Asher Cook (Acorn)

The 6-foot-3 junior combo guard has good range from beyond the arc and can score at all three levels. Cook is also a solid defender who plays in front. A high-IQ player, he makes the right plays and pairs that with great passing ability.

Isaiah Clovis (Acorn)

Isaiah is a 6-foot versatile guard who can get to the rim in a variety of ways. He finishes through contact and can score at all three levels. He also has the ability to be an elite defender.

Carson Curd (Alma)

Alma’s point guard shares captain duties with fellow senior Adams. Curd is a great leader on and off the floor who works hard to be a good role model for the program’s younger players. He shot 35% from 3-point range last season while averaging 9 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. A good defender, he is not afraid to guard the opposing team’s best player. He makes the players around him better, does not care who gets the credit and cares only about whether Alma wins.

Anderson Davis (Bald Knob)

A returning all-conference selection, the 6-foot junior guard shoots the ball at a high percentage. Davis also brings a great basketball IQ and an unmatched work ethic.

Brodie Babcock (Baptist Prep)

Coming off an all-state junior season, the 6-foot-4 senior averaged 15 points and 8 rebounds per game. Babcock can play every position, 1 through 5. He looks to take another jump forward as a senior.

Quinteryon Wilson (Barton)

His coach believes Quinteryon is the best player in 2A basketball and one of the most overlooked athletes in the state. The returning leading scorer from last season’s state championship team scored a game-high 25 points in the title game. He averaged 13 points per game as a sophomore on a talented team and is looking to take on more of a leadership role as a junior. Whether he is getting to the rim or knocking down jump shots from all areas of the court, he can take over games on both ends. He has a chance to do something special over the next two years.

Tyler Young (Bauxite)

The 6-foot-2 senior guard/forward plays with great toughness on every possession. Young is a relentless competitor who loves to defend. He has been a great leader this offseason, and Bauxite is excited to see how far he can push the team.

Carter Ballard (Bauxite)

Carter is a 6-foot-2 senior guard and an elite athlete who plays hard every possession. He has an above-the-rim game and very underrated speed. Combined with being one of the team’s best shooters, those traits have Bauxite excited about his season once he finishes on the football field.

Holden Kirk (Beebe)

After spending the last two years at eStem, Holden returns home to Beebe. He is an elite scorer with a high basketball IQ. A natural leader on the floor, he elevates the play of those around him. He has the tools and drive to play at the next level.

Anthony Spratt Jr. (Benton)

One of the most talented players in the state, Spratt can score in a variety of ways, create opportunities for his teammates and impact the game on both ends of the floor. Even with all the attention he receives, he continues to work hard and get better. Benton looks forward to watching him take another step this season as a player and leader.

Karter Coleman (Bentonville)

The 6-foot junior point guard recently transferred to Bentonville from Bentonville West. Coleman is a two-year starter who earned 6A-West All-Conference honors last season. He is poised for a great junior season.

DeMarion Lee (Bentonville)

As a junior, the 6-foot-5 senior averaged 18.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.7 steals per game. DeMarion earned 6A All-State and 6A-West All-Conference honors. He is being recruited by SEMO, Northern Illinois, UAFS and MSSU, among others. He is poised for a great senior season.

Jordan Randolph (Bentonville West)

Jordan is a 6-foot senior guard who can score at all three levels. He shot 40% from 3-point range as a junior for the Wolverines. He impacts the game offensively by scoring and facilitating. A great leader for the program, he impacts the team daily with his communication.

Asher Hill (Bentonville West)

The 6-foot-6 sophomore can score at all three levels for the Wolverines. With his ability to shoot from deep and score around the rim, Hill will be a matchup problem for opponents. He has a great feel for the game and can be elite on both sides of the ball.

Cayden Burch (Bismarck)

Cayden earned all-conference honors last season. He averaged 9 points per game as a sophomore.

Ethan Hughes (Bismarck)

An all-state selection as a junior and an all-conference pick as a sophomore, Hughes averaged 13 points per game last season. He can score from all three levels. He is an efficient scorer who shot 41% from the field and 70% from the free-throw line last season.

