place Oak Grove with 21 points, 22 rebounds and 10 assists in a 95-76 victory. Farr averaged 11.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.6 steals while Holderfield capped his career as a three-year letterman averaging 8.9 points and 2.0 assists while shooting 36.4% from the 3-point line and 83.1% from the free throw line.

Named to the 7-4A All-Conference second team were junior Joe Adams and sophomores Luke Sandlin and Carter Trent. Adams was the team's sixth man who averaged 10.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game. Sandlin and Trent both earned starting positions after Christmas and then led CAC on an 18-game winning streak. Sandlin, taking over point guard duties, led the team in assists and steals, averaging 3.1 assists and 2.5 steals per game while leading the team with a 1.72 assist-to-turnover ratio. Trent, who started at the 2-guard spot, averaged 5.0 points, 2.6 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game while shooting 34.8% from the three-point line.

Mustangs End Outstanding Season in Final Four

Playing the underdog role in only their second Final Four in school history, the Mustangs found themselves in a halftime hole of which they could not dig themselves out in dropping a 53-38 decision to the favored Hamburg Lions.

Hamburg went ahead 12-7 in the first quarter as the Mustangs struggled to connect against the Lions' 3-2 zone. CAC's deficit increased in the second period as the Mustangs could manage only a pair of baskets by Scott Cook as they trailed 22-11 at the half.

After regrouping at halftime, the Mustangs surpassed their first-half total by scoring 17 points in the third period to cut the Lions' lead to 34-28 entering the fourth quarter.

The Mustangs continued their comeback in the final period as they cut the lead to four points with about six minutes remaining in the game, but after a CAC three-pointer that would have cut the lead to a single point was just off the mark, the Lions got the long rebound and hit a three-pointer in transition on the other end to push their lead back to seven points.

The Mustangs then missed a short jumper in the paint, and Hamburg broke the subsequent press for an easy basket on the other end to push the lead to nine with just over four minutes left. The Mustangs could get no closer the rest of the way.

Ryan Farr led the Mustangs with 12 points, nine rebounds, and three steals while Joe Adams scored eight points. David Williams finished an outstanding basketball career with seven points, ten rebounds and three steals, and Paul Holderfield hit two three-pointers for six points and four rebounds in his final game.

CAC finished the season with a 22-11 record after winning 20 of their last 22 games, losing only to Hamburg twice, once in the South Region tournament final and then in the state tournament semifinals. The 7-4A conference champions matched the 1994-95 team as the only two squads in school history to have appeared in a Final Four.

The Mustangs lose seniors David Williams, Paul Holderfield, Higor De Oliveira and Erik Walther, but welcome back three starters and eight lettermen next season. Among the returnees are starters Ryan Farr, Luke Sandlin and Carter Trent along with guards Joe Adams, Tommy Kennedy and Drew Stringfellow and posts Scott Cook and Anthony Frizzell.

CAC Edges Berryville to Advance to Final Four

With the game tied with just seconds remaining, the Mustangs' Joe Adams banked in a seven-foot jumper from the left side to help the Mustangs take a 41-39 semifinal victory over the Berryville Bobcats Friday at Bald Knob.

The win advances the Mustangs to Saturday's semifinal contest against the Hamburg Lions set to begin Saturday at 7:30 p.m., immediately following the Lady Mustangs' game at 6:00 p.m. This year's CAC squad has now matched the 1994-95 team as the only two boys' basketball teams in school history to appear in a Final Four.

The Mustangs battled to a 10-10 tie at the end of the first quarter as the Bobcats hit two three-pointers. CAC then held a small lead most of the second quarter before Berryville hit another three-pointer at the buzzer to send the game to haltime tied at 21-21.

The Mustangs were able to pull ahead in the third quarter, 31-30, but defense ruled the court as neither team could score consistently on the other. In the fourth period, David Williams had scored seven of CAC's eight points until Adams hit the game-winner.

The Mustangs limited the Bobcats to only 14 field goals, but six were three-pointers as the Bobcats shot 50% from the arc for the game. The Mustangs outrebounded the Bobcats 33-26 and forced 19 turnovers. Williams led the Mustangs with 21 points and 14 rebounds while Paul Holderfield, Ryan Farr and Luke Sandlin each had five points. Adams' only field goal was the game-winner although he led the team in assists (3) and steals (3).

After starting the season 2-9, the Mustangs have now won 20 of their last 21 games and take a 22-10 record into the semifinals. Of the Final Four teams, the Mustangs are certainly the underdogs as Huntsville (31-1), Dardanelle (32-2) and Hamburg (26-3) have been ranked ahead of CAC the entire season.

Mustangs Extinguish Blazers

With the game tied early in the fourth quarter, the Mustangs used solid defense and an aggressive offense to outlast a tough Valley View Blazers squad to advance to the state quarterfinals for the third year in a row. The Mustangs will take on the Berryville Bobcats Friday at 8:30 p.m. at Bald Knob.

The Mustangs took the lead early as they raced to an 18-15 lead after one quarter behind seven points from Ryan Farr. CAC led 32-27 at the half as sophomore Luke Sandlin hit two three-pointers on his way to seven points.

The Blazers refused to go away in the third quarter as they fought back within two, 45-43 entering the fourth quarter. After Valley View tied the game at 45-45 on their first possession of the fourth, the Mustang defense responded as the Blazers did not score again until the 5:03 mark. In the meantime, David Williams got a basket on a drive and layup, and Joe Adams broke free in transition for a score, and CAC stayed in control the rest of the game.

Up by four points with three minutes remaining, Williams willed his way to consecutive baskets, and Sandlin and Paul Holderfield went a combined eight-for-eight from the free throw line to extend the lead as the Mustangs would not give the Blazers consecutive scores down the stretch.

