Eagles hoping to peak in postseason
I think defensively, we might be able to cause some problems for teams if we learn our responsibilities and play extremely hard.”
Mayflower’s Eagles have just two returning starters from a team that finished 24-7 last year, winning district and regional championships. But the pieces are there for Brent Stallings’ team to improve on their first-round finish in the Class 3A State Tournament.
“We will be a team that, if we play hard and learn our roles, will develop throughout the season into a dangerous team by playoff season,” Stallings said. “Unproven players will have to show what they can do. I have two seniors, [Jamell Pitts and Jailon Davis], coming off knee injuries, and if they can get back in the swing of things, they can help.”
Back in the starting lineup are a pair of senior guards. Brailon Davis, 6-foot, averaged 9.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists as a junior. The 6-4 Parker Stigall averaged 5.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists.
The coach said those two will lead the Eagles’ inside attack.
“Parker Stigall has the height and ability to use both hands with touch around the basket,” Stallings said. “Brailon Davis has strength and athleticism.”
Expected to help Stigall and Brailon Davis inside are 6-4 sophomore Hugh Teas, who brings height and strength, and Jamar Anderson, who offers hard work and tenacity, Stallings said.
A pair of 5-9 juniors will lead the Eagle guards. Koben Burton and Finley Poteat both offer ball-handling skills and shooting ability, and senior Alex Stafford is also a scoring threat from the perimeter, the coach said.
Others expected to contribute include 6-1 junior Presson Davis, who is smart and plays extremely hard, Stallings said; 5-9 junior Luke Raney, a good perimeter shooter; 5-9 sophomore guards Trey Cockerham and Cameron Bedford; 5-8 sophomore guard Mason Rhodes; 5-10 sophomore guard Kelci Bornds; sophomore forwards Shawn Knuckles and Caleb Kellum; and sophomore guard Camden Dawson.
“We will have to have players step in and play to their individual capabilities,” Stallings said. “Players who have not played big roles on the team will have to find their roles and exceed at them.”
The coach said a strength should be depth.
BRENT STALLINGS MAYFLOWER EAGLES HEAD COACH
“I think we will have lots of players who can contribute in their own way,” Stallings said. “I think defensively, we might be able to cause some problems for teams if we learn our responsibilities and play extremely hard.”
However, the coach cited an overall lack of height and experience as a team weakness.
“Also, our point-guard play will have to be proven,” Stallings said.
Mayflower finished 12-2 in the 3A-5 last season, falling to Little Rock Baptist Prep and Lamar in their first meetings but avenging those losses in the second. After winning the district tournament, the Eagles beat Helena-West Helena in the opening round of the Class 3A Region 3 Tournament, 49-31; Central Arkansas Christian in the semifinals, 59-48; and Little Rock Episcopal Collegiate in the championship, 50-47. As the top seed from the 3, Mayflower lost a heartbreaker in the opening round of the state tournament to McGehee, 51-50. The Owls went on to a state runner-up finish.
The Eagles are joined in the 3A-5 this season by Maumelle Charter, Perryville, Lamar, Dover, Baptist Prep, Atkins and CAC.
“Lamar, Baptist Prep and us have fought it out for conference championships the past few years, and with CAC joining the league just down the road, it will be big also,” Stallings said. “I think our conference will be very challenging and balanced, so we will have to be prepared for everyone.”