Lumberjacks show resilience in home loss to Watson Chapel

WARREN, Ark. — The Warren Lumberjacks continued to show steady progress Friday night at Lumberjack Arena, battling back after an early deficit before falling 58-47 to Watson Chapel in their Conference 8-4A opener.

This game report is brought to you by

The game began in difficult fashion for Warren, as Watson Chapel raced out to a 20-0 lead in the first quarter. The Lumberjacks eventually broke through late in the period, with Zaydin Grider scoring Warren’s first basket and Aceen Jurado adding a free throw to get the home team on the board.

Warren’s offense began to find its footing in the second quarter behind Bleyze Fellows, who sparked the turnaround with eight points in the period. Fellows’ scoring helped steady the Lumberjacks and set the tone for a much more competitive second half.

Fellows delivered a standout performance, leading all scorers with 21 points while converting 10 of his 11 field-goal attempts. He consistently found high-percentage looks throughout the night and knocked down Warren’s lone three-pointer with confidence, anchoring the Lumberjacks offensively in every quarter.

Grider provided strong support with 10 points, including two three-pointers in the fourth quarter as Warren continued to chip away. Colton Steen added six points and worked effectively in the paint, while Jurado and Josiah Steen each contributed four points as Warren spread the scoring across the lineup.

The Lumberjacks’ fight was especially evident after halftime. Warren outscored Watson Chapel 32-26 over the final two quarters, applying pressure defensively and showing improved execution on offense despite the early hole.

The loss drops Warren to 1-11 on the season and 0-1 in conference play, but the second-half performance reflected a team continuing to compete, adjust, and grow. The Lumberjacks will look to build on that momentum when they return to action Tuesday, January 20, on the road at Star City.