The Arkansas high school basketball season is right around the corner, and the 5A Boys division is set to be one of the most thrilling yet. With powerhouse programs and fresh talent spread across the 5A East, West, Central, and South, this season promises fierce matchups and no shortage of storylines. Last year, the Pine Bluff Zebras claimed the state championship title in a hard-fought battle, edging out the Benton Panthers 68-63. Now, as teams gear up to reclaim or disrupt the title, every region has its contenders ready to leave their mark on the court.
Adding to the excitement, the 5A division has seen a significant shakeup in coaching staff, especially in the 5A Central, where all but two coaches are new to their programs. With nearly half the schools in the division introducing fresh leadership, these new coaches bring their own energy, strategies, and high expectations. From seasoned veterans like Maumelle’s Michael Shook, now in his 13th year, to newcomers in their programs like Sammie Lewis at Marion and Dewaski Davis at Texarkana, this season will be a test of adaptability and resilience.
Game Changers on the Move:
Key Transfers Reshaping the 5A Boys Division
The 5A Boys division is set for an electrifying season, driven by a wave of high-profile player transfers that have reshaped team rosters across the league. Leading the charge are standout seniors like Jai Hayes, a 2025 UAPB commit now at Hot Springs. Following his father, Josh Hayes (now head coach at Hot Springs), Jai is set for a major senior year. In the eight games I covered last season, Hayes averaged 24 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block. He’s the humble star of the show, showcasing a versatility that leads his team game after game. Hayes can drive to the basket with finesse, hit a lethal 3-point shot, and will now have surrounding talent he hasn’t experienced in past seasons—a formula that should work well for him.
Joining him at Hot Springs is Jaeir Hardwell, a junior with incredible skill I had the pleasure of watching last year at Mills. Hardwell’s 3-point shot is absolutely formidable, and his prowess at the arc is matched only by his intensity on both ends of the floor. Pairing him with Hayes and the other Hot Springs transfers promises to be nothing short of cinematic. Rounding out Hot Springs’ transfer lineup are LaBraun Christon (formerly of Lake Hamilton), Elijah Reed (formerly of Jacksonville), Anthony Lambert (Lakeside), and Dae’Juan Ellis (Benton), all of whom add depth and experience to the Trojans' roster.
Maumelle has become another focal point for transfer talent, adding several players across multiple classes. Jayce Tillman was the leader at Jacksonville, and I saw his strength firsthand when he dropped 19 points in their first-round state tournament victory over 5A East Nettleton. A force to be reckoned with, Tillman has the strength and court awareness to propel the Hornets to multiple victories. Fellow senior Cedric Jones Jr., formerly of Conway, brings his playmaking prowess; if given just a split second of space, Jones is absolutely going to create scoring opportunities. Rounding out Maumelle’s transfer lineup are Talan Poyner (formerly of Memphis, TN), Corbin and Nash Page (formerly of Parkview), Reese Shearon, Kennon Johnson, and Jaylon Walker (Maumelle Charter), and Jacob Henry and Jackson Hampton (CAC).
Other teams like Benton, White Hall, and Parkview have also bolstered their rosters with player transfers. With all of these high-impact transfers settling in, the 5A Boys division is loaded with rivalries, skill, and storylines that make this season a must-watch.
Voices from the Sidelines:
Coaches Share Insights for the 2024-25 5A Season
The upcoming 5A basketball season is brimming with anticipation, and who better to offer insights than the coaches who live and breathe the game each day? From navigating new team dynamics to managing heightened competition, these coaches bring a wealth of experience, strategy, and passion to their programs.
Building Cohesion with New Faces at Hot Springs
As the new head coach of Hot Springs, Josh Hayes is navigating a season of fresh starts and high expectations. With six new transfers, including his son, UAPB commit Jai'Chaunn Hayes, Coach Hayes has been focused on fostering team cohesion in an environment that, as he describes, is still taking shape after significant roster turnover. “Truth be told, you have guys learning how to play together, figuring things out on the fly,” Hayes shared. To accelerate team chemistry, Hot Springs participated in two team camps and multiple scrimmages, allowing players to step into various roles and develop leadership qualities in Jai’s absence this off-season due to injury. This early bonding, Hayes hopes, set the stage for a smoother integration when Jai returned and for a team that’s ready to adapt and excel. Reflecting on his own role, Hayes adds, “If I’m developing kids, I’m doing my job… I think the key is to get 1% better every day.”
