Tradition held true last season , as the Osceola Seminoles enjoyed another successful season . Osceola finished conference and district runners-up and 3A-2 regional champions before falling in the first round of the state tournament to Riverview . The Seminoles finished 15-7 , and they hope that the old saying of “ tradition never graduates ” holds true this year . Second year head coach Bryanth Basemore will have to replace some key spots lost to graduation with some inexperienced players . With only two starters returning , Coach Basemore feels his young guys are talented enough to carry Osceola to another run at a 3A-3 conference crown . Senior guard Richard High is the most experienced returning player on the roster followed by junior guard Jerrion Long who started last season as a sophomore . High is a really good shooter with play making abilities , while Long has a great all-around game . Senior forward Keanan Jackson is a very athletic rim protector , and fellow senior Anthony McDay is a good shooter from the outside . Juniors Tyress James , Chris Littleton , and Donvanon Littleton are all looking to step in and contribute . Both James and Chris Littleton are good ball handlers at the guard spot , while Donvanon Littleton can play inside and out . A talented group of sophomores is looking to make an immediate impact . Tyler Bell is a hardnosed defender and plays with a lot of energy at the guard spot , while Anthony Brown is a good shooter and passer . Guard Maurice Washington can score the ball and rebound , and big bodied post player William Spencer rebounds well and can score with either hand . Coach Basemore hopes that the younger inexperienced players catch up quickly with a tough non-conference schedule early in the season and are ready to provide depth to those returning when conference and tournament time rolls around . NEA Sports predicts that the Osceola Seminoles will once again battle at the top of the 3A-3 conference for another title and be a tough out in the postseason .
Coach Amber Clay ’ s Osceola Lady Seminoles enjoyed a successful season a year ago . The Lady Noles finished 15-9 , 9-3 in the 3A-3 , and fell to eventual state champions Salem in the first round of the regional tournament . To duplicate that this season , the Lady Noles will have to rely on some new faces this time around . The dynamic duo of Kayla Newson and Jaidyn Dandridge graduated last spring , and Coach Clay has been working with some younger players to prepare for this season . Juniors Arionna Dolton and Zakari Huggins , along with sophomore Tykerria Harris will lead a young tribe this year . Dolton is able to drive the ball and score at the basket . She is also a good rebounder and can run the floor . Huggins can also run the floor and is a strong defender , while Harris can get to the rim , but will also look to shoot the basketball from outside . Coach Clay is aware of the task at hand , but is confident in the process , “ This will be a rebuilding year with a young team . We ' ll stay grounded to the foundation that we have established for the last two seasons which are academics , discipline , and working hard on defense ,” she said . Even with a young roster , look for the Osceola Lady Seminoles to battle in the 3A-3 and push for another regional bid .
The Rivercrest Lady Colts are looking to build on one of their best seasons . Coach Dye and his team went from 3 wins in the 2022 season to 15 last year . The Lady Colts will return senior post Zakiyah " Shaq " Brownlee who has the potential to average a double-double . Brownlee led last year with ( 8.1ppg , 9.7rpg , 4.1blks ). Along with Brownlee the Colts will rely on Junior guard Destiny Burks . Coach Dye has high expectations of Burks who is coming off a successful season of 14.8ppg , 3.9rpg , 2.3apg , 2.5spg ). More than that , Burks will be the glue that leads this team . Her leadership will be pivotal on and off the floor . Along with the duo , the Colts will get quality time from point guard Mykayla Banks . Banks will bring extra buckets to the team after averaging 7.0 ppg last season . More than that , she will be a key piece in the Colts defensive schemes . Coach Dye says she has very good instinct and always gravitates toward the ball . The Colts will bring back one last starter , sophomore forward Lakiya Speed . Coach Dye says “ We are working to improve defensively and at the foul line . Overall the Lady Colts return a nucleus of starters and are excited about the upcoming season . “ We are focusing more on conditioning this year to keep players in the game longer and cut down on lazy fouls .” With four returning starters , Dye expects these returners to gel quickly with the experience they gained from last season . Coming off the bench , they will add Ella Gonzalez who will play up as a freshman . Dye says Gonzalez is the best rebounder in the program . Mercuriah Vance , Jalexia Young , Treasure Buchana , and Ayanna Dedrick will need to add quality minutes to get the Lady Colts to the next level . Dye says the key to this year ' s team is : “ Win the boards , cut down turnovers , make free throws , and for Shaq to open up on offense and score a little more . She must stay out of foul trouble . “ The Lady Colts are looking to make a run in the 3A-3 conference once again .
Jessica Hurst , P . T . - Brandi Hurst , P . T . 1401 East Moultrie Blytheville , AR 72315 Telephone : 870-762-5000 Fax : 870-762-6688
Shawn Chafin , Agent 1487 W . Keiser Ave . Osceola , AR 72370 870-563-6695 www . shawnchafin . com
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