Tayden Washburn (Booneville)

The senior is a three-year starter who led Booneville in points and rebounds a year ago. Tayden had a really good summer. He is expected to take the next step this season with a lot more help around him.

KD Hicks (Bryant)

KD was named to the 6A-Central All-Conference team last season while battling a few injuries. Now healthy, he will be expected to lead the Hornets at point guard. Athletic with a much-improved shooting form, he can defend and drive the ball effectively.

Mason Abrahamson (Bryant)

A 6A-Central All-Conference selection last season, Mason also made the 6A State Tournament team. He led the team in made 3-pointers. He scored a game-high 20 points in the 6A state championship game.

Isaak Heagerty (Cabot)

Cabot’s returning starter at point guard will be a major catalyst for the team’s success. As the leader of the offense and one of the most experienced players, Isaak’s ability to control the tempo, make plays and elevate those around him will be critical. When he plays with confidence, toughness and composure, the entire team follows his lead. He has grown as a leader, and his ability as a floor general could make him one of the most impactful players in the conference.

Eli Thornton (Calico Rock)

Entering his junior season, Eli has been a varsity starter since his freshman year and a key player for a program that has won 48 games in the last two years. He is a strong guard with a quick first step, and his athleticism makes him an excellent on-ball defender who rebounds very well from the guard position. As a sophomore, he averaged 12.5 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals per game while shooting over 50% from the field. A fierce competitor, he has been a consistent leader in the program even at a young age.

George Bryant (Catholic School for Boys)

The junior guard started 24 games as a sophomore and returns as the team’s leading scorer, assist man and rebounder. George’s versatility allows him to play the 1 through 4, giving the team flexibility on both ends of the floor. A dynamic scorer, he can attack the basket, knock down mid-range shots or shoot from beyond the arc, and he reached double figures in 16 games last season. He also brings strong leadership and a team-first mentality.

Rylen Brown (Cedar Ridge)

The 6-foot-6 forward averaged 23 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assists per game during the 2025-26 season. Rylen earned all-state, all-region and all-conference honors. He has scored more than 1,500 career points.

Hunter McCutcheon (Cedarville)

Set to be a three-year starter, the 6-foot Hunter is an exceptionally high-IQ player who has really developed his game over the last couple of years. He reads defenses well, shoots well and is a three-level scorer. He plays with great intensity and looks to involve his teammates. An all-conference pick last season, he is the undisputed leader of the team.

Brennon Hampton (Clarendon)

Hampton is a 6-foot-2 senior guard and a returning starter. After playing the 4 last season, he will start at the 3 this year.

Derrick Knox Jr. (Clarendon)

The 6-foot-1 junior point guard started a few games last season. Knox served as the team’s sixth man for most of the year.

Zayne Jordan (Clarksville)

A 6-foot-2 junior, Zayne started last season and was thrust into the primary ball-handling role out of necessity, even though it was not his usual position. He struggled early but fought through the adversity to become a much better player later in the season. He has become really tough to stop when attacking the rim. He averaged 11.5 points, 6 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.

Gus Stewart (Clinton)

At 6-foot-6 and 200 pounds, Gus is a mismatch who can do it all with his size and skill set. He averaged a double-double in the 4A-5 as a freshman, and his much-improved perimeter jump shot is rounding out his offensive game. His athleticism continues to improve, and he is turning into a true above-the-rim athlete, while phenomenal footwork against larger players makes him very tough to handle on the perimeter or in the lane. He is the hardest-working player his coach has had and has the chance to be the best player to come out of the area in a long time.

KJ Johnson (Conway)

Already known as a strong finisher and tremendous rebounder for a guard, KJ was determined to take a step forward this spring and summer. He improved his shooting consistency, individual defense and playmaking for others. Perhaps his most important growth has come as a leader. He has embraced leading by example in the little things and has become more vocal in holding himself and his teammates accountable.

Bentley Gigerich (Cutter Morning Star)

A two-time all-state player heading into his senior season, Bentley set the school record for 3-pointers as a sophomore with 74 and followed it with 68 as a junior. He averaged 12.1 points per game as a sophomore and 11.9 as a junior. Last season’s team won the conference championship at 15-1, won 21 games and reached regionals for the second straight year. He is a special player but an even better young man, and he is poised for his best season yet as an Eagle.

