Yellowjackets hoping for big things during 2018-19 campaign

The Clinton Yellowjackets expect to have an even better season this year, coach Cole Gardner said. A year ago, Clinton finished 20-10 but lost in the first round of the regional tournament to Rivercrest 81-66. “I think we will continue to develop our winning tradition at Clinton,” Gardner said. “We have worked hard to establish ourselves as a respectful but feared program. We are looking to grow and develop as the season goes on in order to make a run at the conference championship and the district tournament.” A year ago, the Yellowjackets finished runner-up in the district tournament, losing to Valley Springs in the championship game. “We would like an opportunity to make it back to the district finals this year,” Gardner said. “Returning to the regionals and state tournament are both in our sights this year.” Clinton returns four starters from last year’s team, including seniors Kyler Hensley, Ryley McDonald and Keaton Gresham; and junior Kragen Bradley. Gardner said Hensley and Gresham are his best inside players, and Bradley and McDonald are the best outside players. Gardner said depth and versatility are his team’s strengths. “We have several returning players who played valuable minutes last year and are ready to take on a bigger role this year,” he said. “Our versatility is going to allow us to play and adjust to many styles of basketball. If we need to speed up the game, we can, and if we need to slow down, we can. We can be big, or we can be small — whatever the game calls for, we can adjust.” Gardner said games against Bergman and Valley Springs will be ones to watch. “Both teams are conference foes and will be a challenge this season,” he said. “Bergman has a big plan and a team full of shooters. If they are hot, they will be a tough matchup. We were runner-up to Valley Springs last year in the district finals, and they have several returning players and have added a couple of new ones. I look for some good games in the 3A-1 East this season.” Gardner said Hensley is a college prospect. “He is a 6-7 stretch forward who can play inside and out,” Gardner said. “He has been a good shooter for us since junior high and has spent countless hours working on his game outside of practice to develop his strength and inside presence. His work ethic is second to none, and he currently carries higher than a 4.0 grade-point average. “He will be a tough matchup for many this year.” Clinton will open the season Nov. 6 at Yellville-Summit. “This is an exciting team and will be fun to watch this year,” Gardner said. “We have multiple threats and will be able to present a lot of mismatches. This is the first group of seniors that I have seen all the way through, and they really know how to win. “We plan to be one of the top teams in our conference and region this year. There are several good teams in both conferences, and we look forward to the challenges and matchups.”