CLASS 6A GIRLS BASKETBALL PREVIEW

THREE STORYLINES TO FOLLOW 1. Does anyone run the table in Class 6A?

Bentonville came the closest last season to doing it after going 27-1. The Lady Tigers’ lone loss was a blowout to No. 2 Fort Smith Northside. All of the top teams have tough games that will make it hard for anyone to finish perfect. Doubtful that any of the coaches care, as long as their respective team finishes with a title.

2. Is North Little Rock ready to reclaim its status as the state’s best?

The potential was there throughout last season, and it was clear the Lady Charging Wildcats weren’t far off. North Little Rock may have the most talented team and depth in the state. Making it all work is a good problem for Coach Daryl Fimple to have on his hands.

3. What will Cabot do without Shy & Co.?

The Lady Panthers went 23-6 last season behind All-Arkansas Preps member Shy Christopher and a bunch of then-seniors such as Izzy Arnold, Emily Belin and Hannah Ogilvie. But Jay Cook is one of the top coaches in his profession. He does have Harding commitment Kaitlyn Theobald back to lead his new-look squad.

IMPACT PLAYERS SENIOR JERSEY WOLFENBARGER, FORT SMITH NORTHSIDE, GUARD

The state’s No. 1 player is looking forward to her senior season after the way the Lady Bears lost in the semifinals last season. A title is what she wants, and the Lady Bears have enough firepower to get it. Wolfenbarger has signed to play for Mike Neighbors at the University of Arkansas.

SENIOR MARYAM DAUDA, BENTONVILLE, CENTER

Dauda is hot on Wolfenbarger’s heels to lay claim as the top player in Arkansas. She is ranked as the No. 1 center in the country by ESPN. She can run the floor, score inside, shoot three-pointers and block shots. She’ll have plenty of chances to shine in marquee games this year.

SOPHOMORE CHLOE CLARDY, CONWAY, GUARD

Her demeanor is peaceful and laid back on the floor, but then you look up and she’s got 30 points after three quarters. She gets to her comfort spot whenever she wants, finishes at the rim and can shoot with range. She’s among the top 25 sophomores in America and will only get better.

OTHERS TO KEEP AN EYE ON

Junior Jaiden Thomas, Conway; Junior Caroline Lyles, Fayetteville; Senior Tracey Bershers, Fort Smith Northside; Junior Amauri Williams, North Little Rock