LITTLE ROCK — Top talent on display in Jonesboro
Arkansas signees Hunter Mickelson and Ky Madden will play in the Hurricane Classic in Jonesboro next weekend, but Jonesboro Coach Wes Swift believes the two Razorbacks-tobe are not the only future college players playing in the tournament.
“I think there will be five or six legitimate college players on the court this weekend,” Swift said.
“I’m excited about this tournament and I’m excited about our chances.”
All seven of Arkansas’ classifications arerepresented in this year’s eight-team field. Two of the teams - Jonesboro Westside (Class 4A) and Earle (Class 3A) - are defending state champions and another - Bay (Class 1A) - reached the state finals.
Besides the two Arkansas signees, fans should see topnotch performances from Randrick Caruthers, a 6-1 senior guard from Kennett, Mo., Autry Allen, a 5-5 sophomore guard from Earle, and Gunner Freeman, a 5-10 junior guard from Bay.
Jonesboro also has a few noteworthy players, including senior Micah Walker and 6-7 post player Ayo Ojo. Swift said he is also high on freshman Kahron Ross, who has not played this season because he suffered a broken wrist Oct. 25 while playing a pickup game.
“We’ve got the most balanced of a team that I’ve ever had in 17 years of coaching,” Swift said.
“Our depth at post is a little light, but overall, I like our balance.”
The tournament begins Thursday with Class 7A Springdale playing Earle.
The other first-round games include East Poinsett County vs. Kennett, Mo., Jonesboro Westside vs. Greene County Tech and Jonesboro vs. Bay.
SEARCY
Lions begin 3-0
Searcy Coach Jim Summers said the 10 players he’s picked up from the Lions’ football team have been key role players.
“I think we’re getting better with every game,” said Summers, whose team improved to 3-0 afterTuesday’s 55-45 victory over Cabot. “We’re jelling and getting our timing down. We run a lot of the Princeton offense and timing is the key.”
Summers said 6-5 post player Jonathon Powell grabbed seven “huge” rebounds in Tuesday’s victory and while 6-1 guard Desmond Stegall isn’t scoring much, he is contributing.
“The guys that have come in from the football team haven’t been asked to carry the load,” Summers said.
“That’s the good thing about having three guys like Jamal [Jones], Casey [Wilmath] and Chris [Blakely].”
Jones, who signed with Ole Miss, is averaging 15 points a game. Wilmath hit7 of 8 three-point attempts against Vilonia and Blakely scored 13 points against Cabot.
The Lions get a tough road test Monday at Conway.
“I think we’ve played three good fundamental teams,” Summers said. “Now the next step we’ll see is a team with a little more athleticism and one that will press us a little more. It’s a style we’ll see a little more of in our conference.” FREE THROWS
West Memphis is off to a 6-0 start after winning two games in the Riverbend Shoot-Out in New Madrid, Mo. The Blue Devils defeated New Madrid Central 58-23 on Friday and knocked off Covington, Tenn., on Saturday,69-56. The Blue Devils have a tough game scheduled for Tuesday against Memphis Central, a team which features Jarnell Stokes, who is considered the No. 2 junior in Tennessee. ... Little Rock Hall’s girls finished 3-0 in the Metroplex Thanksgiving Hoopfest in Duncanville, Texas. The Lady Warriors beat Kennedale, Texas on Saturday night 68-63 to improve to 5-2. Hall’s boys team was not as fortunate. The Warriors suffered a 60-56 loss to Arlington (Texas) Grace Prep to finish 0-2.
... Southwind, Tenn., and Bossier City, La., played in Saturday’s championship game of the Rumble on the Ridge in Forrest City. ... Class 3A defending state champion Earle improved to 2-0 Saturday with a 68-60 victory over Stuttgart. Autry Allen’s 20 points and 18 from Robert Marshall led the Bulldogs.
Sports, Pages 42 on 11/28/2010