Fort Worth Wyatt beats Arlington Heights in OT

By Matthew Martinez

Special to the Star-Telegram

Fort Worth Wyatt remains undefeated in District 7-4A, but only by the skin of the Chapparals' collective teeth.

Wyatt survived overtime to defeat Fort Worth Arlington Heights 54-51 at Wilkerson-Greines Activity Center. In the process, the Chaparrals (16-8 overall, 9-0 district) dashed the Yellow Jackets' remaining hopes for a district title.

The Chaps' defense held Heights (15-9, 6-3) to one field goal and two points in overtime, and Wyatt coach Rodney MacFadden said his team showed real heart.

"We grew up a little bit tonight. My kids persevered," MacFadden said. "They got key stops and key rebounds at the end of the game. We're proud of them."

Guard Kendrick Salone and post Byron Smith paced Wyatt all night. Each scored 15 points to lead the Chaps' offense. Salone was 5 of 7 from 3-point range, while Smith pulled down 10 rebounds.

After trailing 38-23 on Salone's fifth 3-pointer in the third quarter, Heights rreeled off a 26-9 run on the strength of post tandem A'Shawn Robinson and DaMontre McFarland.

McFarland's 15 points in the run put Heights up 49-47 with 1:19 to play. Robinson (16 points, 17 rebounds, four steals, five assists) had nine points in the stretch. McFarland finished with 25 points, 14 rebounds and blocked three shots.

"Those guys are tough. They're our senior leadership," Heights coach Jon Wagner said. "When they decide to play, they're a pretty tough duo there."

Robinson's free throw put the jackets up by two late, but on Wyatt's next possession, Salone found Smith inside to tie with 40 seconds left.

Heights had four turnovers in overtime and 27 overall.

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