GIRLS
Bentonville Lady Tigers
COACH Tom Halbmaier
CONFERENCE 6A-West
2019-2020 RECORD 27-1, 14-0
Playoff Result Co-state champions with Fayetteville.
WHO'S BACK? Maryam Dauda (Sr., 6-5), Jada Brown (Jr., 5-7), Riley Hayes (Sr., 5-8), Kadie Kultgen (Sr., 5-4), Gracie Eaves (Sr., 5-8)
THE SCOOP Declared co-champions with Fayetteville in Class 6A after state finals canceled because of covid-19 concerns.. ... Bentonville appears loaded again with a team led by Maryam Dauda, who will continue her basketball career at Baylor. .... Dauda averaged 16.6 points and 8 rebounds per game while earning all-state and state tournament MVP as a junior. .... Shot 56 percent from the field and scored over 1,000 points. ... Jada Brown is an all-state and all-conference player who averaged 10 points per game as a sophomore. .... Riley Hayes is back after averaging 7 points and making all-conference as a junior.
Bentonville West Lady Wolverines
COACH Randy Richardson
CONFERENCE 6A-West
2019-20 RECORD 6-22, 2-12
WHO'S BACK? Marybeth Dyson (Jr., 5-4), Laynee Tapp (Jr., 5-10), Maysa Willis (So., 5-9), Madison Phillips (Sr., 5-9), Kylee Renick (Sr., 5-7), Mona Ketia (Jr., 5-5), Ceira Cravens (Jr., 5-7).
THE SCOOP The Lady Wolverines return the nucleus from last year's team, but still will field a relatively young unit. ... Dyson, Willis and Tapp all scored around 6 points per game a season ago. ... Coach Richardson also expects to get contributions from newcomers transfer Sarah Musson, Ivy Johnson, Olivia Nickson, Savannah Rangel and Ashley Rangel, a 5-10 freshman.
Fayetteville Lady Bulldogs
COACH Vic Rimmer
CONFERENCE 6A-West
2019-2020 RECORD 24-5, 12-2
PLAYOFF RESULT Co-state champions with Bentonville.
WHO'S BACK? Claudia Bridges (Sr., 5-4), Caroline Lyles (Jr., 5-11), Allison Byars (Sr., 5-7), Sydney Kincaid (Sr., 5-10), Emma Stanton (Jr., 6-2).
THE SCOOP Declared co-champions with Fayetteville in Class 6A after state finals canceled because of covid-19 concerns. .... Eliminated 2019 state champion Fort Smith Northside in state semifinals. .... Must replace all-state guards Sasha Goforth, who signed with Oregon State, and Coriah Beck, who signed with Memphis. ... Returing staters include Claudia Bridges, a three-year starter at point guard who'll continue her career at North Alabama, Sabrina Saitta, and Caroline Lyles, a junior who has 20-plus Division I offers. ... Fayetteville expects major contributions from Allison Byars, Carlyn Johnson, Loren Lindsey, and sophomore Wynter Beck, a cousin to Coriah Beck.
Fort Smith Northside Lady Bears
COACH Rickey Smith
CONFERENCE 6A-Central
2019-20 RECORD 26-4, 14-0
PLAYOFF RESULT Advanced to semifinals of Class 6A state tournament
WHO'S BACK? Jersey Wolfenbarger (Sr., 6-5), Tracey Bershers (Sr., 6-2), Hatianna Releford (Jr., 5-10).
THE SCOOP Wolfenbarger is an Arkansas signee and the 7th-ranked prospect in the nation by ESPN. Also, the Arkansas high school girls Gatorade Player of the Year for 2019-2020. .... Bershers is an Oklahoma State signee. .... Hatianna Releford is a returning all-state player for the Lady Bears, who've won three consecutive conference championships.
Fort Smith Southside Lady Mavericks
COACH Robert Brunk
CONFERENCE 6A-West
2019-2020 RECORD 0-26, 0-14
PLAYOFF RESULT Did not qualify for state tournament
WHO'S BACK? Ashlyn Roffine (Sr., 5-7), Essynce Norwood (Jr., 5-1), Addi Branham, (Jr., 5-9).
THE SCOOP Robert Brunk is back for his second season at Southside, which has lost 50 consecutive games in the last two years. .... Southside returns three players with experience. .... Brunk is hopeful the Lady Mavericks will be more competitive with newcomers that include sophomores Iana Perry and Tinsley Freeman and freshman Sierra Smith.
Rogers Heritage Lady War Eagles
COACH Josh Laymon
CONFERENCE 6A-West
2019-2020 RECORD 16-13, 7-7
PLAYOFF RESULT Lost in the first round of the state tournament
WHO'S BACK? Quiara Jones (Sr., 5-8), Carlee Casteel (Soph., 5-8), Jazmine Perez (Sr., 5-8).
THE SCOOP Josh Layman is back for his second year as head coach of the Lady War Eagles. .... Layman arrived from Class 1A Norfork, where he led teams to a 195-75 record in seven seasons. ... Heritage must replace five seniors from a team that finished 16-13 last season. ... Quiara Jones is a senior and returning starter for the Lady War Eagles. .... Senior Jazmine Perez is back after playing sparingly last season.
