Conference: 4A-2
Coach: Brad McGhee, seventh year at school
2012-13 record: 8-17
Returning starters: Taylor Ellis, 5-9 senior guard
Best inside players: McCormick Murphy, 6-2 senior post; and Braden Mead, 6-2 sophomore post
Best outside players: Taylor Ellis, 5-9 senior guard; Myles Hooper, 5-10 senior guard; Logan Slisher, 5-11 senior guard; and Luc Ried, 5-9 junior guard
How will you match/exceed/fall short of your success from last year?: “We were more competitive last season than our record indicates and ended on a good note by qualifying for the 4A Regional Tournament,” McGhee said. “With only one returning starter, it’s hard to compare this year’s team to last year’s because they are unproven. But I’m expecting to match or succeed last year’s team.”
Team strengths: “We are a quicker and more athletic team this year than we were last season. We also probably shoot the ball better from the perimeter,” McGhee said.
Team weaknesses: “We must develop consistent scorers inside and outside. This should happen as the season goes. We have also been working on being tougher and more physical,” McGhee said.
Games to watch: “The 4A-2 conference is very strong,” McGhee said. “Any conference game will be against a tough opponent. Dollarway and Lonoke are expected to be at the top of our conference this year.”
College prospects: None at this time.
In a nutshell: “We lost four starters from last year’s team to graduation, but we have several seniors this year who will be expected to carry a major load for us. If they are able to step up and fulfill their new roles, along with some juniors and sophomores, we have a chance to have a successful season,” McGhee said.