Girls
Berryville Lady Bobcats
HEAD COACH Daniel Cornelison
CONFERENCE 4A-1
2019-20 RECORD 19-8
WHO'S BACK? Lilli Compton (5-4), Lauren Compton (5-7), Ella McMellon (6-1), Faith Kelley (5-8), Madison Beck (5-8), Hannah Youngblood (5-1)
THE SCOOP The Lady Bobcats will be strong again this season, but with a ton of newcomers. ... Senior Lilli Compton is the top returning scorer, and she is one of the best in the rugged 4A-1. Compton averaged 11.7 points per game last season to earn all-conference honors.
Clarksville Lady Panthers
HEAD COACH Randy Talley
CONFERENCE 4A-4
2019-20 RECORD 16-12
WHO'S BACK? Autumn Miller (Sr.), Kenleigh Rieder (Jr.), Abby Domerese (Jr.).
THE SCOOP The Lady Panthers graduated a large senior class last season, so there will be plenty of new faces this season. ... The Lady Panthers lack size inside, so the team will be guard-heavy. ... Miller, Rieder and Domerse were all named to the all-conference team a year ago. ... The Lady Panthers will look to Parker Banning, Hannah Melton, Mary Domerese and Kelsey Frizzell for added scoring.
Farmington Lady Cardinals
HEAD COACH Brad Johnson
CONFERENCE 4A-1
2019-20 RECORD 32-3
WHO'S BACK? Tori Kersey (5-11, Sr.), Trinity Johnson (5-9, Sr.), Carson Dillard (5-7, Jr.), Morgan Brye (5-11, Jr.)
THE SCOOP The Lady Cardinals rolled to the Class 4A state championship game last season before covid-19 prevented the actual game from being played against Star City. Both teams were awarded championship trophies. The Lady Cards captured conference, district and regional tournament championships in 2019-20. ... Senior Tori Kersey returns after averaging 15.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game last season. ... Trinity Johnson, who is signing with Southwestern Oklahoma State, averaged 10.6 points per game and knocked down 96 3-pointers. ... Carson Dillard and Morgan Brye came off the bench as sophomores and are expected to take on bigger roles this season. ... Megan Hernandez, a 5-9 junior and Ally Devecsery, a 5-8 junior, are newcomers to watch for the Lady Cardinals.
Gentry Lady Pioneers
HEAD COACH Toby Tevebaugh
CONFERENCE 4A-1
2019-20 RECORD 18-10
WHO'S BACK? Jaiden Wilmoth (5-6, Sr.), Randi Jo Bolinger (5-8, Sr.), Emily Toland (5-11, Sr.).
THE SCOOP The Lady Pioneers have three starters back from last season and will add an infusion of talent from its strong sophomore class. ... Wilmoth was an all-conference selection last season at point guard, and Bolinger will return this season after missing last year with an injury. ... Toland is strong around the tim and averaged 9 points and 8 rebounds per game. ... Sophomore Alyssa McCarthy will be a newcomer to watch this season, and newcomers Liberty Brannon and Lexi Fowler should also contribute, said Tevebaugh.
Gravette Lady Lions
HEAD COACH Will Pittman
CONFERENCE 4A-1
2019-20 RECORD 18-12
WHO'S BACK? Shylee Morrison (5-6, Sr.), Kaylan Chilton (5-8, Sr.), Lizzy Ellis (5-5, Sr.), Rachel Deihl (5-10, So.), Delacie Wishon (60, Fr.).
THE SCOOP Morrison leads a stacked Lady Lions team that advanced to the regionals last season. The Union University commit averaged 20.7 points and 4.3 assists per game to earn all-state and all-conference honors. Morrison has scored 1,199 career points. ... Ellis is a force at guard, averaging 13.4 points before a season-ending injury ended her junior season. In just 9 games, Ellis hit 29 3-pointers. ... Deihl and freshman Wishon will add much-needed height and depth in the post.
