CLINTON LADY YELLOWJACKETS

“Last year, I felt like we broke through and won some games against good competition, something we had failed to do in the previous year,” he said. “Despite losing some talented players to graduation, I feel like we will be a little more athletic, especially at the guard position.” One thing Clinton will have to work on is developing a scoring threat, the coach said. “Our team doesn’t have an established go-to player on offense,” Carson said. “I like the fact that we are balanced and have a scoring threat out of all five spots, but it’s always nice to know who you want to have the ball in their hands on the last play of the game. “Also, we have not been a very good defensive team the past two years. We’ve changed our emphasis and are working on being better all the way through defensive possessions.” Carson said just about every team in the blended conference and district will be a challenge. “Pottsville returns four starters from the 4A runner-up squad last year, and Dardanelle has improved each season and will be even tougher this year,” Carson said. “Two Rivers is a well-coached team that is very talented, and Perryville has size, speed and skill.” He said Lamar has one of the best players in the state at point guard with Lakyn Sanders. “Our postseason district has perennial power Valley Springs, who’s loaded for another run,” he said. “Mountain View is a very good team, with an excellent point guard, good shooters and a very good post player. “Playing in such a tough blended conference, and one of the strongest districts in 3A, we will need to figure out our roles quickly and develop consistency on offense.” Clinton will open the season Nov. 7 against Yellville-Summit. “Early-season matches against Yellville-Summit, Mountain View and Melbourne will carry a lot of weight for seeding our district tournament,” Carson said. “Every game in our blended conference will be a dogfight as well.”