Basketball Tab 2012

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Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS Atkins Lady Red Devils .....................................................3 Atkins Red Devils .............................................................4 Clarksville Lady Panthers. .................................................5 Clarksville Panthers..........................................................6 Danville Lady Little Johns .................................................7 Danville Little Johns .........................................................8 Dardanelle Lady Sand Lizards ...........................................9 Dardanelle Sand Lizards .................................................10 Dover Lady Pirates .........................................................11 Dover Pirates .................................................................12 Hector Lady Wildcats......................................................13 Hector Wildcats .............................................................14 Russellville Lady Cyclones .........................................15-16 Russellville Cyclones ................................................. 17-18

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Ark. River Valley Basketball

Credits Johnson County Westside Lady Rebels ............................19 Johnson County Westside Rebels ....................................20 Lamar Lady Warriors ......................................................21 Lamar Warriors ..............................................................22 Pottsville Lady Apaches.. ................................................23 Pottsville Apaches ..........................................................24 Two Rivers Lady Gators ..................................................25 Two Rivers Gators ..........................................................26 Western Yell County Lady Wolverines ...............................27 Western Yell County Wolverines ......................................28 Arkansas Tech Golden Suns ...........................................29 Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys ...........................................30 Schedules .....................................................................31

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Publisher David Meadows

Advertising Director Michelle Harris

Editor Mike Roark

Advertising Jim Kelley Lauren Lampkin Judy Manning Marie Norris Megan Wilson

Contributors Travis Simpson Sean Ingram Joshua Mashon

Cover Design Joshua Mashon

The 2012 Arkansas River Valley Basketball Guide is published and copyrighted by Russellville Newspapers Inc., 201 E. Second St., Russellville AR 72801.

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L ADY DEVILS ON THE MOVE L R D ADY

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EVILS IMPROVED SEVEN GAMES LAST YEAR AND HOPE FOR MORE

BY TRAVIS SIMPSON sports@couriernews.com

Don’t let last year’s record fool you. The Atkins Lady Devils are proud.

“There’s some talent coming in the girls,” head coach Craig Pinion said.

“They’d only one won game the year before last, and only four the year before that. We were very pleased with eight wins last year.”

Senior Marisa Rodgers, last year’s leading scorer, returns.

“She averaged 10 points in the game,” Pinion said. “She was one of the very few who could score consistently. And she’s gotten in better shape and has another year of experience.”

Being one of the few who could score last year, made scouting against the Lady Devils relatively simple. Pinion said that wouldn’t be the case this year.

“Last year, the other teams scouted us and concentrated on her. It made it hard for her to do her thing. This year we have some other weapons so they won’t be able to focus on her so exclusively,” he said.

Senior Mary Thompson will help on the court.

“She had a really good summer. She improved quite a bit. When she’s facing the basket she shoots the ball pretty good,” Pinion said.

Also stepping up to lead the team with be junior Emily Ward.

“She’s a strong kid, very feisty kid. She’s a heckuva competitor,” he said. “She started all of our games last year and that experience will pay dividence this year.

She can shoot the ball really well and she’s a good defensive player to boot.”

Pinion said the team has a lot of strength, but the key was going to be to

remain consistent this year.

“We were up and down last year. We’d play someone like Charleston, who won our conference year after year, and we’d play them close. Then we’d play someone we probably ought to beat and we’d lose.

We’re going to have to be consistent.”

Consistancy will come as the girls become more comfortable in the system.

Pinion took over as girls head basketball coach last year.

“Last year, we were learning how to ride the bicycle. Now we’re learning how to ride a few wheelies, so to speak,” he said.

Coach: Craig Pinion Assistant: Jessica Wygal 2011-12 record: 8-18, 2-10 Home: Red Devil Gymnasium Key Players: Marisa Rodgers

Lady Red Devils roster 00 3 10 11 12 15 20 21 24 30 32

Jagger Hendrix Brooke Mitchell Emily Ward Erica Ford Alex Webb Chey Reel Keisha Bobo Marisa Rodgers Bryanna Martin Mary Thompson Brittanie Handley

SR Soph JR SR Soph Soph Soph SR Soph SR SR

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THE RED DEVILS: GAINING MOMENTUM ROCKY 2011-12 LEADS TO LEARNING EXPERIENCE Red Devils roster Konner Johnston Joey Vaughn Landree Harris Cole Duvall Alex Spradlin Kaleb Tunnel Phillip Barnett Malachi McDaniel Jacob Bobo

4 22 10 5 1 11 13 12 5

Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Soph.

Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr.

Key Players: Konner Johnston, Joey Vaughn, Cole Duvall, Caleb Tunnel, Alex Spradlin

BY TRAVIS SIMPSON sports@couriernews.com

410 N. Elmira Russellville, AR 72802 Bryan Boyd, Owner

479-890-6198

The Atkins Red Devils return from a rocky transitional year, hopefully better off for their trials. Last year head coach Keith Tanner took over for former head coach Craig Pinion. The transition, combined with the inexperience of

the team, proved to be disastrous for the season’s record.

But that’s not to call the entire year a wasted effort.

“It was a rebuilding year,” Tanner said. “We played a lot of young players with no seniors, and we improved all year. We peaked there at the end.”

Tanner said that experience brought the team closer together, and as a team that’s returning all starters and lost no seniors — that can make for a potent squad.

“They’re unselfish,” Tanner said. “Their willingness to play together and to know their roles and do what it takes

to win as a team is a major strength. We have improved in every aspect of the game and we’re going to be ready to compete this year.”

Coach: Keith Tanner Assistant: Josh Bjorgum 2011-12 Record: 1-22 Home: Red Devil Gymnasium

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CONFERENCE CHANGE MEANS NEW CHALLENGES L ADY PANTHERS SEEK TO CONTINUE WINNING TRADITION

BY TRAVIS SIMPSON sports@couriernews.com

The Clarksville Lady Panthers move up to a tough 5A-West Conference this year. Head coach Randy Talley said the change will be a challenge, but it’s one he thinks his girls have the determination to overcome.

“It will be a challenge adjusting to the size and physicality of the 5A,” he said. “Also, since there is no district or regional tournaments, more emphasis is placed on each conference game throughout the year. Consistency is a must.”

The Lady Panthers, however, return all five starters from last year and several key personnel who came off the bench during certain situations.

“This season, I believe our strengths

will be our experience and guard play.

We’re returning our top eight players from last year, and we will have a group who has played a lot of games together and had a lot of big-game and tournament experience,” Talley said. “We will have a very deep team.”

With experience also comes talented youth to round out the team. Talley said the Lady Panthers will utilize a junior high group that moves up to senior high with a lot of talent.

“Adding freshman guard Lauren Krissman is a huge bonus for us. She is a very talented player and will step right in and lead us at the point guard position. That combined with our leader scorer, all-state player Ciara Graham — we should have a very strong back court. They are both very talented and

will draw a lot of defensive attention,” he said.

The attention will do nothing but help the second- and third-leading scorers from last year: Madison Talley and Audrey Schucker.

Talley said the Lady Panthers post play has improved and there will be a fourway battle for the starting spot between Madeline Ashlock, Savannah Chanault, Caroline Ward and Rachel Myers.

Head Coach: Randy Talley Assistant: Brett Ballard 2011-12 record: 10-5 Home: Panther Gym Key players: Ciara Graham, Madison Talley, Audrey Schucker, Madeline Ashlock, Caroline Ward, Savannah Chanault, Blake Hurley, Rachel Myers

Lady Panthers roster NO. 1 2 3 5 10 11 12 15 20 21 22 23 24 25 30 32 34

NAME POS. GRADE EMILY LITTLE G 10 KATIE GOULD G 11 MADISON TALLEY G 12 LAUREN KRISSMAN G 09 HALLIE BANNING G 10 TAYLOR HALE G 12 BLAKE HURLEY G 11 MADELINE ASHLOCK P 12 AUDREY SCHUCKER G 12 JACKIE LEWIS G 10 VALERIE RIVAS G 10 CIARA GRAHAM G 12 HANNAH HATCHET G 10 MIKAYLA RAGSDALE P 11 RACHEL MYERS P 11 SAVANNAH CHENAULT P 11 CAROLYN WARD P 11

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SEEK AND DESTROY

PANTHERS AIM TO CLAIM ANOTHER STATE TITLE

BY TRAVIS SIMPSON sports@couriernews.com

The Clarksville Panthers have won the Class 4A state championship two years running. But that was Class 4A. Clarksville is playing in Class 5A now, and head coach Tony Davis knows that it’s a different ballgame.

“Moving to the 5A is going to make it more difficult,” he said. “What worries me about the 5A is the physicality of the teams. It might be a little difficult for us, especially early on.”

Clarksville graduated three seniors, but five of their top eight players return.

Davis said the team hopes to make another state run, despite the conference change.

“Our goal is the same as it’s been for the past three years,” he said. “We want to play in that final game of the season.

We want to be considered one of those special teams in Arkansas history. Winning three state championships would do that. If we can make it to [Little Rock’s] Barton [Coliseum, home of the 2013 state championship games], it would be one of the most special things we could ever accomplish.”

To get there, Davis said it’s going to be more of the same. There aren’t any plans to change what’s already working.

“We keep it pretty simple,” he said.

“We’re going to play tough man-to-man defense. We’re going to keep up-tempo and move the ball a lot. We’re just going to keep doing what we do and do it as well as we possibly can.”

That and a tough nonconference schedule are essential to a winning season.

“We feel like that’s what we need to do

to prepare ourselves,” Davis said. “Our philosophy is to play excellent schools to find out our weakness. These great schools are going to expose that, and we can address it before conference play.”

