Conference: 3A-5
Coach: Mike Simmons, starting his 31st year, all in Mayflower
Assistant coach: Mike Harville
2012-13 record: 18-8 overall, 10-4 conference, regional runner-up — lost to Osceola in the first round of the state tournament
Returning starters: J.P. Perry, junior, 14 points per game, 5 rebounds, 4 assists; Drew Duncan, junior guard, 11 ppg, 1.4 apg, 3.7 rpg, shot 42 percent from 3-point range; and Bradley Chambliss, senior forward, 2.2 ppg, 4 rebounds, best defensive player.
Best inside players: Justin Bailey and Hayden Long, both junior forwards.
Best outside players: Perry; Duncan; Trey Lasker, junior guard; and Jordan Burns, senior guard.
How will you match/exceed/fall short of your finish last year?: “I feel we will be very competitive and have the chance to match — and hopefully exceed — last year’s accomplishments,” Simmons said.
Team strengths: “I feel guard play and shooting should be strong suits,” Simmons said.
Team weaknesses: “If we play up to potential, we will have few weaknesses, but rebounding and overall size could be a problem,” the veteran coach said.
Games to watch: Almost any conference game will be a game to watch, he said. Episcopal and Benton Harmony Grove should be very strong.
Toughest opponent: Simmons said he expects Little Rock Episcopal to be a challenge.
In a nutshell: “We have the opportunity to be very good,” Simmons said. “We will need to gel as a team, share the ball, defend, rebound and cut down on turnovers to reach our goals.”