Brayden Morse

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NEA Baptist Urgent Care Plus opens imaging center

Posted on May 1, 2024 by Brayden Morse

Outpatient imaging center provides computed tomography scans, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, X-ray and lab testing in an urgent care setting.

Delta Digital News Service

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

JONESBORO, Ark. – The Northeast Arkansas Baptist Urgent Care Plus Clinic opened an outpatient imaging center March 4, providing computed tomography scans, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, X-ray and lab testing in the urgent care setting.

The outpatient imaging center, located in the middle of the building, right off I-555 and Red Wolf Boulevard. The urgent care side of the building, located on the north side of the building.

Andrea Simpson, executive director at NEA Baptist, provided what stands out with the new outpatient imaging center.

“What stands this building apart from our other urgent cares in our community today, is our advanced lab equipment and our high-tech imaging. Hopefully this will keep those patients from having to go to our emergency room setting, and free up our ERs for true emergent patients,” Simpson said. “We really want to take care of those sicker patients, more than just flu-type symptoms that we treat today in urgent care. Like lacerations, belly pain, appendicitis, sports injuries, minor fractures, things like that we want to be able to treat in this setting.”

Urgent Care Plus creates a higher level of care for citizens than their typical urgent care setting. Treatment for more serious, yet non-life-threatening illness and injury will be provided.

Urgent Care Plus staffed by emergency trained physicians and open from 8 a.m. to midnight seven days a week. Nurses, lab staff, imaging technologists and ER-trained physicians provided, with extended hours for added convenience.

The building took about 18 months to complete because of staffing positions, installing imaging equipment, and tearing down a pharmacy and the old medical building.

The advanced imaging equipment needed American College of Radiology accreditation to use on patients in the clinic setting, taking an extra 90 days to complete. As mentioned earlier, sports injuries will be treated as well.

Simpson shared the importance of having the ability to treat sports injuries.

“We are there and available to treat sports injuries much faster than an emergency room can,” Simpson said.

Ty Jones, director of marketing at NEA Baptist, expressed how this clinic impacts the community.

“It’s going to provide a side of town that has to travel to get their healthcare. This is us putting a higher level of care back on that side of town for our patients who may have to travel from the Harrisburg area or from the Valley View side of Jonesboro,” Jones said. “Something as simple as an imaging service, that’s going to be much more convenient for you if you’re on that side of our service area, to pop in that imaging center rather than having to come all the way to the hospital.”

Simpson also shared her thoughts on finally opening new parts of the clinic.

“The construction took about 18 months, but I’ve been planning this for about two and a half years. Finally opening the Urgent Care Plus side is very exciting and kind of a checkbox for me. I’m excited for our community to be able to use it,” Simpson said.

The family practice side of the building, known as the Red Wolf Clinic of 47 years, will continue to function. New equipment and technology added to that side of the building as well.

“New Imaging Technology in Naples” by U.S. Navy Medicine/ CC0 1.0

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Brayden Morse is a multimedia journalism major in the School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He can be reached at brayden.morse@smail.astate.edu.

News

Mental health: where the gym comes in handy

Posted on May 1, 2024 by Brayden Morse

Delta Digital News Service

Monday, May 1, 2024

By Brayden Morse | Contributor

JONESBORO, Ark–Beyond the weights and treadmills lies a place not just for physical health, but for mental health too.

Many people tell wonderful stories about how they got into the gym and how it benefited their mental health, along with work life. A citizen of Craighead County, Elizabeth Almanza, explained what got her into the gym as well as how her mental health was affected because of the gym.

“I started going to the gym mainly to lose weight, and I was already on antidepressants and anxiety medicine. I started getting better as far as physically and mentally it has helped me. I’m not on any of those medicines (antidepressants and anxiety medicine) anymore. It’s definitely a stress reliever. I love the physical aspect of it, but it’s mainly mental for me,” Almanza said.

She went on to discuss how the gym impacts her work life.

“It definitely helps me stay focused at work because I do let out a lot of stress at the gym. If things are bothering me at work, I come to the gym. I work out then go back to work and it’s better,” Almanza said.

According to an article by KARK, Arkansas ranks fifth as most overweight & obese state in study | KARK and Most Overweight and Obese Cities in the U.S. in 2024 article by WalletHub in 2024, Arkansas ranks fifth as most overweight and obese state in the United States.

Heidi Rigsbee, a health, physical education and sports sciences professor from Arkansas State University with a master’s and bachelor’s degree in exercise science, bachelor’s in dietetics and certified exercise physiologist, explained how people can set realistic goals and maintain their goals once achieved.

“Exercise is a use it or lose it concept. If you’re not going to continue to do the behaviors that got you to the point you wanted to be, then you will regress or your body will go back to its previous self. I think reminding people that it takes long-term consistency to have the positive adaptations that take place in exercise is the key,” Rigsbee said.

She also explained how the gym benefits your mental health.

“Exercise is probably one of the most underutilized and under prescribed antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicine. That goes all to the endocrine system and what’s happening with your endorphins and your dopamine. Exercise releases all of those feel good hormones, just like a drug would do. It’s a natural way to help mental health,” Rigsbee said.

Lots of people who are new to the gym or do not know how to work out properly, rely on a personal trainer to help achieve their goals. Without the trainer’s help, people can lose motivation and a sense of direction within their fitness goals.

A 10 Fitness personal trainer and former Arkansas State and NFL tight end, Darion Griswold, explained how he keeps his clients motivated to reach their goals.

“Making sure everybody is seeing the gains. Making sure I’m tailored to what my clients want and members want. Getting feedback from them. Making it a safe environment for everybody. Going to the gym is already hard enough. Finding 30 minutes out of the day (to workout) is important for overall health and for the mind in general. Showing people that gym time will pay off over time,” Griswold said.

