Panthers aim to build on 9-3 conference mark
Greenbrier’s boys finished 14-14 last season, but the Panthers went 9-3 in the tough 5A-West to reach the Class 5A state tournament. The Panthers, fourth seed from the West, lost their opening game to Nettleton, winner of the East, 86-64. And although they lost 85 percent of their scoring off that squad, optimism abounds at Panther Pavilion as 2017-18 starts. “I have a bunch of seniors who have played a lot but not started consistently,” said coach Mike Simmons, in his fifth season at Greenbrier. “I think we may be inconsistent to start the year, but we should be very competitive as conference season rolls around in January.” The Panthers return several players who started at times throughout the year, but no full-time starters. Inside this season, they’ll look to Tanner Tilley, a 6-3 senior who missed most of last season with an Achilles-tendon injury. Simmons said Tilley is healthy now. A.J. Matthews, a 6-6 junior, will see significant time inside. “A.J. will play a lot and should have a good year at the forward spot,” the coach said. Outside, the Panthers have several options. Austin Thomey, a 6-1 senior guard, will move to the point this year. “He is very athletic and worked hard over the summer on his shot,” Simmons said. “Steven Stewart, a 5-7 senior guard, started some last year and brings leadership and toughness. Devin Clark, a 6-2 senior guard, can play inside and outside and is strong to the goal. Grant Brown started some and will contribute after he gets out of football.” The Panthers expect to have more offensive options this season. “We relied on two players last year, and I think we will have more people who can score consistently this year,” Simmons said. Other strengths? “We will also have a lot more size this year, and we should be better at rebounding the ball,” the coach said. After losing all but 15 percent of the Panthers’ scoring from last year, however, Simmons said different players must become more offensive-minded. “Although we don’t have a lot of returning starters, we do have some players who played a lot and have experience,” Simmons said. “We also have a good group of sophomores, and some kids who have moved in will help.” One of the transfers is Clark, a senior guard who is strong and can score. He came in from Conway. Simmons said Clark is a college prospect. “We expect him to have a really good year,” the coach said. “We also have a couple of underclassmen who could play in college if they continue to develop and work hard.” Several sophomores are expected to be major contributors this season. “It’s a talented group that plays well together and works extremely hard,” Simmons said. Greenbrier plays in combined classification 5A-6A District 2, along with Batesville, Beebe, Morrilton, Mountain Home, Searcy and Vilonia. The 5A-West also includes Alma, Clarksville, Farmington, Harrison, Maumelle, Morrilton and Vilonia. Three West teams reached the quarterfinals of the Class 5A state tournament last year. Maumelle won the league and reached