The Greene County Tech Lady Eagles reeled off 23 straight wins, including a 14-0 run through the 5A East, to finish 31-3. Coach Jason Smith’ s bunch claimed their second straight 5A East title and a trip to the state finals in Hot Springs before falling in a tough battle to Farmington. The 5A State Runners-up lost several key pieces off last year ' s team, but return plenty of talent to make another run to the Spa City.“ The target is bigger than it ' s been in 30 years for our team and program,” Coach Smith said.“ What our kids have to realize is that we will get everyone ' s best shot every night. We cannot worry about what we did a year ago. This year ' s team will have to create their own identity as we will look a lot different after graduating eight seniors. There are still some very good pieces but our depth will be challenged most every game.” Louisiana Tech commit E’ marriah Johnson leads the way for GCT. The senior forward is a very dynamic post kid who can step out and face the basket as well as hit the three.“ She is a difference maker at both ends and one of the better rebounders out of her silo,” coach said. Johnson averaged 16.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.1 steals, and 1.7 assists a game last season. The All-State senior was Best Under the Sun Player of the Year and 1st team All Arkansas among many other honors. Senior guard Sophia Gonzalez is back at the point guard position for Tech. The three year starter has committed to Wallace State after averaging 7.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.4 steals a game last year.“ Sophia is as athletic as any girl I have ever coached and an elite defender,” Smith said.“ She is tough and a winner who makes everyone around her better.” Gonzalez was selected as Best Under the Sun and the All State Tournament team as a junior. Junior sharp shooter Addie Ryan looks to expand her role even more this season after coming off the bench the last two seasons.“ Addie was a key contributor last season for us as a sophomore,” her coach said.“ She is one of the best shooters in the state and can really pressure and stretch out the defense with her ability to shoot the ball. We look for her to elevate her game even more this season.” Junior forward Kinsley Patterson will make an impact after moving over from Nettleton. Patterson scored right at 10 points a night for the Lady Raiders and was a Best Under the Sun selection. Senior guard Presley Carpenter should provide a spark after biding her time.“ Presley has patiently waited her turn the last couple years and now it ' s her time to show what hard work, patience, and toughness will reward a kid with,” Coach Smith explained.“ She can score at all three levels but is very unselfish as a player. We will need her to score at times and will often be guarding the opposing team ' s best player.” Juniors Allie Smith and Ava Williams will add crucial depth for the Lady Eagles. Smith is a smart player that will mix it up inside, while Williams is a talented guard who will provide depth on the perimeter. Sophomores Katie Bolen and Ava Gonzalez are looking to make an impact at the high school level. Bolen is a versatile player who can play guard or forward, and Gonzalez is a quick, talented guard that is a good defender. Coach Smith says health and depth are keys in defending their conference crown.“ Keys for success are health, staying out of foul trouble, continued improvement from our core, but the main key is depth development,” he explained.“ Our schedule is unforgiving and we will need all hands on deck in order to have the year these kids have worked so hard for in the weightroom, in travel ball, and in practice on the floor.” Greene County Tech will once again be a favorite in the daunting 5A East. Look for the Lady Eagles to battle for a third straight league title and be one of the favorites to make a return trip to Hot Springs in March.
The Greene County Tech Golden Eagles are looking to get back to the postseason after just missing out last season finishing 16-14. Coach Jeff Guiot will have a lot of experience back with some young up and coming talent to go with it. Four starters return from last season’ s Eagle squad including All-State selection Noah Oswalt. The senior forward is strong and quick and can play inside with good footwork and touch around the rim or outside with range. Senior Kason Scott also returns at the guard spot. Scott is tough and is tabbed as the Golden Eagles best defender. Classmate Carson McDaniel is a stretch four who can score in many different ways with his good length. Sophomore Luke Cancilla showed great promise last season playing up as a freshman. Now, the point guard is poised for a breakout season as a good shooter and passer from the point guard position. Junior Landon Morton provides depth in the middle where he is a good passer and shooter with his strong frame. Fellow junior Banx Boozer is a guard that can play the point or shooting guard and provide good minutes off the bench. Sophomore Tyson Haygood is looking to make an impact at the high school level and could provide a big spark for GCT. Coach Guiot likes his squad and knows what they can accomplish.“ If we can take care of the basketball, limit our turnovers, and improve our rebounding we should have a special year,” Coach Guiot shared. The Greene County Tech Golden Eagles should compete at the top of the conference this season, earning a trip back to the state tournament, and be a tough out with their depth, shooting ability, and defensive prowess. Look for a great season out of Greene County this season.
Youth will be the theme for the Osceola Lady Seminoles. Coach Kenneth Thomas’ team will rely on a lot of young players after losing four seniors a year ago. Fortunately, some of those young players do have high school experience. Senior America McNeal is a two year starter returning at the forward position. Sophomores Tariyah Lee and Kensley Whitfield are back after starting their freshmen year. Senior Tykerria Harris and sophomore Aniyah Woods will look to expand their roles this season to help the Lady Noles improve. Coach Thomas wants his girls to“ believe, play as one, and play strong defense.” NEA Sports predicts that there will be improvement throughout the year in Osceola, and the Lady Seminoles could surprise some people come district tournament time.