Williams led CAC with another double-double, scoring 18 points and pulling down 13 rebounds while Farr scored 15 points to go with five rebounds, five assists and five steals. Sandlin also scored 15 points, and Adams chipped in ten points and four rebounds.

Despite getting outrebounded by a bigger Blazer squad, the Mustangs held Valley View to 9% shooting from the three-point line (1-11) and forced 20 Blazer turnovers.

The Mustangs are now 21-10 on the season and have won 19 of their last 20 games.

CAC Falls to Hot Hamburg Hands

Behind timely shooting and a tough defense, the Hamburg Lions defeated the Mustangs 50-41 Saturday in the championship game of the 4A South Region Tournament in De Queen.

Hamburg controlled the tempo in the first half in pulling out to a 12-6 first-quarter lead which was built into a 24-13 advantage by halftime. The Mustangs then began chipping away at the lead in the third quarter, but two Lion three-pointers kept Hamburg in front 36-26 entering the final period.

The Mustangs then mounted a comeback and cut the lead to five points with just over two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, but the Lions answered the challenge by getting a layup and hitting four consecutive free throws in the last two minutes of play for the win.

For the game, the Lions shot 48% from the field while connecting on seven of 16 three-pointers while holding the Mustangs to 32% from the field and a paltry 12% (two of 16) from the arc.

Ryan Farr led the Mustangs with 16 points and eight rebounds while Joe Adams chipped in 12 points to go with four caroms. David Williams contributed nine points and six rebounds.

The Mustangs now turn their attention to the 4A State Tournament as they face Valley View, the #4 seed from the 4A East Region, Thursday at 2:30 p.m. in the first round. The winner will meet Berryville, the #2 seed from the 4A North Region, in the quarterfinals.

Mustangs Defeat Dollarway

Playing against the defending state champions, the Mustangs used a big first half and held off the Cardinals down the stretch to take a 67-57 victory over Dollarway Friday night in the 4A South Region semifinals at De Queen.

The Mustangs jumped out to a 15-9 lead to start the game as both teams were cautious in the opening period. Then in the second quarter, CAC went on a run highlighted by six points off consecutive Cardinal turnovers to give the Mustangs a 37-19 lead at the half.

The third period saw neither team take the advantage as Joe Adams' dunk late in the period kept the Mustangs in front 49-34 entering the fourth quarter. Dollarway then made a run hitting three three-pointers in a three-minute stretch. But after the Cardinals hit two free throws the cut the CAC-lead to five points with 1:51 left in the game, the Mustangs responded with a transition basket by Joe Adams and then free throws by Paul Holderfield, Carter Trent and David Williams to seal the victory.

Adams led the Mustangs with 18 points while Williams scored 15 points to go with 11 rebounds. Ryan Farr finished with 14 points and three steals, Paul Holderfield scored 11 points and Carter Trent led the team with five assists to go with five points.

The Mustangs now play in the 4A South Region tournament championship Saturday at 7:30 p.m. against the Hamburg Lions, who won the 8-4A conference title and defeated Oak Grove in Friday's other semifinal. The Lady Mustangs will play Dumas at 6:00 p.m. with both games being played at De Queen.

Mustangs Survive Bulldogs' Bite

The Mustangs used a tough defensive effort to overcome a plethora of tough circumstances in taking a 65-46 victory over the Star City Bulldogs in a South Region Tournament quarterfinal matchup.

David Williams led the Mustangs with a 26-point, 15-rebound, 5-assist effort and Ryan Farr added 11 points and eight rebounds as the Mustangs advance to a semifinal matchup Friday at 5:30 p.m. against the winner of Thursday's Dollarway/Fountain Lake game.

Both teams were cautious in the first quarter as the Mustangs took an 11-7 lead before picking up the pace for 18 second-period points to lead 29-19 at the half. Williams scored 15 first-half points, but the Mustangs could not keep up with the Bulldogs at the free throw line as Star City shot 11 foul shots to CAC's four.

Both teams played fairly even in the third quarter as the Mustangs maintained an eleven-point lead heading into the final period. The Mustangs then got 18 of their 19 fourth-quarter points from Williams, Farr and Joe Adams, who finished with nine points for the game.

The Mustangs were 9-14 from the free throw line for the game while Star City shot 13-29 from the charity stripe. CAC was very uncharacteristically flagged for 29 penalties to the Bulldogs' 19 fouls, and CAC guards Luke Sandlin and Carter Trent both fouled out for the first time in their careers while Farr and Adams finished with four fouls each.

With the win, the Mustangs have clinched a spot in next week's 4A State Tournament in Dumas and will play Friday and Saturday in De Queen for seeding purposes.

Mustangs Pound Panthers

In their final regular-season game, the Mustangs started slow and finished fast as they took a 67-41 win over the Ashdown Panthers in Ashdown Friday night.

The Mustangs led 9-4 at the end of the first period as neither team shot the ball well. The Mustangs then picked up the pace in the second quarter by scoring 21 points, but Ashdown scored 18 points themselves to stay within striking distance down only 30-22 at the half.

The Panthers' third quarter did not find as much success as the Mustangs hit three three-pointers on the way to a 50-30 lead at the end of the third period. CAC then invoked the mercy rule about halfway through the final period as the Panthers managed just eleven more points in the contest.

Paul Holderfield led the Mustangs with 17 points while Luke Sandlin scored ten points to go with three steals. Joe Adams scored nine points and pulled down six rebounds, Carter Trent scored seven points, and David Williams led the team in both rebounds and assists as he pulled down 17 caroms and dished out five dimes to go with six points.

The Mustangs end the regular season with the 7-4A conference championship and first seed entering the 4A South Region Tournament in De Queen while finishing 13-1 in conference play and 18-9 overall. After starting the season with a 2-9 record, the Mustangs are currently on a 16-game winning streak.

