Sports

Gafford Explodes for 27-12 Against New Orleans

Published

2 years ago

January 15, 2025

Staff Reports

Daniel Gafford finishing around the rim with a reverse lay up.

Daniel Gafford Shines in Close Loss to Pelicans: A Career-Defining Performance

In a hard-fought contest that saw the Dallas Mavericks fall just short 119-116 to the New Orleans Pelicans on January 15, 2025, Daniel Gafford delivered a career-defining performance, leading the team in scoring with 27 points, along with 12 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks. His impact on both ends of the floor was undeniable as he stepped up in the absence of the 2 Dallas superstars, Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.

Mavericks Struggle to Find Rhythm

Spencer Dinwiddie and Jaden Hardy also rose to the challenge. Dinwiddie contributed 20 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks, while Hardy added 21 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. Their performances were critical in keeping the Mavericks competitive in the absence of their two stars, but despite their efforts, the team was unable to close out the game, falling short by just three points.

The Mavericks’ struggle to secure a win was compounded by the absence of Dončić and Irving, leaving the team without their primary offensive engines. However, Gafford’s strong performance, particularly his offensive efficiency and rebounding, showed that the team still had the ability to compete at a high level.

Gafford’s offensive game was on full display, mixing powerful dunks, crafty finishes around the rim, and short-range jumpers. His efficiency kept Dallas within striking distance, but crucial stretches in the game saw the Mavericks unable to capitalize on key moments. Gafford also pulled down 12 rebounds—several of which were offensive boards—that helped provide valuable second-chance opportunities. On the defensive end, Gafford was a standout, registering two key blocks that disrupted the Pelicans’ flow.

One of the most electrifying moments of the game came with 8 minutes left in the 4th quarter when Daniel Gafford Slams Alley-oop from Naji Marshall. The play was a highlight-reel dunk that energized the team and the crowd, showcasing why they call him “The Landlord.” Gafford’s hustle immediately afterward showed his determination to keep the pressure on New Orleans in the final stretch.

Going Forward For The Mavs and DG

While Gafford’s performance was impressive, the loss highlighted the Mavericks’ ongoing struggles in clutch situations. Despite strong individual efforts, their inability to finish the game is a concern moving forward. Gafford’s growth as a player was evident, but he alone couldn’t carry the team to victory. His two assists, in particular, reflected his growing understanding of the game and his role as a playmaker, but more support from the team was needed to secure the win.

The loss, though disappointing, emphasized the need for the Mavericks to find ways to close out games without their stars. As the trade deadline approaches, the team must carefully evaluate how they can strengthen their roster to compete at the highest level once Dončić and Irving return to the fold.

As Gafford continues to build on this performance, the Mavericks are reminded of his value. His combination of skill, athleticism, and defensive presence makes him an important piece in Dallas’ future. But with 13 games already scoring 15+ points this season—including three games with 20+ points—Gafford has shown that, while he is a reliable contributor, the Mavericks’ future success hinges on the contributions of the entire team, especially in high-pressure situations.

At 26 years old, Gafford’s continued development will be crucial to the Mavericks’ long-term plans, but the team will need to find ways to finish games and secure victories moving forward.

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“5th & Goal” Returns Tonight, Bringing Local Coaches and Football Fans Together

Published

5 days ago

September 1, 2026

Jax Sanford

South Arkansas Now will once again bring local high school football coaches and fans together tonight with the return of “5th & Goal,” the weekly coaches show highlighting football across South Arkansas.

The show goes live at 6 p.m. tonight from Mystic Creek Grill and will feature coaches from Parkers Chapel, El Dorado, Junction City, and Smackover as they look back at last week’s games and preview the matchups ahead.

For 13 years, local football fans were without the weekly program that had become a familiar part of the South Arkansas football season. Now, “5th & Goal” has returned, with Jax Sanford picking up the torch from his father, B.A. Sandy Sanford, who created and hosted the original program for more than a dozen years.

The response since the show’s return has been overwhelmingly positive, with feedback from coaches, fans, school administrators and sponsors reinforcing the decision to bring the program back.