The Panthers return with a wealth of experience, which can only mean good things for the team.

“We have guys who have been in my system for three years,” Davis said.

“You’ve got the Lee brothers, who have played together for years. Everyone knows their roles. We know what’s going on a little more. We’re a little more ready to accomplish our goals.”

Coach: Tony Davis Assistant: Steve Sisk, Ty Sullivan 2011-12 Record: 30-5 Home: Panther Gym

Panthers roster Name Dederick Lee Deven Simms Hadan Bartlett Colin Bryan Ricky Lee Oscar Walker Freddy Lee Kenderick Lee Jerren Thompson Aaron Ashlock Brandon McKinley Nick Bean Bailey Patton Dylan Green Logan Wages Jeffrey Benton

No. 23 33 32 10 1 34 3 5 00 44 24 2 31 12 20 N/A

Year 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 10 10 10 10

Key Players: Dedrick Lee, Devin Simms, Freddy Lee, Kendrick Lee, Gerren Thompson

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EXCITEMENT SURROUNDS NEW LADY LITTLE JOHNS COACH NEW HEAD COACH SAYS TRANSITION HAS BEEN SMOOTH

BY TRAVIS SIMPSON sports@couriernews.com

Head coach Stuart Creamer looks to his first season with the Danville Lady Little Johns with excitement. Creamer coached at Western Yell County last year. The transition has been easier than he expected.

“Coming from down the road, I thought it would be a rough transition with the girls,” he said. “But the girls have been great. They’re a hard working group that has responded very for to everything I’ve asked of them.”

The Lady Little Johns had an excellent season last year, finished 24-8 and advanced two rounds deep into the state tournament. Creamer said the expectation for success was a challenge he happily accepted.

“Danville is a place with high expectations. As a coach, you set high expec-

tations for yourself, so I’m thankful for that. I just try to be prepared and not let things surprise me. That’s probably the biggest thing I’ve tried to do. I don’t want to think on the fly. I want to have a plan of attack.”

Meanwhile, Danville graduated three double-digit scorers last season. On top of that, the Lady Little Johns have moved up in classification from the 2A-4 West to the 3A-4. Make no mistake — the challenge is considerable.

“It’s a worry,” Creamer said. “There are no gimme games in the new conference. It’s going to be a constant struggle. The new teams will be continually good every night, whereas in the old conference you had teams you felt pretty good about your chances.”

As for a plan of attack, Creamer said

Coach: Stuart Creamer Assistant: Jessica Carroll 2011-12 record: 24-8, second round of state tournament Home: Ted Lyons Gymnasium Key players: Emily Tramel, Mariah Durrough, Lynna Metcalf, Please see COACH | 9 Tora Eggleton

Lady Little Johns roster Emily Tramel Mariah Durrough Lynna Metcalf Peyton Powers Tora Eggleton Jenna Eggleton

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BALANCE IS KEY

LITTLE JOHNS DEPEND ON TEAMWORK, NOT ALL-STARS

BY TRAVIS SIMPSON sports@couriernews.com

The Danville Little Johns hang their hat on balance.

“We don’t have any stars,” head coach Dusty Wright said. “But that’s not a bad thing. Instead, we’ve got about nine guys I expect to contribute and to contribute well.

We’re going to be hard to scout.”

The Little Johns graduated four starters last year, leading to a largely inexperienced team.

“MacKenzie Garner is the only player we have who got a good amount of playing time last year,” Wright said. “But I think these guys have worked really hard to fill the holes that we had.”

Danville has gone up in classification.

Last year, the Little Johns were in the 2A4. They’ve been bumped up to the 3A-4.

“That’s going to be our biggest question mark,” Wright said. “But I’m really excited

about this year, because I think we’re going to have the ability to run some more offenses. I think we’re going to be very intelligent.

“We’re going to be able to do some things on the court because we’ve got a very basketball minded team. We’re going to be able to execute in ways that we haven’t been able to in the past.”

Head Coach: Dusty Wright Assistants: Lucian Welch, Stewart Creamer 2011-12 record: 19-10 Senior night: Feb 5th Home: Ted Lyons Gymnasium Key players: MacKenzie Garner, Tanner Mantolth, Stephen Ramirez, Jay Trusty

Little Johns roster Name McKenzie Garner Tanner Mantooth Kevin Dominguez Toby Morrison Brian Rodriguez Luis Lieva Stephen Ramirez Wesley Derrick Alex Xayadeth David Alcocer Jay Trusty Terry Phouthavong Grant Cathey Nathan Turner Sam Millard Hunter Leonard Edwin Aceyado Irvin Rodriguez Kleimer Hernandez Andres Nunez

Position Center Guard Guard Center Guard Guard Foward Guard Forward Forward Guard Guard Guard Forward Forward Center Guard Guard Forward Forward

Class 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

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BUILDING A TRADITION

L ADY SAND LIZARDS HOPE TO BUILD ON LAST YEAR

BY TRAVIS SIMPSON sports@couriernews.com

Under new head coach Kenneth McCoy, The Lady Sand Lizards improved six games on the previous five years in 2011-12 and made their first regional tournament berth since 2006. “I’m excited about this year,� McCoy said. “This is the beginning of my second year here, and to see the growth of the players is very encouraging to me.�

McCoy hopes the growth he mentioned continues, but said senior leadership is going to dictate how the season goes. “Right now, we don’t know who’s going to pick up the slack of ballhandling against the pressure the other teams will apply to us,� McCoy said. “I won’t go as far as to say that it’s a weakness, but we’re untested.�

Seniors Kortlin Cunningham, Amy Duncan and Rusti Tharp are key leaders on the team, McCoy said. “Kortlin and Duncan will be our two key ball handlers. Tharp was defensive player of the year. Amy led us in rebounds last year,� McCoy said.

Another key senior will be Miranda Possage, who just had surgery on her knee. “We don’t know when we will get her back, but we’re hoping to have her by midseason,� McCoy said. “She’ll be a major contributor as well.�

Junior Courtney Gilkey will add another layer of experience to the team. “She got a lot of playing time as a sophomore and had a really good spring and an excellent fall,� McCoy said. “She’s really improved, and we’re looking for good things from her.�

McCoy said the team’s depth was going

to be a major strength this year. “We played three sophomores last year.

We’re going to be able to depend on them to come in and contribute for us. They’re going to be able to come in and help the starters,� McCoy said.

Breanna Hauff and Stefanie Traigle will play the forward position for the Lady Sand Lizards. “I’m expecting big things out of them. I think they’re going to be able to do good things for us,� the coach added.

Coach: Kenneth McCoy Assistant: Mary Corkins 2011-12 season: 17-11 Home: Sand Lizard Gym

Lady Sand Lizards roster Name Year Kortlin Cunningham 12 Amy Duncan 12 Miranda Possage 12 Rusti Tharp 12 Allison Alverson 11 Leslyn Barnes 11 Elizabeth Burgess 11 Courtney Gilkey 11 Breanna Hauff 11 Stefanie Traigle 11 Ameil Brown 10 Kelly Farris 10 Leslie Hudgeons 10 Shelbi Tharp 10

No. 10 44 5 14 3 2 1 34 24 30 21 13 25 11

COACH CONTINUED FROM 7

it all boils down to good defense and communication. “We’re going to have to be really disciplined on defense and limit the number of points we give up. We’re trying

to get them to communicate and understand that everything we’re doing,� he said. “We’ve got to be supporting each other and talking to each other. We want them to have more ownership of their actions and their teammates’ actions.�

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NO EASY WINS FOR SAND LIZARDS

DARDANELLE PREPARES ITSELF FOR A TOUGH CONFERENCE SEASON

BY TRAVIS SIMPSON sports@couriernews.com

There are no easy games in the 4A-4 Conference. The Dardanelle Sand Lizards will have to play at there best in every game if they want to have success.

Head coach Russell Sturdivant said he believes that success will rely heavily on the guards and their ability to handle pressure.

“Most of our defeats last season were caused by turnovers and our inability to make outside shots,’ Sturdivant said.

Seniors Tyler Keith and Drew Davison, as well as sophomore Jorge Carranza, will be relied upon to make those outside shots.

“Those three are the best shooters on our team,” the coach said. “They will need to make shots to space the floor for our posts and dribble penetration.”

Senior Trent Latham will be called upon to lead the team.

“Trent is a very good athlete with a lot of responsiblities on our team. He is one of our best defenders, shooters and our primary ball handler,” Sturdivant said.

Latham is one of three returning starters. Also returning are seniors Mark Gathright and Anthony Merino.

Also contributing will be junior Will Lawrence and senior Mark Gathright.

“Will is a very versatile player with the ability to score inside, outside and handle the basketball, while Mark is a difficult match-up for most teams because of his size and ability to stretch the floor with his shooting ability,” Sturdivant said.

Overall, the Sand Lizards look to be Please see DARDANELLE | 11

Sand Lizards roster Player No. Montarious Grimes 1 Aistom Tprgerspm 2 Logan Broyles 3 Austin Steen 4 Drew Davison 5 Jorge Carranza 10

Chris Rhinehart Tyler Keith Chaz Crowe Garrett Meredith Trent Latham Zac Benefield Steve Huynh

11 12 13 15 20 22 23

Will Lawrence Anthony Merino Mark Gathright Makenna Spears Luis Depaz Parker Witt Dalton Daughtrey

24 25 30 31 32 34 35

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LADY PIRATES FACE REBUILDING YEAR HEAD COACH HANGS SEASON ON ‘EXPERIENCED YOUTH’

BY TRAVIS SIMPSON sports@couriernews.com

Dover girls head coach Irvin Fairfield said the Lady Pirates took a heavy hit after last year’s senior class graduated. According to him, about half of his offense, rebounds and assist leaders no longer play for the Lady Pirates.

