1A-3 Conference Preview

The high school basketball season is right around the corner in the state of Arkansas. Before the season tip-offs, I wanted to preview every division of every conference in the state. These will have player breakdowns, coach quotes, and more. It should be noted that almost all the stats, such as records or returning players, are from MaxPreps/Scorebook Live. With that being said, let's hop into conference 1A-3.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Armorel</h2>   2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview   The story of Armorel's season was close conference losses. Many times they let a conference game slip through their fingers, and nothing changed in the first round of districts. They have a very experienced team this year, with nine seniors, and that class is being led by post Thomas Gall.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bay</h2>   2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview   Bay is coming down from 2A, where last year they finished with a 22-16 record. They are a young team, with only one senior per ScorebookLive. Though young, they are led by sophomore guard Gabe Williams, a potential superstar. Though he gets most of the spotlight, as he should, don't forget about senior guard Markey Dodson.   Player Breakdown    It's safe to say Gabe has maybe the highest ceiling of any player in 1A. As a freshman, he started for Bay and stood out immediately. With his athleticism, Williams is always a double-double threat. He's extremely physical when attacking the basket and has no problems finishing over defenders. Just going into his sophomore year, the ability to create his own looks will be key for him to take the next step.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Crowley's Ridge Academy</h2>   2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview   CRA is coming off a highly successful 22-9 year. Having a real chance of winning the state championship, they would lose in the final four to Clarendon. Losing four key seniors, players such as Davis Polsgrove, Cohan Holland, Sutton Campbell, and Luke Austin, will keep them right in championship talks once again.   Player Breakdown    The lengthy forward showed three-level promise in his junior season at Crowley's Ridge. At 6'4, he has good size for his division and uses it to his advantage when crashing the boards. Offensively, he has shown he can shoot from three and has good confidence when doing so. Where he really excels is in the high post/free throw line area. He's able to find open spots in the opponent's defense, where he can either rise up for the mid-range or attack the basket. Shooting 19% from three last year, if Davis can consistently knock down open shots off the catch, he could be one of the best scorers in the division.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Earle</h2>   2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview   Earle is the back-to-back state champion in 1A. With that being said, the TaRon Hurst era is officially over, and now it's time for new players to carry the torch. Be on the lookout for big years from the duo of Jordyn Williams and Aiden Davis.   Player Breakdown    The back-to-back state champion is now in a position to three-peat and have a huge role in making it happen. Williams is a well-rounded player who does a little bit of everything for Earle. He's a good shooter from outside and inside the arc. Shooting mainly off the catch from three, this is something that he's continuing to get better at. It's also not a rare sight to see Jordyn hanging around the mid-range area where he's been efficient so far in his career. Defensively, he's one of the main reasons Earle's full-court pressure was so successful last year. Being the aggressive defender he is, I don't see why Earle or his defensive success would be any different this year.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hillcrest</h2>   2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview   Finishing over .500 was not an easy task for any team in this conference last year. They proved they could beat anyone with solid wins over schools like Crowley's Ridge. Though losing a solid senior class and coming into this year young, I expect this year to be no different for Hillcrest.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Marked Tree</h2>   2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview   Finishing in the middle of the pack last year, Marked Tree is led by a solid backcourt of DJ Stacy and KD Dupree. Post play will be crucial for the Indians to take the next step in the division standings.   Player Breakdown    Dupree is a shifty guard who can space the floor for the Indians. Playing alongside multiple guards last year with similar styles, opportunities were limited. With another year under his belt, more consistent opportunities should arise. Dupree is an underrated passer; if a teammate is open on a back-door cut, he will almost certainly get it to them. KD is also a feisty defender who isn't afraid to attack the boards or take a charge.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ridgefield Christian</h2>   2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview   In 2025, Ridgefield struggled in conference play, going 4-8. An emerging floor general will be important for them. They have a go-to scorer in Sam Strait, but he's able to best utilize his abilities when playing off the ball.   Player Breakdown    Playing in 1A, being 6'2, Strait can play multiple positions. He's a strong driver who uses his body around the rim, getting to the line. Though not the quickest first step, Strait gets to the basket using his strength and size. What really rounds out his game is his ability to space the floor, being a real threat from the perimeter. In the post, Sam has good footwork, putting in good work from 5-10 feet out.

The high school basketball season is right around the corner in the state of Arkansas. Before the season tip-offs, I wanted to preview every division of every conference in the state. These will have player breakdowns, coach quotes, and more. It should be noted that almost all the stats, such as records or returning players, are from MaxPreps/Scorebook Live. With that being said, let's hop into conference 1A-3.