Class 3A Arkansas high school girls basketball preview

Eight teams to watch in Class 3A Arkansas prep girls basketball

With the start of a new season, SBLive is previewing Arkansas high school basketball. Today, we feature eight teams to watch from the girls ranks of Class 3A. Over the coming weeks there will be features for each classification as well as player position lists. 

Head over to the website for complete coverage and standings throughout the season. You can also listen to our weekly podcast, Arkansas Prep X-Tra, for even more in-depth coverage.

Bergman head coach James Halitzka (Photo by Tommy Land)

BERGMAN PANTHERS 

Head Coach: James Halitzka

Conference: 3A-1

2022-23 Finish: 37-5, 3A state semifinalist 

Notable Departures

Maddi Holt | Harding University signee, all-conference, all-state, all-state tournament, 2022 3A state tournament MVP, 3,100 career points

Madeline Moon | all-conference 

Players To Watch

G Ruby Trammell 5-9 SR | Ouachita Baptist signee, all-conference, all-state

G Taryn Holt 5-4 SO | all-conference 

G Kiersten Lowry 5-4 JR | all-conference 

P Savannah Ketchum 6-1 SR | College of the Ozarks commit, all-conference

G Brinley Collins 5-6 FR

G Jacey Halitzka 5-5 FR

Outlook

Bergman has won 80 games over the past two seasons and fell just two points shy of returning to the 3A finals, coincidentally to Lamar, whom the Lady Panthers beat for the state title the previous year. While the Lady Panthers graduated one of the state's most all-time decorated players in Maddi Holt, Trammell, Taryn Holt and Lowry all return, while Ketchum, a transfer from Valley Springs, is a heralded edition in the paint. Jacey Halitzka and Collins will be two of the new faces earning minutes on the varsity squad after moving up from junior high. 

Coach Said

"This group has put a lot of extra time in the weight room this off season. We have some size with Trammell and Ketchum, and even though the other five guards in my playing rotation will be 5-5 or shorter, we should be able to compensate with our speed and physical strength." 

- James Halitzka

FOUKE PANTHERS 

Head Coach: Mo Williams

Conference: 3A-7

2022-23 Finish: 34-4, 3A state quarterfinalist

Notable Departures

Jacie Bishop | Southern Arkansas Community College signeeall-conference, all-state 

Logan Smith | Southern Arkansas Community College signee, all-conference, all-state 

Players To Watch

G Connie Ross 5-7 SR | all-state tournament 

G Mallorie Scoggins 5-8 SR

F Nailah Zetrenne 5-10 SR

G Paige Attaway 5-5 SR

G Kendall Haworth 5-8 JR

F Laynie Richardson 5-7 JR

G Allison Caudle 5-7 JR

F Kinley Smith 6-1 SO

Outlook

It is never easy having to replace two all-state players as Fouke must do with the departure of Bishop and Smith. However, Coach Williams is known to got seven or eight deep into his bench and he brings multiple back who have earned valuable minutes. The senior quartet of Ross (6.7 ORPG, 5.6 SPG, 5.2 APG), Scoggins, Attaway (4.2 SPG, 4.1 APG) and consistent double-double producer Zetrenne (11.7 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 2.7 BPG) are the ones with the most minutes under their belt. Williams mentioned Richardson, who connected on 53 three-pointers last year, increased her range even more over the offseason, while classmates Haworth and Caudle, along with Smith, should round out the rotation for the Lady Panthers. 

Coach Said

"Getting beat in the quarterfinals by eventual state champions Salem didn't sit well with us this off season. We were beaten by a better team, we know that, but it also showed the girls and myself where we need to be as team to hopefully ascend to the next level. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise. We knew as a team that we had to do better, be tougher and smarter. And then we proceeded to make changes and adjustments to our program. The girls attacked the offseason with a vengeance. They practiced more, played more games, went to trainers, lifted weights and attended Ten-10 Training sessions once a week. I know they want to go further and I know as a coach these ladies will be dependable, hold each other accountable, do all the extra and give their best effort. Real growth happens on the other side of sacrifice and pain and these girls have done it." 

- Mo Williams

JESSIEVILLE LIONS 

Head Coach: Magen Scrivner

Conference: 3A-7

2022-23 Finish: 19-11, 3A state first round

Notable Departures

None.