“We’re going to be okay, though,” he said. “I’ve got plenty of kids with playing experience.”

Senior Taylar Sinyard and juniors Laken Beavers and Chesney Myers anchor the team with leadership.

“Chesney is probably my best defensive player, and Laken is our best offensive,” Fairfield said.

Senior Shelby Taylor will see play time at guard.

“She’s an excellent 3-point shooter,” Fairfield said.

Developing depth is going to be a challenge for the team in the early season, the coach added.

“This group has had great leadership in the past. They’ve been followers. They’re going to have to take that leadership role on,” Fairfield said. “How they respond to that challenge is really going to make a difference in our season.”

Head Coach: Irvan Fairfield Assistant: Mike Heath 2011-12 record: 18-10 Senior night: Jan. 29 Home: Pirate Gymnasium Key players: Carlee Williams, Kaitlin Meador

Lady Pirates roster Name Taylar Sinyard Kaitlin Meador Carlee Williams Shelby Taylor Laken Beavers

No. 5 3 25 10 15

Year 12 12 12 2 11

Chesney Myers Hailey Southerland Alivia Eckart Brandie Little Lincoln Heffley Kimbi Haston

32 11 21 11 14 11 23 11 44 11 35 11

Ashley Nachtweh Bailey Smith Kaytlyn Rye Terri Singleton Sydney Hinkle Jade Reynolds

34 11 20 11 22 10 12 10 11 10 30 10

DARDANELLE CONTINUED FROM 10

a deep team, with a wealth of juniors and sophomores able to fill roles on the court and give the starters some rotation. Juniors Austin Steen, Montarious Grimes, Logan Broyles and Austin

Torgerson should all see play time if they can become more potent on offense.

“All of them are good defenders, but I expect them to be a threat on the offensive end this season if they want to see varsity minutes,” Sturdivant said.

Coach; Russell Sturdivant Assistant: Jared White 2011-12 record: 15-11 Home: Sand Lizard Gym Manager: Peyton Bowman

Key Players: Trent Latham, Mark Gathright, Anthony Merino, Makenna Spears, Will Lawrence, Dalton Daughtrey, Tyler Keith, Drew Davison

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CHANGING DIRECTIONS

DOVER PIRATES LOOK TO MAKE STEPS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

BY TRAVIS SIMPSON

Pirates roster

sports@couriernews.com

A different attitude marks the Dover Pirates basketball team this year — one that head coach Robbie Chenowith said can only mean good things for the team.

“Our whole goal has been to turn things around and to turn this into a winning program,” he said. “I feel like the work we’ve put in and the attitude we have will contribute to that. We believe in ourselves and each other.

“Our whole goal is to get to the fourth period. If we can do that we, have a chance to win. If we can do that, then we’re a long way from where we were last year.”

It isn’t just attitude. It’s going to take talent and hard work, the coach explained.

Three seniors return to the team this year, bringing senior leadership and dis-

No. 1 4 10 11 12 15 21 23 24 33 34

Name Tanner Howell Corey Hottinger Logan Brown Tanner Watson E.J. Beavers Hunter Howell Garrett Steuber Garrett Willcutt Tristan Watson Tyler Collins Austin Koster

Year 11 12 10 11 10 12 10 10 11 10 12

cipline: Austin Koster, Hunter Howell and Corey Hottinger. The sophomores won the conference championship last year as junior high players and have an Please see DOVER | 13

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LADY WILDCATS PLAY THEIR OWN GAME HECTOR GIRLS HANG HAT ON HARD WORK, CONFIDENCE

BY TRAVIS SIMPSON sports@couriernews.com

The Hector Lady Wildcats bank on hard work and confidence to carry them through the season.

“Thes girls have committed to the program,” head coach Jennifer Breedlove said. “They work hard. That’s all I ask of them. As long as they work hard when they get on the court, we’ll be fine.”

Breedlove said while her team is slower than other teams in the conference, that doesn’t spell disaster for their season.

“We’re going to have to play a slower game,” the coach said. “We’re slower and we’re short. Every time they step on the court they’re going to have to work extremely hard. I just remind them that we have to play our game the way that we play it and have confidence in what we can do.”

“They’re going to have to believe in themselves or they will not be successful regardless.”

Coach: Jennifer Breedlove Assistant: Cody Vaught 2011-12 record: 8-14 Home: Multi-Purpose Building Key Players: Jade Collins, Brittany Dixon, Lauryn Tereza, Allison Procter, Kasey Rook, Cheyenne Brown

Lady Wildcats roster NO. 4 10 20

NAME BRITTANY DIXON KASEY ROOK JADE COLLINS

POSITION GRADE GUARD 12 GUARD 11 GUARD 12

21 24 55

LAURYN TEREZA ALLISON PROCTOR CHEYENNE BROWN

POST 12 FORWARD 12 POST 11

DOVER CONTINUED FROM 12

appetite for success. Add all that together, and you’ve got a team with fire in their eyes.

“It’s a good group of kids,” Chenowith said. “They work hard. They hustle.

I mean, they really hustle. I think deep down they really want to turn things around and have a chance to win. That’s what we tell them. That’s our whole phi-

losophy. It has to mean something to you. You have to want it.”

At point guard will be sophomore Garrett Willcutt.

“Garrett does a really nice job. We feel like we can shoot the ball pretty well this year,” Chenowith said. “In this conference, if you’ve got a good point guard you’ve got a chance to win.”

Other sophomores who will see playing time are Tyler Collins, Logan Brown and

Garrett Steuber, all of whom Chenowith described as “very talented.”

“Our weakness is our size,” Chenowith said. “We’re bigger than we were last year, but we don’t have the overall big man. Tyler will pay in the post. He’s bigger this year and athletic, but we don’t have the overall size of some of the other teams we’ll play in the conference.”

Chenowith hoped to counter a lack of size with versitily and speed.

“We’re very versitle,” he said. “We’ve got kids who can play several different spots, and hopefully that will pull us through.”

Coach: Robbie Chenowith 2011-12 record: 3-24 Senior night: Jan 29 Home: Pirate Gymnasium Key players: Austin Koster, Hunter Howell, Corey Hottinger

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NEW COACH, NEW DIRECTION HECTOR WILDCATS ADJUST TO NEW HEAD COACH

BY TRAVIS SIMPSON sports@couriernews.com

“There haven’t been any growing pains,” Hector head coach Cody Vaught said of his first year as the Wildcats basketball coach.

“But it has been a growing experience.”

Vaught said he’s had to take time to learn the kids.

“I had to learn their strengths and their weaknesses,” he said. “I had to figure out what type of offense and defense worked best for what we had.”

But just what are the Wildcat strengths?

According to Vaught, it’s their ability to find the basket and their work ethic.

“We’re good at shooting,” he said. “You can definitely tell they’ve been coached up on that. And I was really impressed with the kids’ work ethic.”

There are areas that need to be ad-

dressed, however.

“When I got here, we were pretty weak physically,” Vaught said. “Most of our players lacked in strength as far as legs and arms go. We weren’t very tough around the basket. That’s been a major goal — to step on the floor and be able to take the bumps and bruises throughout the whole year.”

Vaught said the biggest challenge will be taking care of the basketball.

“We’re a little bit turnover-prone,” he said. “Sometimes we won’t make the easy pass and try really hard to make the difficult pass instead of keeping the ball moving. If we can change that. we can compete in many games this year.”

The Wildcats hope to be above .500 this year.

“We want to get back on the winning side. Twenty games would be big. May-

be it’s a steep goal, but we try to set lofty goals so we have something to reach for,” Vaught said.

There’s a simple formula for getting there, according to Vaught.

“You’re either getting better or worse every day,” he said. “I firmly believe that if you’re doing the right things, you’re going to be getting better. But you don’t build Rome in a day.”

Coach: Cody Vaught Assistant: Ben Freeman 2011-12 record: 5-17 Senior night: Jan. 22 Home: Hector Wildcats Multi-Purpose Building Key Players: Jordan Chisum, Jacob Chronister, Chandler Staneck, Logan Riley, J.W. Mackey

Wildcats roster Name Jacob Chronister Jordan Chism Logan Riley Eric McGowan Chandler Stanek J.W. Mackey Brendan Wiley Daniel Lott Justin Stroud Tyler Gililland

Grade Senior Senior Senior Junior Junior Junior Junior Junior Sophomore Sophomore

The Courier

Ark. River Valley Basketball

Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012

15

LADY CYCLONES WANT TO GROW UP FAST RUSSELLVILLE HOPES HARD WORK OVERCOMES INEXPERIENCE

BY TRAVIS SIMPSON sports@couriernews.com

The Lady Cyclones face a daunting challenge this season. After going 23-8 and finishing as the Class 6A state runner-up, Russellville said goodbye to six of the players who got them there.

“We’re going to be pretty young and inexperienced this year,” head coach Steve Wiedower admitted. “But one thing the girls do really well is work hard. They’ve got great attitudes. Practices are upbeat.

They’re doing all the things they need to do to get better.”

The Lady Cyclones do bring some experience to the court. Seniors Meredith

“We’re going to play tough defense, man-to-man defense. I like to run a motion offense, where the girls have to learn to play off each other. It might take some time, but they’re growing and learning together.”

Steve Wiedower Head coach, Russellville Lady Cyclones Scott, Xiomara Sanchez and Rosalyn Peevy are expected to lead expected to lead a team without much vasity experience.

