2A-2 Conference Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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. I say this because records on scorebook live are not 100% accurate. With that being said, let's hop into conference 2A-2.<br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Cedar Ridge</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall Record - 12-16</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conference Record - 7-5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Home Record - 5-3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Away Record - 7-10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Season Finish - Lost in the 1st Round of the Regional Tournament (East Poinsett County)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cedar Ridge struggled at the beginning of the season, starting 2-11. After a close conference loss to Sloan-Hendrix, Cedar Ridge rattled off eight straight wins to quickly turn their season around. Their campaign ended in regionals, which is a success after how the season started. Looking to this year, Cedar Ridge has a superstar in [player_tooltip player_id='2475029' first='Rylen' last='Brown']. The ninth ranked payer in the class will once again be a problem in 2A. What makes Cedar Ridge different than last year is experienced depth. Returning all five starters and almost all their key bench pieces, Cedar Ridge is easily one of the favorites to win the conference this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2475029"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a978498dee9e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rylen has already put together a decorated career. The two-time all-state player averaged 24 points, 12 rebounds, and over 3 blocks per game. At 6'6, Rylen is a two-way post who impacts the game in every way possible. Offensively, Brown plays in both the high and low post. When closer to the rim, he's a physical player who is able to finish through contact while getting defenders in foul trouble. Near the free-throw line area, he's a pass-first player. Brown is always looking to set up others, but is still able to pick his spots to attack. The senior doesn't rely on just physicality. Brown has shown finesse for his size with euro steps and spin layups. As he goes into his senior year, Brown will almost certainly be one of the best players in the state again.  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Cotter</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall Record - 11-25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conference Record - 3-10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Home Record - 8-10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Away Record - 3-12</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Season Finish - Lost in the 1st Round of the District Tournament (Mammoth Springs)&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Warriors' regular season came down to close losses last year. Wins in games versus teams like Cedar Ridge, Izard County, Greenland, and Highland could have changed their year drastically. With only losing three seniors from last year, Cotter will have a lot of returning experience in players like Jackson, Guthrie, Woods, etc. Another year of growth in the returnees should mean an improved squad for Coach Jackson Rains. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player Breakdown</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":3756319,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a978498deefe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jackson is a fun player to watch for Cotter. The two-way combo guard is a serious threat from behind the arc. Showing an ability to hit shots on the move and when set. With real range from three, Jackson is a difficult player for defenses to guard. With his shooting ability, opponents often play up on him. This is where he showcases an ability to slip past defenders and utilize an effective floater game. The senior is more than just a scorer for the Warriors. Jackson facilitates well out of the two-man game with rolling post players. Isaiah is the engine of the Warriors' offense and will be a key part of their team's overall success. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Izard County</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall Record - 18-15</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conference Record - 9-3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Home Record - 12-5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Away Record - 4-4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Season Finish - Lost in the 2nd Round of the State Tournament (Mt. Vernon-Enola)&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ICC is losing a lot of key contributors from last year, including three starters: Spray, Robbins, and Arnhart. Replacing 6'10 center Robbins will not be an easy task for the Cougars. That being said, in recent years, ICC seems to be a basketball factory. They are constantly churning out great teams. The backcourt of Kade Yancy and Kylar Brashear will be crucial for them this year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Marshall</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall Record - 3-23</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conference Record - 3-10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Home Record - 2-10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Away Record - 1-12</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Season Finish - Lost in the 2nd Round of the District Tournament (Tuckerman)&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marshall had an older team in 2025/2026. As a new year is here, so is a new era of players for Marshall. This year, we will see what they will be able to accomplish over the next few years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Midland</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall Record - 0-23</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conference Record - 0-12</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Home Record - 0-10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Away Record - 0-12</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Ozark Mountain</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall Record - 28-9</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conference Record - 9-1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Home Record - 20-2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Away Record - 8-5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Season Finish - Lost in the 1st Round of the Regional Tournament (Mountainburg)&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player Breakdown</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":3756322,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a978498def42"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bentley fits the 3-D wing archetype. Having good size for a 2A wing, he can guard multiple positions. He's athletic enough to keep up with point guards and big enough for small forwards. Playing mostly off-ball, Middleton moves around well, creating open shots for himself. He has a quick shot that he can get off over defenders closing out. Going into his junior season, Bentley will be on the best wings in the conference. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Tuckerman</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall Record - 21-15</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conference Record - 7-5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Home Record - 13-3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Away Record - 7-9</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Season Finish - Lost in the 1st Round of the State Tournament (Hampton)&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player Breakdown</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2994294"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a978498def83"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Church is a do-it-all player for Tuckerman. Utilizing his 6'3 frame, he can rebound well on both ends. He's aggressive on the offensive boards and seems to have a knack for putback layups. What really opens up his offensive game is his jump shot. One of the better catch-and-shoot options in the conference, Church also showcases an ability to efficiently hit the pull-up midrange. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>White Co. Central</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall Record - 27-12</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conference Record - 10-4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Home Record - 15-4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Away Record - 11-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Season Finish - Lost in the 1st Round of the State Tournament (Hector)&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player Breakdown</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":3756323,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a978498defbc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Curtis is an underrated prospect in his class. At 6'4, he's a strong wing who can use his body to absorb contact around the rim. When attacking, he flashes some craft with reverse layups and such. A three-level scorer, Curtis can score from anywhere on the court. As an all-conference performer in his first season, expect Curtis to take another leap in his junior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->