Bulldogs blown away by Hurricanes in 61-56 loss
Fayetteville boys end their postseason run with a hard-fought game against Jonesboro
The Sports Reporter Collective
Saturday, March 8, 2025
By Lo Jones | Contributor
SPRINGDALE, AR — The Fayetteville Bulldogs boys basketball program saw their postseason come to an end in Round 2 of the 6A Arkansas High School state tournament with a 61-56 loss to Jonesboro on Friday night at Springdale High School. The loss caps a competitive season for the Bulldogs, who finished with an overall record of 23-9.
Fayetteville brought intensity early and held the lead at the end of the first quarter, with both teams making defensive stops and driving to the basket. Jonesboro gained an edge in the second quarter, capitalizing on their physicality in limiting Fayetteville’s trips to the rim and forcing deep shots.
Senior Xavier Brown led Fayetteville with 23 points and single-handedly kept the Bulldogs in scoring contention. Jonesboro’s leading scorer, D.J. Johnson, contributed 16 points to help secure the win, and Hurricanes Luke Baltz and C.J. Larry, Jr. each put up 12 points.
Steven Toston was a physical presence for the Bulldogs, and Kinyun Johnson, while not contributing any points, was committed to forcing Hurricane turnovers, which allowed for a late Bulldog run of points.
When Jonesboro locked down the paint, Jaxson Jorgenson, Quenci Bradford, and Xavier Brown worked hard to locate and knock down multiple three-pointers.
“This is a special group,” said Brad Stamps, Fayetteville Head Coach. “They do things the right way, and this group is what Fayetteville basketball is about, what it should be about, and what future groups are going to look back on and admire.”
“This is a special group,” said Brad Stamps, Fayetteville Head Coach. “They do things the right way, and this group is what Fayetteville basketball is about, what it should be about, and what future groups are going to look back on and admire.”
Brad Stamps, FHS Boys basketball head coach
Despite the Bulldogs’ best efforts, Jonesboro maintained their lead and closed out the game with a tight five-point lead. Most of Jonesboro’s points in the fourth quarter came from free throws, many of which were shot by D.J. Johnson, who performed his best in the second half.
“I’m really proud of us, but I have a lot of respect for Jonesboro and Coach Swift. They do things right, they compete at a high level, and success doesn’t lie,” said Stamps.
“I’m really proud of us, but I have a lot of respect for Jonesboro and Coach Swift. They do things right, they compete at a high level, and success doesn’t lie,”
Brad Stamps, fhs boys basketball head coach
With the win, Jonesboro moves on to the next round in the state tournament. The Bulldogs will plan their banquet and senior farewells before looking to the offseason, when developing players to replace the graduating class will be crucial.
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Lo Jones
Reporter’s Bio | Lo Jones is a junior majoring in Journalism: Multimedia Storytelling and Production at the University of Arkansas Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences.
Note: Featured photo by Lo Jones.
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