With a few conference games under his belt, Bentonville Black girls coach Mike Eaves has liked what he’s seen so far out of his team, but knows there’s room for improvement.

“We have played extremely hard and for the most part have played well defensively,” Eaves said. “We are still trying to be more consistent offensively.

Eaves spoke highly of the effort he has gotten out of Kadre Dixon and Kaylynn Tisdale.

“They have been playing well for me on both ends of the floor,” Eaves said.

Black’s boys team has the second-best overall record of teams with at least two conference losses, and coach Brian Ross knows his team is still right where it needs to be.

“I’m very proud of the effort this team has put forth in getting off to the start we have,” Ross said. “This group has a unique sense of “team” and “togetherness” and the chemistry in the locker room is awesome. They always play very unselfishly and have not been afraid to work extra hard. ”

Aaron Estrada has been the cornerstone of Black’s success, leading the team in points, assists and steals.

“He’s also a great team leader who plays with toughness and I wouldn’t trade him for any other player in the league,” Ross said. “The other players really feed off his energy. Alihi Keliiliki, Luke Blackmon, and Taylor Ervin are doing a great job shooting the 3. Collin Honeycutt, Arman Akbar, Scott Davis and Mo Pernudi are all playing great defense on the inside, controlling the boards and scoring when the opportunities present themselves.”

Black’s cross-town rival, Gold, has yet to crack the win column in conference play, but coach Holly Treat knows that patience is the key.

“We are playing and competing hard but are still a couple of plays from finishing out games,” Treat said. “Krista Clark continues to be a strong force inside and has been playing real well for us. Abby Roberts is one of the best I’ve seen at finding open players as well as advancing the ball quick up the floor to our guards.”

Rachel Kash and Simone Norvell are the guards Treat referenced and she said their speed down the floor is fun to watch.

“Tia Whidbee is a hard matchup to keep off the boards with her long reach and jumping ability,” Treat said.

Rogers High’s girls got off to a blistering start in conference play, winning their first two games before suffering their first defeat at the hands of Springdale Southwest on Thursday.

Head coach Jamie Rains and her Lady Mounties have a tough challenge this week, however, facing undefeated Fayetteville

“Elise Randells, Madison Sherrill, Maddi McKinney and Madison Sandor have all been the leading scorer in a game this season,” Rains said. “Elise has been a go-to defender for us. She is leading us in scoring, steals and blocks. Madison Sherrill and MyKelle Williams are leading in rebounds. ”

Rains also pointed out that Jessie Maass and Abby Resler have both been sparks off the bench thus far.

The Lady Mounties’ cross-town rival, Rogers Heritage, encounters the same scenario, having to face Woodland and Ramay in the same week.

“This group plays hard and we are developing as a team as the year progresses,” Heritage coach Allison Turner said. “We look better each game. Team sickness has been a factor in the last two weeks and I’m proud of the players who stepped up and gave big minutes.”

Some of those players include Meredith Lakis, Sayra Nieto and Liberty Thompson.