Bentonville Black Has High Expectations

By Paul Nielsen

Posted: November 16, 2009 at 4:36 a.m.

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ROGERS — Expectations are high for the Bentonville Black junior girls.

Several members of the team played on an undefeated eighth-grade squad last year and coach Michael Eaves welcomes that group into the freshmen fold this season.

“We have the opportunity to be pretty good if we keep improving,” Eaves said. “We are not very big but we have pretty quick guards that can pressure the basketball. In this league, you have to play well every night or you will get beat.”

For many of the teams in the Northwest Arkansas Conference, they will get started this week in the 33rd annual Allen Classic in Siloam Springs.

Springdale Central is the defending conference and regional champion after posting a 22-4 record last season. Central coach Sheila Neal welcomes back six players from that team, including Caylee Wright.

“We have quickness and can shoot the ball,” Neal said. “Our size is about average, but I know this team will fight to the end.”

Rogers High welcomes 5-foot-10 move-in Taylor Strickland (5-10) to compliment a solid core of players.

“(Strickland) is a player who can handle the ball, shoot the three and can post up and dominate the boards,” said Rogers coach Jamie Rains. “She will be a tough matchup for other teams.”

Fayetteville Woodland coach Marilyn Bauer said the trio of Maggie Stehlik, Vanessa Matlock and Turquoise Early “will give us great inside presence on the court with their height, speed and athletic ability.”

Bentonville Gold was 12-12 last year and returns a solid nucleus, while Springdale Southwest is also expected to be in the hunt.

Bentonville Gold coach Holly Treat said it will be counting on multi-sport athletes Taylor Lee, Taylor Graham and Rashaun Casey. Gold was 12-12 and 8-8 last season.

“We have great expectations for this team,” Treat said. “We have the ability to stroke the ball from the perimeter or score from inside the paint. We feel like we have good size and good depth on the bench.”

33rd Allen Classic At Siloam Springs

Today’s Games

Girls Gray Division

Shiloh vs. Heritage, 4 p.m. (arena)

Fay. Ramay vs. Gravette, 4 p.m. (VB gym)

Spr. Central vs. Stilwell, Okla., 6:30 p.m. (VB Gym)

Girls Maroon Division

FS Chaffin vs. Prairie Grove, 6:30 p.m. (arena)

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