D’field, HS split hardwood meetings Friday

Separated by just six miles, most games between Daingerfield and Hughes Springs tend to turn into reunions – friends and family heading just up the road to see each other, former coworkers reuniting, all with the energy that such a game typically brings.

The next-door neighbors got together Friday for another round in their twice-per-season meetings, this one on the hardcourt of Mustang Gymnasium.

Friday was senior night at Hughes Springs. Recognized were Lady Mustang seniors Greenlee Smith, Shelbi Duck and Lindsey Ballesteros, Mustang senior Bryson Belk and senior trainers Makayla Foster and Fabiola Reyes.

The girls’ matchup between the Lady Tigers and Lady Mustangs came down to the wire, but Hughes Springs held on for a 36-29 win. Daingerfield was stymied by free throws, as the Lady Tigers finished the game 2-29 from the free throw line.

Diamonique Bowles led Hughes Springs with 14 points. Kate McKinney added eight, Kayden Fortenberry finished with seven, Fantasi Smith put in four and Daisy Brown finished with three.

Kaidence Mason led Daingerfield with eight points. La’Nyecia Lewis finished with six, Tiara Hooper scored five, Don’taviue Brown, Kaziah Lee and Destiny Gholston each scored two.

In the boys’ matchup, the Tigers maintained their hold on second place in district with an 88-55 win over the fourth place Mustangs.

The Tigers led at the half, 40-23, then added 29 points in the third quarter to keep the Mustangs at bay.

Triston Smith led Daingerfield with 16 points. Chase Johnson finished with 15, Trent Boyd added 14, Kenny Mosley and Cameron Wilson both had 13, Brayden Williams notched 10 points, Skylar Smith put in five and Bryson Franklin scored two.

Trenton Pemberton led Hughes Springs with 16 points. E.J. Searcy and Belk each put in 12, A.J. Morton finished with seven, Chris Collins added five and Kaleb Williams and Isaac Pemberton each scored two.

The Tigers took on New Diana Tuesday and will host Sabine Friday. The Mustangs traveled to Gladewater Tuesday and will host White Oak Friday.