The Hoxie Mustangs were only able to scratch a couple of wins last season, but with several returning players and some guys that didn’ t play last season coming back, Coach Nick Beene and the Mustangs are looking to build a program going forward.“ We are aiming to build our program up one day at a time,” Coach Beene said.“ We were young and inexperienced last year, and we should look to improve and be better than last season.” Four starters, all juniors, return to the floor for Hoxie. Dalton Neely averaged 12 points from the guard spot last season and looks to lead the way for the Mustangs. Guards Ethan Long and Braden Lane, along with center Gabe Owens all return in hopes of building on their experience last year.“ We have added back several players that didn’ t play last season that should help with depth and program building,” Coach Beene also explained. The 3A-3 can be a tough place to try to grow, but with so much returning experience, expect to see the Hoxie Mustangs improve and battle for a regional tournament berth when the district tournament rolls around.
The Hoxie Lady Mustangs are turning the page and building for the future under head coach Jeremy Parmer, who returns a determined group ready to learn, grow, and compete every night. After a rebuilding season, the Lady Mustangs bring back several key players and a wave of young talent eager to make their mark. Senior forward Gracie Felton leads the way after averaging 10 points and 6 rebounds per game last year. She’ ll be joined by junior guard Cyanna Martinez( 6 points per game) and junior forward Sydney Noblin, both reliable contributors on both ends of the floor. Seniors Ciara Lorren and Felton provide valuable leadership for a roster full of emerging sophomores. That sophomore class could be the spark that lifts Hoxie forward this season. Diayla Davis, Jayci Simms, and Alie Thrasher all started games late last year and showed promise, with Simms and Madison Light each averaging around 8 – 10 points per game over the final stretch. Brinley Owens brings excellent court vision after leading the junior high team in assists, while Mykyla Contreras adds depth and defensive energy in the backcourt. Coach Parmer believes that if the Lady Mustangs lean into their depth, speed, ball-handling, and defense— and continue growing together as a team— they’ ll be able to compete with anyone. While youth and lack of height are current challenges, this team’ s heart, hustle, and chemistry are what make them dangerous. Expect the Lady Mustangs to play fast, play together, and continue building toward something special in the seasons ahead.
Head Coach Jacquonna Young came home and helped turn the Blytheville Lady Chickasaws program around. The Lady Chicks finished the season 18-12 and earned a trip to the state tournament. Now, in her second season, Coach Young is relying on some returning players to get them back to the postseason. Zyrihana McNear is a senior point guard that Coach Young calls a lock down defensive player and a strong driver of the basketball. McNear hopes to use that to create shots for her teammates and finish around the rim. Senior Kaleigh Middlebrooks is a strong power forward that can shoot the mid-range shot. McNear and Middlebrooks are hoping to provide leadership for Blytheville along with classmate Ruthie Goss who Coach Young tabs as another lockdown defender. Junior center Lanaeshia Lincoln is very active in the paint and should provide the Chickasaws with a strong post presence. Coach Young pinpointed several keys for her team to make it back to the state tournament including listening, reacting, and playing good defense. Offensively, she feels taking care of the basketball will be a top priority. If they can accomplish those goals, then the Lady Chickasaws could have another successful season. Look for the Blytheville Lady Chickasaws to compete once again in the mix of the 4A-3 conference and be a tough matchup in the postseason.
Coming off an impressive 25 – 10 season, the Blytheville Chickasaws enter the new year with high expectations and a mix of proven veterans and fresh talent under head coach MacKenzie Pierce. While the team graduated key contributors, the Chickasaws have the size, athleticism, and skill to keep Blytheville basketball among the toughest teams in their class once again. Leading the way is senior standout Johmir Guyton, who returns after averaging 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists per game a year ago. Guyton’ s all-around game, scoring ability, and leadership will anchor the Chickasaws on both ends of the floor. He’ ll be joined by fellow seniors Anthony Taylor and JaKyran Madden, both ready for expanded roles. Taylor brings versatility and size, capable of scoring inside or stepping out, while Madden adds athleticism, strong shooting, and playmaking ability from the guard spot. Coach Pierce added junior guard Quincy Perry as a late mid-season transfer from the back to back state champ EPC Warriors. As a sophomore Perry averaged 8.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists while cracking the all-state tournament team. He’ s fast and can make a difference on both ends of the floor. Coach Pierce knows that developing chemistry with new faces will take time, but he’ s confident in his group’ s potential. With a strong core and plenty of upside, the Chickasaws have the tools to be dangerous— especially as they gel down the stretch. If this team clicks at the right time, expect Blytheville to be right in the mix for another deep run.