Kirk Stepping into Bigger Roles for State Champion Lions . By : Brad Davis
Each year , teams across the state set the goal of reaching Hot Springs and cutting down the nets . Kids grow up shooting in the driveway , dreaming of hitting that big shot to propel their team to a state championship . For Luke Kirk and the Manila Lions , that dream became a reality . Manila captured the class 3A state championship by defeating the Bergman Panthers in a 61-57 overtime thriller , and Kirk hit arguably the biggest shot of the game connecting from half court at the end of the third quarter . That shot would prove big as the game went into overtime and the Lions would pull out a back and forth affair . For Luke , it was a moment he was prepared for , “ I play with a lot of confidence , and Coach Wimberley told me and Brayden ( Nunnally ) to switch positions for the shot ,” he explained . “ I simply shook my head no , and I said , “ I got it .” I didn ' t even see the ball go in . I closed my eyes and for some reason , squatted down , and when I heard the cheers from teammates and the whole town of Manila , I knew it went in . It was amazing ! I still get chills watching it !”
The victory would bring a state championship to Manila for the first time since 1961 . For Kirk , it was an indescribable feeling , “ There is honestly no better feeling . We told ourselves we would be there at the end of the season , but every team says that . When the final horn buzzed it ' s like you black out , and it ' s a big celebration . Everyone supported us all season , and when we got back to Manila the party had just started .”
Now , entering his senior year , Luke has the same goals but is looking at stepping into a new role for the Lions . “ Team goals is what every other team wants , and that ' s to make it to Hot Springs ,” Kirk said . “ Everyone is doubting us this year because of the large graduating class , and two all-states were in that class . With that being said , I ’ d like to do what we are known for and that ' s finish top two in the conference and top two in the district tournament . We have the talent to do so . Once district is over I want to finish top three in regionals and make noise in the state tournament .” The large graduating class included all-state guard Jaron Burrow and State Tournament MVP Brayden Nunnally . With the exit of so much production , Kirk admits that he has to step up not only his production but also his leadership role . “ My role the past years has mainly been passing and taking care of the ball . This year I ’ m the only senior and have more experience than anyone else on the team , so I have to be more of a leader and teach the guys right from wrong . On the court , I have to be more of a scorer and take better shots than what I have taken , and communicate every play .”
Kirk will also have to adjust to a new voice at the helm as longtime assistant Heath Matheny takes over for Lee Wimberley , who transitioned to an administration job in Beebe . “ It ' s been a little weird without Coach Wimberley , but since my 8th grade year Coach Matheny has been the assistant ,” Kirk said . We have always had a bond , and him moving up as a head coach wasn ' t too bad of a change for me .”