By FRED CONLEY
T-H Sports Editor
It could be interesting today as the Forrest City Lady Mustangs softball team hosts Little Rock McClellan in the season opener at the Sports Complex.
The varsity game only will start at 4 p.m.
Both teams are making the switch from slow pitch to fast pitch status this season.
Not to mention the fact that McClellan's Lady Lions ended Forrest City's season a year ago, beating the Lady Mustangs 8-7 in the semifinals of the Region 4 Tournament at Pine Bluff.
McClellan took a 4-3 win over the Lady Mustangs in a regular-season matchup.
The Lady Mustangs finished the season at 11-6 and as the 6AAAAA conference champs. They were the No. 1 seed into the regionals while McClellan was the No. 2 seed.
There is another change for the team this time around -- a new coaching staff.
Amber Main and Barry Hodges take over the head coaching and assistant coaching duties respectively, replacing former coach Sue Jayroe who stepped down.
Main said she will use Mallory Nelson and Stacey Gracey on the mound this season as the team's two primary pitchers.
Among those returning to the Lady Mustang softball team are Jennifer Ballard, Kimberly Hoots, Jessica Lewis, Jessica Long, Tyeshia McDaniel, Natalie Nelson, Rachel Sims, Angela Williams and Trina Wynne.
*The Forrest City Mustang baseball team did not open their season Wednesday, due to the cold.
The Mustangs will try to open Friday, when they host the Brinkley Tigers for a 4:30 p.m. start.
FORT SMITH -- Justin Dansby and Sanchez Dade combined for 31 points to lead the El Dorado Wildcats past Fort Smith Northside, 49-41 Wednesday night at the Class AAAAA state tournament in Fort Smith, as yet another West team fell by the wayside.
On Tuesday, Camden Fairview ousted Van Buren and Fayetteville defeated Jacksonville. The remaining West team, Fort Smith Southside, plays today at 5:30 p.m., when they take on West Memphis.
Dansby had 16 points and Dade added 15 in the El Dorado win.
The Wildcats led 28-20 at the half.
Travis Church led Northside with 18 points, the only Northside player in double digits.
El Dorado will face Conway Friday in second-round play.
In other boys' games Wednesday, Little Rock Parkview coasted to a 63-33 victory over Bryant after building a 30-13 lead at the half.
Also Wednesday, Dedrick Poole and Michael Smith each had 13 points to lead Little Rock Central to a 56-54 victory over Blytheville.
The Tigers led 25-23 at the half.
In Class AAAAA girls' action, Springdale defeated Lake Hamilton 56-38 to set up a rematch of last year's second-round game against West Memphis. The two teams will meet Friday at 1 p.m.
A year ago, Springdale eliminated West Memphis 53-44.
Also Wednesday, Jonesboro stayed alive by defeating LR McClellan 47-39 and Mountain Home -- who moves into the AAAAA-East Conference next season -- rolled past Pine Bluff 56-27.
Jonesboro will face Sheridan tonight at 7 p.m. while Mountain Home will face either Jacksonville or Bentonville Friday at 7 p.m.
In Class AAAA boys play Wednesday, former AAAAA-East member, North Pulaski advanced by turning back Magnolia 50-44 to set up a Friday game against either Harrison or Wynne.
Hope ousted West Helena 56-47 and Arkadelphia eliminated White Hall 54-48.
By FRED CONLEY
T-H Sports Editor
BEEBE -- The Hughes Blue Devils opened first-round play at the Class AAA State Tournament at Beebe High School earlier today.
The Blue Devils, the defending Class AAA champions, took on Prescott.
The winner will return Friday to go against East Poinsett County at 5:30 p.m.
In other boys' action Wednesday, Rami Almefty scored 15 points and Will Peeples added 13 points as Pulaski Academy beat McGehee 69-32.
Dumas needed overtime to post a 62-56 victory over Farmington. Marion Hill scored 18 points and Melvin Jackson scored 15 to lead the winners.
Dumas led 24-21 at the half, and the game was tied at 51 at the end of regulation. Ryan Spears scored 18 for
Heber Springs needed overtime to oust DeQueen 68-62 in the days' final game.
Lonoke and Heber will play Friday at 2:30 p.m.
* PREP SPORTS
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL
Wednesday, February 27
Searcy at Forrest City - Cancelled
Friday, March 1
Brinkley at Forrest City, 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Match 5
Forrest City at Jonesboro, 4 p.m.
HIGH SCHOOL GOLF
Tuesday, March 5
Forrest City vs Marion at Marion, 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 7
Searcy at Forrest City, 3:30 p.m.
GIRLS FAST-PITCH SOFTBALL
Thursday, February 28
Little Rock McClellan at Forrest City, 4 p.m.
Tuesday, March 5
Little Rock Mills at Forrest City, 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 7
Forrest City at Jacksonville, 5 p.m.
HIGH SCHOOL TRACK
Thursday, March 7
Forrest City at West Memphis, 4 p.m. Boys and Girls
JUNIOR HIGH TRACK
Tuesday, March 12
Forrest City Blue & White at West Memphis, 4 p.m. Boys & Girls