Juniors Kenzie Wiedower and Shelby Gray are also expected to see a lot of ac-

tion. Sophomore Jocelyn Brown, Nichole Phillips and freshman Alissa Owens fill out the rest of the team.

Wiedower said he wasn’t changing much in his coaching strategy, regardless of the team’s youth.

“We’re going to do a lot of the same because it works,” Wiedower said. “We’re going to play tough defense, man-to-man defense. I like to run a motion offense, where the girls have to learn to play off each other. It might take some time, but they’re growing and learning together.”

Inexperience is something you have to work through. A team doesn’t just wake up in the morning suddenly experienced.

Wiedower said at times, the team might have to build off things besides what the score is every night in order to stay positive.

Please see LADY CYCLONES | 16

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Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012

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Ark. River Valley Basketball

LADY CYCLONES

Conferences

CONTINUED FROM 15

“We have, without a doubt, the toughest girls basketball conference in the state. Northside, Greenwood, and Little Rock Hall are four of the top teams in the entire state — and they’re all in our conference,” Wiedower said. “The schedule is going to be tough this year. When you’re on a rebuilding type of team and you’ve got a lot of newcomers, it can get tough at times.”

As for how the Lady Cyclones are going to rise to the challenge, the answer is simple for Wiedower.

“We’re going to take it one game at a time. If the girls keep on working hard, we’re going to have plenty of opportunities to be successful,” he said.

Head Coach: Steve Wiedower Assistants: Christina Wilbers 2011-12 record: 23-8, Class 6A state runner-up Home: Cyclone Gymnasium

Lady Cyclones roster #

Name Ht. Gr. Pos. 2 Nicole Phillips 5’5 10 G 3 Shelby Gray 5’3 11 G 5 Alyssa Owens 5’7 9 G 10 Sydnee Stokes 5’5 10 G 12 Rosalyn Peevy 5’11 12 F 13 Xiomara Sanchez 5’11 12 F 14 Kristen Hodges 5’6 11 G 15 Jocelyn Brown 5’8 10 F 20 Brooke Knight 5’7 11 F 21 Marilyn Golden 5’4 10 G 23 Kenzie Wiedower 5’9 11 G 24 Miranda Encinias 5’6 11 F 25 Addy Hipps 5’8 10 G 30 Meredith Scott 6’0 12 F 32 Brooklyn Parton 5’8 10 F 33 Maria Marasco 5’9 10 F Key players: Meredith Scott, Xiomara Sanchez, Rosalyn Peevy.

7A/6A-Central Conference Russellville Conway Greenwood Fort Smith Northside Fort Smith Southside Little Rock Catholic/Mount Saint Mary Little Rock Hall Little Rock Parkview 5A-West Conference Clarksville Alma Greenbrier Harrison Huntsville Morrilton Shiloh Christian Vilonia 4A-4 Conference Dardanelle Dover Pottsville Booneville Maumelle Mena Subiaco

Waldron 3A-4 Conference Atkins Danville Lamar Two Rivers Charleston Lavaca Mansfield Paris 2A-4 East Conference Hector Western Yell County Bigelow Conway Christian Quitman St. Joseph 2A-4 West Conference Johnson County Westside Decatur Eureka Springs Hackett Hartford Magazine (JD Leftwich) Mountainburg Union Christian

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17

YOUNG CYCLONES FACE DAUNTING SEASON

INEXPERIENCED RUSSELLVILLE SQUAD HOPES TO CARRY MOMENTUM

BY TRAVIS SIMPSON sports@couriernews.com

The Russellville Cyclones went 23-7 last year in a conference hailed by many as the toughest in the state. This year, however, the 7A/6A-Central might prove to be even more challenging.

Not only do the Cyclones return with a young, inexperienced team — they face some of the most talent-heavy teams in the state, and one of the most potent players in the nation.

“We’re going to take it like we did last year, game for game,” head coach Codey Mann said. “We’re in the toughest conference in the state. Little Rock Hall has Bobby Portis, who according to ESPN is the ninth-best player in the nation and already committed to Arkansas. We’re also playing Little Rock Parkview, who has a kid committed to Missouri and a kid committed to Mississippi State.”

Couple that with a young team, and things start to seem bleak. Mann is optimistic, however.

“I’ve got some young kids. We’re going to be young,” he said. “We’ve lost a big senior class, but we’re blessed with some young, talented kids. But you know, right now they’re 15- and 16-year-old kids going to compete against 17- and 18-year-old young men.”

Mann said a tough nonconference schedule is ideal for a team as young as Russellville.

“You definitely want to have a pretty tough nonconference schedule to prepare yourself for a conference season,” he explained. “People always say you don’t win any state championships in November and December. We understand that, but we also know that with each game we learn Please see CYCLONES | 18

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CYCLONES CONTINUED FROM 17

something. With the conference we’re in, we’re going to have to be prepared, and the tougher the games are before we move into conference, the better.”

Beyond that, a successful season comes down to good, old-fashioned coaching.

“We’ll have them scouted. We’ll have to know what they’re doing and when they’re doing it,” Mann said.

Mann said there was plenty of talented youth coming in. Tony Jones and Andy Campbell will be key sophomores.

“Tony’s a very talented young man,” Mann said. “He’s getting better every day for us. Andy is an inside-outside type of player. He’d probably be classified as a small-forward position. He’s very talented, a hard worker. He spends a lot of time in the gym on his own. He’s got a chance to leave Russellville as a very special player if he continues to progress like I think he can.”

Sophomores Cochese Temple-Laws

“If we have to play full court, we can do that.

If we have to sit halfcourt and grind it out, we can do that, too.”

Codey Mann Head Coach, Russellville Cyclones and Kentrell Scott and juniors Jalen Curtis and Drew Smith will be coming in from football. Mann said he expected the players to bring the same athleticism to the basketball court that they bring to the football field.

Seniors Drey Johnson and Landon Kordsmeier will bring maturity to the team.

“Landon’s a hard-working kid who’s been in the system for three years,” Mann said. “Other important players will be junior Cody Underhill, who will play guard for the team. He’s a real tough player, really smart. He’s got a high basketball I.Q. as well. He can

Best Wishes For A Winning Season

shoot the ball really well.”

“Dakota Laseter will play post for us.

He’s a strong body — a big wide body who’s definitely going to help us defensively — and at times offensively.

Anthony Delgado will play the one and two for us. He’s a kid with a very high basketball I.Q. He’s a pass-first type of kid who is going to fit in well as far as what we run offensively.”

The Cyclones run a motion offense, which is a flexible offense that utilizes player movement, correct floor spacing, passing and cutting, and setting screens. Defensively, Russellville utilizes man-to-man.

“We’ll try to get after you,” Mann said. “If we have to play full court, we can do that. If we have to sit half-court and grind it out, we can do that, too.”

Head Coach: Codey Mann Assistant: Mitchell Wilson 2011-12 record: 23-7 Home: Cyclone Gymnasium

Cyclones roster Name Co-Chese Temple Laws DeMarcus Crowder Anthony Delgado Dakota Young Jalen Curtis Kentrel Scott Dre Johnson Tony Jones Hunter Mayo Cody Underhill Jared Wesselhoft Kregan Kordsmeier Tyler Allen Drew Smith Andy Campbell Landon Kordsmeier Ethan Chernivec Dakota Laseter Carlos Stiger Brooklyn Pierce Rashad Jackson Kody Robinson

No. 1 2 3 10 11 12 14 20 21 22 23 24 30 32 33 40 42 44

Class Height So. 5’10 So. 5’7 Jr. 5’11 Sr. 6’3 Jr. 5’10 So. 5’9 Jr. 6’1 So. 5’10 Jr. 5’9 Jr. 5’10 Jr. 6’0 So. 6’1 So. 6’4 Jr. 6’3 So. 6’4 Sr. 6’0 Jr. 6’3 Sr. 6’3 So. 5’9 Jr. 6’0 Jr. 6’1 So. 5’8

Key players: Dokota Young, Tony Jones

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Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012

19

FRESH FACES, FRESH TEAM

L ADY REBELS RETURN WITH ALL-NEW STARTING LINE-UP

BY TRAVIS SIMPSON sports@couriernews.com

The Johnson County Westside Lady Rebels return with an all-new starting line-up — new starters for a new conference. Well, sort of a new conference.

The Lady Rebels return to the 2A-4 West from the 2A-4 East after a twoyear absence, which head coach Steve Golden said was something like a homecoming.

“We think we can compete in this conference,” he said. “We think we have a real shot at the conference title.”

First they’ll have to overcome conference favorite Mountainburg, which returns its starters from last year’s Class 2A final four team.

The Lady Rebels will count on their

experience and senior leadership to pull them through. That, and a lot of preseason games and workouts.

“We actually go to a lot of summer camps. We went to the Branson [Mo.] girls camp and won runner-up.

We started practice on the first day of school,” he said.

Senior Kayley Yates returns to point guard after recovering from a major knee injury. Senior Katie Jackson will hit the court as a shooting guard. Golden described her as a “great shooter.”

Rounding out the senior leadership is center Sara Stewart.

“All three of those are captains,” Golden said. “A great combination of talent, heart and passion that sets them apart and makes them the perfect peer-to-

peer leaders.”

According to Golden, the Lady Rebs do a little bit of everything. “We pride ourselves for being ready for any situation.”

And they’ll have to with the lofty goals they’ve set for themselves. Golden said the team has state tournament goals in their eyes. Four years ago, Westside went 27-4 and qualified for state. They haven’t been back since.

“I think we’re reloaded and ready to go,” Golden explained.

