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Preseason Top Ten

Started by BigMan15, October 25, 2016, 10:15:29 am

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BigMan15

From a unnamed source
1. Charleston Tigers: Three starters return from last year's state runner-up team, most notably Brandon Fenner, an absolutely explosive scorer with unbelievable range, able to score from anywhere on the floor. Chase Ewing and Phillip Hampton are impressive running mates though, and Jackson Roland and newcomer Michael Green give Charleston a line-up capable of outscoring most teams with an incendiary offense. Size, or lack thereof, is an issue though. The Tigers lack a true center though, despite their large backcourt.

2. Osceola Seminoles: Last year a young team peaked at the right time, fending off an upset bid by Two Rivers and ending Episcopal's 9-game state tournament winning streak before falling to the top team on the list, Charleston. Darion Gilmore is perhaps the best post player in 3A, and the Seminoles have excellent depth and athleticism in the backcourt. Osceola is poised to make a serious run at the title, and could be considered co-favorites alongside Charleston, who edged them out in last year's semifinals.

3. Manila Lions: If the Lions can stay healthy, they have the potential to win it all. Two years ago a very young Lions team surprised by winning their regional tournament, beating out favored teams like Flippin and Valley Springs. Last year they failed to make the state tournament, due largely to injury. Bradley Woodall is a dangerous scorer, and Manila's in-your-short defense and hustle will make them a tough out for anyone. Osceola has been a thorn in their side though, and we can look forward to some epic clashes between the two this year.

4. Lamar Warriors: Putting the cart before the horse? Trust me on this one. Lamar was perhaps the surprise team last year, entering the year with little to no fanfare and knocking off Valley Springs in the first round before falling to eventual champion Cedar Ridge. Point guard Zederick Lee, 3-point specialist Bailey Wilson, and center Braden Grace return and are joined by blue chip Russellville transfers Porter Anderson and Christian Beeman. The Warriors are a well-rounded team without any obvious flaws if the veterans and newcomers can gel.

5. Jessieville: Out of the frying pan and into the fire for the Lions. Jessieville addition to Region 1 gives that region three of the top five teams in this list. This status is justified though, as Jessieville returns four starters from last years team, spearheaded by center Steven Benson, an excellent post player with a motor. The Lions also have an excellent young perimeter player in Sawyer Lamb, complemented in the backcourt by Alex Burleson and Dylan Anderson. They're a good all-around squad with excellent perimeter play and a very good post, although depth in the interior is still a question mark.

6. Episcopal Collegiate Wildcats: I'll admit, Episcopal has a lot of unknowns, but with a 9-1 record in the state tournament over the past three years, they've at least earned the benefit of the doubt. The Wildcats lost a pair of incredible players in Kelvin Robinson and Allie Freeman as well as an outstanding coach in Micah Marsh. However, with another great coach in Brandon Friedel, the return of Kamron Brasfield, and the addition of a crop of bright young players, the Wildcats should threaten to earn their third state title in four years. Expect them to steadily improve as the year progresses.

7. Harding Academy Wildcats: Cedar Ridge found themselves in a couple of close contests with the Wildcats last year, including 67-59 decision at Harding Academy late in conference play. Harding Academy is a consistently competitive program, and while they may have a pair of notable losses in Charlie Collins and Alex Francis, they return the heart of their lineup in all-state guard Brady Palmer. Region 2 looks considerably weaker with the loss of Jessieville and Austin Reaves at Cedar Ridge, and the Wildcats are likely to take advantage of that vacuum.

8. Paris Eagles: While Charleston may have a state semi-finals and finals appearance on their resume the past two years, they failed to win their district tournament both years. That honor went to Paris on both occasions. Last year, lacking any clear dominant player, the Eagles won with depth. Three starters return, including all-state tournament guard Race Taylor, Talik Robinson, and 3-point specialist Tyler Atchison. The lack of a true center, a weakness they share with rival Charleston, is troubling though, especially in a district that features a pair of great ones in Porter Anderson and Steven Benson.

9. Valley Springs Tigers: Coach Johnny Taylor is a winner, and he has a winning system, so even without Dalton Hogue, the Tigers are ready to run. Jake Wynn returns, joined by a pair of solid outside shooters in young gun Lawson Jenkins and Spencer Graddy as well as a developing post in Brandon Koch. And Valley Springs' bobcat problem seems to be gone, as rivals Flippin moved down to 2A and Marshall lost its best player, and while the latter Bobcats may still pressure the Tigers, the path in their district looks much clearer than in previous years. They face a tall hill to climb in regional play though, as heavy hitters Osceola and Manila loom large.