Each week, Jax Sanford will sit down with area coaches to discuss the previous Friday night’s action, key moments from their games, what their teams are working on during the week, and what fans can expect when they take the field next.

Tonight’s show will offer an opportunity for fans to hear directly from coaches representing four area programs as they prepare for another week of high school football.

“5th & Goal” will be streamed live every Tuesday at 6 p.m. during the football season, live from Mystic Creek Grill.

Fans can tune in tonight at 6 p.m. through South Arkansas Now’s online platforms for the latest edition of “5th & Goal” and hear from the coaches who are leading local teams through another exciting football season.

Kickoff may be Friday night, but football talk starts Tuesday on “5th & Goal.”

Sports

El Dorado Cross Country Opens Season With Three Team Titles in Perryville

Published

1 week ago

August 27, 2026

Jax Sanford

The El Dorado High School cross country team opened its 2026 season with an impressive showing Wednesday at the Perryville Mustang Invitational, competing against 16 other programs from across the state.

The Wildcats went toe-to-toe with several strong programs, including fellow conference opponents Sheridan and Hot Springs, as well as Conway, DeQueen, Searcy and Conway St. Joseph.

El Dorado brought home three team trophies, with both junior high squads claiming championships and the senior boys finishing as the overall runner-up.

The senior boys placed second with 76 points, finishing behind Conway’s 28 points. DeQueen followed in third with 104 points, while Searcy finished fourth with 120. Maumelle and Conway St. Joseph tied with 134 points, and Sheridan finished with 164.

The senior girls finished fourth overall, trailing Conway, DeQueen and Searcy.

Coach John Koonce said the team’s performance was a strong way to begin the season, with Wildcats runners competing against some of the state’s established cross country programs.

El Dorado’s medalists included Jackson Smith, Oscar Garcia, Abby Mitchell, Julianna Ayres, Cali Ayres, Milani James, Priscilla Martinez, Matthew Morgan and Caleb Ayres.

The nine medalists, pictured from left to right, are Priscilla Martinez, Milani James, Abby Mitchell, Oscar Garcia, Matthew Morgan, Caleb Ayres, Cali Ayres, Julianna Ayres and Jackson Smith.

With both junior high teams earning championships and the senior boys narrowly missing the top spot, the Wildcats opened the season with plenty of momentum as they continue toward the heart of the 2026 cross country season.

Complete individual times and placements are being handled by McDonald Timing and will be updated on the Arkansas MileSplit meet page as results become available.

Sports

Lady Cats Claim Team Victory at Mystic Creek; Wildcats Boys Finish Fourth

Published

1 week ago

August 27, 2026

Jax Sanford

EL DORADO, Ark. — The El Dorado Lady Cats continued their strong start to the golf season Wednesday at Mystic Creek Golf Course, earning a team victory while placing all four golfers in the top four individually.

El Dorado posted a team score of 286 to win the girls competition, finishing ahead of Nashville at 355. Sylvan Hills did not qualify a team score.

Lucy Whitten led the way for the Lady Cats, earning medalist honors with an 83. El Dorado dominated the top of the leaderboard, with all four of its golfers finishing among the top four.

Emma Cheatham finished as the runner-up with a 98, followed by Carolina Sneed with a 105 and Avelyn Chen with a 106.

On the boys side, the El Dorado Wildcats finished fourth with a team score of 366.

Tate Meadows paced the Wildcats with a sixth-place finish, carding an 84. Brett Nash followed with a 91, while Tanner Smart shot a 92 and Zane Walker finished with a 94. Mason Moore carded a 97, followed by Ford Wilson with a 98.

Bryant captured the boys team title with a score of 333, followed by Sylvan Hills at 337 and Nashville at 350.

Sylvan Hills’ Cooper Harris earned boys medalist honors after shooting a 74.

El Dorado JV Competes in Nine-Hole Match

El Dorado’s junior varsity teams also competed Wednesday, taking part in a nine-hole match against Parkers Chapel and Junction City.

