Harding Academy looks at youth to fill roles
Harding Academy finished 23-9 last year after an opening-round loss in the Class 3A State Tournament, but after graduating several seniors, the Wildcats must find some replacements for this season. “We have a good mix of returning players and some talented younger players,” said coach Brad Francis, 227-102 in 11 years at Harding Academy and 485-271 for his career. “We will need those two elements to mesh together and play as a team. “If we are able to do that, then I think we have a chance to get back to the state tournament.” The Wildcats finished third last season in the 3A-2 Conference but won the Class 3A Region 2 Tournament after knocking off Episcopal Collegiate, second from the 3A-5, 51-46; beating Tuckerman, the 3A-2 district champion, 56-46; and Barton, 3A-2 runner-up, 53-25. But in the opening round of the Class 3A State Tournament, Harding Academy fell to Junction City, fourth from the 3A-4, 61-53. The Dragons went on to the state semifinals. Davis Morgan, a 6-5 senior forward, is the Wildcats’ only returning starter from last year’s squad. He was the team’s second-leading scorer as a junior after averaging 10.5 points with 4.7 rebounds per game. Francis said Morgan has good size and versatility. “He is able to play both outside and inside,” the coach said. Jake Dugger, a 6-1 senior forward, is expected to be a leader inside. “He is strong and athletic,” Francis said. Outside, Grant Patterson “has all the guard skills,” the coach said. “He can handle the ball and pass the ball. He shoots well from the perimeter and finishes well around the rim.” Morgan and Patterson could play college basketball, Francis said. Team strengths? “We have good size and length,” Francis said. “Another strength is perimeter scoring.” Depth at the post position, though, is a weakness as the Wildcats begin the season, the coach said. The Wildcats will play in the 3A-2 again this season. For 2018-19, the league also includes Bald Knob, Cave City, Cedar Ridge, Harrisburg, Newport, Palestine-Wheatley, Riverview and Tuckerman. Tuckerman, Riverview and Bald Knob are the games to watch, Francis said. “All three of those teams have talented players and coaches, and they will contend for the conference championship,” Francis said. “The proximity of Riverview and Bald Knob will add to the game environment.” The Wildcats will open the season Nov. 13 against Trumann. They’ll visit Class 4A Lonoke on Nov. 27 before starting league play against Harrisburg on Nov. 29. Francis said those early games will help his team to jell. “We have a good mix of returning players and young players,” he said. “Several players will be in different roles this year.”