Boys
Bergman Panthers
HEAD COACH Bo Martin
CONFERENCE 3A-1
2019-20 RECORD 31-9
WHO'S BACK? Elijah Royce (Sr., 6-4), Asher Fultz (Sr., 6-2), Anthony Hodge (Sr., 6-3), Kaden Henson (Jr., 6-0), Marcus Bryant (Jr., 5-10), Trevor Little (Sr., 6-2).
THE SCOOP Royce is back after averaging 16 points and 11 rebounds a game a season ago, earning him all-state honors. ... Fultz averaged nine points per game last season. ... Program made it to the state tournament a season ago. ... A pair of sophomores Walker Patton and Mingo Kennedy will look to make an impact right away.
Booneville Bearcats
HEAD COACH Ronnie Denton
CONFERENCE 3A-4
2019-20 RECORD 15-13
WHO'S BACK? Jacob Herrera (Sr., 6-2), Evan Escabedo (Jr., 5-9), Mason Goers (Jr., 6-2), Austin Hill (Sr., 5-10), Blake Jones (Sr., 5-9)
THE SCOOP Jacob Herrera returns after leading the team in scoring as junior with 12 points per game. ... Blake Jones and Austin Hill provided seven points per game a season ago for the Bearcats. ... Mason Goers stepped up as a sophomore last year, averaging seven points per game as well.
Cedarville Pirates
HEAD COACH Frank Cluck
CONFERENCE 3A-4
2019-20 RECORD 10-18
WHO'S BACK? Darryl Kattich (Sr., 6-2), Austin Swaim (Sr., 5-9), Caleb Franklin (Sr., 5-10), Connor Templeton (Sr., 5-10), Tommy Metcalf (Sr., 6-0), Austin Cluck (Sr., 6-1), Dylan Cluck (Sr., 6-3), Hayden Morton (So., 5-9), Lane Hightower (So., 6-1), Bradlee Blankenship (So., 6-2)
THE SCOOP Frank Cluck enters his first year with the program and jumps back in coaching for the first time since 2004. ... Kattich earned all-conference honors last year after averaging 14 points, five rebounds and 2 assists per game. ... Swaim a season ago scored 10 points per game. ... Transfers in Austin Cluck and Dylan Cluck along with newcomers Morton, Hightower and Blankenship are looking to make an impact.
Charleston Tigers
HEAD COACH B.J. Ross
CONFERENCE 3A-4
2019-20 RECORD 16-9
WHO'S BACK? Brandon Scott (So., 6-0), Trenton Goodson (Sr., 6-4), Dalton Curtis (Sr., 6-0), Ransom Merechka (Jr., 5-10), Brevyn Ketter (So., 6-0), Bryton Ketter (So., 5-8), Sebastian Gaona (So., 5-11).
THE SCOOP Program lost quite a few seniors, including their leading scorer from a year ago in Brayden Ross. He averaged about 25 points per game and the team will now look to make up that offense. ... Scott and Goodson return as starters from last year's team. ... Athletic sophomore class will look to make an impact right away. Could see up to six sophomores see play. ... Coach Ross: "This is going to be a fun year. We are going to win games we weren't supposed to but also lose games we weren't supposed to. Each night will be different." ... Coach Ross said he loves the effort the team plays at.
Elkins Elks
HEAD COACH Jared Porter
CONFERENCE 3A-1
2019-20 RECORD 29-5
WHO'S BACK? Kain Johnson (Sr., 5-11), Aiden Underdown (Jr., 6-5), Josh Allan (Sr., 5-10), Braedon Welch (Jr., 5-11), Jeremiah Shackelford (Jr., 6-2), Elijah Graham (Jr., 6-1)
THE SCOOP Elkins returns just one starter in Johnson from last season's school record in wins season, but Elks hope to be just reloading after winning the district tournament and making the second round of the state tournament last season. ... Johnson, who earned all-state honors, averaged 12 points and five assists per game. ... Underdown had six points per game as sixth man and will now be a starter.
Greenland Pirates
HEAD COACH Jared Gobel
CONFERENCE 3A-1
2019-20 RECORD 19-20
WHO'S BACK? Gabe Wilson (Sr., 6-3), Dayton Brooks (Sr., 5-11), Ryan Bush (Jr., 5-11), Jacob Gilbert (Jr., 5-11), Kaden Watts (Jr., 5-11).
