Vol. 2, No. 44
Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020
Brandon wins 2020 W. Francis and Mary McBeth Wind and Percussion Concierto Rachel Gaddis Ouachita Baptist Media
ARKADELPHIA, Ark.— Ouachita Baptist University’s Cross Brandon was named the winner of the 2020 W. Francis and Mary McBeth Wind and Percussion Concerto Competition on Nov. 20. Because the event was limited to the Ouachita community due to COVID-19, the event can be viewed at livestream. com/obu. Brandon is a junior music industry major from Little Rock, Ark. He received a $500 award for his saxophone performance of “Rhapsody for Baritone Saxophone and Piano” by M. Watters. He also has been invited to perform with the Ouachita Wind Ensemble in Spring 2020. “Performing in the Concerto Competition was one of the greatest experiences I have had in my college career,” Brandon said. “I participated last year, but this year I practiced and
Photo courtesy of Ouachita Baptist University
From left to right: Holli Barger, Cross Brandon, and Katelyn Still. Cross Brandon walks away with the 2020 W. Francis and Mary McBeth Wind and Percussion Concierto title.
prepared intensely, and I was glad to know that all that hard work paid off. “Being an instrumentalist, I recognize that I am constantly growing in my musicianship,” he continued. “This means growing in unexpected but necessary ways. This experience has
definitely proven that I have grown as a musician!” Katelyn Still, a junior instrumental music education major from Benton, Ark., earned second place and a $300 award for her saxophone performance of “Odysseus: Concerto for Saxophones” by L. Garner.
Holli Barger, a senior instrumental music education major from Carrollton, Texas, received third place and an award of $200 for her horn performance of “Horn Concerto No. 4 in Eb Major, K. 495” by W. A. Mozart. Other students who
competed include: Kaitlyn Campbell, a senior computer science and mathematics double major from Benton, Ark., on French horn; Andrew Coop, a senior worship arts major from Gladewater, Texas, on trombone; Craig Crawford, a junior instrumental performance and communications & media/ multimedia journalism double major from Texarkana, Texas, on saxophone; Allan Schroeder, a senior worship arts major from Carrollton, Texas, on trombone; Josh Sutton, a sophomore instrumental music education major from Lone Star, Texas, on saxophone; Taryn Toles, a junior instrumental music education major from Little Rock, Ark., on clarinet. This was the 15th year of the annual competition, which features outstanding Ouachita instrumental students. It is sponsored by Mrs. Mary McBeth in honor of her late husband, W. Francis McBeth, who was Arkansas’ composer laure-
ate and a long-time professor of music at Ouachita. The 2020 McBeth Concerto Competition judges included: Emily Hall, school improvement specialist as well as a former band director of Marion High School, as the woodwind judge; Arnie Larson, director of music at Texarkana Independent Music School District, as the brass judge; and Sean Lane, percussion leader for the Lake Hamilton High School band, as the percussion judge. Pianists accompanying the students throughout the performance were Dr. Cai Lei, professor of music, and staff accompanists Kristen La Madrid, Susan Monroe and Dr. Elsen Portugal. For more information regarding the competition, contact Dr. Carlos Feller, visiting assistant professor of music, at fellerc@obu.edu or 870-245-4160.
Baptist Health to be first of two sites in Seven AllCare U.S. to study COVID prevention agent locations acquired Brandon Riddle Baptist Health Media
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Baptist Health Center for Clinical Research has been selected as one of the first two sites in the U.S. to study a novel COVID prevention agent, using two monoclonal antibodies instead of a vaccine. This new study could begin in the next few days. Baptist Health Center for Clinical Research’s study coincides with a broader nationwide effort, Operation Warp Speed, which was announced in May as a public-private partnership to facilitate, at an unprecedented pace, the development, manufacturing and distribution of COVID-19 measures including vaccines, diagnostics and treatments. “We are preparing to start the COVID-19 prevention trial in a matter of days,” says Richard G. Pellegrino MD, PhD, CEO and President of Baptist Health Center for Clinical Research. “Participants must be over 18 and there is no upper limit to participate. This is not a vaccine. Instead the antibodies bind to the COVID-19 spike protein
Photo courtesy of Baptist Health
Baptist Health chosen to test novel COVID prevention agent.