A Veteran Coach with a Tough Vision at Maumelle
Maumelle’s long-standing head coach, Michael Shook, is leveraging his team’s new talent to shape a season marked by adaptability and resilience. With players improving across key skills, like Markalon Rochell's shooting, Malik McGuire's ball-handling, and Derrick Lewis' transition into a point guard role, Shook is pushing his team to evolve continuously. But he anticipates a tough journey, particularly with a demanding schedule and players facing limited minutes due to Maumelle’s deep roster. Shook has already started preparing his team mentally, emphasizing focus and blocking out external voices. “The toughest challenge,” he notes, “is for the guys to tune out all the voices out there” and stay committed to the team’s goals.
Pride, Tradition, and Growth in White Hall and Benton
White Hall’s Assistant Coach Brian Cal is ready to embrace the intense competition in the 5A South. With recent state champions like Pine Bluff in the mix, and the anticipation of facing former Bulldog and new Trojan Coach Josh Hayes, Cal anticipates a season of fierce matchups and memorable rivalries.
Over in Benton, Assistant Coach Tyler Gattin is looking to build on the lessons from last year’s championship run. The team’s focus on making every possession count has shaped a disciplined, high-intensity approach to both practice and games. Gattin praises the senior class, with standout players like Terrion Burgess and Caleb Knight, who’ve taken the lead in cultivating a focused, grounded mindset among their teammates.
Standards over Goals in Russellville and Resilience at Beebe
Russellville’s Head Coach Greg Chenault takes a unique approach by centering his program around core values rather than specific goals. With tenets like hard work, unselfishness, and accountability, Chenault seeks to instill a winning attitude in his team that transcends the scoreboard. Standout players Donovan Villarreal and Malaki Siner embody these principles, showing impressive commitment and versatility.
Meanwhile, at Beebe, Coach Lee Wimberley faces a different challenge: introducing stability to a team accustomed to constant changes. Wimberley’s emphasis on resilience and competition is crucial, especially as his two senior leaders, Kaleb Overstreet and Ryan Rabun, set a strong example in the weight room and beyond. He’s prepared to see how their efforts in building strength and skill translate onto the court for a revitalized season.
Marion: A Culture Built on Trust and Togetherness
In his first season at the helm for the Marion Patriots, Coach Sammie Lewis is setting a foundation rooted in speed, trust, and teamwork. He sees managing the pace of play as a primary challenge, as the team looks to balance fast play with control. “We want to play fast but under control,” Lewis shared, emphasizing that practices are filled with drills designed to improve decision-making under pressure. Key players have stepped up to lead by example, with senior guard-forward Mikell Lewis providing the team’s motor and LaDaryl Robinson bringing vocal leadership. Emerging talent Chandler Randle is also on the rise, especially with his defensive skills, positioning himself as a player to watch this season.
Building Resilience: Lasker’s Vision for Parkview’s New Era
Antoni Lasker steps in as the interim head coach at Parkview, bringing a focus on overcoming inexperience and developing consistent leadership. With only a few players holding substantial varsity minutes, Lasker’s emphasis is on mentally preparing his team for the intensity of being key players this season. He’s pushing the Patriots through challenging practices, aiming to make them tougher than game situations. “We’re putting these kids through tons of adversity in practice so they can overcome adversity in games,” Lasker explains. He believes the team’s collective strides in mental and physical toughness will surprise many this season.
These coaches bring more than just strategies to their respective 5A teams; they instill values, set standards, and foster resilience that will guide their players through a highly competitive season.
What I'm Most Excited About:
Players, Potential, and the Road Ahead
As the season sets to begin, I'm reminded of the privilege it’s been to cover high school basketball across Arkansas. I’ve had the joy of covering the Maumelle Hornets for nearly four seasons now in different capacities, but this role has evolved into something far beyond a single team. Last year, being present at nearly every game of the 5A State Tournament and the 5A State Championship games brought me closer to this incredible community.
My goal is simple: to ensure that every student-athlete receives the recognition they’ve earned, regardless of where they call home.
Every story and every game add to the network of connections I’ve been lucky to form with families, athletes, coaches, and school communities alike. I don’t take this privilege lightly; it’s truly an honor to be part of their journeys.
Here’s to another unforgettable season, filled with hard-fought battles and standout performances.
Catch you on the court,
KFletch