Walnut Ridge – The NAIA released the second installation of the 2016-17 coaches’ poll on Wednesday evening. The Eagles from Williams Baptist College are ranked third for the second straight poll, with nine individual wrestlers ranked in their respective weight classes.

For the first time in program history, the Eagles had a wrestler ranked number one. Tyler Fraley, who wrestles in the 141 lb. class, earned the honor. Fraley holds an individual record of 7-1 on the season. The All-American wrestler finished fourth at the NAIA National Championships last season.

The NAIA ranks the top 16 wrestlers for each weight division. Other ranked wrestlers include: Jeffrey Haley (4th) in the 184 lb., Zach Revier (6th) in the 157 lb., Demetrius Thomas (7th) in the 285 lb., Patrick Grigsby (10th) in the 149 lb., Keion McVay (10th) in the 174 lb., Ryan Whittle (11th) in the 165 lb., Josh Chiles (12th) in the 184 lb., and Tanner Irwin (14th) in the 133 lb., weight class.

The Eagles will return to the mat on Saturday, Dec. 10, for a tri-meet with Drury University and the University of the Cumberlands. The duals are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.  To follow all WBC athletics, visit www.wbceagles.com.

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CONWAY –  Central Baptist got off to a fast start in route to its first American Midwest Conference win at home over Williams Baptist College, 92-81.  The Mustangs never trailed and led by 21 at one point.

A  Jayln McBride three-pointer followed by a Marcelious Green shot from beyond the line would put CBC up 6-0 fast.  Scoring leader Fred Albright would get into the action to make it 9-2.  A Justin Harris jumper with two minutes left in the half would make it a thirteen-point lead, 36-23.  CBC would go into the half leading 40-28.

CBC would force eight turnovers in the first half while committing just one.  The Mustangs would shoot 58.6% from the field.

A two-point jumper from Green would put CBC up 21 with 14 minutes to play in the game.  Someone forgot to tell the Eagles as they begin a pressure defense that disrupted CBC. Williams was able to cut the lead to six points, 77-71 with just under five minutes to play.  Free throws in the final minute would give CBC its final margin.

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CONWAY – The CBC Lady Mustangs opened American Midwest Conference play against Williams Baptist College here on Thursday night.  It was also the first home game of the season for Central Baptist.  The Lady Eagles were forced into overtime but prevailed over CBC, 80-75.

The game saw battles back and forth as Williams Baptist led 25-20 after the first period. CBC took charge in the second period outscoring the Lady Eagles 21-15.  The Lady Mustangs would take the halftime lead 41-40 on great shooting by Karlie Senko and Aaliyah Block who had nine each.

Free throws from WBC’s Alytrius Perry would tie the game at 57 at the end of the third. There would be six ties in the fourth period but none no bigger than CBC’s Karlie Senko’s jumper as time expired to send the game into overtime, 69-69.  Perry would score the last 3 of 4 shots made by the Lady Eagles for the final margin.

“The ladies played hard and did great”, said head coach Lyle Middleton. “We have seven freshmen on our roster, everyone did great.”

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