5A State Tournament Push: Who’s Rising, Who’s Rolling

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the 5A state tournament tipping off March 3rd at Farmington, teams across the conference have roughly five games left to solidify seeding, build momentum, and prepare for a shot at a trip to Hot Springs. Using <a href="https://www.si.com/high-school/stats/arkansas/basketball/standings">SBLive's</a> updated records, here's how the landscape is shaping up across the classification as February winds down.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Contenders</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>These programs have separated themselves with elite records, consistent play, and championship‑level ceilings.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Farmington 24-1 overall (5A West 9-0)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cardinals continue to look like one of the most complete teams in Arkansas. Their balance, discipline, and ability to control tempo have made them the standard in the West. With only one loss on the season, they enter the final stretch as a legitimate title favorite.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prospect Watch: [player_tooltip player_id='2021915' first='Eli' last='Schwartzman'], [player_tooltip player_id='2870897' first='Ethan' last='Kennedy'], [player_tooltip player_id='2973723' first='Carson' last='Simpson'], [player_tooltip player_id='2637777' first='Press' last='Taylor']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Marion 21-4 overall (5A East 9-0)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marion has been dominant in East play, stacking wins behind physical defense and a deep rotation. Their undefeated conference mark speaks to their consistency, and they're trending toward a top seed with real championship aspirations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prospect Watch: [player_tooltip player_id='2732998' first='Chandler' last='Randle'], [player_tooltip player_id='2883702' first='Jalen' last='Neal'], Jackson Black, [player_tooltip player_id='2826195' first='Jamari' last='Bruin'], [player_tooltip player_id='2864940' first='Dexter' last='Higgins']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2864940' first='Dexter' last='Higgins'] - A downhill, high‑motor guard who pressures defenses with constant speed, attacks, and turns pace into production.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2826195' first='Jamari' last='Bruin'] - A long, instinctive forward who impacts possessions with rebounding, activity, and glue‑guy versatility rather than volume scoring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Little Rock Christian 15-7 overall (5A Central 7-2)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LRCA has battled through a tough Central slate and emerged as a dangerous group led by McDonald's All-American Jashawn Andrews. When their guard play is clicking, they can beat anyone in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prospect Watch: [player_tooltip player_id='2021880' first='JJ' last='Andrews'], [player_tooltip player_id='2616716' first='Easton' last='Boggs'], [player_tooltip player_id='2281610' first='Justice' last='Moore'], [player_tooltip player_id='3067391' first='Malakhi' last='Morris']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2616716' first='Easton' last='Boggs'] - A confident perimeter threat who spaces the floor with quick, repeatable shooting mechanics and forces defenses to account for him at all times.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2281610' first='Justice' last='Moore'] - A quick, three‑level scoring point guard who controls pace and creates offense under pressure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Parkview 19-4 overall (5A Central 11-0)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Parkview is rolling. An undefeated conference record in arguably the toughest league in 5A says everything. Their athleticism, pressure defense, and [player_tooltip player_id='2021873' first='Jacob' last='Lanier'] make them a nightmare matchup heading into March.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prospect Watch: [player_tooltip player_id='2021873' first='Jacob' last='Lanier'], [player_tooltip player_id='2021884' first='Ayden' last='Hansberry'], [player_tooltip player_id='1437332' first='Kolby' last='Bell']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2021884' first='Ayden' last='Hansberry'] - A fast, physical scoring guard with a tight handle, confident shot making, and the athletic pop to create advantages off the bounce.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1437332' first='Kolby' last='Bell'] - A tough, two‑way guard who brings steady decision‑making and a competitive edge that elevates his team's tempo and toughness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Middle of the Pack</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>These teams are firmly in the mix...capable of making noise, climbing the standings, and playing spoiler down the stretch.