Panthers preparing to work on second goal of the season

Must win first game at region to qualify for state

Magnolia head coach Dyun Long ( right) is always encouraging his Panthers to be "fundamentally sound" and "do the little things right." For the most past earlier this week, that's what the Panthers did in clinching the 48 Region 8 Conference title and top-seed in next week's South Region Tournament.
Magnolia head coach Dyun Long ( right) is always encouraging his Panthers to be "fundamentally sound" and "do the little things right." For the most past earlier this week, that's what the Panthers did in clinching the 48 Region 8 Conference title and top-seed in next week's South Region Tournament.

Magnolia has already accomplished one major basketball goal this season, but head coach Dyun Long said it's time to work on that second one.

"Hopefully, we will get that second one and then begin to focus on the last one," said Long.

On Tuesday, the Panthers claimed their first basketball conference championship in nearly a decade.

The team has also secured the top-seed in next week's Class 4A Region 8 Basketball Tournament at Mena. But it must win the first region game to qualify for the state tournament that will be played at Panther Arena.

But before region play, the fifth-ranked Panthers will host the Warren Lumberjacks in the regular-season finale on tonight.

"We're going to play it to win, but I hope to play my seniors more because it's a big night for them," said Long.

He singled out Johnny Washington, whom he said has not had a lot of playing time this season.

"He's been a trooper for us. He hasn't complained and I am proud of him for being that team player," said the coach. "When you're a young man like that in his position, you think you ought to be playing."

Magnolia will face a Lumberjack team that will not advance to region play.

However, on the neutral Fordyce court a month ago, the Lumberjacks played with the Panthers for three quarters before losing 58-47.

Long said he would like to get as many players in tonight's game, but added, "We will play it by ear and see what happens."

A win would be the fourth straight for the Panthers heading into the postseason.

The South Region Tournament at Mena will involve the top four teams from the Class 4A Region 7 and Region 8 conferences.

Prior to tonight's games, Magnolia (17-4, 10-1), Monticello (15-8, 8-4), Camden Fairview (11-11, 7-4) and Star City (13-11, 5-6) were the top four seeds from Region 8.

Other games tonight will include Star City at Crossett and Camden Fairview at Hamburg.

An upset win by Warren over Magnolia, mixed with losses by Star City and Hamburg, could possibly change the fourth-seed.

In Region 7, Mena (19-6, 10-2), Arkadelphia (10-8, 8-4), Bauxite (15-12, 7-5) and Malvern (9-14, 7-6) hold the top four spots.

If they remain the same, the Panthers will battle the Malvern Leopards at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at Mena.

Games at the South Region Tournament will be played on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday of next week.

Again, teams must win their first contest to qualify for the state tournament set for Feb. 26 through March 2 in Magnolia.

As for tonight and in region, Long said his Panthers must continue doing what they've done most of the season.

"We have to execute on offense and play sound defense. We have to get out on the shooters, rebound and be aggressive," he said.

The coach added if his players continue to do that, they will always have a chance of winning.

"At Hamburg, we struggled a little in the first half by not making shots. When we don't make them, it's hard for us to spread the floor so things can open up more inside," explained Long.

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