10. Junction City Dragons: 3A's most notable newcomer, 2A powerhouse Junction City enters the classification at an interesting time. The bad news is that all-state forward Tyrus Grayson is gone. The good news is that Region 4's two best teams from a year ago, Centerpoint and Smackover, saw their entire starting lineups decimated by graduation (and transfer in the case of Charles Manning). That could be enough for the Dragons to seize control of the southern region, but they'll face stiff competition in Prescott and Bralyn Wilson.

Honorable Mention- Prescott Curley Wolves: I'm high on Prescott, but I couldn't justify putting them ahead of any of the teams on my list. Still, they're worthy of a mention, mostly because they clearly look like the strongest team in their district, and they have a great talent in the aforementioned Bralyn Wilson. The south region is always a bit of a whirlwind, but Prescott along with Junction City look like the class of the region. In short, they're likely a top ten caliber team, they're just not quite in my top ten.

bigdoug


Ice Water

While it's easy to dispute rankings, and a preseason one at that, the board needs more posts like this. Well done.

BigMan15


WPWells

I think the addition of Michael Green makes Charleston that much better as he's a true point guard who will be able to create for Fenner and Ewing (and Rowland for that matter). If Rowland starts, Charleston will essentially have a four guard lineup, but their backcourt will be at least comparable to, if not better than, the ECS backcourts that won back-to-back titles. To beat Charleston this year you'll either have to run with them or stop them from running.

lostintheweeds

Quote from: Fred Bird on October 25, 2016, 11:22:51 am
I think the addition of Michael Green makes Charleston that much better as he's a true point guard who will be able to create for Fenner and Ewing (and Rowland for that matter). If Rowland starts, Charleston will essentially have a four guard lineup, but their backcourt will be at least comparable to, if not better than, the ECS backcourts that won back-to-back titles. To beat Charleston this year you'll either have to run with them or stop them from running.

Green has some speed.  I'll be interested to see how his game transitions.

RTF

Found that interesting. Thanks for it Bigman.

Head Lion

BM15, I will say you did put some effort into that. Good luck and safety to all the kids and it is right around the corner.

BigMan15

It wasnt from me but from someone I know that didnt want to post it

lostintheweeds

Really good recap, Bigman.  Thanks for sharing!

NeaBaller21

I don't even think Manila will win their District...

Head Lion

Quote from: NeaBaller21 on October 25, 2016, 04:26:48 pm
I don't even think Manila will win their District...
Might, might not. Osceola will very tough as well as Rivercrest. The main goal is to get out of the top heavy 3A3 and get to the big dance and have a team, that can pretty much play with anyone on a given night.

lostintheweeds

Is there a similar recap for the girls side, Bigman?

smallybells

I saw Jessieville play this summer -1 or two as summer ball has to be, they will be tough. Who knows what Episcopal comes out of the gate with, never count them out.

Hitman Warrior23

Don't forget Albert Boyce Sr  move in Porters brother,  very good shooter and guard as well! Should be a fun season!

NEark tigers

ECS #6... ??? ??? ???

I hope they don't schedule the 8X World Champions Earle Bulldogs....they'll get rolled!

ZoneBuster

I think we can remove Valley at this point. May be playing well by the end of the year but not top 10 now.

jr17

Whoa big fella. Better than the backcourt from ECS? I gotta make it to Charleston for a game soon.

HogReady8

Prescott back court will be one of the best this year! With returning Bralyn Wilson , and adding to the mix Hope Arkansas star , Quontravius Caldwell . Both have tremendous athletic abilities.

pridgehog

Marshall may surprise some folks.

frederick lee

Have any other team in 3A had 4 D1 Coaches in the gym other then Lamar? Probably not. ACC,3 from the Missouri valley Conference. Teams are in for a long night trying to guard Porter and chase around these guards..

Longfellow

Actually yes. Plenty of D1 coaches coming to TR to scout Grace Coates

RTF

Peevy had Ole Miss, Miss. state, Rice, A. State and numerous others.

P.F.G.

Quote from: frederick lee on November 17, 2016, 12:59:21 am
Have any other team in 3A had 4 D1 Coaches in the gym other then Lamar? Probably not. ACC,3 from the Missouri valley Conference. Teams are in for a long night trying to guard Porter and chase around these guards..

Somewhere, an English teacher is weeping.

Steve Perry 2.11

Quote from: frederick lee on November 17, 2016, 12:59:21 am
Have any other team in 3A had 4 D1 Coaches in the gym other then Lamar? Probably not. ACC,3 from the Missouri valley Conference. Teams are in for a long night trying to guard Porter and chase around these guards..

There you are....you coming back to the Palace this year.....if you are, ya ain't sittin on the front row.

basketball21

 Porter Anderson is to good for 3A.. No one man can stop him..

