Tag Archives: basketball

Ryan Pannone Named A-State Men’s Head Baskebtall Coach

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Ryan Pannone, Photo courtesy of the University of Alabama

JONESBORO, Ark. (3/30/25) – Arkansas State Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Jeff Purinton announced Sunday that Ryan Pannone, who has gained a reputation over the course of his 23-year career as one of the nation’s top offensive minds and player-development coaches, has been named the Red Wolves’ 18th all-time head men’s basketball coach.

A 2025 selection to Silver Waves Media’s prestigious Elite 75 Future Head Coach Power Lunch, Pannone (pronounced Puh-Known) comes to A-State after most recently spending the last two seasons as an assistant coach at Alabama.  The Crimson Tide boasted the nation’s highest scoring average both years as Pannone helped lead the program to Final Four and Elite Eight appearances in the NCAA Tournament in 2023-24 and 2024-25, respectively.  However, his path to Jonesboro also went through six different countries, including the United States, China, Germany, Israel, Korea and Slovakia.

“We conducted a thorough national search for our next head men’s basketball coach and had an outstanding pool of candidates,” said Purinton.  “Coach Pannone is highly respected for his work as a coach at all levels, and during the search process it became clear that he was a great fit for our program.  Our System President Dr. Brendan Kelly, Chancellor Dr. Todd Shields and I were completely aligned that he is the right person at the right time to lead our men’s basketball program into the future.

“Coach Pannone has achieved success both nationally and internationally, running high-tempo offenses in systems that emphasize player development.  He is well-known as an elite basketball tactician and great recruiter with the ability to get the very best out of his players.  He truly cares about the young men he coaches, placing a priority on their success both on and off the court.”

An introductory press conference open to the public will be held soon on a date to be announced at a later time.  The press conference will take place in the Centennial Bank Athletics Operations Center, located in the north end zone of Centennial Bank Stadium, and be streamed live on the Arkansas State Athletics Facebook page (/AStateRedWolves).  The press conference will also be carried lived on the Ticket Radio Network (95.3 FM, 96.9 FM and 970 AM in Jonesboro) and through the EAB Media app.

Pannone owns a wealth of experience at numerous levels, including NCAA Division I, NBA, G-League, various professional leagues overseas, junior college, high school and AAU.  He has claimed 204 career wins in nine years as a head coach, including stops with the G-League’s Erie BayHawks and Birmingham Squadron and the Slovak Basketball League’s BC Prievidza.

His background includes 18 years of coaching players with NBA experience.  He has coached 82 total NBA players and 46 players selected in the First Round of the NBA Draft, including 30 Lottery picks.

“I am excited and honored to be the head men’s basketball coach at Arkansas State University, and I want to thank Jeff Purinton, Dr. Todd Shields, Dr. Brendan Kelly and the ASU Board of Trustees for this opportunity,” Pannone said.  “My family and I are looking forward to being part of the Jonesboro community, which shows outstanding support and love for the university and its athletics programs.  I would not be in this position without the support of my wonderful wife, Sarah, who has always been a great source of encouragement while following me all over the world and making many sacrifices during this journey.

“The A-State basketball brand is on the rise amid great momentum, and that is a testament to the amazing job Bryan Hodgson, his staff and the players have done the last two years.  They built a strong foundation, and I’m fortunate to be stepping into a fantastic situation – we’re in a great place to continue elevating this program together.  Our staff and players will be committed to working extremely hard to put a fun and winning product on the floor while representing our community in a first-class manner.

“I also want to thank everyone associated with the University of Alabama, including head coach Nate Oats, Athletics Director Greg Byrne, the coaching staff and the players, for a wonderful two years in Tuscaloosa.”

Serving as Alabama’s offensive coordinator under head coach Nate Oats, Pannone orchestrated the country’s most explosive offenses the last two seasons.  The Crimson Tide averaged over 90 points per game both of his years in Tuscaloosa, including a school-record 90.7 average in 2024-25.  Alabama made an NCAA Tournament-record 25 three pointers in its Sweet 16 victory over BYU.