and prevent COVID from replicating and thereby prevent disease. Of the participants, 67 percent will get the antibody in the form of a shot and 33 percent of participants will receive the placebo.” AstraZeneca’s long-acting antibody combination will advance into Phase III clinical trials with approximately 5,000 participants in
and outside the U.S. These antibodies have been engineered so that they last longer in the body, as long as six to 12 months following a single administration. The trial will evaluate the safety and efficacy of these antibodies to prevent infection for up to 12 months. Long-acting antibodies mimic natural antibodies and have the potential to be
given as preventative intervention prior to exposure to the virus. These antibodies are a combination of two long-acting antibodies derived from convalescent patients after COVID-19 infection. If you are interested and would like more information, please visit arkansascovidvaccine.com and fill out the contact form. Filling out the form does not commit you to the study, but you will be contacted to provide more information and to answer additional questions. Study-related care is available to participants at no cost and health insurance is not required nor needed. Participants will be compensated for time and travel if they qualify and enroll in the study. Baptist Health Center for Clinical Research operates as the clinical research arm for Baptist Health. Since 2013, it has participated in over 100 studies in areas like internal medicine, neurology, vaccines, infectious disease, orthopedics, men’s health and women’s health. For more information about the Center for Clinical Research’s current studies and how to participate, visit bhccr.com.
Rachel Gaddis Ouachita Baptist Media
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Dec. 7, 2020) –Express Rx today announced it has acquired seven Arkansas AllCare Pharmacy locations. In partnership with MHR Fund Management, the Southeastern regional pharmacy chain has now grown to include 30 stores and 305 employees across eight states. “Since it was established, Express Rx has remained committed to enhancing access to high-quality healthcare services in the Heartland,” said Galen Perkins, Express Rx CEO. “This acquisition will allow us to further expand offerings to customers throughout rural Arkansas.” Following the closing today, Dec. 7, Express Rx will rebrand and assume operations of AllCare locations in: Heber Springs (600 W. Main St.) Hope (717 S. Main St.) Hot Springs (105 Sawtooth Oak St.) Paris (508 E. Walnut St.) Pine Bluff (3006 W. 28th Ave.)
Prescott (1430 W. 1st St. N.) Trumann (329 Highway 463 N.) About Express Rx Proudly based in Little Rock, Arkansas, Express Rx combines care, compassion and professionalism to give customers the most comprehensive and personal pharmacy experience possible. Since it opened its first location in 2013, Express Rx has expanded to 30 locations across eight Southeastern U.S. states. For additional information, visit expressrx. net. About MHR Fund Management LLC Founded in 1996, MHR Fund Management LLC (“MHR”) is a New Yorkbased investment firm that takes a private equity approach to investing, including pursuing opportunities to invest in companies in various stages of development. MHR and its affiliated funds manage approximately $5 billion of assets and have holdings in public and private companies in a variety of industries. For additional information, visit mhrfund.com.
Warner Bros. announces plans to release most 2021 films on HBO Max and theatres simultaneously Julie Young University Correspondant
Last week, Warner Bros. announced its plans to release its entire year’s worth of movies for 2021 on the same day — both in theaters and online. For one month, the movies will be available to stream on HBO Max, HBO’s new streaming service. In 2019, the price for a movie ticket in the US was reported to cost, on average, $9.16. A monthly subscription to HBO Max currently costs subscribers $14.99, or they can test the service out for a free week-long trial period. The list of films yet to be released includes both the highly-anticipated “Dune” and “Wonder Woman: 1984.” This decision marks a shift in the film industry and
how audiences view films, as a mainstream movie becoming available on streaming services typically comes months after a theatrical release. The Covid-19 pandemic changed a lot about the movie theater experience, but is the pandemic solely to blame? Or, with the rise in streaming services in the last decade, was it inevitable? Covid-19 has left most people unwilling to risk their health for a viewing experience they could wait later for, which has led to a new nostalgia for movie previews, the smell of popcorn, and overpriced tickets. But with the Warner Bros. decision to release their newest movies online at the same time that they premiere theatrically, will audiences still want to show
Photo courtesy of Cheat Sheet
“Wonder Woman: 1984” is the first of several films that Warner Bros. will release on streaming and in theatres.