John Hooper (Cutter Morning Star)

Also a two-time all-state player entering his senior season, John is the heart and soul of the team and the leader of the program. He stands 5-foot-8 but plays like he is 6-foot-6. A dawg on the defensive end, he is the team’s quarterback from the point guard position. He averaged 12 points per game as a sophomore and 10.3 as a junior while leading the team in assists both years at 4.4 and 4.1 per game. With him on the floor, his team has a chance to win any game.

Kamari Pringle (Delta Prep Helena)

Kamari is an outstanding player, a solid defender and a great competitor. He handles and rebounds the ball really well and is also an excellent passer. A superior scorer, he can score from basically anywhere on the court and has unlimited shooting range.

Korey Wilborn (Delta Prep Helena)

An excellent player and fierce competitor, Korey handles the ball really well. He can score from almost anywhere on the floor and is an excellent passer. He shoots the 3 really well and is an exceptional finisher at the rim.

Lathyn Cox (DeWitt)

The 5-foot-11 shooting guard earned all-conference honors as a freshman last season. Lathyn has already scored more than 500 points.

Xa Cox (DeWitt)

Xa is a 6-foot point guard who has earned all-state and all-conference honors three times each. He was also named to the 2026 3A State Tournament team.

Maclane Smith (Dierks)

One of the motors of the team, Maclane is an all-around athlete who never takes a play off in any sport. At 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, he has a strong, athletic body and can guard any position on the floor. During his sophomore season, he had a five-game stretch of 25-plus points while guarding the opposing team’s best player.

Jacoby Faulkner (Dierks)

The 5-foot-11 sophomore guard was part of the junior high Outlaws’ 20-0 season last year. After the junior high season, Jacoby moved up for the senior high district tournament. In his first two tournament games, he scored 25 points, all in the second half, and then 35 points with the game-winner in the semifinals. He is very young and extremely talented.

Ashton Govan (Drew Central)

A true point guard, Ashton will start on varsity as a ninth grader. He is a very smart player and a great finisher at the rim. He runs the pick-and-roll well and had a great summer shooting the ball. He is a member of the Class of 2030.

Ben Fulmer (Drew Central)

Ben is a great shooter who earned all-conference honors last season. He is a member of the Class of 2028.

CJ Burgess (Dumas)

CJ is a talented sophomore guard for the Bobcats. He plays with a very high basketball IQ.

Kevin Strong Jr. (England)

KJ, a sophomore, will be England’s point guard this season. He is very talented, has great leadership abilities and makes everyone around him accountable and better. He does a great job seeing the entire floor and getting the offense set up. He is vocal, leads by example and does the little things that make him stand out. He also has the ability to score and space the floor.

Roman Simpson (Farmington)

Roman was an all-conference selection and a member of the 5A-West All-Defensive Team last season. He averaged 5.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. Farmington went 32-2, won the DA Matchup and the Mountain Home tournament, went undefeated to win the 5A-West title and reached the final four.

Press Taylor (Farmington)

An all-state and all-conference selection, Press averaged 20.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.7 steals per game last season. He scored his 1,000th career point during a 32-2 season in which Farmington won the DA Matchup and the Mountain Home tournament, went undefeated to win the 5A-West title and reached the final four. He holds an offer from ORU.

Byron Daniels Jr. (Fayetteville)

Daniels earned 6A-West All-Conference honors during the 2025-26 season.

Mitch Kirkland (Fayetteville)

Mitch was named the 6A-West Newcomer of the Year for 2025-26. He also earned all-state and all-conference honors that season.

Payton Caudle (Fayetteville)

A two-year starter, Payton earned 6A All-State honors as a sophomore last season. She averaged 18 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists per game. She has narrowed her college list to Arkansas, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Minnesota and Texas Tech.

Chyloh Terry (Fayetteville)

Chyloh is a senior who will start at point guard. Fayetteville is excited to see her lead the team.