Griswold also shared his thoughts on citizens of Arkansas setting realistic goals to achieve, when there is a high obese rate in the state.

“Everybody wants the fast results. I’m not saying that can’t happen but you have to put in the work, eat right, hydrate your body right and get enough sleep. The average person in Arkansas works a lot of hours so gym is something that is in the back of their mind. Everybody has kids and priorities. Once you make that gym life a priority of yours, that’s when you’ll notice the gains and difference in weight loss. It’s giving people more to look forward to,” Griswold said.

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Brayden Morse is a junior in the multimedia journalism program in the School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He can be reached at brayden.morse@smail.astate.edu.

NOTE: Feature photo by Sven Mieke on Unsplash

Recreation

Medicaid unwinding affects over 13,000 Jonesboro residents

Posted on May 1, 2024 by Brayden Morse

Over 13,000 Jonesboro residents lost coverage

Delta Digital News Service

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

By Brayden Morse | Contributor

JONESBORO, Ark. – Since Medicaid began unwinding in a year ago, 13,147 Jonesboro residents lost coverage, including 4,693 children.

After a long hiatus of no doctor’s visits, families might take their children to get their once-a-year wellness check or physical and realize they are no longer covered. Families might not understand how they are no longer covered and may not understand how the unwinding process began.

Anna Strong, executive director of the Arkansas Chapter American Academy of Pediatrics, explains what factors led to the unwinding.

“During the COVID-19 public health emergency, state Medicaid agencies received enhanced federal funding to keep people from losing their coverage during the pandemic. After the public health emergency ended, states had to re-evaluate the eligibility for everyone on the Medicaid roster. Because individuals may have moved, changed phone numbers, divorced, married, had children, or otherwise changed their circumstances, they may have missed efforts to reach them to update information and renew their eligibility. After a period of time, Medicaid had to remove them from the program if they had not received updated information,” Strong said.

Families and children have been impacted in many ways. According to the Arkansas Department of Health, nearly 1 in 3 children ages 3-17 have reported one or more mental, emotional, developmental or behavioral health problems. Identifying and treating these issues such as depression, anxiety, and addiction requires specialist treatment.

Healthy children are more likely to attend school regularly and more likely to reach the cognitive, social and emotional milestones needed to ensure success in the classroom and beyond.

Jonesboro pediatrician at The Children’s Clinic, Dr. Jane Sneed, details some challenges she has seen people face.

“Raising kids is difficult enough, but thinking you have medical coverage and then finding out that you don’t is a major stressor for families. Insurance is really important for those unpredictable moments. You never know when you’ll break an arm, step on a piece of glass and need stitches, or something worse that you never saw coming,” Sneed said.

Sneed also explained how people and the profession have been impacted.

“We have done a lot of legwork since the unwinding began, sending text messages, making calls sending portal reminders to people who were going to be affected. We wanted to make sure our patients were able to re-enroll as quickly as possible in Medicaid or find another option. Still, we lost about 30 percent of our Medicaid patients. That’s certainly affected our clinic, but you really worry about the patients,” Sneed said.

Fortunately, Arkansans can still find affordable options for healthcare coverage. Applications for Arkansas Medicaid, ARHOME, and ARKids First are accepted year-round, and those impacted by coverage losses when their Medicaid eligibility is ending has an extended open enrollment period through the My Arkansas Insurance marketplace.

The Arkansas Chapter American Academy of Pediatrics made a few notes on why families need insurance coverage. Medical debt is the No. 1 cause of bankruptcy in the U.S., which causes lots of financial stress for families. Families may find it difficult to maintain their standard of living and their savings due to the rapidly rising cost of medical coverage.

When parents know their children are covered by medical insurance, it reduces stress and anxiety about medical bills and unplanned medical emergencies. Coverage lets parents focus on their child’s health and well-being instead of constantly worrying about the finances. In the long run, having health insurance translates to a healthier, more fulfilling life. Re-enrollment enables parents to guarantee that their kids get the healthcare they require, resulting in happier, more cohesive families and communities.

NOTE: Feature photo by Markus Frieauff on Unsplash

Craighead County Deputy PAO releases annual report on Hot Check Program

Posted on April 29, 2024 by Brayden Morse

JP Barbara Weinstock (District 5) announces retirement after 27 years

Delta Digital News Service

Brayden Morse | Contributor

Monday, April 29, 2024

JONESBORO, Ark. – The Hot Check Program from the Craighead County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney’s office in accordance with ACA 16-21-120(c) presented the 2023 annual report of attorney fees and restitution fees on Feb. 12.

The Hot Check program was terminated in April 2021. Keith Chrestman, former Craighead County prosecuting attorney, terminated the program when realizing few people write checks anymore. It was costing Chrestman more than he was getting out of it.

Charlene Davidson, Managing Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Craighead County, presented the 2023 annual report.

“During the 2023 calendar year, our office received $13,011.21 from the Craighead County Sheriff’s Office to be entered as payments received from the defendants in the Hot Check Program,” Davidson said.

“During the 2023 calendar year, our office received $13,011.21 from the Craighead County Sheriff’s Office to be entered as payments received from the defendants in the Hot Check Program.”
Craighead County Managing Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Charlene Davidson

The Craighead County Prosecutor’s Office disbursed $32,991.73 towards victim restitution and $11,813.25 towards merchant fees that defendants were charged for the hot checks. The office also disbursed $8,259.09 in prosecuting attorneys fees.

The prosecuting attorney fees are entitled to the prosecuting attorneys by statute for managing the Hot Check program.

Davidson shared that money is still coming in despite termination of the program, when a committee member asked about the money situation and how it works.

