Hornets hoping for bounce-back season
After three outstanding seasons in which they went to two state finals, the Maumelle Hornets came back down to earth a year ago. Maumelle finished 13-15 and missed the Class 5A State Tournament for the first time in years, but seventh-year coach Michael Shook believes his team can rebound this season. “I think we should be able to exceed last year,” Shook said. “We expect to have a winning record and make the state tournament. We have most of the guys back from last year. “Last year, we were young and inexperienced. A lot of guys were able to get playing time, and that should make a difference this year. This year, our chemistry is better, we shoot the ball better, and we are stronger.” Shook said he looks forward to the season. “We will play at a fast pace and be fun to watch,” he said. “We are an experienced group with multiple guys from each grade who should contribute.” Maumelle’s schedule is one of the toughest in the state, Shook said. It includes games with Morrilton, defending state champion Baptist Prep, Jacksonville, White Hall, Little Rock Parkview, Southwest Christian Academy, Mills and Conway. “This year’s schedule is the toughest we’ve had,” Shook said, “but we plan to be competitive in every game and expect to make the state tournament.” The Hornets are members of the revamped 5A-Central after the Arkansas Activities Association changed things from seven classes to only six. “The 5A-Central is the toughest conference in the state,” Shook said. Teams include Little Rock Hall, Jacksonville, LR Parkview, Pine Bluff, Sylvan Hills, Watson Chapel and White Hall. Maumelle returns three starters from last year. They are senior Brahm Harris, senior Jabari Barnes and junior Tre Flowers. Harris averaged 13 points, 6 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game last season. Barnes averaged 8 points, 3 rebounds and 1.5 assists, while Flowers averaged 7 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Shook said his team’s best inside players are junior Javis Dickerson and sophomore Darvis Rasberry. The best outside players are Harris, Barnes, Flowers, junior Jayvain Menifee, junior Courtney Lawrence, sophomore Taylin Banks and sophomore Josh Denton, the coach said. Shook said his team’s strengths are its quickness, guard play and depth. Weaknesses include size, he said. “We will try to utilize our quickness to overcome the lack of size,” Shook said. Shook said Harris and Flowers are collegiate prospects. “But several others should get an opportunity to play at some college level,” the coach said. Maumelle will open the season Nov. 13 at home against Morrilton.