Coming off an impressive 30 – 6 season, the Cedar Ridge Timberwolves enter 2024 – 25 looking to reload rather than rebuild under head coach James Denton. The program graduated several key pieces— Kyle Provence, Lawson Bruce, Easton Griffin, and Ryan Barber— but the cupboard is far from empty, and the Timberwolves once again expect to compete at the top of the 2A-2. Cedar Ridge returns one of the most dominant players in the conference in Rylen Brown, a junior forward who averaged 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game last season. Brown is a physical, versatile presence who anchors both ends of the floor, and he will be the focal point of the Timberwolves’ attack. A deep junior class surrounds him, highlighted by Dawson Engles, a steady guard with shooting ability and strong basketball IQ, and Eli Ledlow, another junior guard capable of scoring at all three levels. Colby Fears brings slashing ability and defensive toughness, while Ryley Turner stretches defenses with his perimeter shooting. Two sophomores are also expected to play significant roles. Brayden Miller adds scoring punch with his shooting and downhill driving ability, and forward Jacob Jones provides leadership, grit, and strong defensive instincts— traits Coach Denton says will be invaluable for this young group. Coach Denton emphasizes that success this season will hinge on the Timberwolves’ commitment to playing their brand of basketball— a disciplined, high-IQ style on both ends of the court. With so many newcomers stepping into bigger roles, adapting to varsity physicality and continuing to mature will be essential. Still, Denton believes the talent is in place, and if they focus on being the best version of ourselves every day, we’ ll give ourselves a chance to be successful.
The Cedar Ridge Lady Timberwolves finished 13-18 last season, and with the majority of the roster back, Coach Nolan Smith and the Lady T’ wolves are looking for a big season. Senior guard Emilee Pankey is back after leading Cedar Ridge a year ago. Pankey scored 16.5 points and 7.1 rebounds last season and Coach Smith looks for her to carry most of the load again this year. She is a do it all player that can score from anywhere on the floor and does most of the ball handling. Sophomore Shelby Pankey moved up as a freshman last season and started every game averaging 6.2 points. The younger Pankey shoots the ball well and is looking to be more aggressive this year getting to the rim. Junior Reagan Skaggs started every game at guard last season. Skaggs handled the ball at times and shot the three pointer very well. Coach Smith is looking for her to take the next step as a scorer and do it more consistently. Addison Owens will be a new addition to the starting lineup this season. Owens is a quick, aggressive guard that can shoot the three. Maggie Baxter and Sivle Curtis are two post players that will rotate in and out this year.“ We need these two girls to defend and rebound the ball consistently this year for us to have success,” Coach Smith says.“ They will be our post presence most nights so we look for these two to step up big down low.” The 2A-2 was stacked last season, and looks to be one of the toughest conferences again this season. Coach Smith feels there are things his team needs to succeed.“ For us to succeed, we wil l need to find additional scoring options outside of our main threat,” he said.“ Defending and rebounding the basketball will also be crucial as we graduated our leading rebounder. If we can fill that void and have multiple scorers on the floor, I believe we can have success most nights. Overall our biggest challenge may be only having six girls. Trying to stay healthy and keeping our legs underneath us will be crucial. Altogether, I really look forward to our season, and I believe our girls can compete any given night.” Even with small numbers, Cedar Ridge should be able to compete at a high level in the league and have a chance to advance further in the post-season.
The Batesville Pioneers finished last season 10-19 and will look to a young squad this season to continue improvement and compete towards a state tournament berth. Coach Isaac Middlebrooks has two returning starters in Ransom Dunlap and Cole Bentz. Dunlap is a senior guard and the Pioneers best outside shooter. Last season, he averaged nine points, five rebounds, and three assists while shooting 39 % from beyond the arc. Bentz started the majority of the games last season, and Coach Middlebrooks dubbed him a point forward. His hustle and toughness helped him average four points and six rebounds last season. Senior guards Deo Ros and Landon Box will provide some speed and driving ability, while classmates Carson Farrier and Carson Hillis should be outside shooting threats for Batesville, as will fellow senior Mark Adams. Junior Eli Beaumont brings a presence inside with good shot blocking ability, while sophomores Price Carpenter and Aryan Dale should make immediate impacts. Carpenter is a natural scorer, and Dale is tough and plays solid defense. Coach Middlebrooks is hoping his young squad can get much needed experience before the 5A East slate rolls around.“ We are young,” Coach admitted.“ We have eight sophomores, several are fighting for time. Maturity will be an issue for us early. I have really good senior leaders, and they are helping with this. Our strength is our outside shooting. Best three point shooting team I ' ve had at Batesville.” Coach Middlebrooks is hoping his team can knock big shots in key spots to pull out some close games and surprise some people in the conference. Look for the Batesville Pioneers to upset a few folks with their outside shooting and compete for one of those final state tournament spots.