Harrison Lady Goblins
HEAD COACH Kristian Williams
CONFERENCE 4A-1
2019-20 RECORD 27-5
WHO'S BACK? Sydney Shrum (5-7, Sr.), Brynn Oleson (5-9, Sr.), Alex Hill (5-6, Sr.), Mariah Hudson (5-6, Sr.), Maggie Salmon (5-8, Sr.), Madison Bell (5-10, Sr.).
THE SCOOP The Lady Goblins will have a lot of new faces this season, starting with first-year coach Kristian Williams, who takes over one of the top 4A programs in the state. ... Shrum averaged 10 points per game last season, but will not return to the floor until January after an ACL injury. ... Brynn Oleson, who averaged 12 points per game last season, is also returning from an Achilles tear and won't be ready until Janaury. ... Alex Hill, who averaged 18 points per game at Alpena, transferred to Harrison last summer and will provide a big scoring boost. ... Mariah Hudson, Maggie Salmon and Madison Bell will all be counted on to provide minutes, as will newcomer sophomore Clare Barger.
Huntsville Lady Eagles
HEAD COACH Greg McCone
CONFERENCE 4A-1
2019-20 RECORD 9-20
WHO'S BACK? Madysin Thomas (5-7, Sr.), Grace Mayes (5-4, Sr.), Paige Bennett (5-8, Sr.), Addi Routh (5-5, Jr.), Tanna Wilson (5-8, Jr.), Alissa Pillow (5-5, So.).
THE SCOOP The Lady Eagles have been besieged with injuries the past two seasons, which has led Coach Greg McCone to make some adjustments to the practice format. ... McCone said his team is hungry to restore Huntsville to the level of excellence it held for many years.
Ozark Lady Hillbillies
HEAD COACH Bret Nagel
CONFERENCE 4A-4
2019-20 RECORD 20-14
WHO'S BACK? Isabella Asbeck (5-6, Jr.), Kelsee Barnett (5-5, Sr.), Jaci Bonds (5-6, Jr.), Briley Burns (5-11, So.), Carter Crane (6-2, Jr.), Autumn Joy (5-6, Jr.).
THE SCOOP The Lady Hillbillies advanced to the Class 4A state tournament lst season and return several top players from that team. ... Barnett was an all-conference selection, and the Hillbillies also have size inside with the 6-2 Craine and 5-11 Burns, who is a sophomore. ... Ozark should get valuable contributions from sophomores Maci Ellis, Gillian Lachowsky, McKenzie Powell and Anna Woolsey.
Pea Ridge Lady Blackhawks
HEAD COACH Heath Neal
CONFERENCE 4A-1
2019-20 RECORD 25-10
WHO'S BACK? Blakelee Winn (5-10, Sr.), Ravin Cawthon (5-9, Sr.), Aiden Dayberry (5-9, Sr.), Lauren Wright (5-10, Jr.).
THE SCOOP The Lady Blackhawks are primed to make a deep run with the return of several key players from last season's Class 4A elite eight team. ... It starts with Winn, a multi-sport star who averaged 18 points, 3.6 steals and 5.4 rebounds per game to earn all-state honors. ... Cawthon led the team in rebounding at 6.1 per game and averaged 2.2 steals, and Dayberry is a lock-down defender as well as a top scorer, averaging 9 points and 1.1 steals per game last season. ... Wright runs the show at point guard and averaged 4.3 points and 4.2 assists per game.
Prairie Grove Lady Tigers
HEAD COACH Kevin Froud
CONFERENCE 4A-1
2019-20 RECORD 10-17
WHO'S BACK? Trinity Dobbs (5-7 Jr.), Abby Preston (5-6. Jr.), Tori Price (5-3, Jr.), Charity Stearman (5-5, Jr.), Arianna Harrell (5-5, Jr.), Olivia Kestner (6-0, Jr.), Zoe Hubbs (5-10, Jr.).
THE SCOOP The Lady Tigers return a number of players who saw court time last season as sophomores. ... There are two returning seniors, Jasmine Wynos and Logan Meaders, who missed last season with ACL injuries that will bolster Prairie Grove's attack.
