Lady Trojans reloading after winning state title

The Hot Springs Lady Trojans are coming off their second state championship in four years, having won the Class 5A state title a year ago. Hot Springs finished 31-3, beating Watson Chapel 50-47 in the state-title game in March. The Lady Trojans also won the 2015 state title. Hot Springs coach Josh Smith is entering his fourth year as Lady Trojans coach. The Lady Trojans lost their two best players to graduation a year ago in Imani Honey and Ariana Guinn. “We are an inexperienced group this season,” Smith said, “but we’re hard-nosed and will get better with growth this season.” Hot Springs returns only one starter in senior Jaidan Thomas. She averaged 7 points and 7 rebounds per game last season. Smith said Thomas and sophomore Jurnee Hicks are the best inside players. The best outside players are sophomore Jaylia Reed, and seniors Keindia Nevels and Kiah Beauford. Smith listed his team’s strengths as speed and post play. After winning the state title a year ago, Hot Springs will continue to have its championship mentality, Smith said. “We’re coming in with the same mentality on the defensive end,” he said. “We consider this a reloading and not rebuilding, although we lost our two top guards.” Hot Springs is playing in the 5A-South this season. Teams include Texarkana, Benton, El Dorado, Little Rock Fair, Lake Hamilton, Hot Springs Lakeside and Sheridan. Smith said games with Hot Springs Lakeside and Lake Hamilton and tournaments in Fayetteville, Benton and Hot Springs will be games to watch. He said his toughest challenges will be against Greenwood, Conway and Lake Hamilton. College prospects include Thomas, Nevels, Reed, Beauford and Hicks, Smith said. The Lady Trojans will open the season Nov. 27 at Hope.

We are an inexperienced group this season, but we’re hardnosed and will get better with growth this season.” JOSH SMITH HOT SPRINGS LADY TROJANS COACH