All Arkansas Preps Athletes of the Year

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s All Arkansas Preps male and female athlete and coach of the year were announced at a banquet honoring high school athletes and their accomplishments Saturday June 1, 2013. The feature keynote speaker was Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning.

Korliss Marshall, Sr. Osceloa

The 6,0, 190 pound senior is named after Corliss Williamson, a legendary basketball figure from the University of Arkansas. They weren’t exactly big shoes to fill, but Korliss’ name alone added athletic pressure. He had a memorable high school career, particularly as a senior when he excelled as a running back in football, at guard in basketball and as an explosive sprinter/jumper in track and field. Fittingly, like his namesake, Korliss signed with Arkansas out of high school where he will follow in his namesake’s shoes – and all indications are he just might fill them.

Riley Rose, So., Harding Academy

The All Arkansas Preps Female Athlete of the Year is just starting to make her mark as a sophomore basketball and track star at Harding Academy — Riley Rose. She is a young athlete but making a mature impact recently winning three events at the Class 3A track and field state meet. She is also a stand out on the court where she is a point guard and helped Harding Academy as a point guard reach the Class 3A state tournament by averaging 17.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 3.3 steals per game. A rose is a rose is a rose and in Riley’s case; an athlete is an athlete is an athlete.

Rick Jones, Greenwood High School

The Coach of the Year has built a dynasty and has coached some of the state’s best athletes at Greenwood High School — Rick Jones. Coach Jones started at Greenwood coach in 2004 and reached new heights in 2012. Greenwood stretched its winning streak to 38 games - equaling the third-longest in Arkansas high school history In nine seasons, Jones has led Greenwood to six state championship wins, three straight from 2005-07 and 2010-12. He has built a dynasty, coached the state’s best, won numerous state titles and set records during his 9 seasons at Greenwood High School.