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Greene Co. Tech 20-4 overall (5A East 8-1)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>GCT has been steady all season and sits just behind Marion in the East. Their 3pt shooting prowess and experienced core give them a high floor entering tournament play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prospect Watch: [player_tooltip player_id='2736561' first='Noah' last='Oswalt'], [player_tooltip player_id='3100500' first='Carson' last='McDaniel']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2736561' first='Noah' last='Oswalt'] - A confident wing who shoots it with rhythm, shows sneaky good athleticism, and impacts winning with nonstop hustle on both ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Vilonia 16-7 overall (5A Central 7-3)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vilonia continues to grind out wins in the ultra-competitive 5A Central. Their coaching and half‑court execution make them a tough out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prospect Watch: [player_tooltip player_id='2767216' first='Jaxsen' last='Hollis']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Benton 17-5 overall (5A South 11-0)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Benton has quietly put together an undefeated run in the South after a successful trip to the Championship last year. Their guard play and run-and-gun style have been major strengths.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prospect Watch: [player_tooltip player_id='2861223' first='Javarious' last='Russell'], [player_tooltip player_id='2194618' first='Anthony' last='Spratt, Jr.'], [player_tooltip player_id='2422333' first='Brian' last='Cal Jr.']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2861223' first='Javarious' last='Russell'] - A defensive‑minded guard who brings relentless on‑ball pressure and flashes strong, dependable offense when attacking in rhythm.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Sheridan 19-6 overall (5A South 8-2)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sheridan has shown the ability to score in bunches and have only lost a handful of games by single digits. They're a team that could surge late if they get hot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prospect Watch: [player_tooltip player_id='2430412' first='Lane' last='Bickford'], [player_tooltip player_id='2404469' first='Dawson' last='Griffin'], [player_tooltip player_id='2820934' first='Jace' last='Gatlin'], [player_tooltip player_id='2979226' first='Beckett' last='Scott']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2430412' first='Lane' last='Bickford'] - An interior center who anchors the paint with strength and toughness while also stepping out to knock down threes and stretch the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Alma 18-7 overall (5A West 7-2)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alma has been one of the more consistent teams in the West, staying within striking distance of Farmington. Their balance and selflessness keep them competitive every night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prospect Watch: [player_tooltip player_id='2021913' first='Shep' last='Newcomb']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2021913' first='Shep' last='Newcomb'] - A confident scoring guard who hunts quality looks, shoots it with rhythm, and consistently finds ways to put points on the board.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Van Buren 18-7 overall (5A West 7-2)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Van Buren matches Alma record‑for‑record and remains firmly in the hunt for a top‑three finish in the West. Their senior leadership, size, and pace give them the potential to upset.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prospect Watch: Brodie Myers, Gabe Johnson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brodie Myers - A well‑rounded point guard who blends steady decision‑making, scoring balance, and reliable control of the offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gabe Johnson - A high‑motor glue guy who does a little bit of everything. Loves hustling, defending, rebounding, and making winning plays all over the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dark Horses</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Teams with the talent, momentum, or matchup advantages to disrupt the bracket and surprise people in March.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Sylvan Hills 17-8 overall (5A Central 5-6)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite an up‑and‑down conference record, Sylvan Hills has the pieces to make a run. Their guard play and athletic wings give them a puncher's chance against top seeds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prospect Watch: Deryeus Fowlkes, [player_tooltip player_id='2393218' first='JJ' last='Wise']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Nettleton 15-10 overall (5A East 4-5)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nettleton has battled through a tough schedule and shown flashes of high‑level play. If they find consistency, they're dangerous.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prospect Watch: Antonio [player_tooltip player_id='2294097' first='TJ' last='Whitney'], Tejay Daley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Hot Springs 13-10 overall (5A South 7-4)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hot Springs has done a great job of building momentum in the South. Their hustle and ability to mix it up on both ends make them a tricky matchup for higher‑seeded teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prospect Watch: [player_tooltip player_id='2885505' first='Judah' last='Johnson'], [player_tooltip player_id='2868919' first='Vann' last='Hayes']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator -->