. The Nettleton Raiders enjoyed a 21-9 record last season , claiming the 5A East conference title and earning a trip to the 5A State Tournament . Coach Bubba Deaton lost four starters from that team , but feels his inexperienced squad could round into form at the right time . “ We lost four starters from last year ' s team ,” Coach Deaton said . “ We love the guys we have but are very short on experience . We have six guys we feel like can play that are playing football , so we will get better as the year goes on .” Kobe Jamison is the only returning starter averaging 16 points and eight rebounds a game . The All-Conference forward is a great scorer and rebounder who will provide the leadership needed to this inexperienced squad . “ We will go as Kobe Jamison goes ,” Coach Deaton explained . “ He ' s our leader and we will rely on him more offensively . Several others will play and contribute after limited minutes a year ago . Seniors Braylin Green , Fred Atkins , Adrian Blackburn , and Vince Hardaway are all looking to contribute in their senior campaign . Green , Atkins , and Hardaway will fill guard spots , while Blackburn will play as a forward . Junior TJ Whitney saw valuable time last season and is looking to expand on that role as a forward on both ends of the floor . Sophomore TeJay Dailey is a talented point guard that should make an immediate impact at the high school level . Coach Deaton knows what challenges lie ahead , but feels his team is up to it . “ No matter how many kids we lose , our goals are to win the league and make a run in the state tournament , “ he said . “ We feel like if things go right , this team can compete for those things . The league will be much improved as Valley View , Marion , West Memphis , and Greene County Tech all return a lot of good players .” The Nettleton Raiders may be inexperienced , but the talent level has not dropped off . NEA Sports predicts the Raiders will finish in the upper half of the conference and make the state tournament .
In his first year as the head coach , Kevin Frisbee led the Nettleton Lady Raiders to another successful season finishing 23-8 and earning another trip to the state tournament . Entering his second year , Coach Frisbee will have to replace several key positions to make it back to the postseason . The Lady Raiders lost all five starters , and the lone returner , Ta ’ kylah Marshall won ’ t return until February at the earliest after an ACL injury . Several young and inexperienced players will have to step up and play big to replicate what Nettleton girls ’ basketball has been doing for the better part of the last 10-15 years . Seniors Jessica Cullins and Kaylee Franklin will provide the leadership for the young Lady Raiders . Cullins is a guard who is quick and shifty and can really guard on the defensive end . Franklin transferred in from Riverview , has a high motor , and is the best inside threat for Nettleton after graduating twin towers Mackenzie Williams and Donna Douglas . Junior Taylor Thomas is another quick , shifty guard that is a great rebounder as a guard . Thomas has great handles at the guard spot . Kinsley Patterson , Kaedyn Hardaway , and Kiyuna Grayson are three sophomores who led their junior high team to back-to-back conference titles , and will have to make a huge impact quickly to see that success transfer to the high school level . Freshman Tori Cunningham is a high level athlete who can defend , rebound , and score , and should move up and contribute from the start for the Lady Raiders . Coach Frisbee is looking for his team to improve through the early part of the season and be ready come conference season . “ We have to be willing to trust the process of improving as we go ,” he said . “ We have pieces to be successful , but it will take some time to get where we want to be , especially with the schedule we ' ve made . Defensively we have to be the most physical group on the floor , and offensively we have to consistently make outside shots .” Look for the Nettleton Lady Raiders to round into form come conference season , and once again battle for a state tournament spot in the tough 5A East .