The Jonesboro Lady Hurricane are aiming to bounce back in 2024 – 2025 after a challenging 5 – 23 season, and head coach Steven Etter, along with assistants Tim Hawkins and Duanawa Barnes, believes this season has all the pieces to compete at a higher level. With a blend of returning starters, versatile role players, and developing underclassmen, Jonesboro looks to be a tough, aggressive team that thrives on defense and smart offensive execution. The Lady Hurricane return five starters, led by junior Lacy Hall, a quick and fearless point guard capable of changing direction and attacking the rim. Junior forward / center Amiyah Wilborn provides strong footwork, court vision, and leadership, constantly communicating on both ends. Senior shooting guard Skylar Gambrell is a two-year starter who brings defensive intensity, physicality, and relentless effort. Juniors Chassidy Rodgers and Sheleah Bevly round out the starting five, combining offensive playmaking, versatile scoring, and outside shooting to keep defenses on their heels. Depth will be a key strength for Jonesboro, with players like Nevaeh Davis, Lynlee Hausman-Taku, Cadynn Brown, Rakyah Wright, Tatiana Sang, Kimani Carter, and D’ Miyaah Wright providing defensive pressure, rebounding, and offensive versatility. The team is loaded with athletes who can guard multiple positions, run the floor, and attack the basket when opportunities arise. Coach Etter says the keys to success will be limiting turnovers, maintaining patience on offense, and playing aggressive, in-your-face defense.“ We have the depth, understanding, and mindset to be a very good defensive team,” he said. If the Lady Hurricane can execute consistently and stay disciplined, Jonesboro fans could see a team that surprises in the tough 6A Central Conference.
After an impressive 26 – 5 campaign last season, head coach Wes Swift and the Jonesboro Hurricanes are entering the 2024 – 2025 season with a young and hungry roster. The team returns only two seniors, led by BJ Knowlton, a 6 ' 2 " guard who averaged 11 points per game, earned All-Conference and All-State honors, and has already drawn attention from junior colleges. Off the bench, Lleyton Weaver, a 6 ' 1 " junior guard and outstanding shooter, will see significant minutes running the point, while senior Ja’ Quez Jordan provides lockdown defense and scoring versatility, though football duties may limit his availability early. The Hurricane will lean on a talented junior group including Sidney Smith( 5 ' 8 " G), Elliot McLaughlin( 6 ' 3 " F), Jayden Jones( 5 ' 10 " G), and Eddie Young( 6 ' 7 " F), with Sabian Graham expected to make an impact once he returns from a groin injury. A tough non-conference schedule will test this youthful team, especially after the loss of Jaylen Jones to a season-ending ACL injury over the summer. Coach Swift emphasizes that team toughness, trust, and growth will be key for navigating a top-tier conference. If the Hurricanes can build chemistry and rely on contributions from both returning stars and emerging juniors, they could be a dangerous team come state tournament time.
After a 7 – 19 season in the 4A-6 Conference, the Wynne Yellowjackets are determined to flip the script in 2025 – 26 under head coach David Brown. With several key returners and a renewed focus on doing the little things right, Wynne’ s mix of experience, size, and athleticism gives fans plenty to be excited about. Leading the charge is Parker King, a 6 ' 2 " senior guard and two-year starter who earned All-Conference honors last season after averaging 15.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. King is a strong finisher at the rim and a smooth perimeter shooter who provides leadership and scoring punch. In the post, Anthony Smith, a 6 ' 4 " senior, brings toughness, rebounding, and defensive grit, while Tucker Douglas 6 ' 6 " gives Wynne a shot-blocking presence and the ability to stretch the floor offensively. Melvin King, a 6 ' 1 " junior point guard, is the steady hand who makes everyone around him better, while Klark Garza adds shooting depth on the wing. Christian Wren, a 5 ' 10 " senior, brings athleticism and energy as the team’ s top defender. Sophomore Daylin Hawkins will add a spark off the bench with his length, athleticism, and high-flying play. The Yellowjackets lost eight games by single digits last season— something Coach Brown believes can change with better execution and consistency on defense. If Wynne can capitalize on its athleticism, value possessions, and finish games strong, this group has the tools to surprise people in the 4A-6 and make a serious leap forward.
The Crowley’ s Ridge Academy Lady Falcons battled through a tough 1A-3 conference last season finishing 11-18 and earning a trip to the regional tournament where they would fall to eventual state champion West Side Greer’ s Ferry. This season, Coach Amy Austin is looking to a large group of returners to improve even more and take that next step into the state tournament. Four starters led by seniors Kenslee Shepard and Garnett Gamble will return to the floor CRA. Sheppard is a very good defensive guard and an aggressive offensive player, while Gamble is the team’ s leading rebounder and a good inside-out player. Ryan Gramling is a junior guard who does most of the team’ s ball handling and is the Lady Falcons best outside shooter. Fellow junior guard Rachel Gibson is a very good defensive player and good shooter. Sophomore Tenley McMillon should make an impact with her length and rebounding ability. McMillon is also aggressive going to the basket. Junior guard Libby Matthews should provide some depth on the perimeter with her shooting ability, while senior Halle Jordan is a good inside presence with the ability to score. Coach Austin feels this group could make some noise if they focus on certain things.“ Our key to success this year is improving our scoring ability and increasing our points per game percentages,” she said.“ We are going to push the ball more this year and try to score more from transition and then rebound hard. We are not very big so our guard play will have to really step up and carry the team at times and help crash the boards. Our team has a lot of experience coming back and the potential to make a run in the post-season this year. I ' m looking forward to a very fun year.” With teams like Earle and West Side Greer’ s Ferry in the region, it won’ t be easy, but the Lady Falcons are proving they can get in the mix. Look for CRA to show improvement and have a chance to take that next step into the state tournament.