As both the girls' and boys' teams have earned first seeds, the Lady Mustangs play Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. against the Dollarway Lady Cardinals followed by the Mustangs at 5:30 p.m. as they take on the Star City Bulldogs. Winners advance to Friday's semifinal games at the same times.

Mustangs Escape Eagles' Nest with Win

Down 31-29 with just over two minutes to go in the third quarter, the Mustangs used a tough defense and timely shooting to eventually pull away from the Arkansas Baptist Eagles for a 64-45 victory that clinched the 7-4A conference championship.

Behind two baskets by David Williams and a three-pointer by Carter Trent, the Mustangs scored the last seven points of the third quarter to take a 36-31 lead entering the fourth period.

CAC then started the final period with Williams snagging a rebound and going coast-to-coast for the layup as the Mustangs began to pull away. Joe Adams then hit back-to-back three-pointers, Trent scored on a layup and Paul Holderfield converted a traditional three-point play to give the Mustangs a 53-39 lead with 2:50 remaining on the way to a 28-point period. CAC also helped themselves by hitting a perfect 10-10 free throws to finish the game.

Williams led the Mustangs with a herculean 29-point, 16-rebound effort and added four assists and three steals. Adams finished with 14 points, Scott Cook had six points, and Trent, Holderfield and Ryan Farr scored five points each. Luke Sandlin dished out five assists to go with three steals.

The win gives the Mustangs their second conference championship in three years, and first 4A title since moving up this season. CAC now travels to Ashdown Friday for their final conference game with the varsity girls starting at 6:00 p.m. followed by the varsity boys.

Mustangs Withstand Long-Distance Leopard Attack

Enduring a hot-shooting De Queen squad on CAC's longest road trip of the season, the Mustangs got past the Leopards Friday for a 66-53 victory behind another double-double from David Williams. The Mustangs overcame a De Queen team that hit nine three-pointers and shot over 55% from the field for the game.

Williams led all scorers with 20 points and pulled down 10 rebounds while getting help from sophomore Scott Cook who registered a 10-point, 9-rebound effort while starting for the injured Ryan Farr. The Mustangs also took advantage of 26 De Queen turnovers while outrebounding the Leopards 31-20.

The Mustangs jumped out to a 22-11 first-quarter lead behind eight points from Williams and two three-pointers from Carter Trent. The Mustangs would extend the lead briefly in the second quarter before Williams and junior Joe Adams went to the bench with foul trouble and the Leopards stormed back to cut the lead to 36-28 at the half.

In the third quarter, Williams and Cook scored six points each to extend CAC's lead to 53-40, and the Mustangs hit seven of eleven fourth-quarter free throws to maintain their lead when De Queen began to foul to stop the clock.

Adams and Paul Holderfield scored eleven points each with Adams adding four steals, and Trent added ten points and three assists to go with fellow-sophomore Scott Cook's near double-double.

With the win, the Mustangs have clinched the 7-4A conference's top seed in the 4A South Region tournament held at De Queen February 21-24. The Mustangs can clinch the conference championship outright with a win at Arkansas Baptist Tuesday night. The varsity girls will tipoff the action at 6:00 p.m. followed by the varsity boys.

Mustang Seniors Score Big in Finale, Clinch Playoff Berth

In the 7-4A conference's 1-2 matchup, the boys' team could not slow down second-place Oak Grove and were forced to outscore them 95-76 in their highest-scoring game in at least three seasons. All four of CAC's seniors scored as Higor De Oliveira scored 13 points to go with seven rebounds, Paul Holderfield scored 12 points and dished out four assists, and Erik Walther scored two points and blocked a shot.

Senior David Williams' performance will not be one soon forgotten as the 6' 4", 240-pounder played half the game at point guard and finished with perhaps the school's first-ever triple-double as he scored 21 points, pulled down 22 rebounds and dished out 10 assists.

In a game marred by 52 fouls and 66 free throws, the Mustangs jumped out to a 20-14 first-quarter lead and slowly pulled away the rest of the game. Joe Adams' scored 14 of his game-high 22 points in the second quarter as the Mustangs led 43-33 at the half.

Carter Trent then heated up in the third period with a couple of treys and David Williams controlled the paint as the Mustangs took a 65-47 lead at the end of the third quarter before a wild-and-wacky fourth quarter ended after 29 free throws were shot by both teams. The Hornets never got closer than 14 points as the Mustangs were able to convert late in the game.

Trent finished with eleven points and four assists while Luke Sandlin dished out seven dimes with no turnovers and collected three steals.

With the victory the Mustangs have clinched a spot in the regional tournament and must now win one of their next three games, all on the road, to clinch the 7-4A conference's first seed. CAC travels to De Queen Friday before taking on Arkansas Baptist and Ashdown next week to end the regular season.

Mustangs Maul Mena

Facing the only team that had beaten them in conference play, the Mustangs scored 27 first-quarter points and held the Mena Bearcats to only 17 points in the first half to take a 66-24 decision Monday at Mustang Mountain.

The Mustangs' leading scorer, Ryan Farr, left the game for good in the first quarter with an injury, but sophomore Carter Trent picked up the slack, scoring all 11 of his points in the opening period while hitting three three-pointers. The Mustangs led 27-9 at the end of the first quarter and 44-17 at the half.

The Mustangs then outscored the Bearcats 17-3 in the third quarter as no Mena starter saw action in the second half. David Williams led CAC with 17 points, eight rebounds and four steals while Joe Adams finished with ten points and three steals. Trent dished out four assists while Luke Sandlin had three assists.

CAC has only 24 hours to rest before hosting the Oak Grove Hornets Tuesday in their final home game of the season for senior night. CAC holds the top spot in the conference race with a 9-1 record while the Hornets are in second place at 7-2 entering Tuesday night's showdown.

