The 3A-3 conference has won three out of the last four state championships with the Rivercrest Colts winning the 3A title in 2020 . The 2023-2024 version of the Colts could very well have what it takes to make in four out of the last five . Last season , Rivercrest finished 16-17 , but a talented group of freshmen moved up and were the catalyst for a late season run to the state semifinals . With everyone returning , Coach Hunter Robinson and the Colts have their sights set on conference and state title . Senior guard Koby Turner leads the mixture of experience and young talent . The three-year starter averaged 11.3 points a game last season and is described by Coach Robinson as a competitor that you want on your side and a very good defender . Junior Cavonta Washington averaged 16.7 points and 6.1 rebounds from the wing spot . Washington is a great ball handler that can create and score . One of the most talented sophomore classes in the state is led by Jayden Young . In only nine varsity games last year , Young averaged 25.8 points and 10.1 assists . The point guard has a very high basketball IQ , can see the floor very well , create and score , and shoot the three . Buddha Harris is a sophomore wing that averaged 14.3 points , 4.1 assists , and 7.3 rebounds in those nine postseason games . Harris is a very good defender who usually guards the opponent ’ s best player . Fantavios Robinson is a power forward that is a strong , physical player that can score inside or step out and knock down a shot . Robinson averaged 10.3 points and 9.3 rebounds in the postseason . Kash Span and Jamarious Byrd complete the stellar sophomore class . Span is a great shot blocker who can jump out of the gym and shoot the three , and Byrd is a great defender and scorer . Several upperclassmen provide a lot of experience that will be key come crunch time . Senior Marcus Slayton is a strong , physical post player who can score around the rim , and junior Jakavion Williams is a good defender and ball handler . Jaxon Thomas , Kolby Short , and Marcus Nunn will provide depth off the bench for one of the deepest teams in the area . Coach Robinson feels his team has good team chemistry and depth , and will shoot the ball well as the season progresses . How well the Colts rebound and shoot free throws may be the determining factor in how far they go . NEA Sports predicts Rivercrest will
The Crowley ’ s Ridge Academy Falcons will look to a new coach as Mark Grambling takes over in Paragould . Coach Grambling is hoping to get a young group out of the tradition rich 1A-3 and into the postseason . Several key players graduated from CRA a year ago , but the Falcons have some experience returning to the floor . Junior Talon McMillion returns after averaging 10 points a game last season . McMillon is a 6 ’ 3 forward that can defend , rebound , and knock down the outside shot . Fellow junior Hayden Austin also returns for CRA . At 6 ’ 4 , Austin is long , can handle the basketball , and get to the rim . 6 ’ 3 point guard Doss Clayton is another long athlete that gets to the rim . Clayton can also see the floor well and is an excellent passer . Coach Grambling believes for his team to compete in a tough conference , they will have to come together as a team and buy into a new system . The Falcons are long and athletic which can cause problems for opponents on the defensive end but will have to get stronger and knock down outside shots to get to that next level . NEA Sports predicts that CRA will have a chance to slide into one of the last couple of spots for a regional berth .
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