FORT SMITH -- What a difference a year makes.
The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith men's basketball team had a lot of new things happening around the program a season ago. It had a new coach in Jim Boone with a new system, a new conference and an almost complete roster turnover with just one player that had been on campus for more than a year.
The Lions are excited for some continuity now entering Boone's second year of coaching the program after putting together a strong, improved season. UAFS was able to finish with a 13-16 record and even made the Lone Star Conference tournament.
"We couldn't be happier with where we are today," Boone said. "We now feel ahead of schedule. We walked into a tough spot a year ago. This program had missed two recruiting cycles because of coaching changes. We retained a thin roster and brought in some guys. It was challenging, but it was really fun because we had success.
"It exceeded everybody's expectations that we were able to transition into the Lone Star Conference and make the conference tournament."
Matthew Wilson of Farmington returns for his senior year to lead the way. He averaged 17 points while adding three rebounds, two assists and a steal per game after transferring into the program with coach Boone from Delta State.
"He does it all for us," Boone said. "He has been in our system for four years now. He knows what we want to do. He is another coach on the floor. He is a key element to our season bringing his production to the floor and off the court as a leader."
Senior forward Chris Rollins and sophomore guard Evan Anderson played key roles a year ago and look to step up for the Lions. Rollins averaged six points and five rebounds per game a season ago. Anderson stepped up as a freshman to average five points, two assists and two rebounds per contest. He was also the team's go-to defender for opposing scoring threats.
There will be plenty of opportunities for other returning Lions to step up and make an impact as well. The chances for playing time extend to the five-man freshman recruiting class as well. Payton Brown of Waldron, Drew Miller of Rogers, Justus Cooper of Melbourne, Terrell Kabala and Dalton Gayman all join the program after having impressive high school careers.
Brown averaged 31 points per game and scored 2,775 career points, which was fifth-most in Arkansas high school basketball history. Miller averaged 15 points, seven rebounds and three assists per game for Rogers High. Cooper joins the Lions after finishing as the all-time leading scorer and rebounder at Izard County Consolidated High School scoring more than 2,100 points and collecting over 2,000 rebounds. Kabala scored 15 per game, while Gayman averaged 21 points and eight rebounds.
Because of eligibility waivers allowing seniors to come back, this also could not be the final opportunity for seniors Wilson and Rollins to suit up as Lions.
"Both currently want to come back for one more run at this," Boone said. "So with that, we are looking at perhaps returning our entire team from this year into next year. That doesn't mean we are discounting this season. There are still trophies being handed out this season, too. We want to fight for those opportunities. But we are really excited for the future and the thought of all our guys coming back with an extra season of experience. We are going to be young this year but don't count us out."
When Lady Lions coach Tari Cummings talks about her team, it's hard for her to hide the excitemen. The Lady Lions were able to finish with a 14-15 overall record last year, a four-win improvement, and even made the Lone Star Conference tournament in their inaugural season. They knocked off a fourth-ranked program along the way in the regular season, too.
When she took over in year one two seasons ago, there were just seven players on the team. Cummings, now in her third year at the program, has built a deep roster. There is just one thing holding back her joy: the uncertainty surrounding the entire season. But the Lady Lions are ready to make the most of the season, whatever it brings to them.
"It was feeling like this was the year we were going to turn the corner now we are in year three," Cummings said. "In a normal season, you are able to get games in and build from there. We are looking at fewer games and things have to go perfect to get those games in as well. But that doesn't take away my excitement. These kids are working hard."
The team returns seven players with plenty of playing experience from a season ago. Hannah Boyett had a breakout freshman season, leading the team in scoring with 11 points per contest. Mar'Shalia Lollie as a junior transferred to the program and established herself early. She scored 10 along with seven rebounds per game. Ashanti Eden was another bright spot for the Lions in her freshman season. She helped round out the offense most nights, getting nine points per game. Leiloni Culley (seven points per game), Paige Elston (six points per game), Dachelle Terry (six points per game) and Laurissa Campbell (three points per game) helped establish the depth of the Lady Lions.
The freshman class of Nya Stewart, Halley Carr, Jordan Jones, Jasmyn Studamire, Cacie Gorman and Tyauna Vaught will look to make an impact when needed as well. Junior transfer forward Chiawna Johnson joins the program, too, providing more size.