The Crimson Tide eclipsed 100 points in 17 contests during Pannone’s time with the program, including an SEC-record nine games this year.  Alabama also led the nation in offensive tempo each of the last two years while posting a combined 53-21 record.

“Coach Pannone is not only an outstanding basketball coach, but a man of great integrity and high character who cares deeply about his student-athletes,” said A-State Chancellor Dr. Todd Shields.  “He is a proven winner, as well as an outstanding communicator who will connect with his players and our community on a very authentic level.  We couldn’t be more excited to announce him as our new head men’s basketball coach.”

Pannone spent the season prior to his arrival at Alabama as an assistant coach for the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans, helping lead the squad to 42 victories and a Play-In Tournament berth.

He served as head coach of both the Erie BayHawks and Birmingham Squadron as part of the NBA’s G-League from 2019-22.  His squads made back-to-back playoff appearances his last two seasons and had 11 combined NBA call-ups.

Pannone was also on the BayHawks coaching staff as an assistant during their 2014-15 campaign, but spent a season before that and the four years after coaching internationally.

His first overseas coaching opportunity came in 2013-14 as an assistant with the Guangzhou Long Lions of the Chinese Basketball Association.  His next international coaching job came with the Hanau (Germany) White Wings, also as an assistant in 2015-16.

The 2016-17 season saw Pannone work as an assistant coach with Hapoel Jerusalem, helping the team appear in the Final Four of the EuroCup and claim the Israel Winner League Championship.  He then spent the following year as head coach for a BC Prievidza (Slovakia) team that led its league in defense, opponent points per game, rebounding and three-point field goals made and attempted.

Pannone returned to Hapoel Jerusalem as an assistant coach for the 2018-19 season, when the squad led the Champions League in points, assists and rebounds.  He also worked remotely as an advanced scout and video coordinator for the Angola National Team in 2019.

“I am thrilled to have Coach Pannone join our team and community,” said ASU System President Dr. Brendan Kelly.  “Our efforts to continue to elevate depend on us attracting great talent and excellent leaders.  Coach Pannone embodies both of those descriptors.”

Pannone began his coaching career in 2003 while working on his undergraduate degree at the University of South Florida, taking an assistant position at Oldsmar (Fla.) Christian School.  He was elevated to head coach three years later in 2006 and served in that role until 2011, posting a 131-42 record that included wins over three USA Today nationally-ranked teams.

Following his time at Oldsmar Christian, and one year before he joined the Guangzhou Long Lions, Pannone spent the 2011-12 campaign as an assistant coach at Wallace State (Ala.) Junior College.  His lone season in Hanceville saw the Lions win the Region XXII Championship and Alabama State Championship.  They were one of 16 teams in the country to qualify for the JUNCO National Tournament.

In addition to his numerous coaching stops from 2006-19, Pannone worked at the Pro Training Center as its NBA Director.  During that time, he oversaw the development of over 50 NBA players, 33 First-Round NBA Draft selections and 22 Lottery picks.

The Clearwater, Fla., native earned his bachelor’s degree in general studies with a concentration of public health from the University of South Florida in 2011.  While working on his degree, he was a student manager for the men’s basketball program under Robert McCullum in 2006-07.

Pannone and his wife, Dr. Sarah Pannone, have three children — Raylan (7), Dahlia (5), Trajan (3).

