Thunderbirds want one more for retiring coach

The end of an era nears in Arkansas high school basketball as John Hutchcraft plans his retirement next spring after his 42nd season at Guy-Perkins. And the Thunderbirds have one goal — to defend their 2017 Class 1A boys state championship and earn their coach his 11th ring. Hutchcraft’s numbers are mind-boggling. After coaching all four teams at GuyPerkins most of his career, Hutchcraft, 64, opened the season having won 1,969 games and lost 567 — a winning percentage of .776. Girls state championships came in 1984, 2001, ’02, ’03 and ’05; boys titles came in 1997, 2005, ’06, ’09 and ’17. For 2018, the T-Birds have the foundation to meet their goal. “We have nine seniors, all very experienced,” Hutchcraft said. “We will definitely be a team to watch out for.” Two seasons ago, the T-Birds took a 39-0 record into the Class 1A state semifinals, but they fell to Bay. Last year, they opened the season 0-2, losing to West Side Greers Ferry, 82-81; and Shirley, 8576; then won 14 straight before falling to Jacksonville Lighthouse and Mount VernonEnola in December. Then they won their last 23 games of the season. In the Class 1A State Tournament, the Thunderbirds had a first-round bye, then rolled over Dermott, 102-73; County Line in the quarterfinals, 71-50; Nevada in the semifinals, 81-65; and Shirley (for the third consecutive time), 67-57, to avenge the early loss, secure the title and finish 37-4. Two starters return from last year’s squad — Tre Minton, a 5-10 senior forward/guard; and Wyatt Spires, a 6-5 senior post and Hutchcraft’s grandson. Spires will be the leader inside this season. “He is a very strong player who has good hands and a lot of experience,” Hutchcraft said. Minton will be joined outside by seniors Carson Petrucelli and Brooks Tipton. “They have a lot of playing experience and great shooting percentages,” Hutchcraft said. He said Minton, Squires, Petrucelli and Tipton could play at the college level. “They are all great all-around players,” he said. Team strengths will include quickness, experience, shooting ability and a good bench, the coach said. Besides the nine seniors, the roster includes five juniors and three sophomores. Weaknesses? “I feel our team has no weaknesses,” Hutchcraft said. “As they are shown, we plan to adjust and correct.” The Thunderbirds play in the 1A-5 North conference with Abundant Life, Academics Plus, Avila Christian, LISA Academy (North Little Rock), Marvell, Mount Vernon-Enola, Nemo Vista, Sacred Heart and Wonderview. Their combined classification is 1A-2A District 7, along with Bigelow, Conway Christian, Mount Vernon-Enola, Nemo Vista, Quitman, Sacred Heart, South Side Bee Branch, Conway St. Joseph and Wonderview. Hutchcraft said games to watch will include the 2A Conference games, as well as Bay and Pea Ridge. “Bay has always been a very strong competitor,” he said. The Thunderbirds opened the season Oct. 17 with a 71-60 loss to West Side Greers Ferry. Hutchcraft is just 31 victories away from the 2,000-win mark. Between Guy-Perkins’ girls and boys teams, he’ll likely get there by Christmas.