Lyles to return

Defending Class 6A state co-champion Fayetteville should get a boost when Caroline Lyles returns to the floor soon.

Lyles has been sidelined with a torn posterior cruciate ligament in her knee which she suffered at the end of the summer, Fayetteville Coach Vic Rimmer said. The injury didn’t require surgery, only rest and rehabilitation, Rimmer said.

“She started practicing this week, and our plan is to work her in slowly and have her back for the start of conference play in January,” Rimmer said.

The 5-11 junior started every game a year ago when Fayetteville advanced to the state final before the remainder was canceled because of the pandemic. But Rimmer said her role will definitely expand with the graduations of Sasha Goforth and Coriah Beck.

“With Beck and Goforth, Lyles’ offensive game was more catch-and-shoot threes and offensive rebounds,” Rimmer said. “She accepted that role, but she’s terrific at scoring from around 10 or 12 feet. She’s a high-level three-point shooter, probably better than Goforth. But her mid-range game is great. One dribble, two dribble, pull up and shoot that jump shot.”

“We hope she’s full speed by February, but just her addition to the floor is going to make us better.”

Fayetteville (3-3) has losses to Little Rock Parkview, Greenwood and North Little Rock in a tough nonconference schedule. It plays Russellville today, then round out nonconferencve play against Conway and Vilonia after Christmas.