New Cyclones coach wants to honor tradition
Coach Kyle Pennington is new to the Russellville Cyclones this year, but he’s determined to make his mark. With Russellville coming off a 9-18 season, the coach knows he and his team have their work cut out for them, but that’s exactly what they’ve been doing. “We have a group of guys who are hungry to win,” Pennington said. “We’ve worked a ton on shooting the basketball and hope that is a strength this season.” Key returning starters are two seniors, Bryson Kordsmeier and Bowen Mathis, both listed as 6-2 forwards; and juniors Ryne Sitkowski, a 6-4 forward, and guards Kade Shaffer, 6-0; Spencer Terry, 5-10; Caleb Franklin, 6-0; and Nicholas Carter, 6-o.
Also integral to the team are Trey Allen, a 6-0 guard, and Sayvion Brock, a 6-6 forward. “We have four guys on the football field right now who will come over when football season ends,” Pennington said. “I only had a short period in the summer to evaluate these football guys. They may figure into some playing time as well.” They are seniors Johnny Bucher, a 6-0 guard, and Rhett Adkins, a 6-4 forward, as well as junior forwards Grant Smith, 6-4, and Jackson Shafer, also 6-4. Pennington said he sees the team’s determination and shooting as its strengths, and while some might see the team’s youth as a drawback, he doesn’t. “The core of our team is young, but we really don’t see that as a weakness,” he said. “It’s more as a challenge to grow together as a team.” The coach said he can’t pinpoint one game to watch in the 5A-West. The Cyclones played in the 6A-West last year. “Every game is important to us,” Pennington said. “I’m sure the fans will want to see some exciting matchups with our conference opponents. We aren’t taking anyone lightly.” Pennington was previously assistant boys basketball coach at Har-Ber High School in Springdale, where he helped the team win backto-back 7A-West conference championships. At Russellville, he will be assisted by coaches Shelby Lewis, Brad Palmer and Dylan Kinney. The first-year head coach is optimistic about the season. “We are just coming to work every day, building a winning culture one day at a time,” Pennington said. “We have good senior leadership from Bryson Kordsmeier and Bowen Mathis. We have a group of juniors who are talented and excited to make their mark on this program, and we have some newcomers who also want to turn a few heads. “We’re excited about the season and the challenges that lie before us. There is a rich basketball tradition at Russellville High School, and we hope to honor that this season.”