Concord ready for longer postseason stint this season

The Concord Pirates fell to Sacred Heart in the first game of the regional tournament last season by a score of 81-67. Not even a month earlier, Concord beat Sacred Heart in Morrilton, 6843. The loss in regionals ended a six-game winning streak for the Pirates. A 22-12 record a year ago instills confidence that with two returning starters among six seniors, the Pirates can get as far as they did last season, and they might go further. Seniors Riley Cornett and Brooks Benton return to start this year. As of press time, the team had played four games and split them. The 2-2 record is how Concord started last year in nonconference play. By the time conference games came around, the Pirates had rounded into form. Sophomore Hunter Spinks figures to be an important player in the paint, coach Keith Cornett said, and is the team’s best inside player. Riley Cornett and Benton set themselves apart from the guard positions. Experience, particularly at guard, is considered the team’s main strength. Outside play will logically be good as well. Team depth is the major concern for the Pirates, the coach said. The small school doesn’t have many players to step in for injured players. Bradford, South Side Bee Branch and Rural Special are the next three teams on the schedule for Concord. Last year, the Pirates beat all three teams and notched two wins each against Rural Special and Bradford. With execution and good ball control, the Pirates should make it further in the playoffs. Riley Cornett has played well so far in the season, but if he or any other starter goes down, the team will be in a predicament trying to replace them. Shirley will be a big game for Concord this year. Last year, the Pirates finished with a 10-3 conference record that was second only to Shirley’s 11-0 mark. Riley Cornett’s 14.9 points per game mark last year was the fourth best mark in the 1A-2 South. Concord was especially good at home in the 2016-17 season. The Pirates were 9-2 at home and 7-6 on the road.