Jamartez Stroud (Fordyce)

A four-year starter for the Redbugs, Jamartez moved up to varsity as a ninth grader. The shooting guard averages 22 points per game. He scored a career-high 38 points in the final game of his junior season.

Jordan Rainey (Fordyce)

The 6-foot-2 three-year starter for the Redbugs is known around the conference as “the jumper.” Rainey has amazing athletic ability and averages 10 points and 10 rebounds per game. He also throws down some of the hardest dunks in 2A.

Connor Fretheim (Fort Smith Southside)

Connor was the team’s second-leading scorer as a sophomore last season despite missing about eight games because of injury and illness. He has grown to about 6-foot-3 and added some muscle. He is expected to lead the team in scoring this season.

Cooper Buss (Fountain Lake)

[No player information was provided.]

Peyton Harwood (Fountain Lake)

[No player information was provided.]

Eagan Harper (Gentry)

An outstanding athlete with a very high ceiling, Eagan is a leader on and off the floor. He has a natural ability to motivate his teammates. A gifted basketball player, he can play and defend all five spots on the floor.

Jayden Montague (Gentry)

At 6-foot-5, Jayden can stretch the floor and play guard when needed. His outside shooting ability makes him a mismatch for most opponents. As a junior, he is expected to do big things now and in the program’s future.

Hudson Harris (Gravette)

The 6-foot-5 all-conference combo player had a big summer, leading his team in points and rebounds. Hudson is a shot-maker and a highlight reel at the rim. A dynamic two-way player, he is poised for a big season.

Trace Sizemore (Gravette)

After a really good sophomore campaign, the 6-foot-4 junior has taken big leaps this offseason toward a breakout year. Trace has made himself a really good shooter. He is also really crafty at the rim.

Gavin Wallace (Greenbrier)

The 6-foot-1 senior has developed into a dynamic scorer who can score at all three levels. His experience, work ethic and versatility make Gavin an important part of the offense. He continues to grow and can make a big impact on both ends of the floor. His commitment to improving, competitive nature and leadership make him a strong leader for the team.

Carter Luebke (Greenbrier)

Carter enters his senior season as a third-year varsity player and second-year starter. At 6-foot-8, he brings a strong presence inside and can play above the rim. He has continued to expand his scoring range and become a more versatile offensive player. A returning 5A-Central All-Conference selection, he wants to keep developing as a vocal leader and help guide the team through challenging moments.

Luke Cancilla (Greene County Tech)

A starter since his freshman season, Luke has shown great growth in strength, size and skill. He is the team’s best shooter and passer. The team captain is a winner in everything he does.

TY Holt (Greenwood)

Holt is a great kid. He is also a great competitor.

Carter Baxter (Harmony Grove)

The 6-foot-2 senior guard is a returning starter from last season’s 3A-5 conference and district championship team. Baxter earned all-conference honors and was the team’s leading 3-point shooter. He will be a centerpiece this season as Harmony Grove moves from 3A to 4A.

Jayvin Thompson (Harrisburg)

An all-state football athlete and an elite hooper, JT is one of a kind in Harrisburg. He was the team’s sixth man during the 2025-26 season and started three games late in the year because of an injury. Off the bench, he was one of the team’s most threatening scorers, posting multiple 20-point games and ranking among its top three scorers. He was also tasked most nights with guarding some of the top players in the 3A-3 Conference. This season, he is expected to make the leap from an elite role player to a senior leader ready to take over every game.

Rhett Hwrring (Heber Springs)

Rhett returns as the team’s leading scorer. He brings toughness and playmaking to the floor.

Jacob Stanek (Hector)

A very talented player, Jacob plays at an elite level with a great basketball IQ. He can score at all three levels on offense and is also very good defensively. He is poised for a great senior year.

Donald Brown (Helena-West Helena Central)

The long 6-foot-3 wing will be a handful this season. Donald averaged 12 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal per game last year. Very quick, he developed tremendously over the summer and is one to watch for an explosive year.

Martavion Pirtle (Helena-West Helena Central)

A very versatile athlete, Martavion will lead the team at point guard this season. He averaged 20 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds and 2 steals per game last year. His ability to score at will and shoot the 3 very well makes him dangerous, and opponents will have to plan to contain him.

