Making adjustments

It’s all about change for Izard County during the 2020-21 season.

For the first time in four years, the Cougars are having to adjust to life without four-time All-Arkansas forward Justus Cooper and have had to break in a few new starters in their lineup. But all of that pales in comparison to what teams like Izard County and others have had to deal with.

“Like I told the boys, a lot of times the strongest person survives, but now it’s the team that adapts the most survives,” Izard County Coach Kyle McCandlis said, referring to the effect covid-19 has had this season. “With the kids you have in practice this week, you may not have them next week. Being able to stay focused when games get canceled or postponed, it’s tough.

“There’s that ‘what if’ factor, too. Are we going to continue to play the season? Is this game going to be canceled? Staying mentally focused is the biggest challenge this year for us.”

Mental toughness hasn’t been an issue for Izard County lately. The Cougars (10-3) have won 67 of their past 68 games against Class 1A competition, including all five this season.

To help prepare his team for another title run, McCandlis beefed up Izard County’s nonconference schedule. The Cougars beat defending Class 6A-co champ Conway on Dec. 4 before dropping back-toback games to Class 5A contenders Maumelle and Jonesboro last week. Izard County was supposed to play North Little Rock tomorrow, but that game has since been canceled.