3A-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 the 3A-2 conference. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Cave City</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview&nbsp;</strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall Record -&nbsp;11-17</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conference Record -&nbsp;5-9</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Home Record -&nbsp;9-3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Away Record -&nbsp;2-12</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Season Finish -&nbsp;Lost in the First Round of the Regional Tournament (Osceola)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Player to Watch - [player_tooltip player_id='2423530' first='Elijah' last='Beller']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Clinton&nbsp;</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall Record - 16-14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conference Record - 7-5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Home Record - 9-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Away Record - 7-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Season Finish - Lost in the First Round of the Regional Tournament (Mills)</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":["3355013"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aadbcedd4429"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hester is one of the main reasons Clinton will be in state contention this year. He is a smart guard with a great feel for the game. As a scorer, he can shoot from anywhere, whether it's on or off the ball. He loves to pump fake or make a move and get into the mid-range area. Behind the arc, he's just as dangerous. Hester is really good at shooting from the free throw line. When shooting the deep ball, it is normal to see him get fouled, as he's able to draw contact without being too obvious or disrupting his own shot. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2889455"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aadbcedd4489"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When you look at the 2029 class, maybe no one has a higher ceiling than Stewart. Though having a great freshman year, watching him this summer, he looks like a new player. Proving he has continued to develop and progress into a star. His main progression has come from the perimeter. Last year Stewart played mostly in the post, given his 6'5 frame. At the Big Miller Team Camp, Stewart was bringing the ball up and attacking off the dribble much more. With his size, athleticism, and abilty to stretch the floor, he can play any position on the court at a high level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Flippin</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall Record - 32-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conference Record - 13-1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Home Record - 18-4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Away Record - 11-2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Season Finish - Lost in the First Round of the Regional Tournament (Rivercrest)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coach Q/A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Who are one or two guys that will be x-factors this year for your squad?</strong> - <em>"I had 2 juniors that were voted all-state Tucker Thompson and Aiden Hodges — other impact players will be Truett Lindsey Blayne Thompson that were both all conference — [player_tooltip player_id='2958542' first='Beckett' last='Chatelain'] lead his junior high team to a 31-0 season in 2026. He will be a newcomer that is expected to play a big role for our team."</em><br><strong>Going into the new season, what areas has this team made the most improvements in? </strong>- <em>"This team has continued to show up and work hard really since April.&nbsp; We had two of the best bigs in the 3A last year. I believe our guard play will be much improved from last year. All of the guards from last season got significant minutes and have made great strides. This improvement will continue to make us a competitive team in our conference for 2027."</em><br><br><strong>Player Breakdown</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Tucker Thompson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'6u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77245","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Flippin","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Arkansas Kings","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aad89c98aed8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Thompson is one of the most dangerous scorers in all of 3A. With good size, he can score at all three levels and does so efficiently. Down low, he works for position well when posting up. With the great shooting abilty he has, Thompson has a post fadeaway that's hard to defend. He's also showcased physicality around the basket and is great at getting defenders off their feet. Playing through the Flippin system last year, Thompson had multiple sets where he would come off screens, opening up easy opportunities from behind the arc. In his junior season, he showed he was a great shooter off the catch. Given his 6'6 size, Tucker can score in many different roles and situations. Coming off a disappointing ending last year, where Tucker suffered a season endidng inury. Flippin, led by Thompson, is primed for another great season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3692568"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aad89c98af77"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Playing in the post alongside teammate Thompson, Hodges is great in the high-low set. In the high post, he's great at making insert bounce passes down low. Hodges has a lot of confidence in his shot, and it doesn't take much space for him to get it off. &nbsp;Whether it's on the perimeter or on the block, Hodges has great touch and overall has great skill. With his elite play in the BeElite circuit this summer, Hodges will certainly be an All-State candidate again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Truett Lindsey","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77246","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Flippin","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aadbcedd4577"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As mentioned in our interview with the Flippin coach, the guard play is ready to take a big leap forward in the new year. At the helm of that is Lindsey in his senior year. As a junior, he flashed big-time talent at the point guard spot. He's a fun watch, as sometimes his high-energy, flashy playstyle creates exciting moments. Nobody plays harder than Truett, hes constanly going full speed, which leads to plenty of transition layups and big defensive plays. Using his quickness, Lindsey can get to the rim, being crafty with finger rolls. In his final season, the key will be to bring all of it together and be a consistent motor for the Bobcats. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Melbourne</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall Record - 21-8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conference Record - 11-3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Home Record - 10-4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Away Record - 10-3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Season Finish - Lost in the First Round of the Regional Tournament (Newport)</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":["2837777"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aadbcedd45c1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Abe's abilty to lead a team on the floor is something you immediately notice when watching the tape. Though a multi-positional guard, his best work comes when leading the offense. He has a strong abilty and will to create for others. As a strong guard, he can examine the floor without succumbing to the pressure of the defense. Over the summer, Abe has seemed to take a jump forward in shooting and overall shot-creating ability. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mountain View</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall Record - 15-13</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conference Record - 7-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Home Record - 8-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Away Record - 5-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Season Finish - Lost in the District Tournament (Cave City)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Quitman&nbsp;</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall Record - 7-20</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conference Record - 3-11</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Home Record - 5-9</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Away Record - 2-10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Salem</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall Record - 5-17</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conference Record - 2-12</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Home Record - 4-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Away Record - 1-9</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Season Finish - Lost in the District Tournament (Cave City)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Yellville-Summit</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall Record - 10-25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conference Record - 4-10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Home Record - 6-10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Away Record - 2-11</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Season Finish - Lost in the District Tournament (Valley Springs)</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_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Trevon Spence","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77244","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Yellville-Summit","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aadbcedd4645"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Spence is a consistent threat from the perimeter for Yellville. Whether it's coming off the screen or creating for himself, the guard has a knack for being able to get open. He's also flashed playmaking prowess, making him a candidate for a breakout year within the division.  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->