up when it’s finally safe to? In April, about a month into any sort of quarantine in the US, “The Invisible Man” starring Elisabeth Moss and Oliver JacksonCohen premiered. The hor-
ror remake was in the first wave of films this year released straight to streaming services like Amazon Prime. It initially cost $20 to rent at home, raising the price of normal movies
on demand and skipping a theatrical release altogether. It was an early indicator of how film releases would be handled going forward, when we were still unsure when the pandemic would end. Many other films have followed suit in the months since. Seven months later, Christopher Landon’s bodyswapping horror comedy “Freaky,” starring Kathryn Newton and Vince Vaughn, opened in theaters to positive reviews and a 3.7 million dollars at the box office — considered a solid debut in 2020. Just weeks after its initial release, it too is now available to stream. What does this all mean for the future of the movie viewing experience? What does it mean for the future of movie theaters, and will
they outlast the pandemic? Those who don’t feel safe enough to venture out in public yet will find comfort in knowing there are plenty of options to stream new releases and old favorites in the safety of our own homes until we’re ready for a trip to the movies. But, given the option of choice between comfort and safety or crowded theaters and overpriced tickets, will we choose to go back? For the time being, those willing to risk their health to support local movie theaters will find that the blockbusters they’ve been waiting to see will still be there, too. For now.
2 News
Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020
Arkadelphia Dispatch
Governor Hutchinson on the spirit of giving this holiday season Asa Hutchinson Arkansas Governor
Today I’d like to talk about the Natural State’s spirit of giving, which I’ve witnessed consistently through the years. When a friend or neighbor is in need, Arkansans show up in a hurry with pickaxes and open wallets. That’s not just the opinion of a proud governor. According to AspireArkansas. org, a report compiled by the Arkansas Community Foundation, on average, Arkansans give 3.8 percent of their income to nonprofit organizations. Based upon IRS reports, Arkansas’s giving regularly ranks in the top five states nationwide based upon the percentage of income. That is what I call the generous spirit of our state. COVID-19 has upended our lives and forced us to change and adapt. But it hasn’t diminished the spirt of giving. In the spring, when I encouraged Arkansans to donate to the COVID-19 Relief Fund, $3.6 million poured in over a three-month period. That level of generosity in such a short time is unprecedented in the Community Foundation’s history, according to CEO Heather Larkin. Despite this generosity, this has been a difficult year for the nonprofit organi-
zations our communities depend upon. The Arkansas Nonprofit COVID-19 Impact Study, conducted this summer, found that 64 percent of nonprofits that responded to the study said that their individual donations had decreased this year, and 64 percent said that they had lost income due to cancellation of programs and events. The study comprised 316 nonprofits of all sizes that serve every county in Arkansas. The pandemic has delivered a double whammy. As businesses have cut salaries and laid off employees, donations to nonprofits have dropped. As contributions have decreased, the needs of newly unemployed or underemployed Arkansans have increased. Nonprofits also are spending money to meet the requirements of social distancing and increased sanitation. Nearly half of the organizations in the survey reported they had applied for the Paycheck Protection Program, and nearly all of those were approved. The survey, taken during the summer, found that seventy percent the organizations were operating at reduced capacity, and eight percent were not able to deliver any services. Food pantries have been hit harder than any
time in recent history. The $3.6 million raised for the COVID-19 Relief Fund provided 746 grants to over 800 nonprofits, which helped struggling Arkansans buy food, secure transportation, and cover other living expenses. This year, as always, the Salvation Army has stationed its bell ringers and red kettles at the front door of stores all over the state. The Salvation Army’s national commander’s observation reflect what’s happening in our state. The commander says that as the United States is drowning in a tsunami of need, he anticipates a fifty-percent decrease in donations. It’s not because people don’t want to provide support, but it’s because everyone is traveling the same tough path. A decrease in the number of shoppers going to stores in person is further complicating the Salvation Army’s fundraising. This is the time of year that we are most aware of the suffering around us. This year, the pandemic has magnified and expanded the misfortune. But I am confident that Arkansans will dig deep as they always do and come to the aid of those less fortunate. Tough times don’t diminish our spirit of giving.