A short program will be held between the varsity girls' and varsity boys' games as well as a tribute to Andrew Brady, CAC's assistant girls' basketball coach who ended his battle with leukemia in December. The junior high girls will begin the action at 5:00 p.m. followed by the varsity girls and varsity boys.

Mustangs Immune to Cobras' Poison

Trailing by five points at halftime, the Mustangs regrouped and held the Fountain Lake Cobras to only seven points in the third quarter before fighting off a furious fourth quarter Cobra rally to take a 68-54 victory in the Snake Pit.

CAC trailed 13-11 after the first quarter, and Fountain Lake stretched that lead to 24-19 at the half as the Cobras' Jordan Womack banked in a three-pointer at the buzzer from 24 feet. The Mustangs' stagnant offense came alive in the second half as David Williams and Ryan Farr scored 12 of the Mustangs' 19 third-quarter points to give CAC a 38-31 lead entering the final period.

With the pace of the game now favoring the Mustangs, the Cobras continued to strike from three-point range, hitting seven for the game and scoring 23 points in the fourth quarter. But the Mustangs answered every challenge by scoring 30 fourth-quarter points as the Cobras got no closer than six points the rest of the way.

David Williams and Ryan Farr led the Mustang attack with 18 points each while Williams pulled down 12 rebounds. Paul Holderfield scored 12 points, Joe Adams finished with eight points and Luke Sandlin dished out five assists to go with a team-leading four steals. Sophomore Scott Cook scored six points and pulled down four rebounds.

With the victory, the first-place Mustangs move to 8-1 in 7-4A conference play while dropping Fountain Lake to third place with a 6-3 record. CAC now turns their attention to the Mena Bearcats, the team responsible for the Mustangs' lone conference loss on December 15 at Mena as the Bearcats defeated the Mustangs 61-45. The junior varsity girls begin the action at 5:00 p.m. followed by the varsity girls and varsity boys.

Mustangs Maul Scrappers

Putting up 30 first-quarter points, the Mustangs sprinted out of the gate and raced to a 77-32 victory over the Nashville Scrappers to move to 7-1 in 7-4A conference play.

Five Mustangs scored in double-figures led by Joe Adams' 15 points, and five Mustangs hit eight three-pointers as CAC led 46-14 at the half and 69-21 entering the final quarter.

David Williams and Carter Trent both finished with eleven points, and Ryan Farr and Tommy Kennedy scored ten points each. Farr led the team with seven rebounds while Trent and Luke Sandlin both dished out three assists and captured three steals.

The Mustangs travel to Fountain Lake Tuesday for a showdown with the Cobras who are second in the conference with a 6-2 record. The junior varsity girls begin the action at 5:00 p.m. followed by the varsity girls and varsity boys.

Mustangs Ground Eagles

Behind 26 points and 10 rebounds from senior David Williams, the Mustangs came back from a one-point halftime deficit to pull out a 70-57 win over a scrappy Arkansas Baptist squad.

With Oak Grove defeating Fountain Lake Tuesday, CAC's win gives them sole possession of first place entering the second half of 7-4A conference play.

The Mustangs jumped out to a 17-12 first-quarter lead behind nine points from Williams and four from Joe Adams. But foul trouble plagued the Mustangs in the second quarter as Williams, Adams and Ryan Farr were on the bench, and the Eagles stormed back with 19 second-quarter points as the Eagles' Pierre Paulk scored nine to give Arkansas Baptist a 31-30 halftime lead.

The Mustangs came back in the third quarter to take a 51-43 lead as Williams scored another nine points in the paint. CAC then extended the lead in the fourth quarter highlighted by a Ryan Farr dunk over an Eagle defender in transition. Farr's second dunk about a minute later gave the Mustangs a double-figure lead they would not relinquish.

The Mustangs were forced to overcome an incredible offensive display from the Eagles as Arkansas Baptist shot a blistering 59% from the field and 89% from the free throw line. CAC shot 46% from the field and went 74% from the charity stripe.

Besides his double-double, Williams added three steals and two blocked shots. Farr finished with 13 points for the Mustangs, Adams scored eleven and sophomore Carter Trent scored eight, hitting two three-pointers. Sophomore Luke Sandlin contributed five points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals.

With all teams having completed the first half of conference play, the Mustangs are now 6-1 and in sole possession of first place. With there being no district tournament, the top four finishers in conference play advance to the regional tournament while the other four teams end their season. Oak Grove and Fountain Lake are tied for second place at 5-2, and Mena is in fourth at 4-3. De Queen and Arkansas Baptist are tied for fifth place at 3-4.

Mustangs Tame Leopards

Behind 21 points from junior Ryan Farr, the Mustangs defeated the De Queen Leopards in a 7-4A conference game Friday at Mustang Mountain. CAC is now 5-1 with one game remaining in the first half of conference play.

The Mustangs jumped out to a 23-7 first-quarter lead as Paul Holderfield scored nine of his eleven points in the first quarter connecting with all three of his three-point shots. CAC stretched the advantage to 41-16 at the half and 63-20 after three quarters.

Joe Adams finished with 12 points and four steals, David Williams and Anthony Frizzell led the Mustangs with six rebounds each, and Williams and Carter Trent scored eight points apiece. Trent also dished out six assists. The Mustangs forced 24 turnovers and outrebounded the Leopards 33-19.

The Mustangs now turn their attention to the Arkansas Baptist Eagles who visit Mustang Mountain Tuesday. The junior varsity boys begin the action at 5:00 p.m. followed by the varsity girls and varsity boys.

Mustangs Charm Cobras

Playing for a share of the 7-4A conference lead, the Mustangs used a strong second half to take a 66-48 victory over the Fountain Lake Cobras Tuesday at Mustang Mountain.

