The Walnut Ridge Bobcats earned a trip to the regional tournament last season finishing 14-13 on the year . With only one returning starter and a new conference , Coach Blake Coffman is hoping his young guys come along fast in hopes of making another run into the postseason . Senior Collin Andrews returns to the starting lineup . A two year starter at center , Andrews dominates the boards and is tough to handle in the paint averaging a double , double last season . Some other guys will have to learn some new roles this season . Junior Jersey Cunningham was one of the Bobcats best defenders last season and is tough in the transition game . Senior Caleb Roark is a spot shooter that brings an outside threat to the lineup . Sophomore Trevor Augustine will be another big body tough to handle down low . The 6 ’ 4 , 290 pound center moves like a guard and can score . He and Andrews on the floor together pose quite a challenge for opposing teams . Jace Blake is a sophomore who is an exceptional athlete that will make an impact on both ends of the floor for Walnut Ridge . Coach Coffman feels his team can make some noise moving into the 3A-3 conference . “ Our key to success will be having to hit open shots when we have them ,” he said . We are so big inside that teams will have to double team our post players . If our guards hit shots , we will be tough to beat . Our weakness will be playing with kids that do not have much high school basketball experience .” Coach Coffman and the Walnut Ridge Bobcats are hoping those players gain the needed experience early in the season and are ready come tournament time . With the size they possess in the middle , and the athleticism they have on the perimeter , the Bobcats could be a problem for those in the 3A-3 . Look for Walnut Ridge to make their presence felt in a new league and compete for a regional berth once again .
Coach Skip Dulaney and the Walnut Ridge Lady Bobcats will move into the 3A-3 conference this season after finishing 13-14 last season . The Lady Cats will need some ladies to step up into larger roles this season . “ We lost 80 percent of our scoring and rebounding to graduation ,” Coach Dulaney explained . “ Our returning role players must step into bigger roles this year . Several players returning with experience is our biggest strength going into the season , and rebounding and taking care of the basketball will be our keys to success .” Senior forward Layla Nunally returns after averaging four points and three rebounds last season . Nunally will be counted on to bring leadership and expand her role as a scorer this year . Junior guard Candace Morgan averaged five points and five rebounds a year ago and will also have to step up her production . Fellow junior guard Selbi Muradova got some starts last season , as did classmates Lyla Woods , Kinley Fisher , and Kendy Jackson . Senior Madi Blaylock is a newcomer to the squad , as is sophomore guard Kodi Thielemier . The Walnut Ridge Lady Bobcats will sort out new roles and gain some experience early in the season in hopes to make some noise in a new conference . Look for Walnut Ridge to compete for one of the regional tournament spots in February .
607 Hwy . 67 N . Walnut Ridge , AR 72476 Email : bwalnutridge @ ecbarton . com 870-886-3587 Good Luck Bobcats & Mustangs !