“There is money still coming in. The defendants pleaded guilty and got on a payment plan. Some of them pay and some do not. Sheriff Marty Boyd has been really good about getting their tax refunds. We get money that has been owed for 10-15-20 years. There is still money coming in that needs to go out to the victims. I think money will come in for quite some time,” she said.

Once a defendant is found guilty of violating the hot check law, they enter a guilty plea. The defendant is ordered to pay restitution. The collection of restitution fees is managed by the Sheriff’s office.

“Until it is paid in full, it is still owed. It will continue to come in even though we are no longer prosecuting those types of cases,” Davidson said.

Now that the program does not exist, if someone sees suspicion of a hot check, they will present them to the law enforcement agency for investigation.

If the law enforcement agency finds probable cause for an arrest, they will forward it to the Craighead County Prosecutor’s Office.

In other business, Craighead County Judge Marvin Day announced Barbara Weinstock’s retirement after 27 years as Justice of the Peace for District Five at the Craighead County Quorum Court meeting on Monday.

Weinstock was responsible for $30,549,485 of grants of free money, helping people of Craighead County. The grants were used for mental health courts, veteran’s courts, drug courts, etc.

Weinstock shared her thoughts on her appreciation of the committee and her time as part of the Justice of the Peace.

“I’ve learned a lot, I really have. Thank you, it has been a pleasure,” Weinstock said.

“I’ve learned a lot, I really have. Thank you, it has been a pleasure,”
District 5 JP Barbara Weinstock

Judge Day said Weinstock would retire Friday but continue to help. He also shared his appreciation of Weinstock and the future of her replacement.

“We are looking for a replacement. We are excited for her,” Day said.

Craighead County quorum court will meet again Feb. 26.

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NOTE: Featured photo by Money Knack on Unsplash

Jonesboro City Council passes resolution for data tracking

Posted on February 8, 2024 by Brayden Morse

City hires company to compile citizen data

Delta Digital News Service

Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024

Brayden Morse | Contributor

JONESBORO, Ark. – The Jonesboro City Council passed a resolution for data tracking on Tuesday that may concern citizens.

The resolution entered a contract with Placer Labs Inc. for data compiling software to provide vital information for grant writing efforts.

The data will be valuable for community development, advertising and promotion in the city. The contract will begin in February 2024 and terminate in February 2025.

Dr. Anthony Coleman, councilman for Ward 6, Position 1, wanted clarity on citizens having their phones tracked without their consent.

“This software potentially gathers information from our citizens to know where they are and their location. Is this a violation of the rights of a citizen to know where they are and what they are doing? I’d like someone to address the questioning regarding the concern to have a person’s phone tracked without their consent,” Coleman said.

“This software potentially gathers information from our citizens to know where they are and their location. Is this a violation of the rights of a citizen to know where they are and what they are doing? I’d like someone to address the questioning regarding the concern to have a person’s phone tracked without their consent,”
Dr. Anthony Coleman, Councilman for Ward 6, Position 1

Turns out, the software does not track personal data. Placer Labs Inc. cannot gather any personal information. The company uses third party apps on mobile devices that have been given permission to utilize.

The contract is $20,000 annually for five users that is 12 months long and renewable.

City Attorney Carol Duncan responded to a city chamber’s concern of the data and tracking within the city.

“If you’re on Facebook, you’ve agreed to let them collect your data. They already track you and everywhere you go. All this does is collect the data. It won’t tell me it’s you, but it’ll say you went to the park. We can use that data to say look at all of the people who came to the park and we should deserve this grant,” Duncan said.

“…All this does is collect the data. It won’t tell me it’s you, but it’ll say you went to the park. We can use that data to say look at all of the people who came to the park and we should deserve this grant,” Duncan said.
City Attorney Carol Duncan

The zoning ordinance provides changes in zoning boundaries from residential and commercial to commercial for property located at 915 Southwest Drive as requested by G.S. Brant Perkins.

Chris Gibson, councilman for Ward 3, Position 2, shared his concerns on the rezoning for the property.

“Safety is a big concern of mine. That is the worst area in Jonesboro in terms of traffic control, as we all know. I don’t know where my head is on this one, but that’s my biggest concern,” Gibson said.

“Safety is a big concern of mine. That is the worst area in Jonesboro in terms of traffic control, as we all know. I don’t know where my head is on this one, but that’s my biggest concern,”
Chris Gibson, Ward 3, Position 2

According to the Jonesboro Police Department, 53 motor vehicle accidents off 915 Southwest Drive occurred in 2023. Even though the accident total was provided, the council approved of the ordinance.

The council approved four ordinances for permits as well. A microbrewery restaurant private club permit for Defending Advancement Inc. and Lebowski’s Inc. will be located at 1514 Southern Ridge Blvd.

The Arts Annex, Inc. will relocate to 330 S. Main, as well as 1812 Pizza Company with no location set yet. The council also approved Southern BBQ Hilltop for a private club permit.

Four resolutions for properties located at 315 Welch, 405/411 McDaniel, 812 Creath and 1025/1029 Hope from Redbird Investments LLC were passed with only one discussion from the council regarding the purpose of attaining the properties.

Redbird Investments LLC will be used as inventory. If anyone in the area is interested in developing, the company will look into it.

The Jonesboro City Council will meet again February 20 at 5:30 p.m.

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Government

Jonesboro vs. Little Rock Central Basketball Double Header

Posted on February 3, 2024 by Brayden Morse

Hurricane Boys and Girls fall to LR Tigers

Friday, Jan. 26, 2024

Brayden Morse | Sports Editor

JONESBORO, Ark. – Little Rock Central guards Daniel Culberson and Luke Moore combined for 34 points to help beat the Jonesboro Hurricane 61-36 on Friday night at Don Riggs Hurricane Gymnasium.