Shiloh Christian Lady Saints
HEAD COACH Bryan Rooney
CONFERENCE 4A-1
2019-20 RECORD 8-20
WHO'S BACK? Anna McCredy (6-3, Sr.), Acie Thurlby (5-5, Sr.), Rylie Russ (5-5, Sr.), Katelyn Simpson (5-9, Jr.), Lauren Wyand (5-11, Jr.)
THE SCOOP The Lady Saints will look to senior Anna McCredy, one of the region's top post players. McCredy suffered an ACL injury last season, but was one of the top newcomers as a sophomore. She signed with Union University. ... Thurlby averaged 9.8 points and 3.6 rebounds per game last season, and Russ averaged 10.7 points and 3.8 board per game. Both were named to the all-conference team. ... Tunnell had to sit out last season after transferring. She has offers from San Jose State, Drury and others.
Boys
Berryville Bobcats
HEAD COACH Brent Compton
CONFERENCE 4A-1
2019-20 RECORD 19-12
WHO'S BACK? Kade Davidson (5-8, Jr.), Landon Chester (6-2, Sr.), Weston Teague (6-8, Jr.), J.D. Smith (6-2, Sr.)
THE SCOOP Davidson, a point guard, averaged a team-best 11.8 points per game and 3.5 assists. ... Smith, a senior guard/forward, also averaged 11.8 points per game. ... Teague is a huge presence in the post with almost 2 blocked shots per game. ... Kennon Helmlinger, a 6-2 junior, is poised for a breakout season, Compton said. ... The Bobcats should get a boost from a 19-4 junior high team that won the 4A-1 tournament.
Clarksville Panthers
HEAD COACH Tony Davis
CONFERENCE 4A-4
2019-20 RECORD 15-15
WHO'S BACK? John Case, Owen Ashlock.
THE SCOOP Case averaged 6.5 points per game and Ashlock averaged 5.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
Farmington Cardinals
HEAD COACH Johnny Taylor
CONFERENCE 4A-1
2019-20 RECORD 19-11
WHO'S BACK? Logan Burch (5-8, Sr.), Devonte Donovan (6-4 Sr.), Carson Simmons (6-3, Sr.)
THE SCOOP Farmington will be playing for a new coach this season as Johnny Taylor takes over for former coach Beau Thompson, who is now the Farmington athletic director. ... Three starters return for the cards, and there are a host of newcomers who will add to the team including freshman Layne Taylor, Nathan Monroe, Caleb Blakely, Roman Carlson, Decorey Thomas and James Payne.
Gentry Pioneers
HEAD COACH Brent Hester
CONFERENCE 4A-1
2019-20 RECORD 11-14
WHO'S BACK? Garrison Jackson (6-4, Jr.), Andrew Godfrey (5-9, Sr.), Isaiah Lemke (6-0, Jr.)
THE SCOOP Jackson is expected to have a breakout season as the top returning scorer and rebounder for the Pioneers. ... Godfrey and Lemke will also add stability in the backcourt.
Gravette Lions
HEAD COACH Matt Busch
CONFERENCE 4A-1
2019-20 RECORD 13-15
WHO'S BACK? Tristan Batie (6-3, Sr.), Johnny Dunfee (6-1, Sr.), Brady Hunt (6-1, Jr.).
THE SCOOP The Lions will roar this season with three starters back. ... Batie earned all-conference honors last season, averaging 16 points and 10 rebounds per game as well as providing rim protection as a shot-blocker. ... Dunfee averaged 8 points and 8 rebounds per game last season, and Hunt chipped in at 5 points per game.
Harrison Goblins
HEAD COACH David Stahler
CONFERENCE 4A-1
2019-20 RECORD 11-18
WHO'S BACK? Ethan Edwards (5-11, Sr.), Bryce Bonds (6-0, Sr.), Gatlin James (6-4, Jr.), Logan Plumlee (6-2, Jr.), Timber Crenwelge (6-1, Jr.).
THE SCOOP The Goblins played a ton of underclassmen last season and many return with a year of varsity seasoning under their belts. ... Edwards averaged 16 points per game last season to earn all-conference honors. ... Bonds and the 6-4 James each averaged 6 points per game, and Plumlee, a junior, also scored 6 points per game. ... Abe Glidewell, a 6-1 junior, is a lock-down defender.
