Conference: 4A-7
Coach: Don Williams, 13th year at school; career record, 278-161
Assistant coaches: Mark Coon, Chris Kizer
2012-13 record: 21-11 overall and 11-3 in conference
Returning starters: There are two starters returning for the Badgers courtside this season: senior Kris Oliver, a 5-7 guard, who is the Player to Watch for the Tri-Lakes region and was named to the all-state and all-conference teams for 2012-13; and Mark Brazil, a 6-4 senior post player, who was named honorable mention for all-conference last year.
Best inside players: “That would have to include Brazil,” coach Don Williams said. “We expect big things from him. He scores well and is a rebounder.” Also working the inside is junior post player Nathan Carter, who plays good defense around the basket. “He can put pressure in the middle and is a good shot blocker,” the coach said.
Best outside players: Outside is Keon Lewis, a senior wing player who was not on the team last year. Brian Robertson, a junior, is a forward wing player who holds the three-four position, Williams said. “Robertson is a good all-around defensive player who can score when we need him to,” the coach said. “He fits where we need him to be.” One player who is expected to join the team later is Badgers quarterback Jakhari Howell. “He will be an asset anywhere on the court,” coach Williams said. “He missed last year after a football injury.”
How will you match/exceed/fall short of your success from last year? “This year’s team will be quicker,” the coach said. “We should be able to score off transitions, while we were more of a half-court team last year. This time we will put on more pressure.”
Team strengths: Williams said the team will show greater unity this year once all the players can come together. “Last year we were good in spots, but this year, we are well-balanced on the floor,” he said.
Toughest opponent: Central Arkansas Christian is at the top. Malvern is also tough.
Games to watch: “The conference is well-balanced, and we have to be ready for all of them,” Williams said. He said Arkansas Baptist has a 6-10 player who will make a tough opponent and that Nashville and Ashdown will also be challenging.
In a nutshell: Williams said the team will have a full-court press on defense and speed it up to play an uptempo game. “This will play to our strengths,” he said. He said that with so many players still involved in football, the full squad has not been able to practice. He said the team could be slow to start and lose some games, but they should be ready to face the conference rivals in January.