5A-East 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 5A-East.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Batesville</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall Record - 7-21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conference Record - 2-12</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Home Record - 4-10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Away Record - 2-10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Beebe</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall Record - 5-24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conference Record - 1-15</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Home Record - 4-13</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Away Record - 1-11</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ranked Prep Hoops Players </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#46 [player_tooltip player_id='2966630' first='Holden' last='Kirk'] 2027</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WL [player_tooltip player_id='2908702' first='Noah' last='Gordon'] 2028</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WL [player_tooltip player_id='3760593' first='Cannon' last='Barnes'] 2029</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":["2966630"],"_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-6ad953b881f23"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Transferring from eStem, Kirk had some massive games last season: five, six, or seven threes. He's a consistent wing who can be a positive on the court even if the shot isn't falling. Playing at his own pace, Holden doesn't get sped up and rarely makes mistakes when driving. Being a naturally physical player, he showed some craft last season with hop and euro steps in traffic. Standing at 6'4, Kirk can effectively guard 1-4 against most teams in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Greene County Tech</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall Record - 25-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conference Record - 12-2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Home Record - 14-2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Away Record - 9-2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Season Finish - Lost in the Second of the State Tournament (Benton)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ranked Prep Hoops Players </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#108 [player_tooltip player_id='2389960' first='Landon' last='Morton'] 2027</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#134 [player_tooltip player_id='3028207' first='Banx' last='Boozer'] 2027</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#18 [player_tooltip player_id='2450805' first='Luke' last='Cancilla'] 2028</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#43 [player_tooltip player_id='3557824' first='Aden' last='West'] 2028</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":["2450805"],"_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-6ad953b881f94"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cancilla is a very promising 3-D wing. With a solid jump shot, the 6'3 guard is efficient off the catch and continues to grow off the dribble. Luke is the kind of player every coach wants. Beyond his offensive talent, he's a willing defender who shows great effort. At 6'3, he can fit a multitude of roles that a coach could give him. Entering his junior season, I expect Luke to remain a top-20 player in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Marion</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall Record- 29-5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conference Record - 14-0</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Home Record - 18-3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Away Record - 10-1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Season Finish - Lost in the State Championship Game (LR Parkview)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ranked Prep Hoops Players </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#25 [player_tooltip player_id='2965554' first='Korbin' last='Littlejohn'] 2027</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#155 [player_tooltip player_id='3673612' first='Eian' last='Henderson'] 2027</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WL [player_tooltip player_id='2628086' first='Marcellus' last='Brown'] 2028</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#6 [player_tooltip player_id='2885497' first='Liam' last='Henry'] 2029</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#13 [player_tooltip player_id='2893562' first='Robert' last='Woods'] 2029</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#14 [player_tooltip player_id='2885559' first='Kye' last='Watkins'] 2029</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#21 [player_tooltip player_id='2934740' first='Andrew' last='Dixon'] 2029</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#95 [player_tooltip player_id='2885557' first='Nicholas' last='Beale'] 2029</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#111 [player_tooltip player_id='2957837' first='Lasean' last='Campbell'] 2029</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WL [player_tooltip player_id='2979970' first='Zane' last='Beard'] 2029</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WL [player_tooltip player_id='2983932' first='Marshall' last='Harris'] 2029</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WL [player_tooltip player_id='3506961' first='Braylon' last='Lakes'] 2029</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WL [player_tooltip player_id='3671091' first='Zion' last='Vasser'] 2029</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":["2965554"],"_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-6ad953b881fe9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Littlejohn is a very polished scorer at all levels. Being able to be effective on and off the ball. From three, he has a nice set shot and can consistently make shots on the move. Same goes for areas just a few steps in from behind the arc. When attacking the basket, Korbin has very strong left-hand touch. He can use high-arching layups and floaters to be effective down low.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Nettleton</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall Record - 18-13</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conference Record - 7-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Home Record - 10-8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Away Record - 8-4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Season Finish - Lost in the First Round of the State Tournament (Farmington)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ranked Prep Hoops Players </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 [player_tooltip player_id='2382010' first='Te'jay' last='Daley'] 2027</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#57 [player_tooltip player_id='3033820' first='Lamarian' last='Rogers'] 2027</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#84 [player_tooltip player_id='2574722' first='Jordan' last='Orr'] 2027</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#140 [player_tooltip player_id='2954108' first='Byron' last='Smith'] 2027</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#153 [player_tooltip player_id='3415813' first='Jazarion' last='Brewster'] 2027</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#33 [player_tooltip player_id='2752775' first='Callen' last='Ellis'] 2028</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#74 [player_tooltip player_id='2750475' first='Donovan' last='Mitchell'] 2028</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#89 [player_tooltip player_id='2750957' first='Marre' last='Harrell'] 2028</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#91 [player_tooltip player_id='2849985' first='Cassidy' last='Jones'] 2028</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#116 Malik Littlejohn 2028</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WL [player_tooltip player_id='2861471' first='Javian' last='Hinton'] 2028</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#57 [player_tooltip player_id='2840821' first='Daveion' last='Barnett'] 2029</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WL Kyan Beasley2029</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WL Ja'Marcuiqs Dion Williams 2029</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WL [player_tooltip player_id='2849267' first='Derrick' last='Green-Hunter'] 2029</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":["2382010"],"_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-6ad953b88203d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Te'Jay is maybe the best-scoring guard in the state. He has great range from three and can pull up in the half-court set with ease. Though having great confidence, it's never a confidence that could hurt a team. He knows when the time is right for a deep ball or leaning shot. With a quick first step, Daley is a hard guard for anyone. When getting past his defender, the Nettleton guard makes difficult layups look easy. A mixture of acrobatic and crafty, he is fun to watch when attacking the basket. Daley is the main reason why Nettleton has a chance at making a deep run this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Paragould</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall Record - 13-15</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conference Record - 4-10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Home Record - 8-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Away Record - 5-8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ranked Prep Hoops Players </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#58 [player_tooltip player_id='2972118' first='Eli' last='Edens'] 2028</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#98 [player_tooltip player_id='3357077' first='Griffin' last='Burkheart'] 2029</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#107 [player_tooltip player_id='2920265' first='Kayden' last='Haynes'] 2029</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Searcy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall Record - 12-18</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conference Record - 2-12</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Home Record - 6-10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Away Record - 6-8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ranked Prep Hoops Players </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#21 [player_tooltip player_id='2423024' first='Maddox' last='Ball'] 2027</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WL [player_tooltip player_id='2423013' first='Deonta' last='Lockhart'] 2027</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WL [player_tooltip player_id='2423144' first='Brayden' last='Davis'] 2027</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#30 [player_tooltip player_id='3139549' first='Jordan' last='Nicholson'] 2028</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#116 [player_tooltip player_id='3590275' first='Katrell' last='Bailey'] 2029</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#117 Nathanial Sandedur 2029</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#118 [player_tooltip player_id='2423232' first='Jackson' last='Ringer'] 2029</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WL [player_tooltip player_id='2900325' first='[player_tooltip player_id='2423073' first='Logan' last='']' last='Lamar Mitchell'] 2029</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WL [player_tooltip player_id='3275739' first='Scott' last='Martin Jr'].2029</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>"Sr. 6'6 small forward [player_tooltip player_id='2423024' first='Maddox' last='Ball'] was All-Conference last year, averaged 13.2 ppg and 5.8 rpg, Sr. [player_tooltip player_id='2393254' first='Trelyn' last='Shepard'] (2x) ('25 &amp; '26 3A All-State) played up as a freshman at Searcy, and Jr. [player_tooltip player_id='3139549' first='Jordan' last='Nicholson'] ('26 3A All-State)</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Going into the new season, what areas has this team made the most improvements in?</strong> - <em>"I believe that we will be an improved offensive team for sure.  However, we lost a 6'8 kid (Quaid King) and we will need to really rebound well as a team."</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Valley View</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall Record - 12-15</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conference Record - 5-9</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Home Record - 6-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Season Finish - 6-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ranked Prep Hoops Players </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#94 [player_tooltip player_id='2382017' first='Eli' last='Craig'] 2027</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#76 [player_tooltip player_id='3140025' first='Eddie' last='Young'] 2028</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WL [player_tooltip player_id='3393857' first='Phoenix' last='Kelly'] 2029</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":["2382017"],"_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-6ad953b882095"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Craig is an interesting prospect entering his senior season. He is a versatile player who can impact the game in many ways. Even though he's ready and ranked, he has the tools to be a breakout candidate; it will be a matter of being a little more aggressive while maintaining the same efficiency and playmaking. Craig shot over 40% from three last year, with a higher usage rate; Eli could have some massive games for Valley View this season</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">West Memphis</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025/2026 Recap - 2026/2027 Preview </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall Record - 21-10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conference Record - 10-4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Home Record - 8-2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Away Record - 10-3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Season Finish - Lost in the Second Round of the State Tournament (LR Parkview)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ranked Prep Hoops Players </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#97 [player_tooltip player_id='2729515' first='Ashtin' last='Vaughns'] 2027</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->