In the first half, Paul Holderfield led the Mustangs by scoring 16 of his game-high 21 points, hitting four three-pointers, and David Williams and Ryan Farr combined for 15 first-half points. Fountain Lake, ranked #5 in the state in the latest poll, hit six three-pointers in the first half including a second-quarter buzzer-beater off the backboard to pull within 31-28 at the half.

But the Mustangs responded in the third quarter by outscoring the Cobras 19-8 to take a 50-36 lead into the fourth quarter. Joe Adams' dunk helped the Mustangs to a 26-point lead with just over three minutes remaining, but the Cobras outscored CAC by eight points the rest of the way for the final. The Mustangs forced 21 turnovers and gave up only five field goals, but no three-pointers, in the second half.

Holderfield hit five three-pointers for the game while David Williams finished with his second double-double on the season with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Ryan Farr finished with 16 points and six rebounds, and Adams collected three steals to go with seven points.

The Mustangs now turn their attention to the De Queen Leopards as the junior varsity boys tipoff the action Friday at 5:00 p.m. at Mustang Mountain. The varsity girls and varsity boys follow the junior varsity game.

Mustangs Pounce on Panthers

Playing at home for the first time since before Christmas, the Mustangs jumped out to an 18-9 first-quarter lead and never looked back in taking a 67-28 victory over the Ashdown Panthers to move to 3-1 in 7-4A conference play.

The Mustangs used a balanced scoring attack to take a 39-19 halftime lead while shooting 57% from the field. Ten Mustangs scored in the game, led by Joe Adams' 15 points. Ryan Farr finished with 12 points, David Williams had nine and Paul Holderfield scored eight.

The Mustangs now host the Fountain Lake Cobras Tuesday at Mustang Mountain with the junior varsity boys tipping off at 5:00 p.m. followed by the varsity girls and varsity boys.

CAC Uses Second Half Defense to Put Away Scrappers

After giving up 29 first-half points, the Mustangs knew that defense was the key. In the second half they proved it by holding the Nashville Scrappers to only ten points to take a 65-39 victory in winning their fifth game in a row.

The game started with each team trading baskets in the opening period until the Mustangs pulled out to a 19-13 lead in the last two minutes of the quarter. The Scrappers then went inside in the second quarter to narrow the gap to 33-29 at the half.

The Mustangs regrouped at halftime and got defensive in holding the Scrappers to only six third-quarter points on the way to a 54-35 lead entering the final period. The Mustangs then finished the game by allowing only four fourth-quarter points.

Ryan Farr led the Mustangs with 21 points while David Williams scored 13. Joe Adams led the Mustangs with seven rebounds and four assists to go with his six points, and Paul Holderfield and Luke Sandlin chipped in six points each as well.

The Mustangs are now off for a week before playing five consecutive games at Mustang Mountain. The home stretch begins Friday as CAC hosts the Ashdown Panthers with the junior varsity boys tipping off the action at 5:30 p.m. followed by the varsity girls and varsity boys.

CAC Overcomes Oak Grove

Facing a constant full-court press on a shortened court, the Mustangs used a controlled game to post a 78-58 victory over the host Oak Grove Hornets in a 7-4A conference matchup.

The Mustangs overcame foul trouble in the first half to turn a 15-11 first quarter deficit into a 35-31 haltime lead by attacking the press for easy baskets. David Williams had 11 points and Ryan Farr added seven in the first half while Oak Grove saw seven players score.

Despite the continued quick tempo in the second half, the Mustang defense held the Hornets to only 12 third-quarter points to take a 48-43 lead heading into the fourth period. The Mustangs then finished the game with a 30-point quarter as the Hornets went to an all-out press and the Mustangs continually disected the defense for easy baskets.

David Williams and Ryan Farr led the Mustangs with 17 points each while pulling down twelve and seven rebounds, respectively. Paul Holderfield added 14 points, and Joe Adams scored all eleven of his points in the fourth period while collecting seven boards and dishing out four assists.

The Mustangs move to 1-1 in conference play and now travel to Nashville Friday to take on the Scrappers in a 7-4A conference game.

Mustangs Take Beebe Tournament Championship

Down four points entering the fourth quarter, the Mustangs increased the defensive intensity to hold the Lonoke Jackrabbits to only six points in the final period to take a 49-45 victory in the championship game of the First Security/WCMC Christmas Classic tournament in Beebe.

Ryan Farr led all scorers with 14 points, and David Williams and Joe Adams finished with nine points apiece as the Mustangs won their third game in a row since coming back from the Christmas break. Paul Holderfield and Luke Sandlin chipped in six points each.

The first half was a tale of two quarters as the Mustangs came out hot, outscoring Lonoke 18-5 in the first period only to watch Lonoke dominate the second quarter with a 17-9 comeback that cut the CAC lead to 27-25 at the half. The Jackrabbits continued their comeback in the third period outscoring the Mustangs 14-6 to take a 39-35 lead before the Mustangs regrouped in the final period for the victory.

The Mustangs now turn their attention to 7-4A conference play as they travel Tuesday night to take on the Oak Grove Hornets in their second conference game of the season. The junior varsity boys begin the action at 5:00 p.m. followed by the varsity girls and varsity boys.

Mustangs Get Defensive, Top Harding Academy

The Mustangs held the Harding Academy Wildcats to only three points in the first quarter to set the tone in a 47-30 victory in the semifinals of the First Security/WCMC Christmas Classic in Beebe.

Leading 13-3 entering the second quarter, sophomore Luke Sandlin scored six of his eleven points in the second quarter to keep the Mustangs ahead 19-11 at the half.

Ryan Farr then scored six of his eleven points in the third quarter to keep the Mustangs ahead 34-22 entering the final period when CAC held the Wildcats to only one field goal and eight fourth-quarter points.

Paul Holderfield added nine points on three three-pointers, and David Williams scored seven points to go with a game-high nine rebounds.

The Mustangs now move to the championship game Saturday at 8:30 p.m. as they take on a former-conference rival, the Lonoke Jackrabbits, who beat the host Beebe Badgers in the other semifinal contest.

Mustangs Get Win, Play Harding Academy in Semifinals

The Mustangs used a methodical approach in the first three quarters, then fought off a furious Carlisle rally to take a 51-49 victory in the first round of the First Security/WCMC Christmas Classic in Beebe.

CAC had led by 13 points early in the fourth quarter before a Bison three-pointer tied the game with 55 seconds remaining. But after working the clock down, Joe Adams hit an eight-foot jumper with 5.3 seconds remaining and the Bison's half-court attempt at the buzzer missed badly giving the Mustangs the victory.

Ryan Farr led the Mustangs with 16 points and six rebounds. Luke Sandlin finished with ten points and three assists, and David Williams played his first game of the season and finished with eight points and four rebounds in limited action. The Mustangs also helped themselves from the free throw line hitting 8 of 8 attempts.

CAC now faces Harding Academy, a one-point winner over Newport, in the tournament semifinals at 5:30 p.m. Friday in Beebe.

Mustangs Fall Short in Overtime

Down 24-20 at the half at Pulaski Academy, the Mustangs fought their way back to force overtime before succumbing to a bigger Bruins team whose third tip fell in at the buzzer for a 60-58 victory. The lead changed several times in both the fourth quarter and overtime before the deciding basket.

The Mustangs led 33-32 entering the fourth quarter, and Ryan Farr's dunk on the first possession gave CAC their largest lead of the game at 35-32. But the Bruins would not go down without a fight and led 51-49 with less than 30 left in regulation. Paul Holderfield then tied the game with a 16-footer from the elbow with only eight seconds left, and the Bruins last-second attempt was off the mark to force the extra period.

The Mustangs tied the score in overtime on Scott Cook's free throw, but could not keep the bigger Bruins off the boards as three offensive rebounds resulted in tips around the basket, the last of which made the difference in the game.

The Mustangs now prepare for the First Security/WCMC Christmas Classic in Beebe December 28-30 with a first-round matchup Thursday at 11:30 a.m. against Carlisle. CAC lost to Carlisle in the first game of the season before eight players joined the team from football.

Warriors Get Defensive in Second Half

Trailing by three points at the half, the Mustangs gave up 15 points in each of the final two quarters and could not find a way to score as the Little Rock Christian Warriors ran away with a 60-43 victory Wednesday at Mustang Mountain.

The Mustangs trailed 14-11 at the end of the first quarter and 30-27 at the half, but managed to score just five points in the third quarter. Ryan Farr led the Mustangs with 12 points and four rebounds, and Paul Holderfield chipped in ten points while Joe Adams and Drew Stringfellow had eight points apiece.

"We are continuing to improve, but we have a long way to go before we are able to compete with more experienced teams," head coach Chris Parker said. "Although we don't play smart at times, we are getting good effort from several guys and will get better with experience."

The Mustangs travel to Pulaski Academy Thursday for their final game before the Christmas break. Tipoff time has changed to 6:00 p.m. after the junior varsity game, originally scheduled at that time, was cancelled.

Mustangs Drop First Conference Game to Mena

After cutting the lead to 44-42 with just over five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Mustangs just couldn't score down the stretch as the Mena Bearcats used 13 of 14 fourth-quarter free throws to extend the final score to 61-45 in the Mustangs first 7-4A conference game.

The Mustangs trailed 16-9 at the end of the first quarter, 27-19 at the half, and 42-33 at the end of the third period before a 9-2 run to start the fourth quarter got them back in the game. Scott Cook scored 12 of his team-high 16 points in the second half, and Joe Adams and Luke Sandlin scored six points apiece. Sandlin also led the team with four assists and two steals.

The Mustangs now have a slight break for final exams before hosting Little Rock Christian Academy Wednesday and traveling to Pulaski Academy Thursday. Wednesday's games on Mustang Mountain start at 3:30 p.m. with the junior varsity boys followed by the varsity boys.

Morrilton Outlasts Mustangs

After leading by five at the half, the Mustangs offense sputtered in the second half as the Morrilton Devil Dogs took a 54-49 decision in the opening game of the inaugural Delta Dental Stars of Tomorrow Classic held at UALR's Stephens Center.

The Mustangs led after the first quarter, 14-6, behind ten points from Joe Adams. Morrilton narrowed the lead to 23-18 by halftime and then scored the first eight points of the third quarter and kept the Mustangs at bay the rest of the way.

CAC tied the game, 34-34, with 1:06 left in the third quarter, but Morrilton responded with a short jumper in the paint that gave the Devil Dogs a 36-34 lead entering the final period.

Adams led CAC with 16 points, Higor De Oliveira had nine, and Ryan Farr chipped in eight points for the Mustangs. Scott Cook contributed with six rebounds, and Luke Sandlin led the team with three assists.

"I am proud of our effort, we just need to be more consistent," said CAC head coach Chris Parker. "Morrilton did a great job in the second half in closing out the game. We are still looking at combinations and trying to determine roles. We are more talented than what we've shown so far this year, but we need to be patient and remember that it is still early in our season. Most of our guys have only been practicing for two weeks now."

The Mustangs now travel to Mena Friday for their first conference game of the year. The junior varsity boys will begin the action at 5:00 p.m. followed by the varsity girls and varsity boys.

Mustangs Fall to Mills

Trailing by three points entering the fourth quarter, the Mustangs just couldn't overcome a determined Mills squad who turned three CAC turnovers into baskets in the final period on their way to a 70-56 decision in the third place game of the WRMC Pros Roundball Classic in Batesville.