RYAN PANNONE FILE

Coaching Experience

2023-25 | Alabama, Assistant Coach

2022-23 | New Orleans Pelicans, Assistant Coach

2019-22 | Erie BayHawks & Birmingham Squadron, Head Coach

2019 | Angola National Team, Advanced Scout & Video Coordinator

2006-19 | Pro Training Center, NBA Director

2018-19 | Hapoel Jerusalem, Assistant Coach

2017-18 | BC Prievidza, Head Coach

2016-17 | Hapoel Jerusalem, Assistant Coach

2015-16 | Hanau White Wings, Assistant Coach

2014-15 | Erie BayHawks, Assistant Coach

2012-13 | Guangzhou Long Lions, Assistant Coach

2012 | Wallace State Community College, Assistant Coach

2003-11 | Oldsmar Christian School, Head Coach (2006-11) & Assistant Coach (2003-06)

Summer Experience

2021 & 2022 | NBA Draft Combine & G-League Elite Camp, Coach

2019 & 2021 | NBA Summer League, New Orleans Pelicans Assistant Coach

2017 | NBA Basketball Without Borders Camp, Tel Aviv (Israel) Assistant Coach

2015-17 | Korean Basketball League, LG Sakers Director of Player Development

2013 | NBA Summer League, Memphis Grizzlies Assistant Coach

By the Numbers

1 Final Four appearance

1 Elite Eight appearance

3 different continents of pro basketball coaching experience

5 years of international coaching experience

6th best record in the NBA’s G-League during last two seasons (2020-22)

9 years of head coaching experience

17 total 100-point games the last two seasons combined

18 years of coaching players with NBA experience

22 years of coaching experience

30 NBA Lottery picks coached

46 first-round NBA Draft selections coached

75.2 KenPom offensive tempo ranked 1st in the nation (2024-25)

82 NBA players coached

126.0 KenPom Offensive Efficiency ranked 2nd in the nation (2023-24)

126.8 KenPom Offensive Efficiency ranked 4th in the nation (2024-25)

204 wins as a head coach

Pannone’s Coaching Pillars

Accountability

Organization

Servanthood

Inspiration

Loyalty

Unity

Love

What They’re Saying

“Ryan Pannone is a great hire for Arkansas State.  He has an elite basketball IQ and pairs that with a relentless work ethic that gives him the ability to be a great teacher and developer of talent.  Ryan possesses one of the elite offensive minds in basketball, creating a system for his players to thrive in as Alabama led the nation in scoring during his two years in Tuscaloosa.  His experience in the NBA, overseas and in college basketball has prepared him for the job. He will be a great fit in Jonesboro.

Nate Oats, Alabama Head Coach

“Ryan has one of the brightest basketball minds in the business.  His knowledge, work ethic, passion and experience far outweighs his years.  He will have tremendous success at Arkansas State!”

Scott Drew, Baylor Head Coach

“Ryan Pannone is one of the top basketball minds in the game.  Many of us in the profession have sought him out for ideas.  No one studies the game more than Ryan.  And if you’re a player, you’ll get a chance to play for a guy who has coached the game at every level.  He can help you get where you want to go.”

Stan Van Gundy, current NBA and college basketball commentator and former NBA head coach

“Ryan Pannone is one of, if not the smartest, hardest working coaches I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with.  He’s got a devotion for players and a passion for the game, and it shows immensely through his creativity with X’s and O’s and player development.  He’s a leader and a competitor and an elite level head coach.  Any program would be fortunate to have him serving in any capacity.

Bryson Graham, New Orleans Pelicans General Manager

“I am incredibly happy for this next opportunity for Ryan.  He has a tremendous passion for the game of basketball and teaching it to his players.  Every time we speak he is about to watch film or has just finished watching film.  He is always studying how he can improve as a coach and different ways for his players and teams to get better.  Arkansas State is in great hands with Ryan.”

Trajan Langdon, Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations

Ridgefield Christian Academy’s Evan Ellenburg featured for DDNS

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By Garrett Finnicum for Delta Digital News Service

Garrett: Hello everyone, my name is Garrett Finnicum. Today, we take you behind the scenes with Evan Ellenburg, a senior standout from Ridgefield Christian and a true “Warrior” on the basketball court. With his sights set on playing at the college level, Evan’s journey is about more than just stats. It’s a story of passion, resilience, and leadership.