RTF

I am surprised Kentucky has not offered him yet.

basketball21


frederick lee

Quote from: Steve Perry 2.11 on November 17, 2016, 01:19:10 pm
There you are....you coming back to the Palace this year.....if you are, ya ain't sittin on the front row.

Steve Perry you don't want to see me in the Palace. That means Alma is about to get beat 20  ;) How are you doing Steve? How good will Alma be this year?

PrivateLesson

Quote from: frederick lee on November 17, 2016, 05:50:59 pm
Steve Perry you don't want to see me in the Palace. That means Alma is about to get beat 20  ;)
Lol!   Hard pressed to run 20 up on a good Coach Flenor team.  Besides, everyone loves the Palace.    How's Clarksville this year?

BannerMountainMan

Clinton whouped Lamar is that jamboree?? Plus whoever said Marshall would surprise people, they got whouped  by 1a Shirley, even though they are the best in 1a

Hitman Warrior23

Quote from: BannerMountainMan on November 18, 2016, 11:50:31 am
Clinton whouped Lamar is that jamboree?? Plus whoever said Marshall would surprise people, they got whouped  by 1a Shirley, even though they are the best in 1a

Again Lamar had everyone gone in football and played 5 players,  it was just a scrimmage to Lamar.

Have a good day!

lorettalynn

Clinton whouped Lamar is that jamboree?? Plus whoever said Marshall would surprise people, they got whouped  by 1a Shirley, even though they are the best in 1a You forgot to say that marshall's big man was on the bench much of the second half plus one main player hurt 10 points aint much

Baller100

They whooped Marshall? That statement is laughable. Marshall led the whole game until the 3 minute mark, when their big man fouled out. Once they had a 4 point lead, Shirley began to hold the ball so of course Marshall had to foul. The other 6 came from free throws. Another fact is that a starter was injured and they had just finished football the week before. In no way, shape, or form, did Shirley "whoop" Marshall.

Baller100

According to Maxpreps, Episcopal plays Marshall tomorrow night

teachers pet

Saw Jessieville play Tuesday night, very impressed. They lost a scorer in Daley but returned 4 starters and a new addition of a 6'8" pf. All can hit the three. Once they learn to play together without Daley, look out!

BigMan15


teachers pet

Not sure but will find out. He's a junior.

neds

Quote from: pridgehog on November 16, 2016, 02:19:50 pm
Marshall may surprise some folks.

Episcopal made a trip there this past week I believe. Were you able to go?

Baller100

Quote from: neds on December 03, 2016, 07:21:49 pm
Episcopal made a trip there this past week I believe. Were you able to go?
My brother went and told me that it was a very good game. Marshall led the whole game until the beginning of the 4th quarter when it seemed that they just hit a wall offensively. He said that Marshall may be a dark horse this year, but that they need to capitalize on some missed plays here and there.

neds

They (Marshall) sound tough this year.
I haven't seen ECS this year, but I plan on making a game this week if my schedule allows. They played AR Prep (Baptist) who I believe won 4A last year to a four point loss last week. They beat a team from Memphis (Westwood) 66-53 today in a tournament (Border Challenge) at Hall HS in Little Rock.

teachers pet

The new player for Jessieville is not 6'8",  maybe 6'5". He went to Jessieville as a freshman but moved out of state. He came back last year but had to sit out. A really good addition.

HorseFeathers

Quote from: Fred Bird on October 25, 2016, 11:22:51 am
I think the addition of Michael Green makes Charleston that much better as he's a true point guard who will be able to create for Fenner and Ewing (and Rowland for that matter). If Rowland starts, Charleston will essentially have a four guard lineup, but their backcourt will be at least comparable to, if not better than, the ECS backcourts that won back-to-back titles. To beat Charleston this year you'll either have to run with them or stop them from running.

Just seen this post....but Running with a team, that wants to run is usually a good recipe for getting your tail whipped....

NeaBaller21

Anyone want to put out an updated top 10?

Head Lion

Manila up 19-6 over Osceola after 1.

Head Lion

Quote from: Head Lion on December 06, 2016, 07:58:06 pm
Manila up 19-6 over Osceola after 1.
All State guard Bradey Woodall out with foot injury.

Paperman

Hey Head Lion, my Mom fell this afternoon and I got called to Memphis. I hate I am missing the game. Sounds like the Lions are on fire so far.

Head Lion

I'm in Little Rock at a conference, getting everything 2nd handed.

Head Lion

Osceola wins 54-53 in a classic Noles/Lions matchup

HorseFeathers

Fenner went off for 39 points and 13 boards at Mena tonight....tigers won by 15ish

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