Lighthouse aims high; eying state championship

Jacksonville Lighthouse made a historic run a year ago, finishing 28-7 and advancing to the semifinals of the Class 2A state tournament. Lighthouse lost to eventual state champion Earle 82-62, but that did not tarnish what the Wolves accomplished last season. Lighthouse coach Kelvin Parker said he’s excited about the upcoming season. “I’m all in right now. … I’m kinda stoked,” he said. The Wolves return two starters from last year’s squad. They are sophomore Davonte Davis, who averaged 16 points and 7 assists per game last year; and senior Chris Mims, who averaged 10 points and 3 boards. Parker said Davis is the team’s best inside player. “He is a major D1 basketball player who has worked hard over the summer on his jump shot and overall game,” Parker said. “He has grown 4 inches since the end of last season and is still growing. The sky is the limit for Mr. Davis and his basketball career.” Parker said Mims is the best outside player. “He is our senior captain and four-year starter,” Parker said. “He plays hard on defense and can really shoot the ball from deep.” In the state tournament last year, Lighthouse had a first-round bye after winning the regional tournament. The Wolves beat East Poinsett County 64-62 before falling to Earle in the semifinals. Parker said his team’s trademark is defense. “I’m a defensive-minded coach,” he said. “They all know that. We practice a lot of defense. I feel that if we consistently play a good style of defense, it will take us to where we were last year. I preached it last year, and I’m preaching it again now. They are beginning to believe that defense is going to take us to where we want to go.” There are three other seniors on the roster in addition to Mims. They are Darin Reed, Eric Miles and Reggie Adell. The lone junior is Daylon Cooperwood. Parker said he thinks his sophomore class, consisting of Davis and Jason Bobo, along with freshman Ke’Shawn McLennan, can have a big run during their high school careers. “We have experience and a great group of sophomores that will give us a chance to win three state championships in a row,” the coach said. Parker said games against Little Rock eStem and Clarendon will be big this season. “Both teams will be loaded this season,” he said. Lighthouse lost its season opener Oct. 20 against Little Rock eStem 59-55. The Wolves play Clarendon twice — at home Jan. 9 and at Clarendon on Feb. 1.