Conference: 5A East
Coach: Trent Tipton
Assistant coach: Paul Young
2009-2010 record: 11-15
Returning starters: Tyrone Willis, David Ford, Warren Leapheart, Montrell Hood and LaQuanta Canady
Best inside players: Warren Leaphart, a two-year starter. “He played a lot as a sophomore,” head coach Trent Tipton said. At 6-5, Tipton said he will rely on his skills and experience to score and rebound. LaQuanta Canady, 6-3, will also be counted on to make big plays inside.
Best outside players: Tyrone Willis is the Devil Dogs’ leading scorer. Tipton called him a strong, offensive player.
How will you match/exceed/fall short of your success from last year: Tipton called last year a transitional year for his team. After finishing as the runner-up in the state tournament in 2009, they lost a lot of experience. “Last year was a growing up year,” he said. “This year, if we can pick up where we left off and improve from there, we will have a chance to have a good year.”
Strengths of the team: Experience. “We have a lot of returning starters,” Tipton said.
Weaknesses of the team: “We’ve got to become better and tougher-minded defensively,” Tipton said.
Games to watch: “No one game is any more important than the other,” Tipton said. “We're just going to be looking forward to the next game.”
College prospects: Tyrone Willis and Warren Leapheart
In a nutshell: Morrilton returns with the experience they lacked last year. Tipton said his program is a strong one. He’s relying on the experience his five starters bring to make it back to the state tournament this year. “We didn't have much experience last year and struggled because of it,” Tipton said. “We don't have that excuse this year. We are ready to play.”