Players To Watch

G Payton Futch 5-8 SO | all-conference, all-state, all-state tournament, SBLive Arkansas Underclassman of the Year 

G Karstyn Scrivner 5-9 SO | all-conference

G Kennedi Scrivner 5-9 JR | all-conference

P Kaylee Crawford 5-8 SR 

G Brinklee Heath 5-2 SO

G Karley Saveall 5-6 SO 

G Olivia Wilhite 5-3 SO

P Lilly Burrow 5-10 SO

Outlook

Jessieville was sitting at 16-5 with three weeks left in the 2022-23 season before dropping six of their final eight games, which should add plenty of motivation with a fresh start right around the corner. Similar to last year, the Lady Lions will be one of the more youthful teams in Class 3A, but that did not stop them from earning a trip to the state finals. Crawford will be the lone senior, while Futch (21.9 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.4 APG, 4.9 SPG), as well as Karstyn and Kennedi Scrivner are three of the top contributors returning. Coach Scrivner mentioned that an additional quartet of sophomores expect to log minutes as this program continues to keep building. 

Coach Said

"We know what our goals are for this season and we have them visually posted in our locker room. We are experienced in guard play and have young talent in the guard/post spots for this season. We are versatile on defense and play aggressively on both ends of the court. This group plays with lots of energy and we are so excited for season. We will take one game at a time and we are ready for the challenges ahead."

- Magen Scrivner

HELENA  WEST HELENA CENTRAL COUGARS 

Head Coach: Sabrina Daniels 

Conference: 3A-8

2022-23 Finish: 22-7, 3A state first round 

Notable Departures

Brooklyn Collier | all-conference, team Defensive Player of the Year 

Mikayla Harrell 

Players To Watch

G Jordyn Gamble 5-3 SO 

P Kassidy Truitt 5-10 SR 

G Jakyra Jackson  5-7 JR 

G Hannah Gates 5-5 SR  really good on D, hits a lot threes 

G/P Zaria Smith 5-8 JR

Outlook

It goes without saying that the Lady Cougars have plenty of unfinished business following a tough ending to last season, dropping five of their last six games following a 21-2 start. Many of this year's top contributors are back, led by returning starters Gamble and Jackson in the backcourt, along with Truitt in the post. Gates provides consistent defense on the perimeter and shoots well from long range, while Smith's versatility allows her to handle the ball effectively, as well as protect the paint. 

Coach Said

"It is really a blessing to have so many of the girls back with me. I look to keep driving them for us and have a great season." 

- Sabrina Daniels 

Lamar head coach Brandon Schluterman (Photo by Tommy Land)

LAMAR WARRIORS 

Head Coach: Brandon Schluterman 

Conference: 3A-5

2022-23 Finish: 29-5, 3A state runner-up

Notable Departures

Morgan Cochran

Bailee Cowell

Shae Taylor |  all-state tournament 

Karley Williams | all-state

Players To Watch

G Kori Sanders 5-4 JR | all-conference, all-state

P Madison Davidson 5-11 JR

G Rylee Miller 5-5 JR

G Kaley Long 5-6 JR

G Shaylie Mayfield 5-6 JR

Outlook

Amidst extreme adversity following the tragic loss of a teammate during the season, the Lady Warriors finished in the 3A state finals for the second consecutive season. Two-time all-state point guard Kori Sanders returns in the back court after having to sit out late in the season due to an injury, while Davidson returns in the post. Both Sanders and Davidson will be looked to for leadership with plethora of underclassmen coming in, including guards Long, Miller and Mayfield. Lamar will be tested early with matchups headlined with defending 2A runner-up Conway Christian, Class 6A Springdale and 1A contender Wonderview. 

Coach Said

"We have a good mix of returning playmakers with some kids that are ready to take the next step. This group has worked hard in the preseason and is ready for the season. Making sure we stay healthy and keep improving will be the key to the season."

