After a 13 – 17 finish last season, the Paragould Rams enter the new year with heightened expectations and the confidence that comes with returning four starters and a senior-heavy roster. Head coach Jace Watson likes the makeup of this group— experienced, tough, and united— and believes the Rams are positioned to take a big step forward in the always-competitive 5A East. The Rams return an impressive core highlighted by senior do-it-all forward Kylar Foster, a high-IQ playmaker who averaged 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists and impacts the game in every possible way. Fellow senior Wyatt Eckles is back after posting 12 points and 7 rebounds per game and adding muscle in the offseason that Watson believes will make him a true interior force. Senior guard Jacobie Hodges returns as the on-floor leader who keeps the Rams organized and has improved his perimeter shooting, while junior Delonte Batiste gives Paragould a pure scoring threat after averaging 8 points and adding strength to his frame. Watson is counting on Batiste to take another leap in consistency and efficiency as a go-to option. Paragould’ s depth comes from a wave of seniors who bring energy, skill, and poise. Aden Chipman is one of the team’ s top shooters, John McAllister is both an elite perimeter threat and a strong rebounder, Gaylon Craig can run the point or attack from the wing with his quick first step, and Will Butler provides defensive firepower and relentless hustle. Coach Watson believes this group’ s age, chemistry, and offseason work will translate to stronger late-game execution— an area that cost the Rams in conference play a year ago. With improved shooting, better offensive consistency, and a commitment to playing fast but controlled, the Rams will lean on a roster full of unselfish, disciplined competitors rather than one single star. The Rams have put the work in. Now they’ re ready to show just how far that work can take them when the lights come on this winter.
The Paragould Lady Rams enter the new season with a renewed mindset and a roster full of speed, athleticism, and potential. Head coach Mitchell Weber believes this group is ready to flip the script and build a stronger foundation through trust, effort, and team chemistry. Leading the charge is Micah Roleson, a 5’ 6” junior guard and two-year starter who returns as a 5A East All-Conference performer. Quick, skilled, and athletic, she’ ll be the engine that drives the Lady Rams’ attack. Senior captain Hadley Luke anchors the team with leadership and toughness— she’ s a three-sport athlete and 4.0 student who sets the tone on and off the court. Returning guards Eva Goff and Kenzie Snyder bring experience and balance. Goff is a reliable shooter coming off an impressive offseason, while Snyder’ s athleticism and poise make her a player to watch. Aniya Dorsey, a 5’ 8” sophomore and defending state track champion, adds explosive speed and competitive fire to the lineup. The Lady Rams’ depth continues with Madison Farmer, Kaylie Metz, Arbriel Lurry, Kaci Lamb, Sarah Cole, and freshman Kobi Gantt, giving Coach Weber plenty of versatility and lineup options. Competing in the always-tough 5A East, Paragould knows growth will come with time. Coach Weber expects this team to play its best basketball late in the season as roles solidify and confidence builds. With a focus on trust, teamwork, and a new mindset, the Lady Rams are determined to change their narrative and prove they belong among the league’ s toughest teams.
The Newport Lady Greyhounds enter the 2024 – 2025 season looking to build on last year’ s 15 – 13 finish with a new identity, fresh leadership, and a roster eager to prove itself in the always-competitive 3A-3. Head coach Angella Perry knows her team has the defensive grit and speed to compete at a high level— now the challenge is replacing the offensive production lost with the departures of Niyah Davis, Lexi Hembrey, and Aubrey Burns. Newport will lean heavily on three first-year starters who bring toughness, athleticism, and energy to the lineup. Tylasia Brown, a guard with blazing speed and fearlessness, sets the tone on both ends with her in-your-face defense and ability to facilitate the offense. Deyah Jackson, an 11th-grade forward, brings physicality in the paint, relentless hustle, and a competitive edge that helps Newport control the interior. Sophomore guard Jada Robinson rounds out the new core as the team ' s floor general— she’ s a skilled playmaker who can score at all three levels and anchor the defense. The Lady Greyhounds will also count on key contributors to elevate the team’ s balance and depth. Brooklyn Cox, a steady G / F, provides leadership and strong perimeter defense, while also knocking down shots. Sophomore guard Sophie Haigwood brings valuable spacing as one of the team’ s best three-point shooters. Coach Perry believes the formula for success is clear: play fast, defend with intensity, and show poise in pressure moments. With several sophomores stepping into larger roles and a team committed to playing hard-nosed, up-tempo basketball, Newport’ s growth throughout the season may determine just how far the Lady Greyhounds go. Scoring consistency remains the biggest question mark after losing their top offensive threats, but Perry is confident this hungry group has the potential to rise to the challenge. With their toughness, chemistry, and competitiveness, the Lady Greyhounds are a team that could surprise many by season’ s end.
After a strong 23-win season, the Newport Greyhounds are back with a fast, aggressive style of play and the confidence to make another deep run. Under head coach Marcus Lewis, the Greyhounds plan to use their speed, depth, and guard play to keep the pressure on opponents from start to finish. Senior sharpshooter Dayrin Braxton returns after averaging 12 points per game. His smooth shooting stroke and defensive intensity make him one of the team’ s go-to players. Junior forward Eddie White adds balance inside, bringing 11 points and 6 rebounds per game along with relentless effort on defense and in transition. Junior center Jesyn Russell anchors the paint after averaging 8 points and 9 boards last season— his rebounding and rim protection set the tone in the middle. Sophomore Eric Ross brings an offensive spark as a talented shooter, while juniors Ky Spearman and Jataelyn Crite add versatility and full-court defensive pressure. Sophomore Tavarius Hardaway will also help handle the ball and push the pace. Coach Lewis loves his team’ s speed, pace, and scoring depth, noting that their offseason work has paid off with improved shooting and confidence. The key will be sharpening their basketball IQ and continuing to grow offensively. Expect the Greyhounds to fly up and down the court this season, using their quickness and toughness to cause chaos in the 3A-3. When Newport’ s tempo clicks, they’ re a tough team for anyone to keep up with.