The Mustangs led after the first quarter, 12-11, behind consecutive three-pointers from sophomore Luke Sandlin. Mills picked up the pace in the second quarter, continually pushing the ball up the floor for quick baskets as they outscored the Mustangs 24-14 and led by nine at halftime.

But the Mustangs came back strong in the third period as Joe Adams, Ryan Farr and Tommy Kennedy all hit three-pointers on the way to a 20-point quarter, cutting the lead to 49-46 heading into the final frame.

But Mills used a full-court press to pressure the Mustangs into three timely turnovers and turned them into easy baskets to stretch the lead to eight points with four minutes remaining. From there, the Comets hit four of four free throws to extend the lead and finish the game.

"Our execution needs improvement, but Mills had a lot to do with that," said CAC head coach Chris Parker. "They are a well-coached team, and we did not respond well to their pressure in the fourth quarter."

The Mustangs were playing without returning All-Conference player David Williams who is resting up after a tough football season, and veteran guard Paul Holderfield who was disqualified from the Mustangs' last game with Harrison and sitting out per AAA rules.

The Mustangs got solid play from Kennedy, who started in place of Holderfield and led the team with 13 points, and Sandlin came off the bench for seven points. Adams also chipped in seven points, and Ryan Farr scored ten points.

The Mustangs now take on Morrilton at 6:00 p.m. Thursday at the Stephens Center located on the campus of UALR. The girls' game will follow at approximately 7:30 p.m.

Harrison Free Throws Doom Mustangs

After taking a 55-44 victory over the host team in the first round of the WRMC Pros Roundball Classic in Batesville, the Mustangs faced an undefeated Harrison Goblin team in the semifinals looking for continued improvements from their young team. The Goblins, however, used their experience and free throw shooting to break open a five-point game with just over five minutes remaining.

At the beginning of the game, it didn't look like the Mustangs would put up a fight as the Goblins led 18-4 entering the second quarter. But the Mustangs fought their way back in the second period behind six points from Higor De Oliveira to cut the lead to 28-17 at the half.

The Mustangs continued their comeback in the third quarter as they cut the lead to one point, 28-27, with under four minutes left. But the Mustangs never got over the hump and trailed 39-34 entering the fourth period. But halfway through the final period the Goblins began to pull away as they hit nine of ten free throws on their way to 20 fourth-quarter points.

"Our free throw defense needs improvement, apparently," said CAC head coach Chris Parker. "When each team is playing man-to-man defense, we both hit the same number of field goals, and we shoot ten free throws to their 29, then we need to figure out how to defend against a free throw. Unfortunately, we're not at a place where we can battle through that yet."

The Goblins also took advantage of two technical fouls assessed to the Mustangs in the fourth quarter as Parker drew the first one with 3:23 remaining after the Mustangs' Ryan Farr was hit on a layup with no whistle, and senior Paul Holderfield picked up the other and was ejected after the officials' ruled he threw a punch at an opposing player.

"Paul will know how to better handle that situation in the future," said Parker. "It's tough when a player intentionally swings his elbows at your head and nothing is called. I can understand pivoting into someone, but his feet never moved, there was no call, and we have to handle that better. It's very unfortunate that the game was allowed to escalate to that point, but we will learn from it and move forward."

Joe Adams led the Mustangs with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, and De Oliveira finished with 10 points and nine rebounds. Holderfield finished with nine points on three three-pointers.

The Mustangs now turn their attention to Little Rock Mills, who lost 55-49 to Searcy, in the WRMC Pros Roundball Classic third place game at 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

Mustangs Beat Batesville

With only two practices under their belts and the emotions of losing a beloved coach and colleague on their hearts, the Mustangs pulled through in the final period to take a 55-44 victory over the host team in the first round of the WRMC Pros Roundball Classic in Batesville. The Mustangs added eight players from the football team last week before assistant girls' basketball coach Andrew Brady suffered a stroke Saturday morning and ended his brief battle with leukemia Sunday.

"It has been a tough way to start a season, but our guys have been absolutely tremendous," said head coach Chris Parker. "It may be difficult to see right now with the limited time we've had, but this is a special group of young men. We are extremely thankful and blessed to work with them."

The Mustang defense took control in the first quarter by allowing only four points which helped offset an offense that wasn't quite clicking as CAC led 8-4. The Mustangs continued that pace in the second period in taking a 22-17 halftime lead after giving up only three field goals in the first half.

Batesville fought back in the third quarter to get back in the game as they continually went inside to their 6'5" center who scored eight of his 16 points in the period to take a 35-34 lead entering the fourth quarter. After Batesville scored the first basket of the final period to lead 37-34, the Mustangs' pressure defense provided the spark as they outscored the Pioneers 21-7 the rest of the way for the victory.

Joe Adams led CAC with 13 points, Paul Holderfield scored 11, and Scott Cook chipped in nine points to go with 11 rebounds. Higor De Oliveira scored nine points for the Mustangs and Ryan Farr ended with eight.

The Mustangs now turn their attention to the Harrison Goblins, a 54-50 winner over Pulaski Robinson, in the WRMC Pros Roundball Classic semifinals Friday at 7:30 p.m. The Mustangs will then face either Little Rock Mills or Searcy in Saturday's final round.

Mustangs Fall to Trojan Bombs

After being held in check for a half, the Hot Springs Trojans hit seven three-pointers in the second half to take a 61-53 decision over the Mustangs in the consolation final in the CAC/OrthoArkansas Invitational.

The Mustangs took a 22-21 halftime lead behind 13 points from senior Paul Holderfield and seven points from Ryan Farr. Even with the Trojans hitting four three's in the third period, the game was tied at 41-41 entering the fourth quarter. But the Mustangs couldn't keep up with the Trojans pace as Hot Springs hit another three treys and shot 18 free throws on their way to a 20-point fourth quarter.

