Hot Springs stayed safely ahead of Little Rock Fair and an impending storm Friday night.

The Trojans (11-5, 1-0 5A-South) bolted to a 15-0 lead in the first four minutes at Fair's gymnasium, and never trailed en route to a 65-54 victory in a game that was moved up an hour because of the threat of severe weather.

All was calm outside before and after the 5A-South opener, and Hot Springs did enough damage to Fair's hopes in the opening minutes to ward off several comeback attempts by the War Eagles (6-6, 0-1).

"Nervous," Fair Coach Charlie Johnson said, trying to describe the opening stretch. "We were throwing the ball away. Just nervous."