Mason Milton (Helena-West Helena Central)

The 6-foot-7 junior averaged 10 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks per game last season. Mason had a career-high 25 points against a Mississippi team. He made tremendous improvements over the summer and will anchor the defense in the middle. He can also shoot the 3 like a guard.

Elijah Span (Jacksonville)

Elijah is a 6-foot-5 wing/forward who is very versatile on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he can guard multiple positions, rebounds extremely well and protects the rim with his shot-blocking ability. Offensively, he is explosive with a quick burst and very effective in the mid-range, where he can knock down shots, create off the bounce and post up. This offseason, he has become more comfortable on the perimeter, improved his vision and ball-handling and extended his range as a more consistent 3-point shooter. With his size, versatility and athleticism, he has a very high ceiling.

Dayvon Parker (Jacksonville)

The 5-foot-8 point guard is hard-nosed and plays with a toughness that shows up on both ends of the floor. Defensively, Dayvon uses his quick feet, positioning, attention to detail and toughness to make things difficult for opposing guards on and off the ball. Offensively, he is dangerous in transition and crafty with the ball, beating defenders off the bounce and making plays with his vision. His catch-and-shoot ability from 3-point range continues to improve every day. A very hard worker, he embodies toughness, competitiveness and the dawg mentality.

Baylor Payne (Johnson County Westside)

Baylor led the team in every major statistical category as a junior last season. He will look to reach his goal of 1,000 career points this year. He does not care what the stat sheet says at the end of the night as long as his team wins. He will be a big part of what the team does this season.

Kingston Rottinghaus (Jonesboro)

Kingston moved to Jonesboro from Valley View last April after being named all-state as a junior. The 6-foot-5 guard has an extremely quick release, and if teammate Weaver is not the best shooter in the state, Kingston probably is. His ability to attack closeouts off the bounce, post up from low to mid and rebound should not be taken lightly. Jonesboro expects him to be a top player in the state this season.

Lleyton Weaver (Jonesboro)

The 6-foot-2 senior guard is a left-hander who is equally effective at the 1 or 2. His coach believes he is the best shooter in the state, and he can also create for himself and others. Lleyton was named all-state as a junior despite playing most of the season with a bad back, which was diagnosed as a stress fracture in late January and ended his season. He has committed to UCA.

Antonio Buggs (Junction City)

Entering his sophomore year, Antonio is gaining valuable experience early in his high school career and continuing to grow as a player. He is part of the next generation of Dragons basketball. Junction City is excited to see how his game develops as he puts in the work and learns to lead from the point guard position.

Zamundrae Gray (Junction City)

A key player for the Dragons last season, Gray helped lead the team to a 22-7 record, a conference championship, a district runner-up finish and a third straight state tournament appearance. His play earned him recognition as a Player of the Year finalist. His impact was a major part of another successful season for Junction City, and the Dragons can’t wait to see what he does in his final season.

Ty Palermo (Lafayette County)

The 6-foot-5 wing averaged 23 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks per game. Ty is a two-time all-state and three-time all-conference selection. He recorded 18 double-doubles last season.

Axl Janske (Lakeside-Hot Springs)

A 6-foot-2 junior, Axl is a strong guard who has started since his freshman year. He worked hard on his game this summer, getting much stronger and shooting the ball at a high percentage. An old-school player, he gets to the foul line a lot and does not turn the ball over. His coach expects a big year from him.

Jake Watson (Lavaca)

One of the best shooters in the River Valley, Jake is a returning all-conference player. He has been a consistent force from the perimeter for Lavaca the last two years. He has a rare motor and also works on the defensive end.

Max Floyd (Lavaca)

A returning all-state player, Max is one of the most electric players to come through Lavaca. He is a relentless presence on the floor and can guard 1 through 5. His improved shooting is making his attacks to the rim easier. He averaged a double-double last season.

Hunter Rogers (Lead Hill)

Hunter returns as the team’s second-leading scorer after averaging 14 points per game last season. He also rebounded well, averaging 5.5 rebounds per game. He is expected to be one of the best scorers in the conference and in all of 1A.