Holderfield led all scorers with 20 points, Farr ended with 14 and Higor De Oliveira chipped in nine points for the Mustangs, who fall to 1-3 on the young season.

The Mustangs now turn their attention to the WRMC Pros Roundball Classic in Batesville where they take on the host team in the first round Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Win or lose, the Mustangs are guaranteed three games and are scheduled to play both Friday and Saturday.

Mustangs Top Bears in Overtime

Playing with a new squad after adding eight players from the football team, the Mustangs came back from a nine-point halftime deficit to defeat Sylvan Hills 61-58 in overtime Thursday to advance to Saturday's consolation final in the CAC/OrthoArkansas Invitational.

After a 9-9 tie after the first quarter of play, the Bears scored 18 points in the second period behind four three-pointers as they took a 27-18 lead at the break. Ryan Farr led the Mustangs with nine of his game-high 17 points in the first half.

The Mustangs then outscored the Bears 17-9 in the third quarter to trim the lead to one point, 36-35, before surging back to take a three-point lead late in the fourth quarter. But the Bears fought back to tie the score and send the game into overtime.

In the overtime period, the Mustangs struck first and never relinquished the lead, outlasting Sylvan Hills by hitting 7-7 free throws down the stretch. Paul Holderfield hit four of those on his way to 17 points for the game, Higor De Oliveira scored 11, and Joe Adams chipped in nine points. Only two long three-pointers from the Bears kept them within reach, but time ran out on the Bears comeback bid.

The Mustangs now turn their attention to the consolation final of the CAC/OrthoArkansas Invitational on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. against the winner of the Clarksville-Hot Springs game to be played Friday at 5:30 p.m.

Rockets Rout Mustangs

Playing against a more aggressive Catholic High School team, the Mustangs were pressured into a 64-40 loss to drop to 0-2 on the season.

Paul Holderfield was the only Mustang in double figures, finishing with 13 points. Scott Cook went inside for his eight points, and Jeremy Keck hit two three-pointers to finish with six. The Rockets saw ten players score with only one player in double figures with 12 points. The other nine all finished with between four and nine points each.

Catholic led 21-8 at the end of the first quarter and never looked back. The Mustangs were down 44-18 at the half before limiting the Rockets to only ten points in the third and fourth periods. Both teams shot 20 free throws on the night with CAC making 12 to Catholic's 11.

The Mustangs now turn their attention to the second round of the CAC/OrthoArkansas Invitational on Thursday, November 30, against the loser of the Cabot-Sylvan Hills game to be played Tuesday. A win will place the Mustangs in Saturday's consolation bracket final while a loss will end the Mustangs' tournament play.

Mustangs Drop Opener at Carlisle

Trailing by nine at the half, the Mustangs could not catch up to Carlisle in the second half as they came out on the short end of a 63-44 decision in their season-opener Tuesday night.

Carter Trent and Paul Holderfield each hit three three-pointers, five of which came in the first half as they scored 15 of the Mustangs' 18 first-half points. Trent finished with 17 points, Holderfield scored 13 points and Scott Cook added eight points as the three accounted for 38 of CAC's 44 points on the game.

With a minute to go before haltime, Carlisle stretched a 23-18 lead to 27-18 as the smaller Mustangs gave up a layup and an offensive rebound and putback. Carlisle stretched the lead to 44-29 at the end of the third quarter.

The Mustangs now turn their attention to Catholic High School as they host the Rockets in the first round of the CAC/OrthoArkansas Invitational on Monday, November 27. Win or lose, the Mustangs are scheduled to play Thursday in the tournament's second round against either Cabot or Sylvan Hills.

While the varsity basketball team will add eight members from the football squad, Friday's football matchup also carries tournament scheduling implications. Should the Mustang football team win its state quarterfinal matchup with Warren Friday, Thursday's basketball tournament games would move to Wednesday and Friday's games would move to Thursday to allow Mustang fans to attend CAC's semifinal football game Friday night.

Mustangs Look for Return to State

After finishing the season ranked in the top five teams in the state the last two years, the Mustangs hope to continue their recent success this season. That task will be a challenge, however, as the Mustangs move into a new conference (7-4A) after losing four starters and six lettermen from last season.

The Mustangs finished in second place with an 11-3 conference record last year in the tough 6AAA before losing in the state tournament quarterfinals in the last 30 seconds of play to the Dollarway Cardinals, 59-54. Dollarway then defeated two other 6AAA teams in winning the state championship.

Returning for the Mustangs is senior David Williams, a 6'4" forward who led CAC in rebounding, field goal percentage and free throw percentage the last two years. Junior Ryan Farr was the Mustangs' sixth-man last year and looks to take a starting role after earning All-Conference honors as a sophomore, and seniors Paul Holderfield (two letters) and Erik Walther (one letter) return to give the Mustangs much-needed experience.

Newcomers include 6'2" senior Higor De Oliviera, and junior guards Joe Adams, Tommy Kennedy and Drew Stringfellow. After having only one sophomore on the team last season, the Mustangs will feature four this year as Scott Cook, Anthony Frizzell, Luke Sandlin and Carter Trent all make their varsity debut.

The Mustangs open the season at Carlisle on Tuesday, November 21, before playing in back-to-back tournaments. They open the CAC/OrthoArkansas Invitational with Catholic High School on Monday, November 27, and play in the WRMC Pros Roundball Classic in Batesville the following week. Other nonconference matchups include Morrilton, to be played at the Stephens Center on the campus of UALR, and dates with former conference rivals Little Rock Christian and Pulaski Academy before closing out December at the FSB/WCMC Holiday Classic in Beebe.

Unlike the last two seasons, the 7-4A will not play a district tournament as the top four finishers in the conference standings advance to regional tournament play.

2006-07 Boys Basketball Archives

Mustangs Reap Postseason Honors