Blue Devils return 1 starter from state runner-up team

The Shirley Blue Devils had a terrific season a year ago, winning 34 games and advancing to the Class 1A state-championship game. However, they ran up against a buzz saw in the form of the Guy-Perkins Thunderbirds and coach John Hutchcraft. Shirley lost to Guy-Perkins 67-57 in the state-title game at Bank of the Ozarks Arena in Hot Springs. The Blue Devils ended the season at 34-11. They return only one starter this year, said coach Keith Brown, who is entering his 12th season at the school. Michael Fuller is a 6-5 senior who made the Class 1A state all-tournament team last year. During the championship game, Fuller played all 32 minutes, scoring 14 points and grabbing 5 rebounds. Shirley beat Ridgefield Christian of Jonesboro 67-43 in the first round, Deer 75-67 in the second round, Kirby 47-44 in the quarterfinals and Izard County Consolidated 53-49 in the state semifinals. Brown said the team has high expectations. “It will be tough to match last year, but this group will surprise some people,” he said. Brown said his team’s inside play with be its strength, while he said the Blue Devils are not deep at the guard position. Shirley opened the season Oct. 17 with a 67-62 loss to Mammoth Spring. The Blue Devils followed that up with a 96-70 loss to Guy-Perkins in a rematch of the state-championship game. Upperclassmen listed on the Shirley roster include juniors Luke Lucas and Kayden Jones. Other seniors are Tyler Landon, Cody Deckard, Derrick Shull, Tanner Duda, Cory Gatin, Jaret Bradley and Tristen Hannah. “This team will be very young and inexperienced, but I expect they will be a team that really improves throughout the year,” Brown said.