Conference: 5A Southwest
Coach: Donald Williams, his 11th year as head coach in Arkadelphia
Record last year: 25-4 overall and undefeated in the conference, 14-0
Assistant coach: Lawrence Jefferson
Returning starters: The only returning starter, senior Jakhiry Dixon (6-1 small forward), was all-conference last year, averaging 15 points per game, along with 6 rebounds and 2 assists. “We will be relaying heavily on his leadership on and off the field,” Williams said.
Best inside players: Demetre Williams (6-2), a senior, will be working the inside of the court for the Badgers for sure, but Williams said the team is young, and some players have not been given assigned roles. “We want to see who we have step up,” he said.
Best outside players: Senior Morris Barker (6-0 point guard) got some playing time last year, and that experience will be important when matched with sophomores Cris Oliver (5-6 guard), Rashad Young (6-1 forward) and Keon Lewis, who Williams calls a great wingman and one of the team’s better outside shooters. The Badgers will be relying on junior Derius Holt (6-2 forward), who is now playing football. Williams called him a good all-around player.
How does the team compare to last year’s? Coach Williams said the team is in a rebuilding year with only one starter returning and no two-year lettermen on the team. “Everything we get this year, we will have to work for it,” he said.
Strengths of the team: “It is our great tradition of eight years in a row in the playoffs,” Williams said. “The kids believe in what we are doing, and that is to play for the playoffs.”
Weaknesses of the team: The coach said the team is very inexperienced.
Games to watch: Lakeside and Hot Springs are very good this year, along with Magnolia, but the biggest game will be with Camden Fairview.
College prospect: “Jakhiry Dixon is being talked about,” Williams said. “He could play at the next level if he continues to improve.”