Senator Maloch on Arkansas college scholarships Bruce Maloch Arkansas Senator
LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas college students who receive lottery scholarships had until the first of October to document successful completion of summer coursework, in order to maintain their eligibility this fall. With the passing of that deadline, the state Department of Higher Education is able to compile a final report to legislators on the numbers and types of students who receive lottery scholarships, which are known as Academic Challenge Scholarships. They are funded mostly with revenue from the sale of lottery tickets. Currently, there are 31,649 students receiving scholarships valued at $90,631,361. Those students had a combined grade point average of 3.49 in high school and an average score of 23.4 on their ACTs. While in college, they have maintained a GPA of 3.07 while earning 25 hours. Their parents’ incomes average $74,041 a year. The ACT is a standardized test used by universities and colleges for admission and placement. The legislature closely monitors scholarship numbers, especially members of the Legislative Council’s Lottery Oversight Committee. After Arkansas voters approved the lottery in 2008, the legislature enacted enabling laws in the 2009 session.
Since then lawmakers have changed scholarship amounts and eligibility criteria to maintain the financial viability of the program. Freshmen receive $1,000 and if they maintain their eligibility they receive $4,000 as sophomores and as juniors, and $5,000 as seniors. Students at two-year colleges get $1,000 their first year and $3,000 the second year. The amounts now being awarded are different than students received if they originally were awarded a scholarship before the 20162017 school year. There are 19,159 female students getting lottery scholarships, compared to 12,159 male students. The Higher Education Department doesn’t know the gender of 331 students. The state Lottery Office is within the Department of Finance and Administration. Last fiscal year it had operating revenue of $532 million, most of which was returned as prizes to people who bought lottery tickets. Vision Screenings In 2005 the legislature enacted more rigorous standards for screening young students who may have vision problems. Act 1438 of 2005 requires public and charter schools to test students in kindergarten through grade four, as well as sixth and eighth graders. Only certified school nurses may perform the vision screenings.
The act also requires regular reports to the legislature. This year Arkansas school nurses screened 251,246 students and 27,387 were referred for follow ups and possible treatment. Children with vision disorders are vulnerable to delays in their learning and development. Revenue Report Arkansas state revenue came in above forecast in November, in spite of the pandemic’s severe economic effect on the hospitality and recreation industry. Revenue reports are accurate measures of economic activity. For the first five months of the current fiscal year, revenue is up 11.4 percent over last year. Income tax collections, which reflect job activity, are up 15.5 percent over the same period of last year. Sales tax revenue, which is an indicator of how much people are spending, is up 9.1 percent over last year. Even though revenue numbers were good, the state’s economic forecaster cautions that Arkansas businesses face many unknowns in the second half of the fiscal year.