Garrett: Evan’s commitment to the game goes beyond high school. He is driven by a dream to play college basketball, a goal he has worked towards since he first stepped on the court. This is the next chapter in his story, one he is ready to face with unshakeable dedication.

Garrett: On the court, Evan’s strengths shine through. His ability to sink tough shots and tenacity on defense make him a formidable opponent, but he is also a player who acknowledges where he can grow, always striving to sharpen his skills and refine his game.

Garrett’s question: So, what are some short-term goals that you would like to accomplish before the season begins, or going back to what you were working on during the offseason?

Evan’s answer: Getting stronger is something a lot of teams have pushed us to do, and it’s something I need to be as well.

Garrett’s question: Are there any specific skills you didn’t have last year that you want to improve this year, going into your senior season?

Evan’s answer: I think getting to the rim a lot more, just going in, creating contact, and finishing.

Garrett’s question: So those are kind of talking about your weaknesses. What strengths would you say you have on the court?

Evan’s answer: Shooting. I think I’m a pretty good shooter, and I can see the floor and make the right pass, which I think helps us out a lot.

Garrett: As a senior, Evan has taken on the role of a mentor, guiding younger teammates with a steady hand and a positive example.

Evan: Just telling them what’s expected and showing them, since they don’t have the most experience, and just showing them what to do.

Garrett: At the core of Evan’s drive is a deep sense of purpose. His motivation comes not just from his dreams of college basketball, but from the support of his family, teammates, and coaches. Every practice, every game, is a step towards proving to himself what he is capable of achieving.

Garrett: With his senior year in full swing, Evan Ellenburg is ready to leave his mark for Ridgefield Christian and improve on his individual stats from his junior season, as shown on the screen: averaging 15.3 PPG, 2.8 APG, and 5.3 RPG.

Garrett: He is more than just a player, he’s a leader, a motivator, and a Warrior. The future looks bright for Evan and any team lucky enough to have him will gain not only a talent player, but a true team leader.

Team: Be humble, be hungry.


Ridgefield Christian School Basketball Series Continued

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This week’s story includes two different interviews discussing the loss of their one and
only senior last year and how they expect the season to go after losing such a valuable player.
We are joined by Head Coach Morgan Colburn and Assistant Coach Dustin Ellenburg.

Garrett Finnicum: Hello everyone, my name is Garrett Finnicum, today we are joined
by head coach Morgan Colburn and assistant coach Dustin Ellenburg. We are getting some
insights as to how the team has progressed since last season as they only lost 1 senior last
year in Sam Ellenburg. Starting with Coach Colburn.


Coach Morgan Colburn: Yeah, so we lost a very valuable player last year, Sam
Ellenburg, and the stats don’t always talk about how much of an impact he had with just his
leadership. He consistently worked hard, never backed down from challenges, and was the
model of what you would want in a captain. So, we lost a good player last year, but one thing he
did for us is he set us up to do well this year because guys saw his leadership and how he was
encouraging. He was quick to laugh, did all the right things, so it was a big loss losing Sam, but
he set us up well with his character. Now, as for what we are bringing back, we bring back a lot
of good players, and I just feel like we understand each other better this year. We’re also
bringing in some really strong tenth graders, and I feel like there are six tenth graders that can
play high school basketball this year at the 1A varsity level. So, I think we will be much deeper,
and some of the seniors have really stepped up in their leadership. It really helps to only lose
one, but having lost Sam is really tough.

Assistant Coach Dustin Ellenburg: That’s a great question. So, Sam Ellenburg was
our only senior last year, and going into last year, the majority of our team had been together
since 3rd or 4th grade. We’ve seen groups come through Ridgefield. We had one when you
guys were coming through junior high, and sophomores, juniors, and seniors were successful.
This was back a few years ago. We could kind of see that if we could keep everyone together,
this would be the year to make that next little jump. We made a jump last year, made it to
regionals—of course, we lost in the first round—but this year, having most, or the majority, of
our players back, we have some sophomores this year that were on the junior high district
runner-up team that are talented and can play. I think with that mixture, I feel like this season
has a chance to be very successful. It’s going to be as successful as the kids want to make it. I
think with Coach Colburn leading them, they have a shot to have a great year.

