Arkansas boys basketball power rankings: 20 movements this week; a familiar 6A school makes its return

Here are the boys Top 25 rankings for February 21-28

ByKyle Sutherland

The Top 5 remained the same, but there is a total of 20 movements heading into the final week of the regular season for the big classes while regional tournaments are tipping off for 1-4A. A familiar 6A school makes its return to the rankings, while a northwest Arkansas team from Class 3A makes its debut.

Here are the boys Top 25 rankings for February 21-28:

1. North Little Rock (23-3)

After being pushed hard by Bryant on January 25, the Charging Wildcats crushed the Hornets 72-41 despite not having Oregon signee Kel’El Ware, who was out due to a wrist injury. Future Razorback Nick Smith Jr. had just another day at the office, scoring 33 points.

2. Jonesboro (22-3)

The Hurricane got by West Memphis in a defensive battle on Tuesday and then shot lights-out against Searcy, scoring 90 points. They can clinch the 5A East with a win against Nettleton on Tuesday.

3. Magnolia (23-0)

There really is not much left to say about Magnolia; they check every box and will more than likely have no problems in the regional tournament that will be held on their home court.

4. LR Parkview (19-3) 

The Patriots took care of Sylvan Hills 78-51 in their lone game last week. In control of the 5A East, they are up against Jacksonville and a big rematch with Maumelle at home before the postseason begins. 

5. Farmington (29-1) 

It is a fun time to be in Farmington with both the boys and girls combining for a regular season record of 57-2 and both being ranked in the Top 5. Sophomore sensation Layne Taylor scored 49 points in two tournament games, while Nathan Monroe led the Cardinals in scoring against Berryville with 29 points.

6. Maumelle (22-3) 

The Hornets had to battle hard to get past Benton in a high-scoring game but were able to escape 84-83. They face a tough test on the road against Parkview and must be better prepared than the last time these two stepped on the court.

7. Springdale (18-6) 

Jeremy Price defeated his mentor Brad Stamps and Fayetteville for the first time in his career, handing the Purple Dogs their first conference loss of the season. Freshman stars Courtland Muldrew and Isaiah Sealy were fantastic as Muldrew led the Red Dogs with 18 points while Sealy put up a double-double (14 points, 11 rebounds).

8. Fayetteville (19-5) 

After suffering their first conference loss of the season, the Purple Dogs are still feeling confident as they head into senior night on Tuesday against Rogers Heritage.

9. Russellville (19-7) 

Russellville calmed the chaos in the 5A West some by beating Siloam Springs — those two were in a three-way tie with Vilonia for first place in the conference. Seniors Donyae May and Grayson Sims have been great this season and hope to lead the Cyclones on another deep state tournament run.

10. Fountain Lake (27-2) 

The Cobras’ incredible season continues to get better after defeating rival Arkadelphia in both the regular season and district tournament championships. 

11. Bentonville West (17-6) 

The Wolverines have won 8 of their past 10 including a huge overtime victory over rival Bentonville. They face a favorable matchup against Fort Smith Southside before capping the regular season against No 7 Springdale.

12. Bentonville (17-8) 

The Tigers dropped a heartbreaker in overtime to cross-town rival Bentonville West but gained confidence on senior night by defeating Rogers. Though it was a night the seniors were honored, it was juniors Jaylen Lee (25 points) and Xander Collins (12 points) who stepped up.

13. Marion (15-4) 

The Patriots lost a home game to Greene County Tech, dropping them in the Top 25 along with the 5A East standings. They have big opportunities this week against Paragould and Jonesboro to secure the 2-seed in the conference.

14. Siloam Springs (18-6) 

The chances of a 5A West regular-season title might be close to a longshot after falling to Russellville, but the Panthers still have more than enough to play for. They have to stay focused for a trip to Van Buren before a huge regular-season finale at home against Vilonia.

15. West Memphis (15-9) 

The Blue Devils went 1-2 last week, their losses to No 2 Jonesboro and No 13 Marion. They are most likely looking at the 3-seed in the 5A West.

16. Pine Bluff (15-7) 

The Zebras are one you better hop on the bandwagon for now because they are playing great ball and are poised to make a run. After upsetting previously No 6 Lake Hamilton, they whipped White Hall and Sheridan, then took down Lakeside, another ranked team. They have a rematch with Lake Hamilton on Monday but have already clinched the top seed in the 5A South.

17. Vilonia (15-8)

Vilonia has really impressed this season with their progression and tough play. The Eagles have a challenging week to end the regular season, facing No 9 Russellville and No 14 Siloam Springs, but can take the top spot in the West. 

18. Lake Hamilton (19-6) 

Lake Hamilton had about as bad of a week as a team could have with three straight losses followed by getting back on a win streak, but more importantly catching the attention of the nation for creating a life-changing memory for their team manager. 

19. Mills (18-7) 

The Comets continue to win and they might have reached the point of moving up from sleeper to contender in Class 4A having won 11 straight.

20. Blytheville (24-4) 

Blytheville lost a heartbreaker to Brookland in the district final, snapping their eight-game win streak, but with plenty of talent and a lot to play for, this could end up being a blessing in disguise for the Chickasaws.

21. Osceola (22-4) 

The Seminoles won the regular season and tournament in the very tough 3A-3, defeating Manila 62-47 led by senior wing Daylen Love’s 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals. Love averaged 23.5 points in two district tournament games.

22. Lakeside (18-6)

Pine Bluff snapped Lakeside’s eight-game win streak, but the Rams still have a good chance of clinching the 2-seed in the 5A South.

23. Bryant (17-7) 

The Hornets had a tough week, first suffering an upset at the hands of Cabot and then losing a lopsided match to top-ranked North Little Rock. They will close the regular season against Conway.

24. Little Rock Central (14-10)

The Tigers find themselves back in the Top 25 as winners of seven of their past nine. Junior guard Gavin Snyder has stepped up big as of late, adding to the young talent at Brian Ross and Co’s disposal.

25. Elkins (24-4)

For the first time this season, the fourth time for Class 3A, the Elks jump into the Top 25 following a great regular season and district tournament.