Lady Rams want to continue solid play in new league

The Hot Springs Lakeside Lady Rams are coming off a 20-10 season in which they finished third in the 5A-South Conference Tournament and played a game in the Class 5A State Tournament. Lakeside beat De Queen 61-45 in the thirdplace game, then lost to Vilonia 65-42 in the first round of the state tournament. “We hope to be solid again in our new league, adding multiple 6A schools,” fifth-year Lakeside coach Chris Brock said. “Hopefully, we will be up to the challenge.” Brock is referring to the new classifications in Arkansas. Instead of seven classes for basketball, there are now six. Lakeside is in the 5A-South with Texarkana, Benton, El Dorado, Little Rock Fair, Hot Springs, Lake Hamilton and Sheridan. “We will have to play together and play hard at all times, especially on the defensive end,” Brock said. The Lady Rams return three starters from last year, including senior all-state guard Ashton Patrick, junior Chloe Porter and senior Belle Neilson. Patrick led Lakeside in scoring with 16 points per game last year. Porter was the team’s second-leading scorer at 11 points per game. Neilson was the team’s leading rebounder at 8 boards per game. “Our team strength is our returning experience, especially at guard,” Brock said. “Chloe and Ashton led us in scoring in most games last year.” Other returning experience includes senior guard Lindsey Davis and senior post Sarah Raney. Newcomers include sophomore guard Erika Bittinger. “She’s a skilled point guard and a good decision-maker with the ball,” Brock said. “Also, sophomore Maddie Trusty is very athletic and can shoot the ball. She is very good in transition.”

We hope to be solid again in our new league, adding multiple 6A schools. Hopefully, we will be up to the challenge.” CHRIS BROCK LAKESIDE LADY RAMS COACH