Coach: Steve Golden Last season: 9-13 Senior night: Feb. 7 Home: Rebel Gym

Lady Rebels roster No. Name Year 11 Katie Warren 12 10 Katie Jackson 12 23 Kayley Yates 12 42 Sara Stewart 12 33 Breanna McCormick 11 3 Brittney Estes 11 13 Fantasia Stepp 10 25 Brooke Stain 10 24 Breanne Morrow 10 15 McKenna Maynard 10 12 Brittany Pannell 10 14 Misty Owens 10 Key players: Katie Jackson, Sara Stewart, Breanna McCormick, McKenna Maynard, Kayley Yates

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Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012

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EYES ON THE PRIZE

JC WESTSIDE REBELS FEEL LIKE THIS IS THEIR YEAR

BY TRAVIS SIMPSON sports@couriernews.com

The Johnson County Westside Rebels return with an experience-laden squad and their eyes firmly set on a conference championship.

“This is probably one of the best teams I’ve had since I’ve been at Westside,” head coach Shannon McBee said. “A lot of the other coaches in the conference are picking us to win it. I don’t know if we will or not, but it’s the first time we’ve had a real chance in a long time.”

The Rebels return with four starting seniors. All-conference player John Spurlock averaged 13 points per game last year.

Braden Williams brings defensive savvy to the court. Jordan Strickland averaged nine

points per game, and Chris McCormick brings athleticism to the court.

“Chris is probably the best athlete in the school,” McBee said. “He’s also the tallest player on our squad at 6’3.”

McBee described his Rebels as quick and aggressive, but not very large.

“Our size will be a weakness,” he said.

“But we have a lot of depth. I’ve got a real good group of ninth-graders moving up.

They’re going to give us a some depth, for sure. Everyone one of them is great.”

The Rebels finished fourth in conference play last year, but this year they’ve moved to the 2A-4 West. McBee said the move will only help JCW. “We’re more familiar with those opponents,” he said. “But I hope we handle the

pressure of being the top pick. The kids have to stay focused and on task for what they have to do. Ignore the paper clippings and what people are saying about us, and just take care of what we have to take care of.”

As the season continues, excitement around Johnson County mounts. Especially for the coaches and players.

“I’m extremely excited,” McBee said.

“It’s been a long time since Westside’s been a top team. I hope we can live up to what everybody is saying and have a great year.”

Coach: Shannon McBee 2011-2012 record: 11-12 Senior Night: Feb. 8 Home: Rebel Gym

Rebels roster No. Name Grade Pos. 10 Houston, Taylor 12 G 0 Nagel, Garrett 12 C 5 McBee, Dylan 10 G 11 Williams, Braden 12 G 14 Jacobs, Jeremy 11 F 15 McCormick, Chris 12 F 20 Spurlock, John 12 G 21 Hurt, Eli 10 G 23 Hayes, Austin 11 G 30 McKee, Derrick 10 F 32 Stricklin, Jordan 12 C 35 Lyle, Chase 10 C Key players: John Spurlock, Jordan Stricklin, Austin Hayes

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Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012

21

LADY WARRIORS BATTLE INEXPERIENCE

BY TRAVIS SIMPSON sports@couriernews.com

Lamar head coach Brandon Schluterman said the Lady Warriors graduated eight seniors last year. Six of those eight girls were what he described as “main contributors.”

But there is hope for the Lady Warriors.

“We’ve got some kids that got to play some last year, not a lot — but some. And our sophomore group has been pretty successful in junior high,” Schluterman said. “We’re going to be counting on our returning players and the newcomers to pull us through.”

Schluterman said there were certain strategy adjustments he will make to account for the kids inexperience on the

court.

“First thing, we’re going to try to play in a style that the kids are comfortable in.

Since they’re short on experience, I’m going to try to make them feel as comfortable as possible out on the floor,” he said.

“But I expect them to learn quickly” Seniors Jessica Deyoung and Lindy Hignite will be counted on for maturity, as well as Emile Nepivoda, who is the only returning starter on the team.

“The inexperienced ones who are my upper classmen are going to have to learn on the fly,” Schluterman said. “We’re going to count on all of our seniors for leadership, in practice and in the games.”

Junior Maddie Grover will bring some additional experience. Schluterman said besides youth, his team isn’t terribly

large.

“We’re not the biggest team in the world. We’re athletic and use our quickness to make up for that, but size is definitely not our strength. We can get up and down the floor quicklym and we can shoot the ball well,” he said.

If the Lady Warriors expect to have success, Schluterman said one thing is key.

“We have to learn from our experience,” he added. “Everything we do, we’ve got to learn from it and make sure we get better as the year goes on.”

Coach: Brandon Schluterman Assistant: Brett Sampley 2011-12 record: 16-14 Home: Warriors Gym

Lady Warriors roster No. Name HT Cl. 10 Emilie Nepivoda 5’6 12 40 Jessica Deyoung 5’6 12 30 Ashley Watson 5’3 12 31 Madison Grover 5’9 11 11 Lindy Hignite 5’8 11 22 Lauren Clark 5’8 11 44 Brittany Watts 5’5 11 12 Susie Nordin 5’8 10 14 Kylee Thomas 5’5 10 20 Samantha Oxford 5’7 10 23 Sarah Shaw 5’6 10 13 Linsey Frost 5’7 10 21 Kaitlyn Collier 5’8 10 Key players: Emile Nepivoda, Jessica Deyoung, Lindy Hignite

Pos. F F G G G G F P G P G G P

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WARRIORS READY TO CRANK IT UP A NOTCH

BY TRAVIS SIMPSON sports@couriernews.com

The Lamar Warriors finished third in the 3A-4 Conference in 2011-12, behind Charleston and Paris — but the team lost eight seniors and four starters from last season.

“We emptied the bus, so to speak,” head coach Jerry Miller said.

Miller has 13 sophomores to work with, and he works them hard every day.

“We just practice hard every day correcting the little things. We’ve got a ton of youth,” he said. “And we’re working the sophomores really hard. It’s good for them and in the long run, it’s going to pay off.”

Miller said the sophomores do come with a lot of talent, which should help grease the wheels. However, he expected some growing pains.

“They’re a really good group,” he said.

“They’ve got a lot of talent in them, but sophomores are sophomores. They’ve got a lot of growing up to do still.”

The Warriors are led by a pair of seniors, Jordan Haas and Dillon Cowell.

But several other team leaders may be occupied with football playoffs at the start of the season.

“When football is over, I’ll gain several athletic kids who are going to help us and make us a little bit tougher,” Miller said. “We’ve got some experience there, too. Once we get them and get the football out of them and the basketball into them, we should be on solid ground. By the middle of the year, we ought to be really good.”

“We just practice hard every day correcting the little things. We’ve got a ton of youth.”

Jerry Miller Coach, Lamar Warriors

Coach: Jerry Miller Assistant: Jake Lee, Jonathan Vier 2011-12: 16-9 Senior night: Feb. 8

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Warriors roster No. 35 21 22 4 33 24 12 20 23 13 25 5 11

F. Name Jeremy Jalen Dyllangar Heath Zac Dillon Peyton Christian Jordan Brian Brodie Eric Ryan

L. Name Bird Chenault Choate Clayborn Clayborn Cowell Frost Gunn Haas Hale Higgins James Jones

3 Daniel McCarley 20 Dustin Mckittrick 33 Matt Mink 44 T.J. Nepivoda 1 Colton Parmenter 40 Caleb Robinson 2 Braxton Sampley 4 Blake Schumaker 31 Killough Sparling 10 Brady Taylor 13 Korey Tucker Key players: Jordan Haas, Dillon Cowell, Colton Parmenter, Ryan Jones, Jalen Chenault

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23

UNKNOWN LADY APACHES HOLD SURPRISES

BY TRAVIS SIMPSON sports@couriernews.com

The Lady Apaches know what it’s like to succeed. Pottsville finished 25-7 last season, regular-season conference champions and conference tournament champions. The Lady Apaches qualified for the state tournament by defeating Ozark in the 4A Regional tournament. It was the first trip to state since Pottsville joined the 4A-4 Conference.

Head coach Chance Johnson graduated six seniors last year, five of them starters.

It’s not the same Pottsville Lady Apaches.

“This is an unknown team as of right now,” he said. “And we are hoping to let people know that this team has a legitimate chance of competing for the conference.”

What motivates his squad? According to Johnson, it’s the drive to show everyone what they know they can do.

“Our players have a chip on their shoulder, because no one really expects them to do much,” he said. “This is our driving force this season. We want to prove everyone wrong.”

The only way to get over inexperience is to play. As the season goes on, Johnson said he expected his girls to come together and mesh as a team.

“I feel the more we play throughout this season, we will become stronger and play better together,” he said. “I am really excited to see what this team can do. They are very capable of competing in our conference games. and I think they will be a team to be reckoned with by the second half of the season.”

Callie Cox is really the only returner who saw a lot of playing time last season.

According to Johnson, she has improved her defensive performance along with her shooting. Hope Huffman, Deidra Lee,

Maggie Lee and Hannah Woodard are seniors who are committed to making their senior year a successful one.

“These seniors have worked really hard in the pre-season to become good players,” Johnson said.

Juniors Hannah Barnett, Jenna Goodwin and Courtney Dotson will start this season. The coach said the girls would be relied upon heavily to make the team successful.

“We will really need these young ladies to play well throughout the year if we are going to have success,” Johnson said.