THE SCOOP Greenland returns one starter from last season's senior-heavy team in Wilson. ... Pirates were able to make it to the regionals before falling to a very good Valley Springs team. ... Program looking for Wilson to lead the way with sophomores ready to get minutes looking to make an impact.
Green Forest Tigers
HEAD COACH Shane Compton
CONFERENCE 3A-1
2019-20 RECORD 4-23
WHO'S BACK? Daniel McDonald (Sr., 6-4), Jordan Mcloud (Jr., 6-6), Reiley Gordon (Sr., 5-11), Adrian Serna (Sr., 5-10), Isaac Demeyer (Jr., 6-3).
THE SCOOP McDonald averaged nine points and four rebounds per game a season ago, earning him all-conference honors. ... Mcloud returns after scoring six points and pulling down seven rebounds per game. ... Coach Compton loves the depth of his team and believes the team can improve on last season's win total.
Haas Hall-Fayetteville Mastiffs
CONFERENCE 3A-1
2019-20 RECORD 13-13
THE SCOOP Hass Hall-Fayetteville will not field a basketball program this year, according to athletic director Rebecca Luebker.
Hackett Hornets
HEAD COACH Kent Elmore
CONFERENCE 3A-4
2019-20 RECORD 13-11
WHO'S BACK? Cash Oliver (Jr., 5-10), Austin Cowell (Jr., 6-4), Jake Fisher (Jr., 5-10), Ethan Slavens (Jr., 6-7).
THE SCOOP Young core of impact players return after making it to the state tournament for the first time in program history since 2010. ... Oliver scored 15 points per game a season ago. ... Fisher is one of the team's better defenders. He averaged three steals and two charges per contest last year. ... Cowell provides outside shooting. ... Slavens to play a major role on the team this year, coach Elmore said.
Lamar Warriors
HEAD COACH Brett Sampley
CONFERENCE 3A-5
2019-20 RECORD 20-10
WHO'S BACK? Ethan Kendall (Sr., 6-0), Jamarey Larkin (Sr., 5-10), Jerron Massengale (Sr., 6-4), Bradlee Kemp (Jr., 6-0), Dylan Mize (Jr., 5-11), Jett Stephenson (Jr., 5-11), Cody Warren (Sr., 6-2).
THE SCOOP Kendall returns to lead the team after averaging 15 points and five rebounds per game a year ago while earning all-state honors. He led the conference in all 3-point shooting categories. ... Larkins, who was also all-state, scored 12 per game with six assists. He led the conference in steals and assists. ... Massengale brings great size to the team, as he led the conference in double-doubles. He averaged about 10 points and 10 rebounds per contest. ... Kempt chipped in eight points per game a year ago.
Lincoln Wolves
HEAD COACH Tim Rich
CONFERENCE 3A-1
2019-20 RECORD 6-18
WHO'S BACK? Elijah Rich (Sr., 6-1), Daytin Davis (Sr., 6-1), Weston Massey (Sr., 5-8), Austin Munyon (Sr., 6-3), Kyler Calvin (Jr., 5-10).
THE SCOOP A strong senior class looks to guide the program after getting a lot of playing time a season ago. ... Coach Rich loves what he saw in the offseason from his team with key players getting better. ... Wolves have a lot of underclassmen waiting in the wings looking to see time on the court as needed.
Paris Eagles
HEAD COACH Blain Brewington
CONFERENCE 3A-4
2019-20 RECORD 5-22
WHO'S BACK? Dylan Krigbaum (Sr., 6-0), Caleb Cunningham (Sr., 6-2), Jude Simmons (Jr., 6-3), Cayden McDaniel (Jr., 5-11), Bryan Jimenez (Sr., 5-11), Beau Baine (Jr., 5-10), Caleb Yarnell (Jr., 5-10), Duke Walker (Jr., 5-11), MeQueil Ellingburg (Jr., 6-3), Jesse Wells (So., 6-2), Sam Muldrow (So., 6-2), Juan Santos (So., 6-0), and Mason Bradley (So., 5-8).
THE SCOOP Coach Brewington enters his first season as coach for the Eagles. ... Krigbaum scored 11 and had four rebounds a year on average. ... Cunningham chipped in six points and three rebounds a game. ... Coach Brewington loves the depth of his team, which includes moving up a large sophomore class looking to make an impact this season.
