Conference: 7A/6A South
Coach: Jerry Chumley
2012-13 record: 23-6 overall; 13-1 in the conference; conference champions for the past two years.
Returning starters: Three starters return from the 2012-2013 conference champions, including senior Allison Reynolds, 5-10, who was named to the all-state squad last year. She led the Lady Panthers in blocks and was one of the top rebounders last year. The two returning juniors are 5-8 guard Braxton Chumley, who led in scoring and assists, and Ashlie Bintleman, a 5-10 guard. Also returning is spot starter Braylee Landreth, who, as the team’s sixth man, got to start a lot of games because of injuries to other players and led the team in rebounds and steals, coach Chumley said.
Best inside player: “Landreth, at 5-8, plays bigger than she is,” the coach said.
Best outside player: Chumley hit 51 percent of her 3-point shots last season from the perimeter, the coach said. “Allison is also out there with her,” he added.
How will this team match/exceed/fall short of your success from last year? One of the things the coach likes about the team is the balance the team provides. “Several players are right there close together with their stats,” coach Chumley said. “We have a good group of sophomores this year. We could start three this year.”
Team strengths: The defense is strong, and the team excels at perimeter shooting, the coach said. He said that having several players involved in volleyball is an advantage for the team. “They can jump better, and they come into basketball practice in great shape because of their training in volleyball,” Chumley said.
Team weaknesses: “This team is one of the best we have had,” the coach said, “but team speed is not as good as we usually like to see.”
Toughest opponent: Pine Bluff. They are an experienced team, and the team to beat in the conference, coach Chumley said.
Games to watch: On Nov. 25, the Lady Panthers will play Springdale Har-Ber on the road. They will then play Greenbrier on Dec. 5. “After those games, we will have a good idea of where we are,” the coach said. “I am feeling good about where we are now.”
In a nutshell: The coach had a hard time thinking of weaknesses for the team. The Lady Panthers seem to be ready to continue their winning ways and reach for a state title.