LISTEN: Ridgefield Christian School basketball coach Morgan Colburn

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Audio Story by Garrett Finnicum

Garrett: Hello everyone, I’m Garrett Finnicum, and today we have an exciting story about a local high school basketball team that has captured the community’s attention. Joining us today is the team’s head coach, who will share some insights. Coach, please go ahead and introduce yourself.

Coach Colburn: Hi, I’m Morgan Colburn, and I am the coach here at Ridgefield Christian School. This is my second-year coaching, and I feel so blessed to be here.

Garrett: Well, first off, I just want to ask, what are your expectations coming into this upcoming season?

Coach Colburn: Our expectations have a lot to do with character, so we want to be a humble and hungry team. We talk about that nearly every day: being a team first. I mean, being humble is being team-first and not really caring about our own accomplishments so much and being hungry and wanting to come out and give our best every game. That’s my expectation of the boys, and that’s their expectation of themselves as well.

Garrett: How would you say the school community impacts the team?

Coach Colburn: Man, that’s a good question. I will say that our boys love playing together; they seem to really enjoy one another. We have done retreats; they have also played other sports together, and they just enjoy playing together. And then the school community—I have only been here one year, but I know that as we started to do well last year, more people started to show up to the games, and it was very enthusiastic. So, it was just a great atmosphere here at the school last year, and I would like to make it better. I would like us to have more support, and I would like our guys to be more supportive of other things and other events at the school, so that is a hope of mine. But I would say that we have great families, just great family support. And then when we do well, I think we get even more school and community support.

Garrett: How has past coaching experience helped you prepare for this job going into year two?

Coach Colburn: Yeah, so I have coached high school basketball at different levels and different places, mostly in Washington for probably 15 years. I have coached some good teams over the years. I coached in Honduras for a few years, and we got second in the nation—and you would not really think of Honduras as a basketball hotbed. We would have won in any six-foot-and- under league; we were tough, we were just small. Then I coached at a high school where we played in the state championship three years. Unfortunately, every year we got second. Really sharp kids, talented. I would say, honestly, the years that prepared me the most to do well—not just here at Ridgefield—were the years that I struggled. Not because it’s a struggle here, but the years where you have to find a way to put guys in the right situations make you a better coach than when you can just throw out eight studs and just be good. So, the years that were a struggle —you learn how to adapt your defenses, you learn how to attack people with only a couple players on offense—and those years make you more creative, make you sleep less, and make it hard. There is good in that struggle. I would say my worst years have prepared me the best.

Garrett: Well, that is all the time that we have today. Coach Colburn, thank you so much for doing this and giving us some inside information on this up-and-coming basketball team. I am just as excited as you are for the upcoming season to see them play.

Coach Colburn: Thank you, Garrett!

PHOTO: Red Wolves Basketball Double Header – Women vs South Alabama, Men vs. Southern Miss

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Red Wolves women defeated the Jaguars, 73-61

Red Wolves men defeated the Monarchs, 78-71

Delta Digital News Service

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Caleb Gullahorn | Contributor

JONESBORO, Ark. – The Arkansas State Red Wolves women basketball team played against South Alabama as the men went up against Southern Miss. during a mid-week home double header at First National Bank Arena in Jonesboro on Wednesday, January 31. The women beat the Jaguars 73-61 along with the men winning against the Golden Eagles, 78-71. The women will place Old Dominion Monarchs on Saturday, while the men will play against the ULM Warhawks during another weekend double header.

A-State’s Caleb Fields (0) looks for an opening to pass the ball during the game against Southern Miss. on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. The Red Wolves beat the Monarchs, 78-71. Photo by Caleb Gullahorn

Photo Gallery

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NOTE: Caleb Gullahorn is senior in the Creative Media program in the School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University.

