Conference: 4A-2
Coach: Ricky Cooper (18th year)
Assistant coach: Tim Jones
Last year’s record: 19-12 (Regular season co-conference champs with Heber Springs; Clinton was beaten by Stuttgart in the semifinals of the district tournament, but defeated Jonesboro Westside in the region tournament to secure a state playoff berth. Dumas ended Clinton’s run in the first round of the 4A state playoffs).
Returning starters: Corene Knoerr, a 5-foot-10 senior forward, and Mary Duke, a 5-6 senior guard. The duo split time starting last year.
Best inside players: Knoerr and Nicole Sykes, a 6-0 sophomore who was the leading scorer and rebounder on the junior high team last year.
Best perimeter players: Justine King, a 5-5 senior; Taylor Love, a 5-3 senior; Brooke Johnson, a 5-5 junior; Haley Stoltzfus, a 5-5 junior; Hannah Stoltzfus, a 5-6 sophomore; and Duke.
How will you match/exceed/fall short of your success from last year? The Lady Yellowjackets have big shoes to fill because all-state selections Hayley Scott and Logan Blagg graduated. Blagg is playing for Stephens College in Columbia, Mo. Scott is sticking to academics at Arkansas Tech in Russellville. “We lost two all-staters, so it will be a little different for us,” Cooper said. “I think when things get settled down, we will be right in the thick of things. Everyone is playing a different position from what they’re used to. I do have four good seniors that have been in the program for a few years. With their leadership, I expect us to be competitive.”
Strengths of the team: “I think we are strong defenders and rebounders,” Cooper said.
Weakness of team: With 10 underclassmen and only two returning starters, Cooper said inexperience is his biggest concern entering the season.
Games to watch: “Heber Springs is always a big rivalry game,” Cooper said. The teams are scheduled to square off on Dec. 6 at Clinton and Jan. 17 at Heber Springs.
Toughest opponent: Mountain View, the defending Class 3A state champs. They will meet in a nonconference game Nov. 10 at Mountain View.