The El Dorado JV boys finished second with a team score of 212, behind Parkers Chapel’s 193. Junction City finished with a 242.

JD Carelock earned individual medalist honors with a 45, while El Dorado’s Levi Grieff finished as the runner-up with a 48.

The remaining El Dorado golfers finished with Cooper Wilson at 52, Zachery Tissue at 53, Jackson Lee at 55, Canyon Wilson at 57, Carson Mills at 59 and Liam Beebe at 64.

The strong showing from the Lady Cats, including four golfers occupying the top four spots, highlighted another successful day on the course for El Dorado’s golf program.

News

FALL SPORTS REGISTRATIONS GOING ON NOW

Published

2 weeks ago

August 24, 2026

Sandy Sanford

EL DORADO, AR – The Boys & Girls Club of Union County is gearing up for another season of youth athletics, with registration now open for its 2026 Flag Football League and Girls Volleyball Season. Both programs are designed to give local children an opportunity to participate in organized sports while developing teamwork, sportsmanship and other skills that extend beyond the playing field.

Flag Football Registration Open

The Boys & Girls Club’s 2026 Youth Flag Football League will feature three co-ed age divisions:

Kindergarten through 2nd grade
3rd and 4th grade
5th and 6th grade

The registration fee is $80 per player, and registration closes September 19, 2026. The regular season is scheduled to run from October 12 through November 19, with playoff dates to be announced. The league offers young athletes the opportunity to get on the gridiron in a non-contact environment while building skills and learning the fundamentals of football.

Girls Volleyball Season

Registration is also underway for the Boys & Girls Club’s 2026 Girls Volleyball Season. Volleyball will be offered in three age groups:

Kindergarten through 2nd grade
3rd and 4th grade
5th and 6th grade

The registration fee is $80, with registration also closing September 19, 2026. The regular volleyball season is scheduled for October 12 through November 19, with playoff information to be announced at a later date. The program gives girls an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of volleyball while developing teamwork, confidence and sportsmanship in a competitive but youth-focused environment.

How to Register

Parents and guardians can register their children using the QR codes included on the Boys & Girls Club promotional materials. For additional information about either program, contact Club Athletic Director Dominique Turner at (870) 863-8753, ext. 106. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County – Arkansas is an equal opportunity provider.

Sports

El Dorado Girls Golf Wins Relyance Bank Classic; Boys Finish Fifth

Published

3 weeks ago

August 13, 2026

Jax Sanford

El Dorado Girls Golf Wins Relyance Bank Classic; Boys Finish Fifth

PINE BLUFF, Ark. – The El Dorado High School girls golf team continued its strong start to the 2026 season Thursday, winning the Relyance Bank Classic at Pine Bluff Country Club.

The tournament provided an early-season look at the 5A South, with every team from the conference competing.

El Dorado finished atop the girls leaderboard with a team score of 271, a 19-stroke difference from second-place Benton, which finished with a 290. Lake Hamilton placed third at 309, followed by Lakeside at 312 and Sheridan at 316.

Senior Lucy Whitten led the way for the Lady Wildcats, earning individual medalist honors after shooting an 83.

El Dorado also had two golfers finish tied for fifth individually. Senior Avelyn Chen and sophomore Carolina Sneed each carded a 94.

The victory continues what has been an impressive early stretch for the El Dorado girls team and provides an encouraging early measuring stick against the rest of the 5A South.

The El Dorado boys team also competed Thursday, finishing fifth with a team score of 353.

Senior Tate Meadows paced the Wildcats, shooting an 80 to finish seventh individually.

Benton claimed the boys team title with a 310, followed by Lakeside at 323. Lake Hamilton finished third at 348, while Sheridan placed fourth at 351 and El Dorado finished fifth at 353. White Hall rounded out the field with a 357.

With the Relyance Bank Classic bringing the entire 5A South together early in the season, both El Dorado teams got an opportunity to see where they stand within the conference. The Lady Wildcats emerged as the top team Thursday, while the boys will look to build on their fifth-place finish as the season continues.