Conference 4A-7
Coach: Mark Smith (third year)
Assistant coach: Andy Brakebill
Last year’s record: 7-15
Returning starters: Cody McPherson (5-10 guard), a senior, was all-conference last year and was the team’s leading scorer, averaging 11.5 points per games, and shot 81 percent at the free-throw line. Chris Revas (5-10 guard) is a junior who was also effective from the free-throw line, making 71 percent of his shots. Junior Tyler Hill (5-10 forward) is the leading rebounder returning to the team.
Best inside players: “Hill will be the best player inside,” Smith said. “He and McPherson are our leaders.”
Best outside players: Jared Hicks (5-7 guard), a senior, has been called the team’s best defender by Smith. McPherson will also play on the perimeter, along with sophomore Hunter Holder (5-9 forward). Coach Smith said both are good shooters in 3-point territory.
How will you exceed the results of last year? “With several guys from last year’s team returning, we have much more experience,” Smith said. He believes the team will rebound the ball better with juniors James Perry (5-11 forward) and Brandon Robinson (5-10 forward), who will have more playing time this year.
Strengths: “This team has experience, strength and hustle, and they play hard,” Smith said. “Those things are what it takes to compete.” The coach said his players are working hard in practice and are improving their skills.
Weaknesses: Smith said inside play is not one of the team’s strong suits. With more experience should come better defense and more points.
Games to watch: Smith said he believes the favorite to win the conference is Pulaski Academy, but Malvern and Maumelle are also very good. “Every conference game will be important,” he said. “We need to win at home and catch a couple of wins on the road.”
College prospects: Smith said Cody McPherson will generate some interest from college recruiters.