Upcoming Events Experience the mind-blowing close-up magic, illusion, and mentalism of Jonathan Erlandson in the all new Malco Lounge and Theatre in early Dec. For ticket prices and exact dates, visit Maxwell Blade’s website. >>> <<< The Legendary Vapors will present their First Annual Christmas Extravaganza starting on Dec. 12. The event, which will include the area’s finest singers, entertainers, and musicians, will also be held on Dec. 18, 19, and 20. Tickets range from $25 to $45 and can be purchased on eventbrite.com. >>> <<< Garvan Gardens will be open from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily. The Chipmunk Cafe is open 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. daily. >>> <<< Cruise by 7 Elf Tents & Santa’s very own Home, during an hour booking of your choice, that will provide passenger side window service, while listening to live Christmas music, and your kids safely enjoying this Christmas magic, from the comfort of your car in their PJ’s! This event will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Hot Springs various dates thru Dec. Ongoing >>> <<< Alcoholics Anonymous hosts two meetings a week in Arkadelphia. The meetings are open to anyone interested in AA’s program of recovery. The Arkadelphia Group meets at 7 p.m. every Tues. in the Sturgis Building at North 9 and Caddo Streets. For more information on the Arkadelphia Group Meetings, call 870-403-3001. The U-Turn Group meets at 7 p.m. every Thurs. on the front, upper level of Park Hill Baptist Church, 3163 Hollywood Road. For information on that group’s meetings, call 870-2302975 or 870-260-9277. >>> <<< The Arkadelphia Arts Center directors are looking forward to the day when we can open the doors to the public. Meanwhile, enjoy our rotating exhibits that may be seen through the window and glass door. Now on display is an array of holiday and winter themed art. Some of the pieces are for sale and would make wonderful holiday gifts. Contact information is listed on identification cards near each piece. For more information about the Arkadelphia Arts Center and the Caddo River Art Guild find their pages on Facebook or visit CaddoRiverArtGuild. com or CCAHC.org. >>> <<< Parenting classes are held at Ouachita Children’s Center every Monday from 6-7. Call 870-246-8000 for more information. >>> <<< With Late ‘til 8, local businesses stay open to 8:00 pm so that customers can shop and also win door prizes! this is a monthly event that happens every first Thursday of every month. >>> <<< Al-Anon meetings, designed to help family and friends affected by alcohol, are held three days a week in the Arkadelphia area: - Tues. at 7 p.m., Sturgis Building, corner of 9 and Caddo. 870-403-2019; Thurs. at 6:30 p.m., Park Hill Baptist Church. 870-403-2019; Fri. at noon, Clark County Library, 609 Caddo St., side door. 512 750-2292.
Arkadelphia Dispatch
News 3
Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020
New payment system Carter facing two felony charges for posession, threats at Lake Ouachita Ayanna Williams Crimes Reporter
As of Dec. 4, the warrant for Howard Keith Carter of Arkadelphia has been out. Carter is facing two felony charges of illegal possession of firearms, and first degree terroristic threatening. These violations occurred at his place of residence on Nov. 28. Officers responded to a 911 call from his apartment complex stating that Carter had threatened to
shoot someone, and shot a rifle into the air prior to the call. When arriving at the scene, officers made contact with Carter by phone and instructed him to exit his apartment. After complying, Carter was taken into custody outside while officers checked for any other parties or victims inside the apartment. No one at the scene was injured. The complainant, as well
as two witnesses, gave statements to the officers. It was stated that Carter got into a verbal argument with the individuals over their pet cats and dogs. It was said that Carter said he was going to “shoot them full of lead” and proceeded to retrieve a rifle from inside his apartment, firing once into the air. In addition to the weapon found on the porch, officers also found another semiautomatic rifle in Carter’s
bedroom. Two days later on Nov. 30, officers also discovered that Carter had a previous felony conviction out of Bowie County, TX, deeming his possession of the two weapons to be illegal. Carter first appeared in court on Dec. 1, and a restraining order was served to Carter on Dec. 3 for the protection of one of the witnesses of the crime scene.
Continuing COVID-19 update by Arkansas Department of Health
AR. Department of Health
According to the Arkansas Department of Health Administration in its COVID-19 update, there are a total of 19,303 probable cases in the state as of Nov. 30. In reference to ADH’s graph, there are a total of 157,359 cases with 138,696 recovered. The counties are colored by light to dark in terms of density of cases. The Dispatch will post an updated version of this graph weekly according to what is available from the Department of Health and state officials. As the cases continue to rise, more and more states are reverting back to more strict quarantine and social distance rules.
Masks are nearly universally required to enter most businesses. They are available in most grocery and convenience stores. Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced in early August that contact sports are expected to continue as planned in the fall. Football players may only practice in helmets, however. With Joe Biden as the
new Presidential Elect, many are expecting the nation to re-enter shutdown. Schools will close to all virtual learning in the upcoming weeks as well. People are encouraged to continue social distancing and staying at least six feet away from others. Testing is widely available in most cities.