Culberson scored 19 points and Moore scored 15 in the win. Moore also led the team with three, three-pointers, which all came in the second quarter on back-to-back-to-back three-point attempts.

Little Rock Central head coach Brian Ross shared his thoughts on Culberson’s and Moore’s performances.

Jonesboro’s Carlos Larry Jr. (10) tries to get past Little Rock Central’s C.J. Washington (2) during the game in Jonesboro, on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024. Ibuki Hinohara/Delta Digital News Service

“It was definitely their night. Luke has been known for being a great shooter all season. He made all three of his three-pointers in the first half tonight. Daniel took over the game. With his defense, there were about three possessions in a row in the first two to three minutes of the game where he got deflections and steals. He created energy for us with his drives. When his outside shots fall, there’s not really anything you can do because of his speed,” Ross said.

The three-point game and overall shooting was the difference maker as the Tigers had six three-pointers, while the Hurricane had none. Free-throw percentages were about the same with Little Rock Central shooting 55% and Jonesboro 54.5%.

Both teams kept a close game after the first quarter with an 11-7 Little Rock Central lead. The Tigers separated themselves from the Hurricane in the second quarter, making seven shots and four free-throws.

Jonesboro only made four shots in the second quarter and two free-throws, resulting in a 34-17 Tiger lead at halftime.

The second half did not get any better for the Hurricane, while scoring nine times and only drawing one foul with one free-throw made. Little Rock Central continued their dominance in the second half with 10 shots made and six free-throws made.

Jonesboro also had no player score double-digit points, as guard Myreion Taylor led the team with seven points.

The Hurricane’s head coach Wes Swift explains what went wrong for his team throughout the game.

“I thought it was shooting percentage. I also thought when we really started missing a lot of shots and they (Little Rock Central) made three or four there and went on an eight to ten run. The last part of that run was we let our heads down and got a little soft on the backboards. When they would miss they would get second shots,” Swift said.

Jonesboro travels to play against Cabot in another conference game, hoping for a bounce back victory.

Jonesboro’s Alexia Gomez (13) looks to pass the ball against Little Rock Central during the game in Jonesboro, on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024. Ibuki Hinohara/Delta Digital News Service

Coach Swift shared his thoughts on the mentality going into the upcoming game.

“We need to respond. Life is going to try and knock you down all the time and that’s just part of it. It’s time to get back up. Our guys will respond. I’m not worried about it. These guys will be here and they will be ready. We’ve got a heck of a tough game coming up. Cabot is a good basketball team, and going on the road makes it even tougher,” Swift said.

In the girl’s game, the Tigers defeated the Hurricane 62-31.

Little Rock Central guard Kiaya Davis led the team with 20 points while small forward Jordan Marshall scored 14 points.

Jonesboro guard Allannah Orsby led the team with 13 points and the team’s only three-pointer.

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Brayden Morse is a multimedia journalism major in the School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He can be reached at brayden.morse@smail.astate.edu.

NOTE: Feature photo shows Jonesboro’s Carlos Larry Jr. (10) trying to get past Little Rock Central’s C.J. Washington (2) during the game in Jonesboro, on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024. Ibuki Hinohara/Delta Digital News Service

Sports

Nettleton vs. Valley View | Boys & Girls Basketball

Posted on February 3, 2024 by Brayden Morse

Lady Raiders win 53-40 | Raiders win 53-44.

Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024

Brayden Morse | Sports Editor

JONESBORO- The Nettleton Raiders girls’ and boys’ basketball teams defeated the Valley View Blazers, with both teams scoring 53 points at Raider Gym on Tuesday night.

In the first game, the Lady Raiders (17-4) won 53-40 with the help of great shooting and defensive stops.

The offense scored five three-pointers in key situations throughout the game, with three of them coming from guard Carmen McShan in the second half.

McShan scored a team-leading 20 points, while center Donna Douglas scored 12 with a couple steals.

Nettleton girls head coach Kevin Frisbee expressed his thoughts on the team’s aggressive defense that helped lead them to victory, along with his feelings of beating a local school.

Nettleton’s Keiarra Brown (25) tries to shoot through Valley View’s Madison Fischer (21) during the game on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. Ibuki Hinohara/Delta Digital News Service

“Defense is where it starts with us. On-ball pressure is our top priority on the defensive side. I thought all of our guards did a good job pressuring the ball. Anytime you play a local team, it feels different. Anytime we play them we know it’s going to be a rock fight. Anytime you beat someone in town, it’s a little extra special,” Frisbee said.

On the other side, Valley View (10-8) was missing a few starters that got the team out of sync. Blazer girl head coach Angie Ellis shared what went wrong for the team.

“We’re still trying to find our identity. We have some injuries on the team and we’re short on some guards. I’m having to rotate off-guards into the guard position because we are injured. We’re trying to find five kids to gel together. I thought we struggled to score and we needed other kids to step up and score for us,” Ellis said.

Coach Ellis also shared what the game plan was moving forward to get back on track.

“We play in probably the best conference in the state of Class-5A with five teams ranked. We’ve got some key injuries. I thought that game got too physical and it’s hard to prepare them for that physicality of a game,” said Ellis. “We need to get our bodies back healthy and reset for Marion on Friday night.”

Despite the lack of guards for the Blazers, two players scored double-digit points. Bonnie Fagen scored 14 points and Annika Wilbanks scored 12 points.

In the second game, the Raiders (12-8) defeated the Blazers (12-8) 53-44.

Nettleton’s Taylor Smith (0) tries go past Valley View’s Laird Cullen (4) during the game on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. Ibuki Hinohara/Delta Digital News Service

The defense and shooting were big factors for Nettleton, while shooting 8-12 from the free-throw line, three, three-pointers from guard Kam Bobo and only allowing five different players to score throughout the game.

