Sand Lizards look to repeat last year’s success

Senior guard Austin Nash averaged 10 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists per game last year. In his final year at Dardanelle, he could steer his team deep into the playoffs. Coach Russell Sturdivant’s squad will be deeper this year than most. Last season’s 19-10 record is something he wants to build on. He has a winning record in his six years at the school, 99-67. The players, aside from Nash, won’t have much varsity experience to start the year. But as the season progresses, the team could jell into a playoff-caliber team down the stretch. “None of these players has much, if any, high school varsity experience, but all have had a good summer and preseason,” Sturdivant said. “Look for all of these players to grow and develop as the season goes on.” The team’s inside players are AJ Callavitta, a 6-5 junior center; Clayton Potter, a sophomore forward; Brayden Myers, a 6-3 junior center; Karrsen Spears, a sophomore forward; and Ethan Daughtry, a senior forward. The guard play figures to be the strength of the team, with Nash anchoring the unit. “Austin had a very successful 2016-17 season,” Sturdivant said. “I’m looking for him to build off of that and help develop some of our young guards.” The coach said Tyler Kendrick has shown some playmaking ability. He’s also a senior. “Tyler showed glimpses of being a solid player last year,” Sturdivant said. “We are counting on him to be more consistent with his scoring and defense approach this year.” Jacinto Diaz, a junior guard, was a good defender a year ago. If he puts more aspects of his game together, it could be tough to stop the Lizards, even when they substitute, Sturdivant said. The coach said he has high expectations for his team this year. “We were a regional team last year. That is always one of our goals every year,” Sturdivant said. “We have a lot of work to do to be as good defensively as last year’s team. If we can get there, I think we are capable of making a run come tournament time.” Being a sound defensive team could be made easier by the depth on the roster. Substitutions should keep the team fresh throughout the game, although Nash may not come out much, the coach said. “Depth. We are looking at probably having the deepest rotation since I have been head coach at Dardanelle,” Sturdivant said when asked about his team’s strength. The depth on the team is populated by inexperienced players, but Sturdivant expects them to learn on the fly. If the team can round into form late, they could be a force in the tournament. “We are expecting some growing pains early because of the inexperience,” Sturdivant said. “Our goal is to be ready and playing our best ball at tournament time.” The young core of the team could parlay success this year into the future as well. Dardanelle looks to continue its winning tradition this season.

Our goal is to be ready and playing our best ball at tournament time.” RUSSELL STURDIVANT DARDANELLE BOYS COACH