5A Boys Hoops Forecast: Swishes, Misses, and Bold Calls for the Week Ahead

They say predictions are like jump shots—sometimes you swish, sometimes you miss. But hey, that’s what makes it exciting, right? Last week, I stepped up to the free-throw line of forecasting and hit 29 out of 36. Not perfect, but I’ll take it! As we dive into another action-packed week of Arkansas 5A Boys basketball, let’s break down what’s ahead with a mix of stats, stories, and a sprinkle of good-natured guessing. After all, the game is played on the court, not in my notebook, but isn’t it fun to imagine?

5A Central

In the 5A Central, we’ve got some heated matchups to look forward to. Beebe (0-5) hits the road to face Catholic (2-3) on Tuesday, and I’m calling this one for Catholic. They’ll then host Little Rock Christian Academy (LRCA) on Friday, where I expect LRCA to continue their undefeated streak.

Speaking of streaks, Greenbrier (4-2) will visit Sylvan Hills (3-3) Tuesday, and I see Sylvan Hills pulling off a win. Greenbrier’s week ends with a bye Friday.

Jacksonville (2-3) faces a tough test at Vilonia (3-2) Tuesday, and I’m predicting Vilonia will hold strong at home. However, Jacksonville’s fortunes could turn Friday when they host Sylvan Hills.

Meanwhile, LRCA (5-0) is set for a showdown against Maumelle (5-0) Tuesday, a game I’ve marked as the Game of the Week for the Central. Both teams are undefeated, but I believe Maumelle’s veteran lineup will edge out LRCA’s talented squad featuring 5-star junior JJ Andrews. Maumelle will then host Vilonia Friday, and I’m predicting they’ll keep their momentum rolling.

Parkview (0-6) gets a bye Tuesday but will aim for their first win Friday against Catholic. Sylvan Hills, after facing Greenbrier, travels to Jacksonville Friday, where I’m calling it for the home team. Vilonia will face Jacksonville Tuesday and then travel to Maumelle Friday—a tough week where I see them splitting results.

My top four teams in the 5A Central, listed alphabetically: LRCA, Maumelle, Sylvan Hills, Vilonia.

5A South

The 5A South promises drama this week, starting with Benton (5-0) traveling to Sheridan (1-4) Tuesday. I’m predicting Benton takes the win, but their big test comes Friday at Lakeside (4-2). Here’s where I’m calling an upset—Lakeside has been stellar this season, and I think their team chemistry and home-court advantage will carry them past Benton.

El Dorado (3-2) has a busy schedule, visiting Lake Hamilton (3-2) Tuesday and Sheridan Thursday. I’m giving them the edge in both games. Hot Springs (4-1) heads to White Hall (4-1) Tuesday in another must-watch matchup, as coach Josh Hayes and UAPB commit Jai Hayes return to face their former team. White Hall, led by AJ McCray and freshman standout Brian Cal Jr., is on a roll, but I think Hot Springs’ deep roster and experience will secure a close win. Hot Springs will then host Pine Bluff (0-5) Friday, where I predict another victory for the Trojans.

Lake Hamilton will look to rebound against El Dorado Tuesday but faces a tough White Hall squad Friday—I’m predicting a split week for them. Lakeside gets a bye Tuesday and will aim to pull off their big upset Friday against Benton. Pine Bluff hosts Texarkana (0-6) Tuesday, and I’m giving Pine Bluff their first win of the season. They’ll then travel to White Hall Thursday and Hot Springs Friday, where I see them falling short. Sheridan faces Benton Tuesday and El Dorado Thursday before hosting Texarkana Friday—I think they’ll close the week with a win.

My Game of the Week for the South is a toss up between the White Hall v. Hot Springs game, and the Lakeside v. Benton matchup.

My top four teams in the 5A South, listed alphabetically: Benton, Hot Springs, Lakeside, White Hall.

5A West

Over in the 5A West, Alma (1-2) kicks off the week at Van Buren (1-2) Tuesday, and I’m predicting Alma will grab the road win. They’ll then host Mountain Home (0-3) Friday in another winnable game. Farmington (2-1) heads to Mountain Home Tuesday and hosts Russellville (2-1) Friday. I’m predicting the Cardinals take both games.

Greenwood (2-1) travels to Russellville Tuesday, a matchup I think the Cyclones will win. However, Greenwood’s fortunes should improve Friday at home against Siloam Springs (1-2). Harrison (3-0), the team to beat in the West, will host Siloam Springs Tuesday before heading to Van Buren Friday. I’m predicting Harrison wins both. Mountain Home’s tough week includes matchups against Farmington and Alma, and I don’t see them breaking their losing streak.

My Game of the Week for the West is Friday’s showdown between Farmington and Russellville. Both teams are strong contenders, but I give the edge to Farmington playing at home.

My top four teams in the 5A West, listed alphabetically: Alma, Farmington, Harrison, Russellville.

5A East

In the 5A East, Batesville (0-2) faces a tough schedule, hosting Nettleton (2-0) Tuesday and traveling to Marion (2-1) Friday. I’m calling both games for their opponents. Greene County Tech (2-1) has two exciting matchups: they host West Memphis (1-2) Tuesday, and I see them winning. However, I think they’ll fall to Valley View (2-0) Friday in a key battle of top teams.

Marion travels to Paragould (1-2) Tuesday, where I predict a win, before hosting Batesville Friday. Nettleton will take on Batesville Tuesday and West Memphis Friday, and I’m predicting they stay undefeated. Paragould will split their week, falling to Marion but defeating Searcy (0-2) Friday. Valley View, meanwhile, should have a perfect week with wins over Searcy Tuesday and Greene County Tech Friday.

My Game of the Week for the East is Greene County Tech versus Valley View Friday. Both teams are top-tier in the region, but I believe Valley View’s depth and talent will shine through.

My top four teams in the 5A East, listed alphabetically: Greene County Tech, Marion, Nettleton, Valley View.

Thanks for following along—here’s to another exciting week of 5A hoops!

KFletch 🖤