With no returning starters from last season , youth will be the theme for Coach Jace Watson and the Paragould Rams . Coach Watson will try to navigate a tough 5A East with a very young and inexperienced group this season . “ We have a young team this year ,” he said . “ There are a lot of roles to figure out in the early part of the season . We need to really push in the non-conference schedule to grow up and be ready for conference play . We play in a tough conference , but this team can compete if they get a little bit of confidence .” Senior guard Korbin Phillips will provide leadership for the young Rams . Phillips is considered the team ' s best outside threat . Junior forward Wyatt Eckles saw a lot of minutes as a sophomore and has put on some muscle in the offseason to give Paragould an inside presence . Junior guard Jacobie Hodges has a high basketball IQ and is a really tough defender . Coach Watson is excited to see his young guys compete . “ This group plays harder than any group I have ever had ,” he said . “ We will need some guys to step up to help us on offense , but I think our defense will be much improved . They are a fun team to watch and play for one another .” NEA Sports predicts that Paragould will miss making the state tournament .
. The Paragould Lady Rams will focus on the defensive end to return to the traditional power they are accustomed to . Head coach Sonja Tate is back to lead the Lady Rams through the 5A East in hopes of returning to the postseason . “ Our keys to success are going to be our defensive execution and the ability to guard without fouling ,” Coach Tate said . A trio of seniors return to lead Paragould this season . Post player Halee Benson ( 5 ’ 9 ) returns to the paint for the Lady Rams . Benson battles inside the paint and finishes well around the basket . 5 ’ 10 forward Aniyjah Lurry adds a presence around the rim and rebounds the ball well . Guard Maddie Harrell ( 5 ’ 5 ) is maybe the best threat from the outside for Paragould . The senior can shoot it well from the outside . Two sophomores are looking to make their presence felt at the high school level . Guard Micah Roleson ( 5 ’ 5 ) handles the ball well and is really good off the bounce attacking the rim and creating . Fellow guard Makinze Snyder ( 5 ’ 7 ) is an all-around player that can contribute in many ways for the Lady Rams . Coach Tate and the Paragould Lady Rams have been working to make their way back towards the top of one the state ’ s traditionally toughest conferences . They are looking to show improvement this season while competing for one of those coveted state tournament spots . Look for Paragould to show improvement and compete each and every night .
The Marion Lady Patriots finished 18-11 last season , just missing out on the state tournament . Coach Shunda Johnson will have four starters return to navigate the tough 5A East and get back to the postseason . Seniors Joniya Lewis and Jalee Meeks lead a balanced Lady Patriot attack . Meeks averaged six points a game last year , but looks to use her scoring ability to make a jump in that average , while Lewis led the team with eight rebounds a game . Juniors Madison Glaspie and Jada Cheers also return to the starting lineup . Cheers is a strong finisher who is the leading returning scorer at eight points a game , and Glaspie is a combo guard who averaged three steals and three assists last year . Glaspie is a great defender and a good passer . Senior Ayanna Hayes is a quick guard who will look to step up and contribute more this season , while sophomore combo guard Summer Morgan moved in over the summer after starting last season as a freshman for Nettleton . Morgan brings intensity on the defensive end of the floor while adding another scoring weapon . Coach Johnson is looking for defense to carry them . “ Our defensive rotation will be a major emphasis for our team ' s success as well as executing on the offensive end ( making the correct reads )!” she said . “ We will be small ( again ) this season , so we must team / gang rebound every chance we get .” The 5A East is always tough and balanced , and NEA Sports predicts the Marion Lady Patriots will be right in the mix competing for a chance to return to the state tournament .
Wilson Funeral Homes Lafonce Latham , Owner
3 Locations to Serve You . Osceola 870-563-2877 Tyronza 870-487-2428 Blytheville 870-763-2547
GOOD LUCK TO ALL AREA TEAMS !