Arkadelphia Dispatch Editor: Pete Tubbs arkadelphiadispatch@gmail.com 870-230-5221 Calls will be returned. The Arkadelphia Dispatch is published weekly by Nashville Leader, Inc., 119 N. Main, Nashville, AR 71852.
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VICKSBURG, Miss. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District has launched a new electronic payment system for fee collection and reservations at Twin Creek Campground at Lake Ouachita. Launched Dec. 1, Scan and Pay is a QR code-based feature of the Recreation. gov mobile app that will allow campers to reserve campsites in person on a first come, first served basis only and reduce contact between rangers and the public. To claim and purchase a campsite, visitors must be physically present and use the app to scan the QR code at a nearby kiosk. Campers must also take a self-check-in card from the kiosk and write down their campsite number, arrival and departure dates, and their Recreation.gov confirmation number. The card must be attached to the campsite post. Both the QR code and confirmation number or the check-in card will serve as a proof of purchase throughout their stay. The new payment system is a pilot program for the Lake Ouachita campgrounds. Twin Creek is a Class B campground that offers 15 campsites and various amenities such as a boat ramp, swimming beach and fishing pier. Recreation visitors should practice social distancing and other COVID-19 safety precautions required
and recommended by local, state and federal authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC guidance on visiting parks and recreation facilities can be found online at https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/ daily-life-coping/visitors. html. The USACE Vicksburg District owns and operates more than 100 recreation areas across Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana where millions of visitors enjoy fishing, camping, hunting, boating, hiking, swimming, geocaching and more every year. The Vicksburg District’s 10 flood control reservoirs across Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana provide numerous benefits to the region, including flood risk management, hydropower, water supply, wildlife management and recreation. The USACE Vicksburg District is engineering solutions to the nation’s toughest challenges. The USACE Vicksburg District encompasses a 68,000-squaremile area across portions of Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana that holds seven major river basins and incorporates approximately 460 miles of mainline Mississippi River levees. The district is engaged in hundreds of projects and employs approximately 1,100 personnel.
4 News
Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020
Arkadelphia Dispatch
Arkansas Sports Media Henderson tabbed Basketball Rankings second in pre-season poll Arkansas Sports Media Boys High School Basketball Poll Following is the Overall Top 10 boys high school basketball teams in Arkansas and the top five in Classes 6A, 5A, 4A, 3A, 2A and 1A as voted by a panel of sports media from around the state for the week ending December 5. Ranking is given with first-place votes received, records, total points and last week’s rankings:
OVERALL
4. FS Northside 3-1 19 5. Fayetteville 4-2 18 (tie) Springdale Har-Ber 3-0 18 Others receiving votes: Bentonville 6, Bryant 4.
CLASS 5A
3. Earle (1) 0-0 32 -
3. LR Parkview 3-1 38 -
4. Lavaca 4-2 14 -
5. Jacksonville (1) 1-2 12 Others receiving votes: LR Christian 10, Vilonia 7, Maumelle 7, Hot Springs 3, West Memphis 3, Sylvan Hills 2, Van Buren 1.
6. Jonesboro 1-0 59 7. Springdale 4-0 53 -
CLASS 4A
8. FS Northside 3-1 37 -
1. Magnolia (15) 1-0 75 -
9. Fayetteville 4-2 35 -
2. LR Mills 2-0 60 -
10. Springdale Har-Ber 3-0 34 Others receiving votes: Greene County Tech 26, Jacksonville 19, LR Parkview 18, Bryant 10, West Memphis 7, Maumelle 6, Bentonville 4, Viola 4, Berryville 2, Hot Springs 2, Blytheville 1, Dumas 1, LR Christian 1, Rogers 1, Southside Batesville 1.
