Lady Bison look to build on recent success
After their best two-year run since back-to-back state champioships in 2007-08, Carlisle’s Lady Bison aim to continue their hot streak in 2018-19. Jonathan Buffalo’s team finished 57-10 over the past two seasons, falling to Quitman in the quarterfinals of the Class 2A State Tournament both years. Last year, Carlisle went 29-5 — the second-most wins in school history — and won 20 consecutive games, the second-longest winning streak in school history. “We hope to continue to build off the success from last year and once again make the state tournament,” said Buffalo, 153-55 heading into his eighth season as head coach at Carlisle. The Lady Bison went 14-0 in their combined conference, won the 2A-3 District Tournament and finished runner-up to Earle (which went on to win the Class 2A state title) in the Class 2A East Regional. During their careers, the graduating seniors earned three conference and district championships and two trips to the state tournament. At the state tournament, Carlisle beat Murfreesboro in the opening round, 51-37, before falling to Quitman, the defending champion that went on to finish runner-up to Earle, in the quarterfinals, 65-56. Three starters return from that squad. Junior guard DeShaye Ricks averaged 14.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game as a sophomore. Senior forward Heather Bowlan had 6.1 points and 7.2 rebounds last year. Senior forward Kiara Miller averaged 8.3 points and 5.4 rebounds. “DeShaye Ricks brings her versatility to score and play defense on perimeter players,” Buffalo said. “She really has improved her outside shot. She has played varsity basketball since the ninth grade. “Heather Bowlan and Kiara Miller are both athletic and quick in the post. They are strong and score well through contact in the lane. They are also versatile to play on the perimeter as well.” Sophomore guard Shelby Hancock was the sixth man last year as a freshman. “She will be looked upon to be the point guard for this team,” Buffalo said. Team strengths this season will include the returning depth and experience, the coach said. “We return three starters and the first player off the bench,” Buffalo said. “These players have been to the state tournament and been district champions.” A weakness, though, will be inexperience on the bench, he said. “We will be counting on players to contribute who haven’t had a chance to play much or who are coming from the junior high team,” the coach said. “They are working hard, and I believe they will have a positive impact on our season.” Carlisle makes the move from the 2A-3 to the 2A-5 South this season against Bigelow, Cutter Morning Star, England, Hazen, Magnet Cove, Maumelle Charter and Poyen. It looks to be a tougher league for the Lady Bison, which should pay dividends for them in the postseason. “Bigelow returns some talented young players who played in the state tournament as ninth-graders,” Buffalo said. “England is a big rivalry for us. They are a talented basketball team that will compete for a conference championship. Poyen is competitive and very well-coached.” Those three, he said, would be the Lady Bison’s toughest conference opponents. Other games to watch include rivalries with Hazen on Dec. 7 and Jan. 18, and Class 4A Lonoke on Nov. 15. “Those are always fun to watch,” Buffalo said. Carlisle will also attempt to defend its championship in the Goldfish Classic at Lonoke the week after Christmas. Last year, the Lady Bison won their first Goldfish title, knocking off their rival Lady Jackrabbits in the final, 55-52. Carlisle had finished runner-up to Lonoke in the 2016 championship game. Carlisle is set to open the season at home against Brinkley on Nov. 5.