Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1310134
42 NORTHWEST ARKANSAS BASKETBALL | 11.22.2020 Program captured the Class 3A-1 Regional tournament championship with a strong performance at Waldron a year ago. … Team has plenty of size and looks to make another run in the playoffs. WALDRON BULLDOGS HEAD COACH Joshua Brown CONFERENCE 3A-4 2019-20 RECORD 24-7 WHO'S BACK? Jaden Hutchens (Sr., 5-9), Gada Wagner (Sr., 5-9), Isaac Villarreal (Sr., 6-3), Caden Fuller (Sr., 5-9), Braden Williams (Sr., 6-1), Bryson Bailey (Sr., 5-11), Camdon Holcomb (Jr., 6-5), Lidge Stinson (So., 6-0), Trenton Hunt (So., 6-0), Trevor Hunt (So., 6-0), Jesse Dees (Sr., 5-9), Petey Justice (So., 6-0). THE SCOOP Seven seniors return looking to keep the program going after the graduation of Payton Brown, who ranks as the fifth highest career scorer in state history with 2,775 (31 per game). … Hutchens runs the offense from the point guard spot and is a good defender. … Coach Brown loves the depth of the team with a strong sophomore class entering varsity play and will have a deep rotation. … Coach Brown: "I'd take Payton back in a heartbeat, but these guys have a chip on their shoulder and have heard for a while they can't win without him. They have something to prove." WEST FORK TIGERS HEAD COACH Kelby Drennan CONFERENCE 3A-1 2019-20 RECORD 7-19 WHO'S BACK? Wyett Kutz (Sr., 6-0), Stoker Cornelius (Jr., 6-0), Ethan Howerton (Jr., 6-2), Cade Melton (Sr., 6-4), Mason Allen (Jr., 6-2), Eli Howerton (So., 6-2), Kole Pennington (So., 5-10). THE SCOOP Young core of the team returns looking to make a run at a strong season. … Kutz, a three-year starter at point guard, averaged 15 points per game while earning all- conference honors. … A pair of sharpshooters Cornelius (six points per game) and Howerton (seven points per game) are expected to have a strong year. … Allen returns after missing last season because of injury. GIRLS BERGMAN LADY PANTHERS HEAD COACH James Halitzka CONFERENCE 3A-1 2019-20 RECORD 27-12 WHO'S BACK? Kara Ponder (Jr., 5-8), Maddi Holt (So., 5-7), Karsen Edwards (Jr., 6-0), Kessa Willis (Jr., 5-6), Abby Hodges (Jr., 5-4), Tru Cartwright (Sr., 5-8), Madaline Moon (So., 5-10). THE SCOOP The Lady Panthers return a deep team that was tested in its deep conference and had its season end at the regional tournament against Charleston, a state semifinals team. … The dynamic scoring of Ponder (18 per game) and Holt (15 per game) returns to lead the way. … Edwards averaged nine points and eight rebounds per game as well. 3A Capsules n Continued from Page 40 Kain Johnson returns for his senior season at Elkins as the Elks try to build on a last year's 29-5 record, which included a 12-2 mark in 3A-1 West Conference play and a share of the league title and a trip to the Class 3A state tournament. Elkins defeated Prescott in the opening round, then fell to Rivercrest. File photo/NWA Democrat-Gazette