CLASS 6A 1. North Little Rock (10) 2-0 74 -
2. Caddo Hills (4) 10-1 50 -
2. Jonesboro (4) 1-0 54 -
2. LR Central (4) 4-1 123 -
5. LR Mills 2-0 65 -
1. England (9) 2-1 65 -
(tie) Marianna (2) 1-1 50 -
4. Greene Co. Tech (1) 7-0 33 -
4. Marion (1) 3-0 109 -
CLASS 2A
1. Marion (10) 3-0 70 -
1. North Little Rock (10) 2-0 150 -
3. Magnolia (1) 1-0 112 -
Others receiving votes: Pangburn (1) 14, Osceola 14, Bergman 11, Elkins 6, Prescott 4, Cave City 2.
3. Blytheville 4-1 42 4. Brookland 1-1 17 5. Morrilton 2-1 15 Others receiving votes: Berryville (1) 12, Southside Batesville 8, Ozark 7, Farmington 3, Valley View 1.
CLASS 3A 1. Dumas (9) 0-0 64 2. Mayflower (6) 5-0 57 3. Manila 4-2 28 -
2. LR Central (6) 4-1 66 -
4. Valley Springs 9-2 23 -
3. Springdale 4-0 35 -
5. Rivercrest 1-0 17 -
Others receiving votes: Tuckerman 12, Acorn 10, Flippin 4, Bay 2, White Co. Central 1.
CLASS 1A 1. Viola (13) 12-0 77 2. Izard County (3) 7-0 67 3. Bradley 5-0 40 4. Nevada 5-2 16 5. Kirby 2-3 14 Others receiving votes: Clarendon 6, Mount Vernon-Enola 6, Mammoth Spring 5, West Side Greers Ferry 5, Concord 4.
RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. — On the heels of its first Great American Conference title in program history, the Henderson State men’s basketball team was picked to finish second in the Eastern Division in the league’s 2021 Preseason Poll on Tuesday afternoon. The Reddies, who return seven players from their 2019-20 championship squad, received 22 total votes from the coaches of Eastern Division teams, including two of six total first-place votes. The GAC’s Eastern Division this season includes Henderson State, Arkansas-Monticello, Arkansas Tech, Harding, Ouachita Baptist and Southern Arkansas. Southern Arkansas was tabbed as the preseason division favorite after garnering 24 votes and four firstplace ballots. Southeastern Oklahoma State earned the preseason nod in the Western Division and was selected as the favorite for the overall league title with 24 votes, four first-place ballots and eight votes for overall champion. Henderson (1), Southern Nazarene (2) and Southern Arkansas (1) were the only other programs to receive a ballot for overall champion. Despite the departure of four starters from their 2019-20 team, the Reddies have several key contributors returning this season,
including 2020 All-GAC senior forward Raekwon Rogers, senior guard Quawn Marshall, senior forward Jeremiah Toney, senior guard Xavier Davenport and sophomore guard Graham Chenault. HSU also added important pieces during the offseason in the form of Division I transfers Malik Riddle and Drake Wilks, junior college stand-outs Damian Dear, Yuri Swinford and Jaelin Ferrell, and college-ready freshmen Kavon Key and Josh Mason. Tip-off for Henderson’s 2021 campaign begins on Jan. 7 when the Reddies face Southern Arkansas in the season opener at the Duke Wells Center. 2021 GAC EASTERN DIVISION PRESEASON POLL # Team (First Place Votes) Points 1 Southern Arkansas (4) 24 2 Henderson State
(2) 22 T3 Arkansas Tech 14 T3 Arkansas-Monticello 14 5 Ouachita Baptist 11 6 Harding 5 2021 GAC WESTERN DIVISION PRESEASON POLL # Team (First Place Votes) Points 1 Southeastern Oklahoma (4) 24 2 Oklahoma Baptist (2) 21 3 Southern Nazarene 16 T4 Northwestern Oklahoma 12 T4 Southwestern Oklahoma 12 6 East Central 5 OVERALL CHAMPION (VOTES): Southeastern Oklahoma (8), Southern Nazarene (2), Henderson State (1), Southern Arkansas (1)