Rogers High Lady Mounties
COACH Preston Early
CONFERENCE 6A-West
2019-2020 RECORD 16-12, 7-7
PLAYOFF RESULT Lost in first round to Bryant
WHO'S BACK Gracie Carr (Sr., 5-10), Camiran Brockhoff (5-5, Sr.), Kate Miller (5-11, Sr.), Taylor Treadwell (Sr., 5-9), Presley Risenhoover (5-5, Sr.), Aubrey Treadwell (Soph., 5-5).
THE SCOOP Rogers returns 6 of its 8 top players from a year ago, when the Lady Mounties finished in the top four of the 6A-West Conference for the 12th time in 15 seasons. In addition to a wealth of experienced players, Rogers also expects contributions from freshman point guard Ava Maner.
Springdale Har-Ber Lady Wildcats
COACH Kimberly Jenkins
CONFERENCE 6A-West
2019-2020 RECORD 22-8, 10-4
PLAYOFF RESULT Lost to Conway in second round of state tournament
WHO'S BACK? Kania Starks (Sr., 5-6), Caylan Koons (Jr., 5-4), Pacious McDaniel (So, 5-7).
THE SCOOP Har-Ber anticipates having another strong team led by Caylan Koons, who averaged 16 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. .... Plenty is also expected of Pacious McDaniel, who averaged 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists as a freshman. Koons and McDaniel each made all-state and Koons made the all-state tournament team. .... Har-Ber also expects contributions from seniors Addison Stubbs, Dalye Hambelton and Kennedy McClure, juniors Maddux McCrackin, Claire Bowden, and Ella Nelson, and sophomores Galatia Andrew and Mary Blake Martfeld.
Springdale High Lady Bulldogs
COACH Heather Hunsucker
CONFERENCE 6A-West
2019-2020 RECORD 3-24, 0-14
PLAYOFF RESULT Did not qualify for state tournament
WHO'S BACK? Mary Haskins (Jr., 6-0), Nevaeh Griffin (Jr., 5-10), Julynn Lorennij (Sr., 5-3).
THE SCOOP Springdale continues to rebuild after losing all-state player Marquesha Davis to the Razorbacks in 2018. .... Mary Haskins averaged 5.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game last year. ... Nevaeh Griffin averaged 3.3 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. ... Springdale expects contributions from newcomers to varsity Amy Jinuna, Praise Clarence, and Reyna Torres.
BOYS
Bentonville High Tigers
COACH Richard Rippee
CONFERENCE 6A-West
2019-2020 RECORD 19-10, 9-5
PLAYOFF RESULT Lost 49-48 in first round to eventual state champion Conway
WHO'S BACK? Thane Spencer (Sr., 6-0), Hayden Shanks (Jr., 6-2), Jalyen Lee (Soph., 6-2), Abel Hutchinson (Jr., 6-4), Harrison Hicks (Jr., 6-7).
THE SCOOP Bentonville returns 10 of its top 12 players from last season, senior Thane Spencer and juniors Hayden Shanks, Abel Hutchinson, and Harrison Hicks. .... Spencer is a two-year letterman who averaged 6.9 points and shot 56 percent from the field last season. ... Hutchinson averaged 6.7 points per game. .... Jaylen Lee averaged 8.6 points per game and came on strong toward the end, finishing with 16 points against Conway.
Bentonville West Wolverines
COACH Greg White
CONFERENCE 6A-West
2019-2020 RECORD 10-16, 5-9
PLAYOFF RESULT Lost in first round to eventual state champion Little Rock Central
WHO'S BACK Riley Buccino (Jr., 6-1), Evan White (Sr., 5-10), Dalton McDonald (Sr., 6-0), Jacob McGhee (Sr., 6-4), Dylan Harris (Sr., 6-3), Cade Packnett (Jr., 6-1), Ashton Yarbrough (Jr., 6-2).
THE SCOOP Bentonville West must fill a major void following the graduation of Dillon Bailey, a three-year starter who averaged 20 points per game as a senior. ... The Wolverines are excited about Riley Buccino, who averaged 9.8 points and 4.9 rebounds per game as a junior. ... Senior Evan White is back again after shooting 48 percent from 3-point range. The Wolverines went 3-7 while White was out with a concussion. ... West is counting on contributions from sophomores Dawson Price, Tucker Anderson, and Tucker Bowman.
Fayetteville Bulldogs
COACH Brad Stamps
CONFERENCE 6A-West
2019-2020 RECORD 20-9, 11-3
PLAYOFF RESULT Advanced to state semifinals; lost to Conway
WHO'S BACK CJ WILLIAMS (Sr., 6-1), Landon Glasper (Sr., 6-0), Matthew Wayman (Sr., 6-4)
THE SCOOP Brad Stamps is back for his second year as head coach of the Bulldogs, who advanced to the state semifinals before being eliminated by Conway. .... Fayetteville is led by guard CJ Williams, who was selected all-state as a junior. .... Fayetteville must fill a void at center following the transfer of 6-6 Tamaury Releford to Fort Smith Northside.
