The Marmaduke Greyhounds finished last season at 20-17 , and now Kevin Alexander takes over as head coach in hopes of taking that next step into the regional tournament . “ This year ' s team has to replace two really good starters from last year , and we will have some kids that haven ’ t gotten a lot of experience having to play big minutes for us this year ,” Coach Alexander explained . “ We have to be locked in every single night on both ends of the court . When we are , we can play with almost anyone in the conference , but when we come out not focused or not ready , we can be beaten by anyone in the conference as well . We have had a really good pre-season , and I look forward to seeing this group grow and get better throughout the year .” Seniors Carson Robinson , Walter Collier , and Ashton Lucy will lead the way for the Greyhounds . The seniors got some starts last season and have plenty of experience , but will need to expand on their leadership roles and scoring . Junior John McAlister returns this year as well , and will look to contribute in a major way this year . Seniors Corbin Miller , Jackson Travis , and Tyson Lopez will step up and look to add needed depth to the Marmaduke lineup . The 2A-3 has added a couple of new teams in Corning and Piggott giving it a little different look , but it is still as deep and balanced as ever . It will be a battle every night . NEA Sports predicts the Greyhounds will battle for one of the last regional spots in February .
The Marmaduke Lady Greyhounds are as a tradition rich program as there is in Northeast Arkansas , but Coach Rick Smith may be in some unfamiliar territory . “ It will be the youngest we have had since I have been here in 17 years ,” Coach Smith said . The Lady Hounds will move up two freshmen that will start , have six sophomores , one junior and two seniors . Marmaduke finished 21-18 last season earning a trip to the regional tournament . Coach Smith will rely on a very young group to navigate a tough 2A-3 conference and get back to the postseason . The lone returning starter , Cali Burnett , will unfortunately miss the season due to an ACL injury . Seniors Lexi Gipson and Ava Anthony will provide the leadership to a young squad . Gipson is a post presence who is a strong rebounder , and Anthony has a high motor and plays very hard . They say tradition never graduates , and that will be the test this season for the Lady Hounds . Look for the young , inexperienced team to take some lumps during the season , but be ready to make some noise come tournament time and battle for a regional tournament berth .
The Newport Greyhounds and head coach Marcus Lewis are hoping to turn around a rough season from a year ago . To do so , the Hounds will have to navigate a new conference in the always loaded 3A-3 . Coach Lewis is excited about the opportunity with a mix of experienced players and younger talent returning this season . “ We return two consistent starters in Amonii Wren ( JR point guard ) and Demetric Denton ( SR power forward ),” Coach Lewis said . “ Amonii is a great guard that can see the floor well and makes things happen for other guys . De- Metric is a playmaker , one who can really get to the rim at will with his athleticism and attacks the boards fiercely .” NHS will also have some newer faces stepping up into bigger roles this season . “ Junior shooting guard Dayrin Braxton can shoot the outside shot well and takes care of the ball .,” Coach Lewis explained . “ We are excited about seniors Sam Doyle , Curtis Armstrong , and Tyler Ridley and their progression this off season . We are also extremely excited about our current sophomores . Eddie White is a great defender who attacks the board and is a strong rebounder . Jesyn Russell also does a great job at this , and Jataelyn Crite is going to be special as well , as he is an outstanding guard who is willing to defend 90 feet anyone on the floor .” The Greyhounds will have to mesh and adjust early to compete in a tough league . “ The key to our success is going to be how well our guys accept their roles for the team and how mentally tough we can be . A big strength this off-season is defensive development . I ’ m hoping we see five much better defenders on the floor this season . We are going to have to be able to push the ball and play at a faster pace for success . A weakness we have is our perimeter offense and our scoring , which is something we have been emphasizing the past few months .” There is a lot of new in Jackson County for the Newport Greyhounds . A lot of fresh faces in bigger roles moving into a new conference . NEA Sports predicts that the Greyhounds can show vast improvement from a year ago and compete in the middle of the 3A-3 in hopes of earning a regional berth come tournament time .
The Newport Lady Greyhounds will look to a new coach to lead a turnaround in Jackson County . Joseph Anders takes over as head coach in Newport and is focused on team building . “ The key for our season is to remember the reasons we all participate in sports ,” Coach Anders explained . “ The hard work , discipline , teamwork , courage and most important , the love of the game . It is our plan to represent full-engagement , to be mentally , emotionally , physically , intellectually and spiritually committed to a cause greater than ourselves . Team success is what we seek .” A group of returners and some new faces are looking to lead the way . Seniors Niya Davis and Lexi Hembrey will provide the leadership for the Lady Hounds . Davis is a three year starter who is a hard worker that can play multiple positions . Hembrey is also a three year starter who is a confident shooter and Newport ’ s biggest threat from the three point line . Juniors Ty Brown and JaKirra Newhouse will provide athleticism on both ends of the floor . Brown is a quick guard that can put pressure on the ball , while Newhouse is an athlete that is gaining confidence daily . Sophomore Deya Jackson is a physical presence inside as she transitions from volleyball . Freshmen Jada Robinson and Sophie Haigwood will look to move and make an impact . Robinson is an athletic talent who is improving daily , while Haigwood is a shooter from the wing . The Newport Lady Greyhounds will have to navigate a tough new conference in the 3A-3 , but Coach Anders and his Lady Greyhounds should show improvement .