Head Coach: Chance Johnson Assistants: Drew Siebenmorgen, Keri McAlister 2011-12 Record: 25-7 Senior night: Feb. 5 Home: George Jones Gymnasium

Lady Apaches roster 00 2 3 4 5 12 14 15 20 23 24 30 33

Maggie Lee Hannah Barnett Hope Huffman Hannah Woodard Callie Cox Erica Lackey Tera Short Deidra Lee Jessica Odgood Courtney Dotson Jenna Goodwin Bethany Clair Hannah Watson

SR JR SR SR SR SO SO SR SO JR JR JR SO

Key players: Callie Cox, Hope Huffman, Hannah Barnett, Courtney Dotson, Jenna Goodwin

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TALENT-LADEN APACHES SEEK CHAMPIONSHIP

BY TRAVIS SIMPSON sports@couriernews.com

With 15 returning players and four returning starters, the Pottsville Apaches hit the court with plenty of experience.

Many of the returners are players who led the team to a 22-7 overall record and 11-3 ledger in the 4A-4 Conference last season.

Head coach Shane Thurman said the returning starters will be Tyler Weaver, Corey McKowen, Michael Perry and Luke McAnulty. Other key returning players are Michael Henderson, Travis Cole, Jordan Dugger, Preston Pfeiffer, Chris Albin and Trevor Manness.

According to Thurman, all of them will play major roles on the team and any one of them could break into the starting lineup. In fact, Thurman cited depth as a major strength of his team this year.

“We’re a team where 10 of these guys could play every night,” Thurman said.

“Six of the boys played football together.

We’ve got a lot of team chemistry.”

With the two-time defending state

champion Clarksville moving out of the conference, Pottsville hopes to take the spot they once filled — a realistic goal, considering the Apaches were conference runners-up behind Clarksville last year.

Thurman said it’s going to take four things for the team to win the conference title and make a deep state tournament run — improvement on post play, manto-man defense, become more consistent 3-point shooting and stay healthy.

Thurman said despite having such a good season last year, claiming the conference championship was no cakewalk.

“The 4A-4 is a very balanced league,” Thurman said. “Any of the eight competing teams can beat any of the other on any given night.”

Head Coach: Shane Thurman Assistant: Garrett Hill 2011-12 record: 22-7, conference runner-up Home: George Jones Gymnasium

Apaches roster No. 1 2 4 5 10 12 14 15 21 23 24

Name Travis Cole Cavin Reed Yoshiro Taguchi Michael Perry Cameron Johnston Luke McAnulty Michael Henderson Ty Whitten Trevor Manness Preston Pfeiffer Tyler Weaver

Ht. 5’11” 5’5” 5’9” 5’10” 5’8” 5’11” 6’2” 6’ 6’4” 5’11” 6’2”

Gr. 11 10 11 10 11 12 12 10 12 11 12

25 Jordan Dugger 6’ 12 30 Rhouis Allen 5’8” 11 32 Garrett Johnson 6’ 11 33 Chris Albin 6’4” 12 34 Corey McKowen 6’3” 12 42 Dalton Stacy 5’11” 11 43 Andrew Rushing 6’5” 10 50 Anthony Freeman 6’ 11 54 Tristan Johnston 5’11” 10 Key players: Tyler Weaver, Corey McKowen, Michael Perry, Luke McAnulty

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25

LADY GATORS LOOK TO UNDERCLASSMEN TO STEP UP

BY TRAVIS SIMPSON sports@couriernews.com

The Two Rivers Lady Gators graduated five seniors last year, which head coach Jeremy Rainey said left a sizeable hole on his squad — but a hole he hopes that will be filled with the underclassmen.

“I’m only returning one starter,” Rainey said. “My 10th-grade team is going to have to step up and help fill the gap.”

Fortunately for Rainey and the Lady Gators, the 10th-graders bring talent with them.

“I feel like they’ll do the things that my older groups don’t know how to do,” Rainey said. “And I feel like they’ll do them right. They may be the ones who end up

“We’re working on blocking to see if that helps with our rebounding.

We’re hoping that makes up for our lack of size.”

Jeremy Rainey Head coach, Two Rivers Lady Gators leading the group.”

Rainey said while his team shoots the ball well and has plenty of energy, there are some weaknesses he is going to have to address if Two Rivers is going to reach its goal of breaking .500 this year.

“We’re not going to handle the ball well,”

he said. “We’re going to struggle with rebounding due to our lack of size, but we’re working on a lot of different options for us to take advantage of on the court. We’re working on blocking to see if that helps with our rebounding. We’re hoping that makes up for our lack of size.”

The Lady Gators may face challenge after challenge this year, but Rainey remained optimistic.

“We’re going to do things right this year,” he said.

Head Coach: Jeremy Rainey Assistant: Brad Harrison 2011-12 record: 11-15 Home: Gator Gym

Lady Gators roster Name Year No. Courtney Austin 12 3 Cheyenne Buford 12 33 Deanna Furr 12 14 Vickey Landeverde 12 13 Madison Alred 11 13 Meredith Forrest 11 00 Merle Koll 11 35 Taylor Mashburn 11 25 Jessica Byrd 10 22 Brittany Keys 10 15 Caitlin Mars 10 21 Madison Reynolds 10 24 Key players: Courtney Austin, Cheyenne Buford, Madison Reynolds

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CHANGING GEARS

SUCCESSFUL TWO RIVERS GATORS MOVE UP FROM CLASS 2A TO 3A

Coach: Brad Harrison 2011-12 Record: 20-10 Home: Gator Gym

Gators Roster

BY TRAVIS SIMPSON sports@couriernews.com

The Two Rivers Gators have only been a team for two years. Within those two years, the team has already managed to place second in conference, third in region and qualify for the state tournament.

The Gators hope to keep the ball rolling and to build on their success.

However, the team lost six seniors last year — literally half of the 12-man rotation they used.

Additionally, Two Rivers has moved up from Class 2A to 3A — and a new classification means new chal-

lenges.

“We have not played any of the teams in our new conference before,” head coach Brad Harrison said. “Our kids know it will be a challenge every night to be competitive.”

As for the loss of experience, Harrison isn’t terribly worried.

“We like the amount of returning experience we have coming back this year,” he said. “We also like the new players who have moved up from junior high. We believe that if the returning players and the newcomers are able to continue to develop throughout the year that when it’s

“We like the amount of returning experience we have coming back this year. We also like the new players who have moved up from junior high.”

Brad Harrison Head coach, Two Rivers Gators tournament time, we will really like where we are at.”

Name Blane Gillum Tyler Green Jonathan Ellis Willber Torres Caleb Lisenbey Blaine Smith Gary Morrison Clayton May Logan Jones Martin Javalera Devin Hudson Ruben Escobar Kyle Frost Tommy Alvey Allen Calloway

No. 0 1 2 3 N/A 5 10 N/A N/A 14 N/A N/A 21 N/A 23

Andy Robinson 24 Cameron Lacy N/A Maverick Martinez 30 Drew Owens 31 Thomas Jones N/A Justin Byrd 33 Taylor Smith N/A Dylan Blair N/A Seth Walker 44 Key players: Tyler Green, Kyle Frost, Gary Morrison, Blaine Smith, Drew Owens, Seth Walker, Jonathan Ellis

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27

LADY WOLVERINES ADJUST TO CHANGES

BY TRAVIS SIMPSON sports@couriernews.com

The Western Yell County Lady Wolverines have seen a lot of change over the past few years. Not only has there been changes to the coaching staff, but there have also been changes to their conference.

Head coach Carla Catlett took over for Stuart Creamer this year. The transition has been reasonably seamless, she explained.

“There haven’t been many growing pains,” she said. “The kids have been very enjoyable to work with. We tried to keep what coach Creamer did last year and then implement some of my own stuff, too.

These girls have gone through a lot of dif-

“They’re a strong unit together. Another strength is that I’ve got 10 players, nine of which could start if needed.”

Carla Catlett Head coach, Western Yell County Lady Wolverines ferent coaches over the years. I didn’t want to pull the rug completely out from under them.”

Besides adjusting to a new system, the Lady Wolverines are adjusting to a new conference as well.

“The biggest challenge will be that we’re in another new conference. We’re going to be facing three new opponents that we don’t know a lot about,” Catlett said.

Catlett expects Western Yell County to bring two major strengths to the court — team unity and depth.

“They’ve really come together as a team,” she said. “They’re a strong unit together.

Another strength is that I’ve got 10 players, nine of which could start if needed. When I go to the bench I’m not going to drop off too much.”

Coach: Carla Catlett 2011-12 record: 5-18 Home: Wolverine Gym

Lady Wolverines roster Name Year Kylie Ross 12 Lauren Davis 12 Rebecca Perez 12 Heather Cartlett 11 Holly Ridenour 11 Brooklyn Turley 11 Kristen Chestnut 10 Patience Morris 10 Monica Lopez 10 Kenzie Baxter 10 Key players: Kylie Ross, Lauren Davis, Rebecca Perez

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Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012

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WOLVERINES NEW HEAD COACH EXPECTS SUCCESS

BY TRAVIS SIMPSON sports@couriernews.com

Western Yell County head coach Ethan Luther made the transition from junior high to senior high this year and according to him, the transition has been good.

“I was here a lot last year, and I got to know the kids well,” he said. “Plus, a lot of the junior high kids from last year are sophomores this year. It’s kind of like I’m moving up with them.”

Luther said he expected his team to perform well in conference play.

“I expect us to compete in the top three of the conference and hopefully make it to the regional tournament,” he said.

“We’re very athletic. A lot of our sophomores are multiple-sport athletes, so we’re looking for our speed and quick-

“I expect us to compete in the top three of the conference and hopefully make it to the regional tournament.”

Ethan Luther Head coach, Western Yell County Wolverines ness to make up for our lack of height.”

Despite being athletic, the team is young. Luther described inexperience as a major weakness of his squad.