- Brandon Schluterman 

MOUNTAIN VIEW YELLOWJACKETS 

Head Coach: TJ Coleman

Conference: 3A-2

2022-23 Finish: 23-14, 3A state first round

Notable Departures

Tori McCarty 

Players To Watch

G Kaitlyn McCarn 5-8 SR | Ouachita Baptist University commit, all-conference, all-state 

G Jaci Cooper 5-4 SO | all-conference 

F Emma Akins 5-11 SO | all-conference 

G Ellie Akins 5-10 SR 

G Avery Milam 5-3 SR

F Kaydence Dearien 5-6 JR

Outlook

Mountain View won back-to-back state championships in 2019-20 (split with Valley Springs in '20) and this could very well be the group to contend for another one under first year head coach TJ Coleman. Everything starts with McCarn (21.5 PPG), but it certainly does not stop with her as Emma Akins (11 PPG) and Cooper (12.2 PPG) also return after both earned all-conference as freshmen. Senior leader and lengthy two guard Ellie Akins, who is also a standout in cross country, is also back, while Coleman mentioned that Akins' classmate, Milam, brings "wealth of experience and leadership" and junior forward Dearien's "continuous improvement is promising."

Coach Said

"I'm thrilled about the upcoming season and the opportunity to coach this group of talented young athletes. In my first year with this team, I've been truly impressed by the players' eagerness to embrace new techniques and adapt to a fresh style of play. We are still aware there will be learning curves and adjustments early in the season, but I have been proud of the willingness to step out of their comfort zones, demonstrating their commitment to growth and improvement. They've been open to learning new terminology and embracing different ways of doing things on the court. Mountain View Lady 'Jackets have a storied history of success, and I believe that our willingness to explore and innovate will contribute to a promising future. As a team, we're building upon that proud legacy, and I have full confidence in our ability to achieve great things together."

- TJ Coleman

Salem guard Marleigh Sellars (Photo by Tommy Land)

SALEM GREYHOUNDS 

Head Coach: Josh Bateman

Conference: 3A-2

2022-23 Finish: 30-4, 3A state champions

Notable Departures

Chelsea Hamilton | Delta State signee, all-conference, all-state tournament

Greenly Hall 

Kelsey Humphries 

Players To Watch

G Marleigh Sellars 5-8 SR | Arkansas Tech commit, all-conference, all-state, 3A state tournament Most Valuable Player 

G Olivia Dockins 5-5 SR

F Maddie Keen 5-7 SR

F Montana Franks 5-8 JR

P Callie Hall 5-8 JR

P Madi Price 5-9 SR

G/F Hadley Reed 5-7 SO

G Alli Smith 5-5 JR

Outlook

They were close multiple times in Class 2A, but the Lady Greyhounds won the program's first state championship after bumping up last season. The return of state tournament MVP Sellars (19.5 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 5 APG, 3.3 SPG) makes this squad an automatic contender again, but she has plenty of talent around her despite the graduation of Hamilton. Keen (7 PPG, 33% 3FG), who scored 26 points in the state semifinals against Glen Rose, and Dockins (7 PPG, 37% 3FG) are additional returning starters who are very reliable shooters. Senior Price will contribute, along with the next wave of Lady Greyhounds that includes Hall, Reed and Smith. 

Coach Said

"We return four of our top seven players from last season. I believe this group has a chance to have a great year. We have had a good off-season. A big key for us is to improve all season long and to continue to grow as a team."

- Josh Bateman 

VALLEY SPRINGS TIGERS

Head Coach: Ryan Johnson

Conference: 3A-1

2022-23 Finish: 29-13, 3A state first round

Notable Departures

Aidan Gorton | Arkansas Tech softball signee

Players To Watch

G Macy Willis 5-6 JR | all-conference, all-state 

F Camie Moore 5-9 SR

F Tayla Trammell 6-0 JR

G Eliza Drewry 5-8 SR

G Katey Henson 5-4 SR

Outlook

Challenging non-conference schedules are always great prep for the remainder of the season and Valley Springs will not have to worry about being battle-tested early. The Lady Tigers will take on defending 4A quarterfinalist Clinton, defending 5A quarterfinalist Sheridan, defending 5A-South champion Benton and defending 5A semifinalist West Memphis all in the first month. Willis (12.5 PPG, 2 SPG) headlines a rotation that has logged many valuable minutes along with Moore (8.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG), Trammell (7.5 PPG, 5.6 RPG), Drewry (6 PPG, 4 APG) and Henson (4 PPG, 4 APG). 

Coach Said

"We bring back lots of experience and will play a tough non conference schedule in hopes to get us ready for conference and postseason."

- Ryan Johnson

OTHERS TO WATCH: Episcopal Collegiate, Cossatot River, Mayflower

--Kyle Sutherland | @k_sutherlandAR