Blackhawks sign for college ball

Honoring Blackhawk athletes committing to play the next level of ball at a ceremony Monday morning in Pea Ridge High School gym, athletic director Kevin Ramey said: “We’re here to honor athletes and fellow Blackhawks for their hard work, dedication, talent, skill and responsiveness to coaching.”

First, head football coach Stephen Neal honored Zaine Holley who will sign to play football at Coe College. Holley was not present as he is on the Blackhawk baseball team which was playing in the Regional Tournament in Dover Monday afternoon.

Head volleyball coach Jessica Wood praised Izabella Smith, who signed with Graceland University, Lamoni, Iowa, for volleyball.

“Izzi works no matter what — in the weight room, the classroom, the gym … she has played every position for us and is going to Graceland as an offensive specialist,” Wood said, adding that Smith was a leader and was captain of the team for the past two years. “The girls follow her. She embodies what it means to be a Blackhawk athlete.

“I’m so proud of you!” Wood said to Smith.

Smith said she plans to major in elementary education and minor in coaching.

Coach McDole said he’s excited to have Smith, who also played club ball in Rogers for Club Net and coach Allie Krabbenhoft.

Head basketball coach Trent Loyd said it was an honor to have had Thomas — “one of the leading scorers in northwest Arkansas” on the team. He said Thomas averaged 18 points and eight rebounds per game. “He is a 2,000-plus point scorer.”

Matt Thomas will sign with the Scots of Lyon College, Batesville, Ark.

“He’s selfless,” Loyd said of Thomas, then, looking to coach Chad Tapp of Lyon College, he said: “You’re getting a winner. He’s going to get everything he’s got.”

Recalling the recent Blackhawk basketball season, Loyd said that when defender Britton Caudill was injured, Thomas stepped to defend. “He helped the team win. There’s a lot to be said about how selfless he is. He wasn’t worried about scoring, he helped the team.”

“We’re excited he’s doing it — academically, socially, athletically, he’s an asset,” Tapp said.

Thomas said he’s thanksfll for the opportunity to play in college.

TIMES photograph by Annette Beard Izzi Smith, center, signed a letter of intent to play volleyball for Graceland University, Iowa, surrounded by her parents, Becky and Shad Smith, Blackhawk coach Jessica Wood, Yellowjacket coach Stew McDole and Club Net coach Allie Krabbenhoft, in a...

TIMES photograph by Annette Beard Matt Thomas, center, signed a letter of intent to play basketball in a ceremony Monday morning in Blackhawk gym at Pea Ridge High School. Joining Matt were, from left, Blackhawk coach Trent Loyd, his mother, Kelly Penn and Ernie Penn, father Wade...