“Most of our team is going to be sophomores,” he said. “But we played about 25 summer games to help get them used to

Wolverines roster Name Dalton Morris Delorian Hiatt Mario Paz Michael Hutson Corey Fink Ryan Akin Trent Cobb Blake Morgan Kyel Mclaughin

Year 12 12 12 12 11 11 10 10 10

playing senior high basketball.

“This is one of the deepest teams Western Yell County has had in a long time. I think we can really make some noise in the conference.

Brenton Buckman Chris Thygesen Alex Thygesen Wade Claunts Onyx Bell Justin Boyd

10 10 10 10 10 10

Key players: Dalton Morris, Delorin Hyatt, Chris Thygesen, Alex Thygesen, Trent Cobb, Blake Morgan

Coach: Ethan Luther 2011-12 record: 7-16 Senior night: Feb 5 Home: Wolverine Stadium

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29

CAN GOLDEN

SUNS RISE AGAIN? ATU WOMEN FACE TOUGHEST SCHEDULE IN THE NATION

BY SEAN INGRAM sportseditor@couriernews.com

There was one team missing from the 2012 NCAA Division II women’s basketball tournament for the first time since 2009 -- the Arkansas Tech Golden Suns.

After reaching the Elite Eight in 2010 and 2011, and being ranked No. 1 in the USA Today/ESPN WBCA Division II Coaches’ Poll in January, ATU finished 22-4 in 2011-12 but lost in the Great American Conference Tournament and failed to earn a berth in the national tournament for just the second time dating back to 2007.

The Golden Suns return two talented senior starters in all-conference forward Jessica Weatherford of Bonnerdale and GAC defender of the year, first team all-GAC and Daktronics second team all-South Central Region guard Roselis Silva of Caracas, Venezuela. She was named last month to the “Super 16” preseason all-America team by the Division II Bulletin.

But Arkansas Tech will introduce a lot of new players with no experience playing in the Golden Suns program and the GAC, even though they come from programs whether in high school, junior college or NCAA Division I who won at their respected highest level.

And, ATU’s schedule is the toughest in the nation, according to NCAA rankings from last year. But sixth-year head coach Dave Wilbers said the Golden Suns possess a great work ethic, outstanding team chemistry and will compete at their highest level to develop into a championship-level team.

“We open with a lot of road games due to us being unable to get nonconference home games. Also, we open our first two of three in the conference on the road in Oklahoma,” the coach said. “Our players

Golden Suns 2012-13 Nov. 13 CHRISTIAN BROTHERS 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 23 at Washburn^ 4 p.m.

Nov. 24 vs. Fort Hays State^ 6 p.m.

Nov. 29 *SOUTHERN NAZARENE 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 6 *at Southeastern Oklahoma State 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 8 *at East Central University 2 p.m.

Dec. 17 LEMOYNE-OWEN 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 19 BENEDICT 2 p.m.

Dec. 30 at Central Missouri 1:30 p.m.

Jan. 3 *NORTHWESTERN OKLAHOMA STATE 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 5 *SOUTHWESTERN OKAHOMA STATE 2 p.m.

Jan. 10 *at Ouachita Baptist 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 12 *HENDERSON STATE 4 p.m.

Jan. 17 *at Arkansas-Monticello 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 19 *SOUTHERN ARKANSAS 4 p.m.

Jan. 24 *at Harding 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 26 *SOUTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA STATE 2 p.m.

Feb. 2 *at Southern Nazarene 2 p.m.

Feb. 7 *at Southwestern Oklahoma State 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 9 *at Northwestern Oklahoma State 2 p.m.

Feb. 14 *OUACHITA BAPTIST 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 16 *at Henderson State 2 p.m.

Feb. 21 *ARKANSAS-MONTICELLO 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 23 *at Southern Arkansas 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 28 *HARDING 5:30 p.m.

Mar. 2 *EAST CENTRAL UNIVERSITY 2 p.m.

Mar. 7-10 GAC Tournament (at Bartlesville, Okla.) TBA HOME GAMES IN ALL CAPS ^ - Washburn Thanksgiving Classic @ Topeka, Kan.

are going to have to play with an urgency early in our schedule but also maintain our patience.

“Our program has developed the philosophy to get better each and every day in everything we do. That includes everything we do on and off the court. If his team maintains that, then we will have a successful season.”

Wilbers explained Weatherford and Silva are two of the premier players in the

THE COURIER / Submitted, ATU

THE COURIER / Submitted, ATU

Jessica Weatherford

Rosie Silva

nation at their positions.

“Jessica has transformed her body into being in the best shape of her career and has improved her strength and quickness,” he said. “Rosie’s game has been taken to a higher level with more range on her shot, and she is stronger.

“Both have been outstanding leaders by example and in the locker room. Both have to lead the team and be consistent scorers.

Our team has a lot of players who can play different positions, which gives us flexibility according to the way the game is being played.”

Westin Taylor is a 5-foot-10 senior guard who transferred from the University of Central Arkansas who can play a lot of different positions and has good experience, Wilbers said. Caitlyn Spurgeon, a 5-10 freshman guard who was the Oklahoma player of the year last season, has been one of ATU’s more consistent players in regards to scoring, rebounding and defending.

Returning Golden Suns include Joseane Maria Bazilio, a 5-10 junior forward from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Colegio Santa Monica); Lindsey Burgener, a 5-8 junior guard from Hattieville (Wonderview HS); Haley Stinnett, a 5-5 sophomore guard from Cotter; and Jae Tucker, a 5-10 sophomore forward from Little Rock (LR Christian Academy).

Other transfers to the Golden Suns include Tikeyiah Johnson, a 5-7 junior guard from John Logan Community College;

Jasmine Poole, a 5-10 junior forward from Daytona Beach Junior College; Mercedes Pardo-Espinoza, a 5-10 junior forward from San Jose (Calif.) Junior College; Kiara Quiñones Noa, a 5-7 sophomore guard from Carolina, Puerto Rico, and transfer from East Mississippi Community College; and Kaylie Bell, a 6-foot forward from the University of Texas-Arlington.

Freshmen for Arkansas Tech include Mary Carol Davis of Russellville, a 5-10 guard who helped the Lady Cyclones reach the 2012 Class 6A state championship game; Cara Neighbors, a 5-6 guard from Lonoke; Caroline Eubanks, a 6-1 forward from Springdale (Har-Ber HS); and Victoria Huff, a 5-6 guard from Yale, Okla.

“They have taken pride in everything they do, whether it is doing a community service project, lifting weights, conditioning or practice,” Wilbers said. “Our team is looking forward to the upcoming season, and our expectations in our program stay consistent with winning championships.

“The Great American Conference will be a terrific league with 20 league games and a first for us by starting league play this year in the fall [Nov. 29] against Southern Nazarene. Our conference has so many new players in it that teams that remain consistent and injury-free will have a chance to finish high.”

The Golden Suns, predicted to finish second in the GAC, will open the season against Christian Brothers at 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday inside Tucker Coliseum.

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Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012

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NEW WONDER BOYS TO PLAY MAJOR ROLES JARED WILLIAMSON, KENDALL PINKNEY RETURN

BY SEAN INGRAM sportseditor@couriernews.com

The Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys are picked to win the Great American Conference for a second straight season, but their head coach said a lot of new players have a long way to go before they can contend for the league title.

Doug Karleskint, who is 51-12 in his third season at the helm of the Wonder Boys, said the leader of the team is expected to be Russellville native Jared Williamson, a 6-1 senior guard who became ATU’s best player in the second half of last season.

“He’s still kind of the rock for our team,” Karleskint said. “I’m so pleased with how far he’s come. He’s extremely tough, mentally and physically, and really has turned into a high all-conference player.

Dardanelle native Kendall Pinkney (511 junior guard) is doing exactly what he needs to do and can be relied on day in and day out, the coach said, adding he could see significant playing time when he cuts his turnovers down.

The Wonder Boys — who went 26-6 last season and 25-6 in 2010-11 — will try to fill some big holes left by Johnie Davis, last year’s conference player of the year who should have been a two-time all-league player; Mikel Cleveland, Matt Haney of Dardanelle and Jeremy Hoard, who were consistent 3-point shooters and you “knew they were going to bring it every night,” Karleskint said.

“We have new guys to mix in with the old guys, and as a team we have a long way to go,” the coach explained. “But our season is pretty high. Paul Cooper [6-8 senior forward] is a transfer who redshirted last season, and Jeff Reese [6-4 senior forward] transferred here from Murray State and sat out last year. I’m expecting contributions from them. Alan Jones [6-0 senior guard, transfer from Troy University] probably provides our biggest perimeter weapon. Jay Murphy [5-11 junior guard from Bolivar, Tenn.] is

Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys 2012-13 Nov. 15 at Northeastern State 7 p.m.

Nov. 23 vs. Missouri-St. Louis# 1 p.m.

Nov. 24 at Drury# 3:15 p.m.

Nov. 29 *SOUTHERN NAZARENE 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 1 MISSOURI SOUTHERN 6 p.m.

Dec. 6 *at Southeastern Oklahoma State 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 8 *at East Central University 4 p.m.

Dec. 15 at Midwestern State 6 p.m.

Dec. 19 MID-AMERICA CHRISTIAN 4 p.m.

Jan. 3 *NORTHWESTERN OKLAHOMA STATE 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 5 *SOUTHWESTERN OKAHOMA STATE 4 p.m.

Jan. 10 *at Ouachita Baptist 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 12 *HENDERSON STATE 6 p.m.

Jan. 17 *at Arkansas-Monticello 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 19 *SOUTHERN ARKANSAS 6 p.m.