Valley Springs Tigers
HEAD COACH Blake Hanney
CONFERENCE 3A-1
2019-20 RECORD 36-4
WHO'S BACK? Trell Trammell (Sr., 6-4), Brock Lippe (Sr., 5-10), Jordan Cape (Sr., 6-7), Colby Ketchum (Sr., 6-6), Griffin Stuart (Sr., 5-10), Hunter Reese (Jr., 5-11), Kaden Horn (So., 5-9).
THE SCOOP The Tigers return a strong senior class after making it to the quarterfinals of the state tournament a season ago. ... Program captured the Class 3A-1 Regional tournament championship with a strong performance at Waldron a year ago. ... Team has plenty of size and looks to make another run in the playoffs.
Waldron Bulldogs
HEAD COACH Joshua Brown
CONFERENCE 3A-4
2019-20 RECORD 24-7
WHO'S BACK? Jaden Hutchens (Sr., 5-9), Gada Wagner (Sr., 5-9), Isaac Villarreal (Sr., 6-3), Caden Fuller (Sr., 5-9), Braden Williams (Sr., 6-1), Bryson Bailey (Sr., 5-11), Camdon Holcomb (Jr., 6-5), Lidge Stinson (So., 6-0), Trenton Hunt (So., 6-0), Trevor Hunt (So., 6-0), Jesse Dees (Sr., 5-9), Petey Justice (So., 6-0).
THE SCOOP Seven seniors return looking to keep the program going after the graduation of Payton Brown, who ranks as the fifth highest career scorer in state history with 2,775 (31 per game). ... Hutchens runs the offense from the point guard spot and is a good defender. ... Coach Brown loves the depth of the team with a strong sophomore class entering varsity play and will have a deep rotation. ... Coach Brown: "I'd take Payton back in a heartbeat, but these guys have a chip on their shoulder and have heard for a while they can't win without him. They have something to prove."
West Fork Tigers
HEAD COACH Kelby Drennan
CONFERENCE 3A-1
2019-20 RECORD 7-19
WHO'S BACK? Wyett Kutz (Sr., 6-0), Stoker Cornelius (Jr., 6-0), Ethan Howerton (Jr., 6-2), Cade Melton (Sr., 6-4), Mason Allen (Jr., 6-2), Eli Howerton (So., 6-2), Kole Pennington (So., 5-10).
THE SCOOP Young core of the team returns looking to make a run at a strong season. ... Kutz, a three-year starter at point guard, averaged 15 points per game while earning all-conference honors. ... A pair of sharpshooters Cornelius (six points per game) and Howerton (seven points per game) are expected to have a strong year. ... Allen returns after missing last season because of injury.
Girls
Bergman Lady Panthers
HEAD COACH James Halitzka
CONFERENCE 3A-1
2019-20 RECORD 27-12
WHO'S BACK? Kara Ponder (Jr., 5-8), Maddi Holt (So., 5-7), Karsen Edwards (Jr., 6-0), Kessa Willis (Jr., 5-6), Abby Hodges (Jr., 5-4), Tru Cartwright (Sr., 5-8), Madaline Moon (So., 5-10).
THE SCOOP The Lady Panthers return a deep team that was tested in its deep conference and had its season end at the regional tournament against Charleston, a state semifinals team. ... The dynamic scoring of Ponder (18 per game) and Holt (15 per game) returns to lead the way. ... Edwards averaged nine points and eight rebounds per game as well.
Booneville Lady Bearcats
HEAD COACH Tim Goers
CONFERENCE 3A-4
2019-20 RECORD 12-16
WHO'S BACK? Joleigh Tate (Jr., 5-8), Heaven Sanchez (Jr., 5-5), Leigh Swint (So., 5-7), Hayley Roberts (Jr., 5-9), Brooke Turner (Jr., 5-6), Lindsay Wallace (Sr., 5-7), Karmen Kent (So., 5-9).
THE SCOOP Team will need to replace the scoring of two seniors who departed averaging more than 10 points per game each. ... Joleigh Tate returns after scoring eight points a game a season ago. ... Heaven Sanchez averaged about seven points per game as well last year.
Cedarville Lady Pirates
HEAD COACH Andrew Tencleve
CONFERENCE 3A-4
2019-20 RECORD 12-15
WHO'S BACK? Chloe Morrow (Sr., 5-4), Anna Hightower (Sr., 5-7), Kattie McBroom (Sr., 5-8).
