Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1310134
34 NORTHWEST ARKANSAS BASKETBALL | 11.22.2020 Caleb Ligon (Sr., 6-1) F Braden Stein (Sr., 6-6), G Sam Forbus (Jr., 6-1), G Jase Strozier (Sr., 5-8). THE SCOOP The Bulldogs expect sophomores Aiden Kennon (6-1) and Hunter Houston (6-1) to join the team after football season. … Greenwood's sophomores were 17-6 as freshman and advanced to the regional tournament. … Juniors Jay Wright (6-3) and Joe Russell (5-10) are in the mix for playing time. … Head coach Donnie Husband is in his 36th year overall, his third at Greenwood. SILOAM SPRINGS PANTHERS HEAD COACH Tim Stewart CONFERENCE 5A-West 2019-20 RECORD 13-12, 4-10 in 5A-West, did not qualify for postseason WHO'S BACK? G Landon Ward (Sr., 5-10), G Max Perkins (Sr., 6-4), G Breck Soderquist (Sr., 6-4), F Jackson Ford (Sr., 6-6), G Josh Stewart (Jr., 6-3), G Carter Winesburg (Jr., 5-10). THE SCOOP The Panthers return their two of their top three scorers from last season in senior guard Landon Ward (11.4 ppg) and Josh Stewart (10.6 ppg). … Senior post Jackson Ford (6-6) has made big strides and could be a difference maker, Tim Stewart says. … Siloam Springs will play several Class 7A teams in nonconference play, including Bentonville, Bentonville West, Rogers, Springdale Har-Ber and Fort Smith Southside. … The Panthers have not made the state tournament since 2016. VAN BUREN POINTERS HEAD COACH Brad Autry CONFERENCE 5A-West 2019-20 RECORD 10-16, 4-10 in 6A-West, first round of 6A playoffs. WHO'S BACK? G Gary Phillips (Sr., 6-1), G Jaiden Henry (Sr., 5-10), G Avery Salisbury (Sr., 6-3), G Jose Estrada (Sr., 5-10), P Connor Brady (Jr., 6-1). THE SCOOP The Pointers will have several join the team after football season, including point guard Gary Phillips, guard Jaiden Henry and post Connor Brady. … Phillips was the Pointers' leading scorer last season at 15 ppg, while guard Avery Salisbury averaged around 10 ppg. … Autry said guard Jaiden Henry is a "game changer who does all the things you need a guy to do to win games." … Autry said a big portion of the Pointers' success will depend on how quickly their football players can get their basketball legs. … Senior forwards Brandon Miller (6-3), Baylor Shook (6-1) and sophomore Connor Myers (6-3) also will see time. File photo/NWA Democrat-Gazette Van Buren's Jaiden Henry, shown defending a Bryant player, returns for his senior season, but the opposition will change a great deal as the Pointers make the move to the 5A-West Conference this season. Van Buren will trade games against Northwest Arkansas teams for schools such as Greenwood, Alma and Siloam Springs. 5A Capsules n Continued from Page 33