Brett Arnold (Lead Hill)

A three-year starter, Brett made all-conference and all-district last season and was named to the all-state tournament team as a sophomore. He averaged 11 points, 5 assists and 3 steals per game last year. Very coachable with a great knowledge of the game, he is silky smooth and makes everything look easy. He could be one of the best guards in the conference this season, if not the best.

Brandon Wright (Little Rock Central)

Brandon is a three-year starter, an Arkansas Tech commit and a key leader for the Tigers. He averaged 13 points and 5 rebounds per game last season, earning all-conference honors and helping lead Central to the 6A state championship game. A member of the 2024 state championship team and the Leadership Council, he brings proven experience, scoring and rebounding. He is expected to lead the way and make a major impact this season.

Ethan Polite (Maumelle)

Known as “Juice,” the big, strong 6-foot-5 guard can run the point, spot up as a shooting guard or use his size and athleticism as a combo guard. He crashes the glass well and is super competitive. Defensively, he can guard all five positions and uses his length to take up space and create deflections and steals that lead to easy transition buckets. His competitive nature leads the team daily, and he helps hold teammates accountable on and off the floor.

Kam Alexander (Maumelle)

Known as “K4,” the 6-foot-1 returning point guard is a tough shot-maker who can score at all three levels. He shot just over 40% from 3-point range last season and can blow past defenders with his quickness, create separation for his pull-up or make opponents pay from deep. Defensively, he is extremely active on and off the ball, constantly looking for steals. He is also great in the classroom and a leader in his school and community.

Carter Smith (Mayflower)

Carter is a three-year starter at point guard with all the tools for the position as a ball-handler, passer, decision-maker, scorer and, most importantly, leader. He averaged 14 points and 3 assists per game last season. He is a great kid and teammate.

Omar Foster (McGehee)

Still just 14 years old, the 6-foot-6 freshman has made real gains this preseason. Omar has a high ceiling and has been developing his all-around game. His coach expects colleges to target him soon.

Kline Turner (McGehee)

The 6-foot-2 senior was an all-conference selection last season under Coach Pace and is the leader of the squad. Kline has worked extremely hard this preseason, adding strength and agility to his game as a sharpshooting guard. Very skilled, he will be a three-level scorer. He could be the next Michael Washington, a McGehee alumnus and former Razorbacks basketball player.

Jo Jo Hernandez (Mena)

A true leader, JoJo is a three-year starting point guard who has led Mena to two of its best seasons in recent history. He pushes the pace and runs the highly effective transition offense Mena has become known for. He is a three-level scorer who plays solid for his size.

Daeton Miller (Mena)

Daeton is a three-level scorer who can play anywhere on the floor. He is shifty and smooth with the ball in transition and in the half court. He can shoot from 3, has a solid midrange game and can score at the rim on paint touches.

Peyton Strickland (Monticello)

Entering his fourth year as a starter, Peyton is a versatile athlete who was the team’s leading scorer last season. He has been offered a scholarship by UA-Monticello.

Caidyn Dunn (Mulberry)

Caidyn has grown into a leader on the team. The guard can control the pace of the game and stretch defenses with his shooting. He sees the court well and gets his teammates involved.

Michael Wilmoth (Mulberry)

An explosive athlete, Michael can jump and has a good bit of quickness. His length and ability to get to the rim help the offense. He also provides a steady rebounding presence.

Bo Bell (Nashville)

Bo is an effortless scorer and a threat from deep anytime the ball is in his hands. His ability to elevate and his quick trigger make him a challenge, and his 6-foot-2 frame gives him a solid build. He has a great basketball IQ and sees the floor well. Coming off a junior season in which he earned all-conference and all-state honors, he holds three offers, a number expected to grow during his senior season.

Colton Prince (Nemo Vista)

At 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, Colton has good size. He can shoot the ball well and create shots for himself and his teammates. Most importantly, he is a great leader in his school and community and has invested time in the pee wee program since eighth grade. He is also part of the student AAA council.

