EARLY-SEASON SUPER SIX
NO. 1 MELBOURNE
COACH Eric Teague CONFERENCE 2A-2 2019-20
RECORD 34-2
KEY RETURNERS G Kenley McCarn (59, Jr.), C Jenna Lawrence (6-2, Soph.), G Josie Roark (5-6, Sr.), G Kiley Webb (5-3, Sr.)
CIRCLED DATES Nov. 24/Dec. 11 Fort Smith Northside, Dec. 30 at Marion, Jan. 18 vs. Viola
NOTEWORTHY The Lady Bearkatz are in prime position to make a run at a third consecutive Class 3A state championship. … Only one player from last season’s starting five has graduated. … Kiley Webb has signed with Williams Baptist University to run track and play basketball. … Two scheduled games against Fort Smith Northside highlight Melbourne’s slate.
NO. 2 DES ARC
COACH Ryan Smith
CONFERENCE 2A-6
2019-20 RECORD 23-9
KEY RETURNERS F Tristian Richards (5-11, Sr.), G Caroline Harris (5-8, Sr.), G Shyanne Bell (5-8, Soph.), G Gabi Berry (5-8, Soph.)
CIRCLED DATES Nov. 17 at White Co. Central, Dec. 17 at Stuttgart, Jan. 8/ Feb. 2 vs. England
NOTEWORTHY Lady Eagles will miss Parker Smith’s all-around game, but they have best friends Tristian Richards and Caroline Harris returning. … Richards has committed to play basketball for Williams Baptist University. … Des Arc reached the semifinals last season.
NO. 3 BIGELOW
COACH Jeff Gifford
CONFERENCE 2A-5
2019-20 RECORD 28-4
KEY RETURNERS G Chloe Buie (5-6, Sr.), G Aubrey Evans (5-8, Soph.), G Jill Nutt (5-8, Sr.)
CIRCLED DATES Nov. 17 at Mayflower, Dec. 15/Jan. 26 vs. Conway Christian, Jan. 11/Feb. 9 vs. Quitman
NOTEWORTHY Shooters galore for the Lady Panthers, who should be in the thick of things for both the 2A-5 title as well as the state crown. … Jill Nutt was an all-state selection as a junior. … Bigelow has won 59 games over the past two seasons.
NO. 4 CONWAY CHRISTIAN
COACH Trey Lynch
CONFERENCE 2A-5
2019-20 RECORD 17-16
KEY RETURNERS F Emily Dather (5-10, Sr.), G Josie Williams (5-9, Soph.), G Kara Keathley (5-6, Soph.)
CIRCLED DATES Nov. 17 at Flippin, Dec. 4/Jan. 14 vs. Quitman, Dec. 14/Jan. 26 vs. Bigelow
NOTEWORTHY Lady Eagles are more experienced this season, led by one of the top players in the state in Josie Williams. … Emily Dather averaged 10.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game last season. … Conway Christian beat Baptist Prep by 20 in its opener.
NO. 5 QUITMAN
COACH Tim Hooten
CONFERENCE 2A-5
2019-20 RECORD 30-4
KEY RETURNERS G Taylor Jo Hooten (5-4, Jr.), F Macy Broadway (5-8 Jr.)
CIRCLED DATES Dec. 3 vs. Batesville Southside, Dec. 4/Jan. 15 Conway Christian, Jan. 11/Feb. 9 vs. Bigelow
NOTEWORTHY Eight seniors are gone from last season’s runner-up team, not to mention four starters, but Tim Hooten usually just reloads. … Quitman last won a state championship in 2017. … The Lady Bulldogs have four huge regular-season meetings with ranked teams Bigelow and Conway Christian.
NO. 6 ALPENA
COACH Michael Smith
CONFERENCE 2A-1 2019-20
RECORD 30-8
KEY RETURNERS G Desi Deitrich (5-7, Sr.), G Emma Johnson (5-5, Soph.), F Katherine Rhodas (5-11, Soph.)
CIRCLED DATES Nov. 16 Berryville, Dec. 15/Feb. 2 vs. Cotter, Dec. 22 Norfork
NOTEWORTHY Lady Leopards advanced to the Class 1A semifinals last season with a senior-less roster. … Alpena moves to the 2A-1, where it’ll be one of the favorites to win the conference. … Michael Smith’s team has gotten off to a slow start but did play well in a 29-point win over Eureka Springs.
ON THE CUSP
Marmaduke, Riverside, Acorn