Cards need more than size
Benton Harmony Grove has some intimidating size, but the Cardinals are expected to need more than that to have a chance in the tough 5-3A.
“To make it to the next level, our guard play has to be consistent,” Cardinals Coach Dexter Hendrix said. “Last year, we were very young, but hopefully, with that year of experience it will help us. … If we can handle the pressure, we can take the next step.”
Seniors Hayden Burchfield (6-10) and Mitch Scoggins (6-4) will be sizable obstacles for the Cardinals’ opponents this season.
Burchfield averaged 10 points, 8 rebounds and 4.7 blocks a game last season. Scoggins was Harmony Grove’s leading scorer a year ago with 14.5 points a game. Both players are scheduled to sign with Arkansas Tech later this week, making them the first basketball signees from the school in “more than a decade.”
“No [one] is quite sure when we had our last basketball signee,” Hendrix said. “But this is very big for our community. We’re very excited for them and we’re very excited about their future.”
Hendrix said Burchfield passed on an offer from Division I Tennessee-Martin to sign with Tech.
“He had a good summer and now he’s the strongest and quickest I’ve ever seen him,” Hendrix said.
Harmony Grove opens its season Tuesday at home against Poyen.