Te’Jay Daley (Nettleton)

An explosive scorer, Te’Jay can knock down deep 3s, finish at the basket with either hand and create open shots for his teammates. He averaged 20 points per game last season while facing box-and-one and triangle-and-two defenses all season long. A fiery competitor, he is the engine of the offensive attack. Look for him to have a great senior season for the Raiders.

Amonti Mixon (Nevada)

Amonti earned all-conference honors as a freshman and all-conference and all-state honors as a sophomore. The strong 6-foot-6 defender averaged 15 points and 12 rebounds per game as a sophomore. He should make another leap this year.

Eric Ross Jr. (Newport)

Ross will play a major role this season as the shooting guard for the Greyhounds. He averaged 11.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game during last season’s state championship appearance. He is expected to be a confident, aggressive scorer who can knock down perimeter shots, attack the basket and create opportunities for teammates. Defensively, he brings toughness, discipline and consistent effort. He continues to develop as a leader through his work ethic, attitude and commitment to the team.

Eddie White (Newport)

As a senior forward, White will play an important role for Newport this season after averaging 13.6 points and 6.2 rebounds per game last year. Coming off a state championship appearance, he is expected to bring toughness, physicality and a strong defensive presence for the Greyhounds. Offensively, he will rebound, finish around the basket and take advantage of scoring chances in transition. Defensively, he will be counted on to rebound, protect the paint and compete with consistent effort the full length of the court. He is also expected to provide leadership and help further the standard set for Newport basketball.

Elijah Nolan (Northside)

A returning starter, Elijah has grown to about 6-foot-6, but his biggest improvement is the muscle he added this offseason. He has dedicated himself to the weight room and to his skill development to set up a really good senior year. He will be a huge part of the frontcourt, and on many nights the team’s success will be determined by his impact.

Ky’Rell Black (Northside)

Ky’Rell is a three-year starter who has improved his game every year. He led the team in scoring in conference play last season at 19.3 points per game. He has improved even more as a scorer and playmaker this year, and his experience in the league will play a big part in the team’s success.

Cooper Duerr (Ozark)

The 6-foot-5 senior guard/forward has dedicated much of his life to basketball and played high-level competition with NXT Flight this summer. Cooper led the team with 24.5 points per game last season as Ozark won a conference title, reached the state tournament quarterfinals and finished 27-7. He is one of the hardest workers to come through the program in many years. Excellent in the classroom, on the court and in the community, he leads by example and is exactly what Ozark basketball is all about.

Jackson Billing (Ridgefield Christian)

Jackson is a very efficient point guard who leads the team. He is poised for a breakout year in scoring and assists.

Sam Strait (Ridgefield Christian)

Last season, Sam averaged just over 20 points and about 5 rebounds per game. He is a great offensive player and a great teammate.

Joe Sommers (Sacred Heart)

One of the best players in Arkansas regardless of classification, Joe has a tremendous feel for the game and a very high basketball IQ. He is a very good on-ball and help-side defender, rebounds really well for a guard and is an excellent passer. He can also score, whether catching and shooting or creating his own shot. Most importantly, he is a great teammate, student and leader in his school, and he is a Division I prospect.

Maddox Ball (Searcy)

Searcy’s only returning starter from last season, Maddox was an all-conference player with the ability to light up the scoreboard. He stands 6-foot-6 and 205 pounds. He has really pushed himself this offseason to increase his strength and athleticism.

Trelyn Shepard (Searcy)

Trelyn started for Wayne Herren at Searcy as a freshman before transferring to Riverview, where he was a 3A all-state player as a sophomore and junior for the Raiders. Now back at Searcy, he has dedicated himself to changing his body composition and will be a force on both ends. At 6-foot-2 and about 200 pounds, he can play anywhere from the 1 to the 4.

Beckett Scott (Sheridan)

An all-state selection as a sophomore last season, Beckett averaged 12 points, 8.2 assists and 4 rebounds per game. His 253 assists rank sixth all-time in the AAA record books. He led the team with 10 double-doubles. He runs the offense with incredible vision and passing, and he can score when needed, with a season high of 31 points against Bauxite.

Jace Gatlin (Sheridan)

The team’s leading returning scorer, Jace was an all-state selection as a sophomore last season. He averaged 16.6 points per game and can get hot quickly, with numerous 20-point games and three 30-point performances. He also has very active hands and is extremely quick to gather steals, averaging almost two per game.

