The Blytheville Chickasaws were so close to winning it all last year , eventually falling by a mere three points to Magnolia who has won three out of the last four titles . Coach Mackenzie Pierce ’ s crew used that as motivation in the offseason and will continue to let that drive them back to Hot Springs . “ There ’ s no question about it . 11 of the 14 guys on our roster were on that team last year . The guys were instantly motivated heading into the off season and really went to work understanding that we were three points shy , and we weren ’ t even as close to as good as we can be . But at the end of the day , we understand we have to handle our business each day that ’ s ahead of us , whether it ’ s practice or game day and play for each other to put ourselves in the best position possible ,” Pierce explained . Coach Pierce challenged his team in the early part of the season with one of the toughest schedules in the state and his guys responded . The Chicks started the season earning a title at the Tournament of Champions defeating national powerhouses St . Pius X St Mathias Academy out of California , Corral Glades from Florida , Urbana , Illinois , and St . Paul from California . Blytheville defeated two of the best in the state when they beat Har-Ber and North Little Rock in the Chickasaw Classic , and captured another tournament title in the Poplar Bluff Showdown defeating HIllcrest from Tennessee , Springdale , Arkansas , and Haywood out of Tennessee . For the third straight year the Chickasaws went through the 4A-3 regular season unscathed , and they go into the postseason looking to finish what they have very successfully started .
Leading the way is Ole Miss signee Rashaud Marshall . The 6 ’ 9 post player has averaged a double-double against the nation ’ s toughest opponents and looks to cap off his career with a state title . Fellow senior TJ Jackson has been a force on the perimeter on both ends of the floor . The 6 ’ 5 forward can score it on three levels and guard anyone on the other side . Senior guard KeSean Washington ( 5 ’ 8 ) has been a welcomed addition to the roster this season . Washington has stepped right in and provided leadership on and off the floor . He is lighting quick and can shoot it , get to the rim , or create for his teammates . Shamar Marshall is another outside threat that has had a big season . The senior guard creates a three headed monster that has been difficult for defenses to figure out while worrying about a division one player inside .
Coach Pierce loves his team ’ s experience and leadership and believes this is the group to get it done . “ This is a senior laden group , and this isn ’ t the first year we ’ ve had the bullseye on our back , particularly in NEA matchups . These guys have experienced that and understand if you don ’ t focus , play hard and prepare to win , then anyone can be beat . This group has done a really good job of drawing on past experiences and taking it one day at a time ,” Pierce said . It ’ s a special group . This group of seniors were sixth graders when I got to Blytheville , and it ’ s just been special to see them grow as basketball players and as young men . The team as a whole works really hard and has devoted a lot of time to the game of basketball and being the best , they can be . I look forward to laying it on the line with them each and every night .”
Blytheville ’ s success has not gone unnoticed . The Chicks have been perched atop the 4A standings all year in all publications , and have been ranked as the number one team overall in the state by most rankings for most of the season . That doesn ’ t mean that Coach Pierce doesn ’ t recognize what a difficult journey still lies in front of them . “ I think the 4A is very deep this year . There will be 12 very good basketball teams in Blytheville , AR for the 4A state tournament .” Aside from Blytheville , Brookland and Forrest City have been formidable foes in the 4A-3 with Magnolia , Little Rock Christian , and undefeated Farmington have been right there in the polls with Joe T . Robinson , Mills University Studies , and Watson Chapel enjoying successful seasons as well . However it shapes out , there will be good basketball in Blytheville , Arkansas the first week in March as they will host the 4A State Basketball Tournament . With so much talent coming to Mississippi County , the Blytheville Chickasaws will still be the favorite utilizing experience , confidence , and extraordinary talent .