Eagles return 5 of Top 8
We have some talented players, and I think we should be able to compete with anyone in the state. They are competitive and want to win.”
TROY CAMPBELL VILONIA EAGLES HEAD COACH
Troy Campbell led Vilonia to the quarterfinals of the Class 5A State Tournament in his debut season last year, and with five of the Eagles’ top eight back, it could be another stellar season.
“We have a good mix,” he said. “I would expect us to have some growing pains early, with us trying to figure out new roles, but I expect us to compete with everyone on our schedule and hope to qualify for the state tournament.”
Returning starters include Jones White, a 6-1 senior point guard who recorded an average of 9.4 points, 2.4 rebounds and 3 assists per game last season; and Dashun Spence, a 6-5 junior forward, with 9.6 points, 7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.
“Jones is very efficient and can shoot with the best in the state,” Campbell said. “He has continued to work on being more under control, along with finishing at the rim off 2 feet. He has a lot of basketball intelligence and knows the game.
“Dashun has a 40-inch vertical. He has put on muscle during the offseason and has continued to get better with his skill on the inside and outside. He alters a lot of shots at the rim, along with leading our team in rebounds.”
Helping White outside will be 5-11 junior Josh Lawrence, 5-11 senior Riley Saddler, 5-10 senior Zach Nolan, 6-4 senior Wesley McKissack and 6-3 sophomore Lane Turner. Also expected to contribute inside are Ethan Dietz, a 6-5 junior; and Cade Smithhart, a 6-3 senior.
Spence already has a couple of Division I offers. White, Lawrence and Turner could also play collegiately, the coach said.
“I believe we have nine guys who can all fight for a starting position, along with getting good playing time,” Campbell said. “We also have multiple guys who can guard multiple positions.”
The coach said the Eagles feature a mix of strengths and weaknesses.
“We bring back a couple of key starters, but we also have some inexperienced players,” Campbell said. “But they are ones who could really help once they get some experience. We have some talented players, and I think we should be able to compete with anyone in the state. They are competitive and want to win.”
Vilonia went 11-3 through the 5A West last year but moves to the 5A Central for 2022-23, along with Sylvan Hills, Little Rock Parkview, Maumelle, Jacksonville, eStem, Little Rock Catholic and Beebe.
“This is a tougher conference,” Campbell said. “We have to stay healthy and get some varsity game experience in us to compete.”
Vilonia upset Maumelle in the opening round of the Class 5A State Tournament last year, 70-60, before falling to Pine Bluff, 31-30, in the quarterfinals, to finish 18-11.
Campbell has put together a tough schedule that will test his team and allow for growth. Among the highlights are a Nov. 10 game at rival Greenbrier to open the season; Dec. 16 against Maumelle, a rematch from last year’s state tournament opener; Dec. 22 at Jonesboro, last year’s Class 5A state champion moving up to Class 6A; Jan. 24 and Feb. 21 against Parkview, favored to win the Central; and Feb. 10 against Lake Hamilton, one of the favorites to win the state title.