Nettleton head coach Luke Tate shared his thoughts on the team’s success on defense that allowed the offense to open.

“If we shoot the ball the way we guard, we are going to be really hard to stop. Because we kept working against the zone and getting in the middle and attacking, it freed up some shooters. If we guard, we can rebound and get out and run,” Tate said.

“If we shoot the ball the way we guard, we are going to be really hard to stop. Because we kept working against the zone and getting in the middle and attacking, it freed up some shooters. If we guard, we can rebound and get out and run,”
Nettleton head coach Luke Tate

Guard Taylor Smith led the Raiders with 20 points, while guard Bobo and forward Ja’Kobe Jamison combined for 30 points in the win.

Coach Tate expressed his thoughts on those three players and the impact they made for the team.

“Kam Bobo came off the bench and had 14 points, with some big three’s and guarded really well. Taylor Smith is always going to be the one everyone knows about and he attacked well. Ja’Kobe Jamison is a tough left-handed kid and he just finds ways to get in there and hit really tough shots,” Tate said.

Valley View was only down by three at halftime, but Nettleton ran away with the score in the second half.

Blazer head coach Lane Campbell explained his team’s struggles and what the team needs to get better at.

“We went into halftime down by three, I was very pleased with how we played. We couldn’t get shots to fall in the second half like we did in the first half and gave up too many second chance rebounds. You can’t do that against a team that is athletic like that,” Campbell said.

The Raiders and Blazers will both play at home on Friday, as Nettleton plays Searcy and Valley View plays Marion.

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Brayden Morse is a multimedia journalism major in the School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He can be reached at brayden.morse@smail.astate.edu.

NOTE: Feature Photo shows Nettleton’s Carmen McShan (1) shooting against Nettleton’s Brianna Huff (22) during the game on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. Photo by Ibuki Hinohara

Sports

Day 3 – The 38th annual Barry Pruitt Hurricane Classic

Posted on February 3, 2024 by Brayden Morse

Arkansas State signee R’Chauan King wins MVP

Delta Digital News Service

Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023

Brayden Morse | Sports Editor

JONESBORO, Ark. – Arkansas State signee and Bartlett Bulldog center, R’Chaun King, won the Most Valuable Player Award of the 38th Annual Barry Pruitt Hurricane Classic, as Bartlett defeated the Rossview Hawks 74-56 in the championship game on Saturday night at Don Riggs Hurricane Gymnasium.

King expressed his thoughts on winning the tournament and MVP in his future college town.

“It feels great. It feels like home already. I’m ready to get down here and get going,” King said.

King scored 15 points in the championship game.

Bartlett’s R’Chaun King (25) plays against Rossview during the playoffs of the 38th annual Barry Pruitt Hurricane Classic on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023.

As for the third and fourth place finishers, the Fayetteville Bulldogs beat the Jonesboro Golden Hurricane 59-56.

Jonesboro fought hard once again but came up short in the end. With less than two minutes left in the game, Golden Hurricane guard Chris Stacy shot a three-pointer and-one to minimize Fayetteville’s lead by two, but it was not enough to come back and win.

Jonesboro head coach Wes Swift shared his thoughts on Stacy’s shot late in the game.

“It was huge. I love the fact that he wants to shoot that shot. He’s not scared of that moment and that’s what I talked to him about,” Swift said.

“It was huge. I love the fact that he wants to shoot that shot. He’s not scared of that moment and that’s what I talked to him about,”
Jonesboro head coach Wes Swift

Stacy finished with 14 points while guard CJ Larry led the team with 18 points.

Coach Swift also expressed his thoughts on the weak areas of the team that need to be fixed moving forward, after being down 36-28 at halftime.

“Starting a game. I thought the first half was not a very good half for us. It snowballed off yesterday. I didn’t think we were good defensively yesterday. We weren’t communicating, we were getting lost on screens, getting lost in defensive transitions and the first half of this game looked just like it,” Swift said.

For the fifth and sixth place finishers, the Nettleton Raiders defeated the West Memphis Blue Devils 57-53.

With a minute and a half left in the game, Nettleton drew a foul and made both free-throws to tie the game 53-53.

West Memphis ended up shooting their own free-throws but missed both, while the Raiders scored four more points in the final seconds to win.

Nettleton head coach Bubba Deaton shared the importance of drawing fouls late in the game to tie the game and eventually win.

“It was huge. We made free-throws late which we haven’t done in the past. We’ll take this one and to be 2-1 in this tournament is huge. We’re happy about it,” Deaton said.

Raider guard Taylor Smith led the team with 18 points in the win.

For the seventh and eighth place finishers, the Cedar Ridge Timberwolves beat the Osceola Seminoles 63-56.

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Brayden Morse is a multimedia journalism major in the School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.

NOTE: Feature Photo shows Bartlett’s R’Chaun King (25) playing against Rossview during the playoffs of the 38th annual Barry Pruitt Hurricane Classic on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023.

Sports

Day 2 – The 38th annual Barry Pruitt Hurricane Classic

Posted on February 3, 2024 by Brayden Morse

Rossview Hawks defeat the Golden Hurricane, 54-52

Delta Digital News Service

Friday, Dec. 1, 2023

Brayden Morse | Sports Editor

JONESBORO, Ark. – The Rossview Hawks (Rossview, TN) defeated the Jonesboro Golden Hurricane 54-52 on Friday night at Don Riggs Hurricane Gymnasium, moving on to the championship game against the Bartlett Bulldogs (Bartlett, TN) in the 38th Annual Barry Pruitt Hurricane Classic.

The championship game will be on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.

Bartlett defeated the Fayetteville Bulldogs 59-44, resulting in Jonesboro playing Fayetteville on Saturday at 4 p.m for third place in the tournament.

Bartlett center and Arkansas State signee R’Chaun King scored 13 points in the win.