Dawson Griffin (Sheridan)

An all-conference selection as a junior last season, Dawson averaged 11.4 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. He shot 63.8% from the field, which ranks sixth in the AAA record books. He anchors the defense by altering and blocking shots and averaged 2.4 blocks per game. He also gives the team length and height it does not otherwise have on the interior.

Silas Nantze (Shiloh Christian)

The senior helped lead last year’s team to conference and regional titles and a state final four appearance. Silas is a strong two-way player who was named 4A-1 Defensive Player of the Year and can score at every level. The team will lean heavily on his experience as he takes on a larger role on both sides of the ball.

Tristan Henderson (Shirley)

Tristan is the team’s spark plug, and the team goes as he goes. He is a lightning-quick point guard who is freakishly athletic and a great creative finisher around the rim. A vocal leader, he also leads by example with his refusal to quit or give anything less than 100%. He is going to make a next-level coach very happy next year.

Dallas Durham (Sloan-Hendrix)

Dallas is a great shooter and shot creator who also does a fantastic job of finding easy shots for his teammates. He is extremely aggressive and constantly puts pressure on the rim. As competitive as any player out there, he has turned into a very good leader.

DJ Cotton (St. Paul)

A gym rat, DJ has worked really hard in the weight room and on improving his game. The team will rely heavily on his outside shooting this season. He has also stepped up as a team leader.

Wesley Farmer (Stuttgart)

After spending time behind a couple of good players, Wesley is ready for his year to shine. He has a really pretty shot with a quick, high release and has become much stronger in the weight room, which has also made him a better defender. Smart on both ends of the floor, he plays with a fight his coach loves. He will be a player who opens some eyes in recruiting circles this year.

Tyreke McCullough (Trumann)

Ty, a junior, was all-conference as a sophomore and led the team in five statistical categories. He is electric with the ball in his hands and a great ball-handler. The team will rely on him to do a bit of everything this season.

Lawson Penter (Trumann)

The junior earned a lot of valuable playing time last season and will run the point this year. Lawson has an extremely high basketball IQ for his age and plays like his hair is on fire. Because of how hard he plays and how he impacts the game, he will be a huge part of what the team does and very hard to keep off the floor.

Tucker Ramsey (White County Central)

The 6-foot-3 senior has been a leader with his unreal effort for three years. Tucker is an elite defender with a natural knack for getting to the rim. He brings great athleticism and will lay his body on the line for his teammates. Opponents will have to watch out for him on both ends.

Cayden Curtis (White County Central)

A 6-foot-4 junior, Cayden is a great all-around player who can play the 1 through 5 and score at all levels. He can also guard any position. A super hard worker, he will play an important role as the Bears look to return to the state tournament.

Bentley Stobaugh (Wonderview)

The 5-foot-10 junior guard earned all-conference and all-state honors as a sophomore. Bentley averaged 10.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2 steals per game. The younger brother of Cayleb has the potential to play college basketball.

Cayleb Stobaugh (Wonderview)

Cayleb is a 6-foot senior guard who has played varsity since his freshman season. He is a three-time all-conference and two-time all-state selection. He averaged 14.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.2 steals per game, hitting 82 3-pointers while shooting 38.7% from beyond the arc. He is drawing college interest.

Melvin King (Wynne)

The 6-foot-1 returning starter at point guard is set to be one of the team’s key leaders. A true floor general, Melvin controls the tempo, creates opportunities for his teammates and sets the tone on both ends. He averaged 10.4 points, 5 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 2.5 steals per game last season. An unselfish playmaker and disruptive defender, he creates turnovers that get the team going in transition. With another year of experience, he is expected to take another step forward as a scorer, facilitator and leader.

Tucker Douglas (Wynne)

At 6-foot-7 and 175 pounds, the returning starting forward brings size, length, skill and versatility. Tucker averaged 9.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game last season while shooting 35.8% from 3-point range. He can score around the basket, stretch the floor, rebound at a high level and protect the rim, making him a difficult matchup.