After having a season ending record of 16-16 , Coach Halbrook and the Greyhounds look to overcome that . 500 hump . The Greyhound ’ s will bring back four starters including Blake Gipson ( senior guard ) who is the all-around player for the Greyhounds . After ending the season averaging 16ppg , he has the ability to lead the conference in scoring this season . Gipson will be the best player for this team . Ashton Lucy ( junior guard ) will be the three-point threat for this team . Lucy led the team in three pointers last season and plans to do it again . Carson Robinson ( junior guard ) is one of the strongest defenders on the team and can guard the best defender . Robinson will be the facilitator for this team and lead on and off the court . AJ Forkum ( senior guard ) is a well-rounded player who knows how to make plays . Forkum has a high basketball IQ which allows him to elevate his game . Coming off the bench last season was Walter Collier ( junior forward ). He stands at 6 ’ 7 which gives his team an advantage down low . Walter has put in work in the off season and will play a huge role this season . Chance Mathis ( senior guard ) is one of the hardest working kids in the program . Mathis brings a spark that can get his team going . His ability to give it his all on both ends of the court , separates him . John McAlister ( sophomore guard ) is one of the most talented kids on the roster . After coming up from junior high , McAlister will look to fulfill quality minutes . Here ’ s what Coach Halbrook had to say . “ Last year marked my first season at Marmaduke , and it was a year of significant transformation for our basketball team . In the two seasons prior to my arrival , we had only managed to win a single conference game , and the combined total of wins over those two years was a mere 12 . However , we made some noteworthy strides forward in the past season . Although we didn ' t finish in a high league position ( 7th ), it ' s worth mentioning that we were incredibly close in many games , losing nine of them by just 8 points or less . I firmly believe that with an enhanced performance from our guards and by consistently being the hardest-working team on the court every night , we have a real shot at competing in the top half of our league this season . Making a deeper run in the postseason is a tough challenge , especially in the highly competitive 2A-3 league . Nonetheless , we ' re setting our sights high and are determined to make it happen . The progress we ' ve achieved so far , combined with our unwavering commitment , sets the stage for an exciting season ahead . I ' m genuinely excited about the possibilities and looking forward to the upcoming season with high hopes for
Rick Smith and his Lady Greyhounds look to make another deep run in the state tournament where they got to the elite eight . Smith ’ s crew will be led by what he calls “ the trio .” Mackenzie Hampton ( senior guard ) will be a key player in this season . Coming off a junior season averaging a double-double Smith expects her to add even more to the offense . She has the ability to score at all three levels . She can get to the rim , pull up off the dribble or shoot the three with unlimited range . She also uses her athleticism to defend at a high level . She is very tough nosed and isn ’ t afraid of the big moment . Baylie Joiner ( senior forward ) is coming off a season where she averaged a double-double . Joiner ’ s length and inside / out play makes her a matchup nightmare for the other team . Her ability to rebound the ball and lead the break puts a lot of pressure on the opposing defense . Her ability to shoot the three really stretches the defense and opens the floor up for her teammates . Joiner plays at the top of the press where her size gives other teams a lot of trouble . Smith expects Joiner to step up and have a big senior season . Justis Joiner ( senior guard ) will add to the Lady Greyhounds by stretching the defense with her accurate three-point shooting . Joiner has the potential to set the tone on both ends of the floor any night . Her grit will give the Lady Hounds energy in big games . Smith says this trio has the ability to make the game fast and create a lot of turnovers . Maddy Taylor ( senior guard ) will have a bigger role this year on the defensive end . Lexie Gipson ( junior forward ) has the ability to crash the board and draw fouls on the offensive end . The Lady Greyhounds are in the 2A-3 Conference and look to be in the mix for another conference finals appearance . After coming off a 28-14 season , the Hounds are looking to reach that 30-win mark . Smith believes that this is one of the toughest conferences but expects his players to step up to the test .
The Newport Greyhounds are excited for a new chapter . New head coach CJ Chaten says , “ This is my first year here at Newport High School , and I am looking forward to a great season . As a team , we are developing core values and are ready to compete .” Returning after a senior heavy team last season will be Demetric Denton ( junior guard / forward ) who has the ability to get out and run . His speed and athletic ability will give the Greyhounds an advantage on both ends . “ Demetric Denton is a returning starter that I am looking forward to seeing develop more of a leadership role this year .” Also returning from a starting spot will be Aamonii Wren ( sophomore guard ) who can create open shots for himself or his teammates by getting to the paint . “ Aamonii Wren gained varsity experience last year , as a 9th grader , and gained valuable skills that will help him tremendously for this year .” Coming in to help this season will be Tres Chaten ( sophomore guard ) who can score at all three levels . Chaten has the ability to play a huge offensive role for this team . “ Tres Chaten also gained varsity experience last year as a 9th grader , at Russellville High School , and developed valuable skills during a competitive conference run .” Demari Wren ( senior guard ) has the ability to shoot the ball behind the arc at a high percentage . Wren will also be a top perimeter defender . “ Demari Wren is our lone senior and he has really embraced his leadership role .” Coming into a new program Chaten has high expectations for his team . “ As a whole , we are a young and relatively inexperienced group , but the dedication and hard work we ' ve put in during this past summer and preseason have us looking forward to a promising season ahead . We recognize that success for us hinges on our ability to excel in two crucial areas . Firstly , our commitment to defensive play is unwavering . We understand that a strong defense not only prevents the opponent from scoring but also lays the foundation for our offensive opportunities . We are determined to defend at the level we are truly capable of , and this commitment will be the driving force behind our competitiveness throughout the season . On the offensive end , we have a clear strategy in mind . We emphasize sharing the ball and executing our shots at a high level . Effective ball movement and accurate shooting are essential components of a successful offense in basketball , and we ' re ready to embrace these principles . With a strong defensive stance and an offensive game plan focused on teamwork and precision , we ' re confident that we can compete at a high level this season and achieve our goals .”