Cross-town rival Springdale High School hosted Springdale Har-Ber High School Friday, May 4, 2012 at Tyson Sports Complex in Springdale.

Right off the bat (pun intended!), I noticed some aggressive base running by Springdale – there were some players who seemed to be instantly and permanently caked in a layer of dirt. The loose dirt made for some dramatic imagery too! A brief storm rolled by with thunder that delayed the game for about an hour, but it eventually passed and the players resumed play, this time with the game tied at 3-3 in the bottom of the fourth.

I was definitely impressed by the offense of both teams. A number of players got some nice shots up the middle, dropping the ball in an unmanageable spot. I couldn’t stay for the finish, but it looked like Har-Ber was determined to take this game.

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I’ve probably mentioned this before, but nothing get me more excited to shoot a sports event than cross-town rivalries! When I was in high school, it was the highlight of that particular sports season and I’m glad that tradition holds true here in Springdale. I was honestly stunned at the sheer number of students who attended both the girls and boys games. Their energy make the games not only more enjoyable as a spectator, but also release and energy into the atmosphere that I as a photographer pick up on. I find that I shoot better or more creatively when in a gym packed with screaming fans!

I was also pleased to see the games dedicated to the Coaches vs. Cancer event. The event is a collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches formed in 1983 participated throughout the nation with high school and college basketball teams. Coaches from both teams wore sneakers with their dress clothes and cancer survivors were honored at the start of the girl’s game.

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The following are images from the 7A-West game featuring the Rogers Mounties and the Springdale Har-Ber Wildcats.