Jonesboro head coach Wes Swift explained where his team is at and things they need to improve on after the result of their loss to Rossview.

“This is a team that has to get a lot better. We had a lot of self-inflicted wounds tonight. We had a double-team on the ball on the sideline that was split. That’s unacceptable. In a trap you don’t foul and you don’t split and they got an and-one. If you don’t clean that stuff up, you’re going to lose a lot of close games,” Swift said.

“This is a team that has to get a lot better. We had a lot of self-inflicted wounds tonight. We had a double-team on the ball on the sideline that was split. That’s unacceptable. In a trap you don’t foul and you don’t split and they got an and-one. If you don’t clean that stuff up, you’re going to lose a lot of close games,”
Jonesboro head coach Wes Swift

It was a back-and-forth game, while Jonesboro led 28-23 at halftime. Coach Swift feels like his defense was the main concern in the loss.

“We’re more concerned on the defensive end. When you’re up by nine points during the game and the crowd is going crazy, from that point on, I thought we played some really badbasketball,” Swift said.

Despite the loss, Jonesboro had two players with double-digit points. Luke Baltz led the team with 13 points and three, three-pointers.

Baltz also made all four of his free-throws. CJ Larry was right behind Baltz in scoring with 11 points.

Coach Swift also discussed the mentality heading into day three of the tournament.

“We knew whether we were playing at 4 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. (On Saturday), we were going to be a decisive underdog. I think these (Bartlett and Rossview) are arguably the two best teams in the tournament. We better pick ourselves up off the mat or we could get beat badly tomorrow,” Swift said.

The Nettleton Raiders defeated the Marked Tree Indians 71-45. The West Memphis Blue Devils beat the Osceola Seminoles 56-48.

Nettleton will face West Memphis on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. for fifth place in the tournament, while Osceola plays Cedar Ridge on Saturday at 1 p.m. for seventh place.

Marked Tree filled in for Cedar Ridge against Nettleton, but Cedar Ridge will be back for the last day of the tournament.

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Brayden Morse is a multimedia journalism major in the School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He can be reached at brayden.morse@smail.astate.edu.

NOTE: Feature photo shows Arkansas State signee signee R’Chaun King of Bartlett.

Sports

In-state game results in University of Arkansas win over A-State

Posted on February 3, 2024 by Brayden Morse

Razorbacks beat Red Wolves, 82-67

Delta Digital News Service

Friday, Nov. 17, 2023

Brayden Morse | Sports Editor

JONESBORO, Ark. – First-year guard Taliah Scott’s 34 points helped the Arkansas Razorbacks women’s basketball team beat the Arkansas State Red Wolves 82-67 on Friday night at First National Bank Arena.

Scott played all 40 minutes in the game, shooting 12-21 from field-goal range and 9-9 on free-throws.

Arkansas State head coach Destinee Rogers expressed her thoughts on Scott’s performance.

“She’s definitely one of the best freshman players in the nation,” Rogers said.

On the other hand, A-State junior guard Izzy Higginbottom scored 27 points and was one of only two Red Wolves to score double-digit points.

Coach Rogers also expressed her thoughts on Higginbottom’s performance.

“Izzy showed up. She did her thing. Izzy put the team on her back,” Rogers said.

After the first quarter, the Red Wolves were only down 16-15. The Razorbacks’ three, three-pointers in the second quarter, gave them a 42-33 lead at halftime.

Razorbacks head coach Mike Neighbors gave his thoughts on the way his team played.

“Our group talks to each other. I was really proud of the talk they had in the locker room. Their tone was good, their energy was good. There were multiple voices talking. I have not had a team at Arkansas that can talk to each other like they do and the manner they do,” Neighbors said.

“Our group talks to each other. I was really proud of the talk they had in the locker room. Their tone was good, their energy was good. There were multiple voices talking. I have not had a team at Arkansas that can talk to each other like they do and the manner they do,”
Razorbacks head coach Mike Neighbors

An attendance of 3,208 people showed up for the game to support A-State, but Rogers feels like the team let the fans down.

“As a whole, I feel like we folded. We finally got people to show up and we had a nice crowd and great support. I feel like the fans deserve more. It’s disheartening and disappointing for our team to play the game that way,” Rogers said.

Neighbors gave his thoughts on the meaning of playing in-state teams and how Arkansas State’s crowd impacted the game.

“I knew the crowd was going to be honest from the last time we came over here. I thought it was a phenomenal atmosphere. I’m proud of the way the team embraced (playing an in-state team) it. It’s good for our state. 3,208 in attendance but it felt like more than that to me. I’m glad that our non-Arkansas kids embraced that,” Neighbors said.

Arkansas State stayed in close range of Arkansas in the first half. Only being down 11 at halftime to a Power-5 SEC school brings promise to the Red Wolves’ future.

A-State Red Wolves’s guard Wynter Rogers (2) shoots against the Razorbacks’s Saylor Poffenbarger (4) during the first half of an NCAA basketball game at First National Bank Arena in Jonesboro, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. Atsuki Ohbuchi/Delta Digital News Service

“On a positive note, this is probably great for us to learn. These first three games were so tough. Getting an opportunity to learn early, I’m okay with that. If we’re going to learn this lesson, I’m good with learning this now,” Rogers said.

“On a positive note, this is probably great for us to learn. These first three games were so tough. Getting an opportunity to learn early, I’m okay with that. If we’re going to learn this lesson, I’m good with learning this now,”
A-State women’s basketball head coach Destinee Rogers

Arkansas scored 10 points from fast breaks, 28 from the paint and 13 from turnovers. The Razorbacks led the Red Wolves in all of these categories.

Arkansas’ best scoring run was 10 in the second quarter to increase their lead before halftime.