Jonesboro vs. Little Rock Central Basketball Double Header

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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

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

Day 2 – The 38th annual Barry Pruitt Hurricane Classic

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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

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.

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

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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.

Izzy Higginbottom (23)

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

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

Day 1 – The 38th annual Barry Pruitt Hurricane Classic

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Golden Hurricane defeats Cedar Ridge Timberwolves, 61-27

Delta Digital News Service

Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023

Brayden Morse | Sports Editor

JONESBORO, Ark. – Day one of the 38th annual Barry Pruitt Hurricane Classic is complete, with wins from Jonesboro, Rossview, Bartlett and Fayetteville on Thursday night at Don Riggs Hurricane Gymnasium to move on to the winner’s bracket.

Cedar Ridge’s Kyle Provence (3) tries to stop Jonesboro guard Caleb Chew (15) during the first round of the 38th annual Barry Pruitt Hurricane Classic basketball tournament in Jonesboro, Thursday, November 30, 2023. Photo by Atsuki Ohbuchi

The Jonesboro Golden Hurricane defeated the Cedar Ridge Timberwolves 61-27. 

Jonesboro guard Chris Stacy led the team in scoring with 14 points, and led the team with three, three-pointers in the third quarter. Two of the three-pointers were on back-to-back possessions to increase the Golden Hurricanes’ lead.

Jonesboro head coach Wes Swift shared his thoughts on Stacy’s performance.

“He’s a knock down shooter. We need him to stretch the floor. He played a nice role in that third quarter,” Swift said.

The score was 23-14 at halftime, with the Golden Hurricane leading. Coach Swift felt like the score was too close of a margin and needed to play better on both sides of the ball.

“With the score at halftime, we can work on the offense against the one-three-one. We didn’t have a lot of points at halftime and they (Cedar Ridge) do a really good job on their one-three-one. We wanted to play inside out and they did a good job of allowing us to get the ball in the paint,” Swift said. 

“With the score at halftime, we can work on the offense against the one-three-one. We didn’t have a lot of points at halftime and they (Cedar Ridge) do a really good job on their one-three-one. We wanted to play inside out and they did a good job of allowing us to get the ball in the paint,”

Jonesboro head coach Wes Swift

Swift also had some comments about his defense in the first half.

“We didn’t press and we thought we could press them. We felt like we needed to, to get some easy buckets and try to stretch that lead out a little bit. I thought we had a really good third quarter once we turned the heat up a little bit,” Swift said. 

The Golden Hurricane play the Rossview Hawks (Rossview, TN) on Friday night at 7 p.m. while Cedar Ridge plays the Nettleton Raiders on Friday at 4 p.m.

The Hawks defeated the Nettleton Raiders 54-53, as the Raiders shot a buzzer-beater three-pointer and hoped for a foul for an and-one.

Nettleton fought hard all game, while being down by eight points with two minutes left in the game and coming back. The Raiders would of course minimize that lead with a couple three-pointers and fouls, but failed to make all of their free-throws. 

Nettleton head coach Bubba Deaton expressed his thoughts on the loss and some positive and negative takeaways.

“We did some good things. We’ve got a lot of things to improve on. We didn’t play very well in the first half offensively. Didn’t get stops in the second half. To be down eight with two minutes left and give ourselves a chance, shows some grit. Probably should’ve gone to the press a little earlier. We shared the ball and we missed some shots that we normally take,” Deaton said. 

The Bartlett Bulldogs (Bartlett, TN) defeated the Osceola Seminoles 78-34. Bartlett guard and Arkansas State signee R’Chaun King scored nine points in the win.

The Fayetteville Bulldogs beat the West Memphis Blue Devils 71-43. The Bulldogs will play Bartlett on Friday night at 8:30 p.m. Osceola will play West Memphis on Friday at 5:30 p.m.

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Brayden Morse

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: Photos by DDNS Staff Photographer Atsuki Ohbuchi