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Jasper tabs Parker as new coach

Jasper’s search for a new boys basketball coach didn’t have to go out of its conference — or even its school district.

Mike Parker, who had been the boys coach at Kingston for the past 22 years, was recently named to take over the Pirates’ program. Parker replaces Steve Lynch, who announced his retirement shortly after the season ended in March.

“I told myself that if I don’t try to get it now, I may not get another chance to get it,” Parker said. “Jasper always has good numbers and a good program, and I thought it was time for a change.”

Kingston finished 12-22 overall and 4-8 in 1A-1 Conference play under Parker, whose teams averaged 21 wins per season during his time with the Yellowjackets. Jasper loses six seniors from a team that went 29-12 and won the 1A-1 title last season, but the returnees include leading scorer Caleb Carter.

Parker said his style of play will be determined by the players he has, but he prefers to play an uptempo pace when he can.

“If we have the players that can press the whole game and get up and down the floor, then that’s what I will do,” Parker said. — Henry Apple • @NWAHenry

Greenwood steps down from Gravette job

Doug Greenwood has resigned at Gravette after one year as the Lions’ head football coach.

Athletic director Norman Mitchell said that Greenwood stepped down for “personal reasons,” and he received Greenwood’s letter of resignation Wednesday. The Lions went 1-9 under Greenwood, who was hired a year ago to replace Bill Harrelson.

Attempts to contact Greenwood were unsuccessful at press time.

“We didn’t know this was coming,” Mitchell said. “Now we will be actively looking for applicants, and we’ll move on this as quickly as possible.”

Mitchell said he hopes to quickly have a plan in place for hiring a next coach and that he can have one ready for the next school board meeting. — Henry Apple • @NWAHenry

Shiloh Christian hires Rooney

Bryant Rooney, an assistant coach at Little Rock Christian, has been hired as the new girls basketball coach at Shiloh Christian.

Rooney replaces former coach J.D. Dudley.

“Coach Rooney is an excellent coach with impressive experience and a winning tradition,” said Shiloh Christian athletic director Jeff Conaway in a release issued by the school.

Rooney spent nine seasons as an assistant coach at Little Rock Christian, the past five under coach Ronald Rogers who led the Warriors to the Class 5A state championship this season.

He played for legendary Guy-Perkins coach John Hutchcraft in high school and earned his degree from the University of Central Arkansas in 2010. — Chip Souza • @NWAChip