Higginbottom talked about the way Arkansas succeeded on their runs to beat A-State.

“Basketball is a game of runs. When they won on their runs, I don’t think we responded well to that. We laid down without responding back. We have to do better at throwing the first punch or punching back,” Higginbottom said.

The Razorbacks move to 4-0 on the season, playing their third-straight in-state game against University of Central Arkansas on Monday at 7 p.m. on SEC+.

The Red Wolves are now 1-2 on the season, playing another in-state game of their own against Hendrix on Tuesday at 7 p.m. on ESPN+.

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Brayden Morse is a multimedia journalism major in the School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He can be reached at brayden.morse@smail.astate.edu.

FEATURE PHOTO: Red Wolves’s guard Crislyn Rose (3) is dribbles the ball past Razorbacks’s Samara Spencer (2) during the first half of an NCAA Basketball game at First National Bank Arena in Jonesboro, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. Photo by Atsuki Ohbuchi

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: Valley View vs. Maumelle

Posted on February 3, 2024 by Brayden Morse

Blazers net Hornets, 38-14

Delta Digital News Service

Friday, November 10, 2023

Brayden Morse | Sports Editor

JONESBORO, Ark. – Blazers quarterback Carson Turley’s five touchdown performance helped Valley View defeat the Maumelle Hornets 38-14 on Friday night at Central Dealerships Stadium, advancing to the second round of playoffs next week.

Turley threw two passing touchdowns and ran for three in the victory.

Maumelle’s Alan Timmons (0) fails to stop Valley View running back Anthony Feliz (29) during first half action in Jonesboro, Friday, November 10, 2023. Photo by Atsuki Ohbuchi

Valley View head coach Sean Cockrell expressed his thoughts on the play of his quarterback.

“We have been leaning on him all year and he just took over the game again,” Cockrell said.

On Maumelle’s first drive of the game, a screen pass led to a 34-yard touchdown along with a successful two-point conversion.

Valley View was then held to a three and out when they faked the fourth down attempt with a punt by their quarterback.

Running back Anthony Feliz had a 65-yard run for Valley View, then the very next play Turley scored a 5-yard rushing touchdown. The Blazers settled for a PAT to only be down 8-7.

Valley View linebacker Jude Rapert sacked Maumelle’s quarterback on their fourth down attempt, and the Blazers offense got the ball back with less than a minute left in the first quarter.

A 59-yard touchdown for Valley View was taken away for a personal foul penalty, resulting in the same field position.

Maumelle’s defense stopped the Blazer offense, but on the punt there was a controversial call for roughing the kicker. The Hornets got the ball back at the end of the first quarter.

Maumelle’s next drive ended in an interception by Valley View safety Laird Cullen, returning passed midfield. A quarterback keeper from Turley resulted in a 33-yard touchdown to give the Blazers a 14-8 lead early in the second quarter.

The Hornets ran a reverse sweep on fourth down to convert in Blazer territory. Maumelle converted on another fourth down on the same drive around the 10 yard-line for excellent field position.

The Hornets tried to go three in a row on fourth down conversions in the same drive, but stalled to an incomplete pass. Valley View got the ball back around the 15 yard-line.

Turley threw a 55-yard pass to wide receiver TJ Starks to give the Blazers an opportunity to increase their lead.

The very next play Turley threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Andrew Jones, taking a 21-8 lead with a little more than three minutes left in the second quarter.

Maumelle went on to score a late touchdown to minimize Valley View’s lead, 21-14.

When the Blazers got the ball back, Turley rolled out of the pocket and threw a 30-yard pass to Starks with five seconds left for a field-goal try. Their kick was successful heading to halftime with a 24-14 lead.

Valley View’s momentum carried over in the second half. Cockrell gave his comments on the way the team played in the second half.

“At halftime we challenged them and told them they had to come out and play hard. They did and I am super proud of the way we played,” Cockrell said.

“At halftime we challenged them and told them they had to come out and play hard. They did and I am super proud of the way we played,”
Valley View head coach Sean Cockrell

Maumelle’s first drive of the second half resulted in the offenses’ second interception, this time to Valley View cornerback Kenneth Robinson.

The Blazers settled for a field goal after the interception but missed to remain 24-24 midway through the third quarter.

Valley View eventually got the ball back when Turley scored his fourth touchdown of the game on a quarterback keeper, increasing their lead 31-14 at the end of the third quarter.

Turley threw a touchdown pass to Starks for his second passing touchdown, and fifth total touchdown of the game early in the fourth quarter.

The Blazers will play another home game next Friday against the Shiloh Christian Saints, to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Cockrell had some thoughts on their upcoming game.

“We just have to take care of the ball and force some turnovers defensively,” Cockrell said.

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Brayden Morse is a multimedia journalism major in the School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He can be reached at brayden.morse@smail.astate.edu.

Feature Photo: Maumelle’s Bubba Johnson (31) gets stopped by Valley View defense during first half action in Jonesboro, Friday, November 10, 2023. Photo by Atsuki Ohbuchi

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: Jonesboro vs. Little Rock Central

Posted on February 3, 2024 by Brayden Morse

Golden Hurricane defeats LR Central Tigers, 45-6

Delta Digital News Service

Friday, Nov. 3, 2023

Brayden Morse | Sports Editor

JONESBORO, Ark. – The Jonesboro Golden Hurricane earned a home playoff game and a fifth seed in the playoffs under first-year head coach Tyler George, as a duo rushing attack helped the Golden Hurricanes defeat the Little Rock Central Tigers 45-6 at Cooksey-Johns Stadium on Friday night.

Central’s Kamden Buckingham (22) and Kaheem Morris (15) try to stop Jonesboro’s Markeice Stafford (25) during first half action, Friday, November 3, 2023. Photo by Atsuki Ohbuchi

Coach George gave his thoughts on making the playoffs in his first year as head coach.