Jan. 24 *at Harding 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 26 *SOUTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA STATE 4 p.m.

Feb. 2 *at Southern Nazarene 4 p.m.

Feb. 7 *at Southwestern Oklahoma State 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 9 *at Northwestern Oklahoma State 4 p.m.

Feb. 14 *OUACHITA BAPTIST 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 16 *at Henderson State 4 p.m.

Feb. 21 *ARKANSAS-MONTICELLO 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 23 *at Southern Arkansas 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 28 *HARDING 7:30 p.m.

March 2 *EAST CENTRAL UNIVERSITY 4 p.m.

March 7-10 GAC Tournament (at Bartlesville, Okla.) TBA Home games in all caps # - Drury University Classic @ Springfield, Mo.

doing really good things in practice right now for us. He had a great season at Wallace State Community College.”

Another senior back from last season is Will Paul, a 6-10 senior center who transferred to ATU from Stanford. But the Wonder Boys will have to do without sophomore Nick Wayman, who suffered a season-ending injury the first day of preseason workouts.

“That was a huge loss for us,” Karleskint said. “We’re very athletic, we have good size, and it will allow our perimeter players to pressure the basketball, because guys like Charles Mells [7-foot junior center from Miami, Fla.] will protect the basket. We have some good athleticism, moreso than any year than I’ve

Will Paul

Jared Williamson

“Harding will challenge us, Henderson State added some nice pieces, OBU has everybody back, and Southwest Oklahoma State has everybody back. We had a dogfight with them in the conference championship last year.”

right now, but with so many new guys playing important roles, they still haven’t played one minute in GAC basketball, and they haven’t played in a year. We’ve been working on coming together as a team, trusting their teammates that they will be there for backside help.”

Karleskint said while the GAC target may be on their backs again, “We know the championship isn’t just going to be handed to us.

“Harding will challenge us, Henderson State added some nice pieces, OBU has everybody back, and Southwest Oklahoma State has everybody back. We had a dogfight with them in the conference championship last year.”

Arkansas Tech, which has qualified for the NCAA Tournament in four consecutive seasons, will tip off its 2012-13 season at 7 p.m. Thursday in Tahlequah, Okla., against Northeastern State.

Doug Karleskint Head coach, ATU Wonder Boys been here.

“The biggest challenge is getting the guys to play, molding them together as a team. and building team chemistry.

That’s the case with about every team

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Schedules Russellville 11/12-17 at (G)MSM Tourney 11/15 (B)Hot Springs 11/20 Springdale 11/26 - 12/1 (B) at Republic, Mo. Tour 11/29 (G)Harding Academy 12/3-8 (G) at Morrilton Tourney 12/11 (B) at Bryant 12/14 at Lake Hamilton 12/18 (G)Van Buren 12/27-29 at Greenbrier Tourney 12/27-29 (G) at Harrison Tourney 1/4 Conway 1/8 at FS Northside 1/11 LR Parkview 1/15 at LR Southside 1/22 Greenwood 1/25 (B) at LR Catholic 1/29 LR Hall 2/1 at Conway 2/5 FS Northside 2/8 at LR PArkview 2/12 FS Southside 2/15 at LR Hall 2/19 at Greenwood 2/22 (B) LR Catholic 2/22 (G) Mount St. Mary

Dardanelle 11/15 (B)at Greenbrier 11/15 at Hector 11/20 at Paris 11/26 at Mena Tourney 11/27 Clinton 11/29 (B)at Subiaco Academy 12/4 at Dover

12/7 Waldron 12/14 at Morrilton 12/18 Booneville 12/21 at Atkins 12/27 at Ozark Tourney 1/8 at Pottsville 1/11 at Mena 1/15 Maumelle 1/18 (B)Subiaco Academy 1/22 Dover 1/24 at Waldron 1/29 Pottsville 2/1 Mena 2/5 at Maumelle 2/8 at Booneville

Pottsville 11/13 at Charleston 11/15 at Mayflower 11/20 at Bauxite 11/26 at Conway St. Joseph 12/3 at Morrilton Tourney 12/4 Maumelle 12/10 (B)Subiaco academy 12/14 at Booneville 12/27 at Alma Tourney 1/4 Mena 1/8 Dardanelle 1/11 at Waldron 1/15 at Dover 1/18 Booneville 1/22 at Maumelle 1/24 (B)at Subiaco Academy 1/29 at Dardanelle 2/1 Waldron 2/5 Dover 2/8 at Mena

Dover 11/16 Sacred Heart

11/19 at Two Rivers 11/26 at Two Rivers 11/30 Deer 12/4 Dardanelle 12/7 Booneville 12/11 Hector 12/14 (B)at Mena 12/17 Ozard (B) 12/17 at Deer (G) 12/21 Waldron 12/27(B) at Hector 1/8 at Maumelle 1/11 (B)at Subiaco Academy 1/15 Pottsville 1/18 Mena 1/22 at Dardanelle 1/24 at Booneville 1/29 Maumelle 2/1 (B)Subiaco Academy 2/3 at Pottsville 2/8 at Waldron

Atkins 11/16 Academics Plus 11/19 Conway CHristian 11/20 at (G)Morrilton 11/27 Abundant Life 11/30 at (B)West Fork 12/1 at Scranton Classic 12/11 at Lamar 12/14 at Charleston 12/18 Paris 12/21 Dardanelle 12/27 Mayflower 12/28 Western Yell Co. 1/4 at Two Rivers 1/8 (B)Lavaca 1/11 at Danville 1/15 Mansfield 1/18 Lamar 1/22 at Paris 1/24 (G)at Charleston

1/29(G) at Lavaca 2/1 Two Rivers 2/5 at Mansfield 2/8 Danville

Clarksville 11/22 (B)at Forrest City Tourney 11/24 (G)at Farmington 11/27 (G)at Ozark 11/29 (B)at Jonesboro Tourney 11/30 (G)at West Fork 12/3 at (G)Morrilton Tourney 12/11 Maumelle 12/14 Bentonville 12/15 (B)at LR Hall 12/21 at Booneville 12/27 at Hot Springs Tourney 1/4 Alma 1/8 Greenbrier 1/11 at Shiloh Christian 1/15 at Vilonia 1/18 Harrison 1/22 Morrilton 1/25 at Huntsville 2/1 at Alma 2/5 at Greenbrier 2/8 Shiloh Christian 2/12 Vilonia 2/15 at Harrison 2/19 at Morrilton 2/22 Huntsville

Danville 11/19 Ozark 11/20 Mulberry 11/30 at Bigelow 12/4 at Hackett 12/11 at Paris 12/14 at Lavaca

12/18 Lamar 1/4 Mansfield 1/8 (G)at Charleston 1/11 Atkins 1/15 at Two Rivers 1/18 Paris 1/22 at Lamar 1/24 Lavaca 1/29 Charleston 2/1 at Mansfield 2/5 Two Rivers 2/8 at Atkins

Hector 11/16 Dardanelle 12/11 at Dover 12/14 at Quitman 12/20 at Lamar 12/21 at Perryville 1/4 at Conway Christian 1/8 at Bigelow 1/11 at Conway St. Joseph 1/15 (G)Western Yell County 1/18 Quitman 1/22 Conway Christian 1/24 at Bigelow 1/29 Conway St. Joseph 2/1 at Western Yell Co. 2/5 at Scranton 2/8 at Mayflower

Lamar 11/13 at Mulberry 11/16 at Cedarville 11/20 at Hector 11/26 at Two Rivers 12/3 at Scranton 12/11 Atkins 12/14 at Mansfield 12/18 at Danville 12/27 at Atkins

1/4 at Lavaca 1/8 Two Rivers 1/11 at Paris 1/15 Charleston 1/18 at Atkins 1/22 Danville 1/24 Mansfield 1/29 at Two Rivers 2/1 Lavaca 2/5 at Charleston (B) 2/8 Paris 2/8 Charleston (G)

Two Rivers 11/15 at Oark 11/19 at J.D. Leftwich/ Magazine 11/26-12/1 Two Rivers Tourney 12/4 Bigelow 12/7 Western Yell Co. 12/11 Lavaca 12/14 at Paris 12/18 Charleston 12/20 Perryville 12/27-29 at Perryville Tourney 1/4 (G) Atkins 1/8 at Lamar 1/10 (G) Lavaca 1/11 at Mansfield 1/15 Danville 1/18 at Lavaca 1/22 (B) at Charleston 1/24 Paris 1/29 Lamar 2/1 at Atkins 2/5 at Danville 2/8 Mansfield

Western Yell County 11/13 at Scranton 11/19 at Hackett

11/20 at Hackett 11/26 at Two Rivers 11/27 at Magazine 11/20 at Hartford 12/7 at Two Rivers 12/11 at Magazine 12/14 at Conway St. Joseph 12/27 at Atkins 12/28 at Atkins 1/4 at Bigelow 1/8 at Quitman 1/11 at Conway Christian 1/15 at Hector 1/18 at Conway St. Joseph 1/22 at Bigelow 1/25 Quitman 1/29 at Conway Christian 1/31 Hector 2/5 County Line 2/8 at Sacred Heart

Johnson County Westside 11/13 at St. Paul 11/16 at County Line 11/19 Decatur 11/27 Eureka Springs 12/4 Mulberry 12/6 at Union Christian 12/11 Hartford 1/4 Mountainburg 1/8 Hackett 1/11 Magazine 1/15 (B) at Eureka Springs 1/18 Decatur 1/22 at Hartford 1/24 at Union Christian 1/29 (G) Hackett 2/1 (B) at Hackett 2/5 at Magazine

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