After finishing 15 – 12 overall and 6 – 6 in the always-tough 3A-3 Conference, the Harrisburg Hornets are looking to turn experience and chemistry into a big season under head coach Grant Sanders. With six returners, including five seniors, this group brings maturity, grit, and a shared hunger to take the next step. Leading the charge are senior captains Axson Wallace and Jaxson Mross. Wallace, the team’ s sharpshooting two-guard, is not only the Hornets’ most reliable perimeter threat but also their top on-ball defender. Mross runs the show at point— a tough, physical floor general who can score, distribute, and set the tone with his intensity. In the post, Bryce McCartney provides a steady inside presence after finishing last season with one of the best field-goal percentages in Arkansas. His ability to score with his back to the basket keeps defenses honest. Seniors Walker Casebier and Jakobe Tate add muscle and energy— both can attack the rim and create plays off the dribble. Jayvin Thompson, a versatile junior, rounds out the returning group and will play all five positions thanks to his athleticism and adaptability. For the Hornets, defense will be the difference-maker. Coach Sanders emphasizes high-effort possessions, rebounding, and composure under pressure— all ingredients for success in a stacked 3A- 3. With their tight chemistry and high ceiling, the Hornets are poised to make plenty of noise this winter.
The Harrisburg Lady Hornets finished last season at 18-10 earning a trip to the regional tournament. New head coach, Khali Gavin, is looking to get her girls back to the postseason, and she has the returning pieces to do so. Seniors Ragan Fahr and Cassie Carlson and junior Gabby Nunez all return after starting for the last two seasons. Fahr is a good perimeter defender with a knockdown shot. Carlson provides an inside presence and rebounding for the Lady Hornets, while Nunez is another knock down shooter from the outside. Junior Camilla Speigel can add another outside threat for Harrisburg after not playing last season, and sophomore Zoey Shelton will provide depth in the back court. Coach Gavin shared what her brand of Lady Hornet basketball looks like.“ We are trying to be fundamentally sound and do all the small things right,” she said.“ A lot of ball handling, footwork, shooting, and building their IQ. We come together in the last 25 minutes and put it all together.” Many of the Lady Hornets are having to step up into bigger roles this season. If they can figure it out, they will have a chance to compete in the 3A-3 for a chance to get back to the regional tournament. Look for the Harrisburg Lady Hornets to make a big push late in the season to get back to the postseason.
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