Wolves poised for big 2018 season

The 2017-18 season could be a big one for the Lake Hamilton Wolves. The Wolves return four starters from last year’s squad, which went 20-9 and qualified for the Class 6A state tournament, which took place at the new Wolf Arena in Pearcy. Lake Hamilton lost to Jacksonville 75-59 in the first round of the state tournament. “We look to be very competitive as we return seven of our top nine players,” fifth-year coach Scotty Pennington said. “We will be mostly juniors. If our inexperienced shooters come out and make shots, we could have a great season.” The four returning starters include junior guard Mondo Watkins, who averaged 8.2 points, 3.6 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 2.7 steals per game last year; senior forward Jacob Spradlin, who averaged 5.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.5 charges per game; junior forward Clyde Hill, who averaged 9.2 points and 4.7 rebounds per game; and junior forward Kanaan Williams, who averaged 10.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. Pennington said Spradlin, Hill, Williams and junior post player Jordan Erickson were his best inside players. Erickson is listed at 6 feet 10 inches tall. The best outside players are Watkins, junior Sebastion Vinson and junior Lane Kersey. “Betting to the free-throw line, inside play and experience are our team strengths,” Pennington said. “Our weakness is unproven shooters.” Pennington said he has several players who are college prospects. “Mondo Watkins is a very quick, athletic guard,” he said. “Sebastion Vinson is quick and skilled. Jordan Erickson is 6-10 and had a 34 ACT score.” Pennington listed several key opponents this year, including El Dorado, Hot Springs and Hot Springs Lakeside. The Wolves will play at Lakeside on Dec. 15 and host the Rams on Jan. 30. Lake Hamilton will play at El Dorado on Jan. 5 and host the Wildcats on Feb. 6. The Wolves will play at Hot Springs on Jan. 16, then host the Warriors on Feb. 16 in the regular-season finale. Lake Hamilton will open the season Nov. 9 at Pottsville.