THE SCOOP Andrew Tencleve switches from coaching the Cedarville boys program to the girls program after 12 seasons. ... Lady Pirates are set to return five seniors and three sophomores into the mix of newcomers looking to make an impact. ... Morrow and McBroom each averaged about 10 points per game, while Hightower chipped in about six points per game.
Charleston Lady Tigers
HEAD COACH Jason Rucker
CONFERENCE 3A-4
2019-20 RECORD 29-4
WHO'S BACK? Brooklyn Groen (Sr., 5-5), Addison Newhart (Jr., 5-5), Rylee Ross (Jr., 5-9), Gracie Koch (Jr., 5-10).
THE SCOOP Groen is the only returning starter, but Newhart, Ross and Koch played key roles off the bench last year and bring plenty of experience. ... Coach Rucker likes the depth behind those players but didn't get much varsity time because of so many already established players. ... Defense and 3-point shooting will again be a key for the Lady Tigers. ... Lost leading scorer from last year but returners all had nights where they led the team in points. ... Coach Rucker believes the team will be a little more athletic this year than in the past.
Elkins Lady Elks
HEAD COACH Monica Wells
CONFERENCE 3A-1
2019-20 RECORD 20-9
WHO'S BACK? Tiara Jackson (Sr., 5-10), Kingslee Kestner (Sr., 5-10), Angie Richert (Sr., 5-8), Avery Hutchinson (Jr., 5-10), Charity Moore (Jr., 5-5).
THE SCOOP Elkins returns two starters in Jackson and Kestner from last year's team that finished second in conference play and second at the conference tournament. ... Jackson earned all-state honors and Kestner earned all-conference honors. ... Hutchinson and Moore got key minutes and look to make a bigger impact this season.
Greenland Lady Pirates
HEAD COACH Alan Barton
CONFERENCE 3A-1
2019-20 RECORD 3-21
WHO'S BACK? Hedi Rust (Sr., 5-7), Mercedes Fanning (Sr., 5-8), Kaylee Wilson (Sr., 5-7), Sydney Yeargan (Sr., 5-8), Jamie Collier (Sr., 5-5).
THE SCOOP Rust (10 points per game), Wilson (eight points per game) and Fanning (six points per game) returns as starters to guide the program. ... Yeargan, Collier and Alexus Hankins played key role minutes and now look to make a bigger impact. ... Coach Barton loves overall height from his team and expects to be competitive in a new, challenging conference.
Green Forest Lady Tigers
HEAD COACH Kyle Farrar
CONFERENCE 3A-1
2019-20 RECORD 0-26
WHO'S BACK? Maddie Youngblood (Sr., 5-9), Evelyn Lopez (Sr., 5-3), Bianca Rosales (Sr. 5-3), Samantha Delavin (Jr., 5-6), Kimberly Lozano (Jr., 5-4), Jessica Padilla (Jr., 5-2), Carlee Smothers (Jr., 5-6), Katie Farrar (So., 5-9), Leah Evans (So., 5-3), Emily Lozano (So., 5-3), Lyndsey Snow (So., 5-9), Allie Snow (So., 5-9), Glorina Langinbelik (So., 5-7).
THE SCOOP Youngblood returns to lead the team after averaging 10 pointers per game last year. ... Samantha chipped in about six points on average per contest last season. ... Program will look for sophomore class to make an impact right away with upperclassmen leading the way.
Haas Hall-Fayetteville Lady Mastiffs
CONFERENCE 3A-1
2019-20 RECORD 2-19
THE SCOOP Hass Hall Fayetteville will not field a basketball program this year, according to athletic director Rebecca Luebker.
Hackett Lady Hornets
HEAD COACH Broc Adams
CONFERENCE 3A-4
2019-20 RECORD 8-18
WHO'S BACK? Rain Vaughn (Sr., 5-5), Madeline Freeman (Jr., 5-9), Madi Taylor (Sr., 5-4), Kandace Byrd (Sr., 5-6), Teonna Best (So., 5-5).
THE SCOOP Program returns four starters from last year's team that made it to the regionals after making a strong push at the end of the season. ... Coach Adams, who enters his second year, and the team are excited about the move to Class 3A competition. ... Vaughn and Freeman expected to get the ball a lot in the post this year with Taylor and Byrd at guard spots looking to stretch defenses out with 3-point making ability.