Fort Smith Northside Grizzlies
COACH Eric Burnett
CONFERENCE 6A-Central
2019-20 RECORD 20-10, 9-5
WHO'S BACK? Jacob Joe (Sr., 6-1)
PLAYOFF RESULT Northside lost in the state semifinals to Little Rock Central after winning the Class 6A state championship the previous year.
THE SCHOOP Northside must replace four senior starters, including 6-10 center Jaylin Williams, who signed with Arkansas. ... The Grizzlies will rely on senior guard Jacob Joe, the younger brother of former Arkansas standout Isaiah Joe. .... Northside will benefit by the presence of 6-6 forward Tamaury Releford and 6-1 guard Isaiah Releford, who transferred from Fayetteville.
Fort Smith Southside Mavericks
COACH Stewart Adams
CONFERENCE 6A-West
2019-2020 RECORD 5-23, 0-14
PLAYOFF RESULT Did not qualify for state tournament
WHO'S BACK? C Josh Merrell (Sr., 6-5), C Tristan Lane (Sr., 6-4), G Caiden LaRoche (Sr., 6-2).
THE SCOOP Stewart Adams begins his second season as coach of the Mavericks, who return to the 6A-West Conference after going 0-14 last year in the 6A-Central .... Southside returns one starter in 6-5 senior Josh Merrell, who averaged 5.3 points per game. .... Southside expects increased production from guard Caiden LaRoche and Tristan Lane, a 6-4 post player. ..... Juniors Ki Kolls and Xander Naegle will receive increased minutes. .... Sophomores Yazed Rodriguez and Levi Steele are newcomers to watch for the Mavericks.
Rogers High Mountaineers
COACH Lamont Frazier
CONFERENCE 6A-West
2019-2020 RECORD 21-5, 10-4
PLAYOFF RESULT Lost in first round of state tournament
WHO'S BACK? Will Liddell (Jr., 6-1), Tye Cunningham (Soph., 5-10), Karsen Uecker (Sr., 6-2), Van Rhame (Sr., 6-6), CJ Herman (Jr., 6-2), Joel Garner (Jr., 6-2), Joel Garner (Jr., 6-5), Collin Chrisman (Sr., 6-2).
THE SCOOP Rogers returns several players with experience, led by all-conference guard Will Liddell. ... Sophomores Alonzo Porchia and Nick Quinn are newcomers to keep an eye on. .... Freshman Rex Krout could see playing time at guard or forward for the Mounties.
Rogers Heritage War Eagles
COACH Tom Olsen
CONFERENCE 6A-West
2019-2020 RECORD 9-17, 2-12
PLAYOFF RESULT Did not qualify for state tournament
WHO'S BACK? Kyle Ingram (Sr., 6-4), Micah Hill (Jr., 6-3), Jaden Torres (Jr., 6-0).
THE SCOOP Ingram is a two-year starter at forward who averaged 6.8 points and 4.6 rebounds last season for the War Eagles. ... Hill started as a sophomore and averaged 10 points per game. ... Torres finished last season at point guard and had almost a 2-1 assist to turnover ration. .... Heritage is a big year from Ian McChristian, a 6-2 junior forward who Olsen says is a great athlete who finishes plays about the rim. ... Olsen also expects major contribution from Lucas Sarratt, a 6-4 junior forward.
Springdale Har-Ber Wildcats
COACH Tommy Deffebaugh
CONFERENCE 6A-West
2019-2020 RECORD 22-5, 12-2
PLAYOFF RESULT Lost in overtime to Little Rock Central first round of state tournament
WHO'S BACK? Jermaine Tilford (Jr., 6-6), Elijah Woodard (Sr., 6-8), Noah Livingston (Sr., 6-5), Garrett Nerenberg (Sr., 6-4), Aaron Oliger (Sr., 5-9), Miles Rolfe (Jr., 6-0).
THE SCOOP Har-Ber is coming off one of its best seasons after winning the 6A-West Conference championship with a 12-2 record and finishing 22-5 overall. .... The Wildcats have plenty of size, but short on experienced players .... Har-Ber must replace all five starters, including 6-7 Lawson Jenkins, who signed with Missouri Southern after leading the Wildcats in scoring for two years. .... Point guard Nick Buchanan signed with Evangel (Mo.) College.
Springdale High Bulldogs
COACH Jeremy Price
CONFERENCE 6A-West
2019-2020 RECORD 10-15, 3-11
PLAYOFF RESULT Did not make the playoffs
WHO'S BACK? Damanique Hertin (Sr., 5-9), Chris Elkar (Sr., 5-10), Marty Jelkan (Sr., 5-10).
THE SCOOP Springdale will rely heavily on guard Damanique Hertin, who started every game at point guard as a junior. ... Hertin was second in assist and points scored last season and led the team in 3-point percentage. ... Elkar is a strong defender on the perimeter who'll likely be assigned to opponents' best scoring guard each game. .... Jelkan is a top newcomer to watch after playing with the Springdale junior varsity last season.