Huntsville Eagles
HEAD COACH Grant Myrick
CONFERENCE 4A-1
2019-20 RECORD 17-11
WHO'S BACK? Hunter Davidson (5-11, Sr.), Kross Easterling (6-1, Sr.), Slayter Watkins (5-11, Sr.), Hayden Dotson (5-9, Jr.), Matthew Sisk (6-1, Jr.)
THE SCOOP The Eagles have the weapons to contend for the 4A-1 title. ... Davidson earned all-conference honors last season after averaging 17 points per game. ... Easterling and Dotson provide backcourt stability for the Eagles. ... Watkins is the running back on the football team and brings toughness to the court.
Ozark Hillbillies
HEAD COACH Brad Johnson
CONFERENCE 4A-4
2019-20 RECORD 23-9
WHO'S BACK? Garrett Schaffer (6-4 Sr.), Jaxson Harris (5-9, Sr.), Sebastian Ross (6-1, Sr.), Keystan Durning (6-2, Sr.)
THE SCOOP The Hillbillies are loaded with experience back from a state quarterfinalist team a year ago. Ozark won conference, district and regional championships last season. ... Schaffer leads the returnees after averaging 15.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. ... Harris and Ross were also all-conference selections, and Durning is a force inside who also is one of the top linebackers in Class 4A on the football team. ... Ozark has several newcomers including Kayden McAnally, Jace Richard and Cooper Watson.
Pea Ridge Blackhawks
HEAD COACH Trent Loyd
CONFERENCE 4A-1
2019-20 RECORD 22-5
WHO'S BACK? Greydon Edwards (6-0, Sr.), Jared Brewer (6-1, Jr.)
THE SCOOP Edwards averaged 6 points and 5 rebounds per game last season and is the lone returning starter for the Blackhawks. ... Brewer came off the bench for Pea Ridge last season and is a scoring threat from the 3-point line. ... There are a host of newcomers that Loyd is counting on to make major contributions led by sophomore Bric Cates (5-10). ... Pea Ridge will debut its new arena this season.
Prairie Grove Tigers
HEAD COACH Steve Edmiston
CONFERENCE 4A-1
2019-20 RECORD 16-13
WHO'S BACK? Sloan Smith (Sr.), Blake Gardner (Jr.).
THE SCOOP The Tigers graduated a ton of seniors from last year's team that advanced to the regional tournament. ... Smith moved into the starting lineup late last season and should play a lot bigger role this season, along with Gardner, who was a reserve off the bench last season. ... Look for newcomers Marco Martinez, Ethan Gross, Knox Laird and Landon Semrad to make major contributions.
Shiloh Christian Saints
HEAD COACH Chuck Davis
CONFERENCE 4A-1
2019-20 RECORD 15-12
WHO'S BACK? Eli Wisdom (6-1, So.), Kaden Henley (6-3, Jr.), Elliott Wessels (6-4, Sr.), J.C. Phillips (6-5, Jr.).
THE SCOOP The Saints had their best season in a while, advancing to the regional tournament last season. ... Wisdom, the quarterback on the football team, is the top returning player. Wisdom started every game as a freshman and averaged 11.7 points, 1.5 steals to earn all-confernce honors. ... Henley, a linebacker on the football team, is a force inside. Wessels and Phillips give the Saints plenty of height around the bucket. ... Newcomers Jeremiah Washington and Kahlil Mobley should provide a boost for the Saints.
Subiaco Academy Trojans
HEAD COACH Tim Tencleve
CONFERENCE 4A-4
2019-20 RECORD 14-11
WHO'S BACK? Jonathan Mercera (6-4, Jr.), Matthew Kremer (5-11, Sr.), Ivan Martjin (5-10, Jr.), Jaedon Neiveld (5-9, Jr.), Conner King (6-2, Sr.), Jackson Frederick (6-1, Sr.).
THE SCOOP The Trojans return four starters from last year's squad and will be one of the teams to watch in the 4A North region this season. ... Mercera is a tough matchup for both teams at point guard with his length. ... Depth will be a bonus for Subiaco Academy.