Lamar Lady Warriors
HEAD COACH Brandon Schluterman
CONFERENCE 3A-5
2019-20 RECORD 30-4
WHO'S BACK? Amber Brown (Sr., 5-7), Britlyn Kendall (Sr., 5-4), Morgan Cochran (So., 5-5), Karlee Williams (So., 5-8).
THE SCOOP Team will miss four-year starter Lakyn Sanders, now at the University of the Ozarks. She scored 20 points per game and the team will look to replace those points with a young core. ... Brown averaged 10 points per game and earned all-state honors last season. ... Kendall finished with six points per game, which put her on the all-district team.
Lincoln Lady Wolves
HEAD COACH Emilianne Cox
CONFERENCE 3A-1
2019-20 RECORD 17-10
WHO'S BACK? Nadia Ortiz (Sr., 5-7), Landree Cunningham (Sr., 5-6), Katie Jones (Jr., 5-7), Jocelyn Watts (Jr., 5-11). THE SCOOP Plenty of opportunity for players to step up after losing six seniors from last year's team that made it to the district tournament. ... Program moved up four freshmen and has a strong sophomore class looking to provide sparks. ... Sarah Snodgrass, a freshman, scored 22 points per game as an eighth grader.
Paris Lady Eagles
HEAD COACH Donald Hart
CONFERENCE 3A-4
2019-20 RECORD 13-14
WHO'S BACK? Jadyn Hart (Sr., 5-7), Jacee Hart (Jr., 5-11), Karsyn Tencleve (Jr., 5-7), Akira Robinson (Jr., 6-0), Brailey Forst (So., 6-0), Jayden Wells (So., 5-7), Racheal O'Neal (So., 5-7), Caroline Fields (So., 5-7).
THE SCOOP Jadyn Hart returns after earning all-state honors averaging 19 points per game a season ago. ... Jacee Hart had nine points and nine rebounds on average per game. ... Program has five players from the volleyball team that was runner up in the Class 3A state tournament. ... Coach Hart loves the size and speed of the team, which hopes to make a postseason push this year.
Valley Springs Lady Tigers
HEAD COACH Ryan Johnson
CONFERENCE 3A-1
2019-20 RECORD 36-7
WHO'S BACK? Bethany Richardson (Sr., 5-11), Maura Moore (Sr., 5-7), Whitney Coffelt (Sr., 5-4), Haylie Fry (Sr., 5-8), Cayley Patrick (Jr., 5-6).
THE SCOOP The defending Class 3A champions bring back a strong core to make another playoff run this season. ... Richardson, a member of the all-state team, scored 15 points per game a season ago. ... Moore, the state tournament MVP, had 10 points per game on average last season. ... Coffelt, who was named to the all-state tournament team, returns after providing 10 points per game last year.
Waldron Lady Bulldogs
HEAD COACH Josh Atchley
CONFERENCE 3A-4
2019-20 RECORD 12-19
WHO'S BACK? Hailey Stidman (Jr., 5-11), Bianca Hinojosa (Jr., 5-5), Rheagan Sanford (Sr., 5-3), Jessica Ozuna (Sr., 5-6), Summer Imperiali (Jr., 5-5), Kadance Espinoza (Sr., 5-7), Molly Richmond (Jr., 5-8).
THE SCOOP Finished sixth in regular season in conference play but made a run in conference tournament to earn a regional berth. ... Program had its season end to eventual state champions, Valley Springs. ... Young core returns ready to make strides at an improved season after late-season push.
West Fork Lady Tigers
HEAD COACH Rodney Selph
CONFERENCE 3A-1
2019-20 RECORD 14-15
WHO'S BACK? C.C. Neyman (Jr., 5-9), Emma Neyman (Sr., 5-7), Joyce Ferguson (Sr., 5-6), Lillian Hauser (Sr., 6-0), Heather Bivens (Jr., 5-7), Baileigh Cash (Jr., 5-6), Zoe Erickson (Jr., 5-10), Haley Beth Johnson (Jr., 5-3).
THE SCOOP West Fork had its season end to the eventual state champion in Mountain View after losing in the first round of the regional tournament. ... Program finished 8-6 in conference play, good for fourth a season ago. ... Plenty of opportunity for players to step up and score points with the graduation of prolific scorers Hannah Johnson and Savanah White. ... The Lady Tigers lost six seniors from last year's team.