“I think it’s huge. It’s huge for our program after the year we had last year. Those kids continue to fight. They got battle tested last year moving up to 7A. They came in this year ready for it. Super proud of our kids and our staff to be able to get to where we are right now,” George said.

Running back Markevious Pickett and running back Jordan Daniels combined for five rushing touchdowns in the win.

Coach George expressed his thoughts on the successful running game.

“We talk about warrior mentality. They came out the second half and were rocking and rolling,” George said.

Although the running game was strong throughout the game, the offense struggled to put points on the board early in the game.

Jonesboro would not get their first points until a little over four minutes left in the first quarter, settling for a field goal as back-to-back penalties occurred on offense.

Coach George expressed his frustration with the amount of penalties throughout the game.

“We’ve got to clean some things up. I’m never going to blame the referees at all. We do have some things to clean up and we’ll work on that this week,” George said.

“We’ve got to clean some things up. I’m never going to blame the referees at all. We do have some things to clean up and we’ll work on that this week,”
Jonesboro head coach Tyler George

The Golden Hurricanes also rotated quarterbacks Terrance Brown and Asa Myers throughout the game, which is rare for most teams.

Brown threw an interception early in the first quarter, but Jonesboro eventually got the ball back.

Myers would go on to start their first touchdown-scoring drive as Pickett scored from 12 yards with a 10-0 early in the second quarter.

When the Tigers got the ball back, defensive end Jonathan Milton sacked the quarterback resulting in a fourth down and long, giving the Golden Hurricanes possession.

Myers threw a short screen pass to tight end Myreion Taylor for a 45-yard touchdown late in the second quarter.

Little Rock Central’s next drive ended in an interception by Jonesboro defensive back Taz Clark right before halftime.

Coming out of the half, the Golden Hurricanes drove down the field in five plays as Pickett scored his second rushing touchdown in a goal-line situation, leading 24-0 early in the third quarter.

Daniels dominated the second half, scoring a 20-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter and two in the fourth quarter.

Jonesboro is waiting to see who their opponent is for next week’s game, as Little Rock Central lost their 31st straight regular season game and ended the season with an 0-10 record.

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Brayden Morse is a multimedia journalism major in the School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He can be reached at brayden.morse@smail.astate.edu.

NOTE: Feature photo shows Central’s Kamden Buckingham (22) and Kaheem Morris (15) trying to stop Jonesboro’s Markeice Stafford (25) during first half action, Friday, November 3, 2023. Photo by Atsuki Ohbuchi

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: Walnut Ridge vs. Osceola

Posted on February 3, 2024 by Brayden Morse

Bobcats leap over Seminoles, 32-22

Delta Digital News Service

Friday, Oct. 20, 2023

Brayden Morse | Sports Editor

WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. – An offensive backfield duo helped the Walnut Ridge Bobcats to a 32-22 victory over the Osceola Seminoles on Friday night at Sexton Field.

Running back Enrique Perez and running back Robbie Tate each had two rushing touchdowns, combining for all four of the Bobcats’ touchdowns.

Walnut Ridge head coach Jeffery Blake gave his thoughts on Perez’s performance.

“We have to have a lot of production out of him. We have to have him keep our offense moving,” Blake said.

Another Bobcat player who stood out was quarterback Jersie Cunningham. Not only did he manage the offense, but he also had two interceptions on defense to give his team excellent field position.

“Jersie has grown throughout the year. He is a heck of a player and has been this whole time here. He is just a sophomore, so we have got two more years left with him. We expect big plays out of him, and that is what he does each and every week,” Blake said.

“Jersie has grown throughout the year. He is a heck of a player and has been this whole time here. He is just a sophomore, so we have got two more years left with him. We expect big plays out of him, and that is what he does each and every week,”
Walnut Ridge head coach Jeffery Blake

Osceola’s first drive of the game ended with a touchdown thanks to utilizing the NFL Philadelphia Eagles’ trending play, the ‘tush push’ to convert on a third and fourth down.

That drive helped the Seminoles knock off five minutes on the clock.

The Bobcats responded with Perez scoring his first touchdown from 20 yards, as well as converting on the two-point conversion to take an 8-6 lead late in the first quarter.

Walnut Ridge would eventually get the ball back from a Cunningham interception, but then Cunningham threw an interception with Osceola recovering.

The Seminoles’ next drive was stalled to a punt, when the punt was blocked and recovered by the Bobcats in excellent field position.

Tate would go on to score his first rushing touchdown to increase the lead, 16-6 before halftime.

After multiple flags on Osceola’s first drive of the second half, they would go on to score a red zone touchdown and convert a two-point conversion to minimize Walnut Ridge’s lead.

Walnut Ridge found a way to drive down the field with Tate scoring his second rushing touchdown in a goal-line situation, leading 24-14 midway through the third quarter.

The Seminoles were not going down without a fight, when having a methodical drive to score a touchdown with one second left in the third quarter.

Osceola’s hopes of a victory were closed when Perez scored a 69-yard rushing touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter.

The Seminoles drove down the field in a red zone opportunity but could not complete a comeback when Cunningham snagged his second interception of the night.

Walnut Ridge was able to run out the clock and seal a victory, giving them a 6-2 record on the season.

Coach Blake gave his overall takeaways from the game.

“Just a great football game, great atmosphere. Osceola is a heck of a team, and they were very athletic and fast. I was proud of our guys for sticking together down the stretch and kept it going,” Blake said.

The Bobcats will travel to play Manila in a conference matchup next Friday.

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Brayden Morse is a multimedia journalism major in the School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He can be reached at brayden.morse@smail.astate.edu.

NOTE: Feature photo by Dave Adamson on Unsplash