Every game is as important as the next. Winning games during the regular season is great and losing is always horrible. But when it comes to playing in the 2A-4 District Tournament, previous wins and losses against opponents are ancient history. If any game could prove that, it would be the game between the Magazine Lady Rattlers and the JC Westside Lady Rebels in the girls District Tournament Round1 game on Tuesday, February 13th.
Magazine jumped into action from the get-go with a quick 6-0 lead over the Lady Rebels. The Lady Rattlers were playing rough and tough defense to go along with their scoring which held JC Westside at bay for most of the opening quarter. Although JC Westside was very smooth with their passes, they couldn’t seem to put points up just as smoothly. As everything looked like Magazine was going to cruise through the game, the Lady Rebels tied the game at 6-6 with 0:12 seconds left in a late-quarter fury of offense. The Lady Rattlers were able to regain the lead with 0:02 seconds left off of a layup to close the opening quarter with a narrow 8-6 lead.
With JC Westside’s late surge, Magazine knew that they had to squash the rebellion early in the second quarter to survive. The Lady Rattlers drained a three-point shot to do just that but JC Westside had their cannons loaded with threes of their own. The Lady Rebels melted down the barrels and went on a 10-point run with three straight three-point shots and a free throw to light up the scoreboard on Magazine. The Lady Rattlers broke the scoring streak with a layup, but JC Westside kept firing at will, stretching their lead out with jump shots and then closed out the half with a sweet hook shot to go into halftime ahead of Magazine 27-18.
With neither team wanting to go one and done in the District Tournament, the Lady Rebels and Lady Rattlers came out of halftime ready for war. Magazine struck first with a three-point shot and a pair of free throws to close down the Lady Rebels lead to 27-22. JC Westside would again sink a three-pointer though which forced Magazine to call a time-out with 4:17 left in the third quarter. The short break must’ve either put both teams offenses on ice or set their defenses on fire as neither scored for the next two minutes. The Lady Rebels were the first to break the offensive iceberg with a passing combo that led to a layup. Both teams sank a three-point shot just before the buzzer. The back and forth by Magazine and JC Westside ended the quarter having the same nine-point gap as the halftime score, but with different numbers as the Lady Rebels led Magazine 35-26 going into the fourth and final quarter of the game.
The fourth quarter was all JC Westside as the Lady Rebels whistled dixie while going on a 19-2 scoring run against Magazine. Magazine couldn’t stop the onslaught of scoring as the Lady Rebels landed points off of layups, putbacks, board buckets, and free throws. With JC Westside having the game in their control, Magazine shipped out Senior Rattler, Elizabeth Greek. Greek suffered a complete ACL tear and two complex meniscus tears in the Lady Rattlers December 2nd game versus Mulberry. But in typical Lady Rattler fashion, Greek powered through her January 16th surgery and returned to the court in the final minute of the game against JC Westside to break the Lady Rebels scoring run with a board bucket. When all was said and done though, it was the Lady Rebels who came out on top with a stunning 55-32 upset victory over Magazine.
The JC Westside Lady Rebels sent out the first shock waves of the 2A-4 District Tournament, but possibly not their last. JC Westside will now look to take their momentum into Round2 of the tournament as they take on the Lavaca Lady Golden Arrows on Tuesday, February 14th. Although it may be Valentines Day, there is no love lost between the two programs which should lead up to quite a showdown when they tip off at 7:00pm at the Mansfield High School gymnasium.
The 2A-4 District Tournament started on Monday, February 13th at the Mansfield High School gymnasium. With a conference full of teams that could beat anyone at any time, the anticipation of close calls, upsets, and thriller games was a guarantee. The Round1 games would consist of Magazine versus Future School and Mountainburg versus Western Yell on the boys side and Magazine versus JC Westside on the girls side.
The first game of the evening was a stunning showdown between the Magazine Rattlers and Future School Rockets boys teams. The Rockets and Rattlers took the opening quarter as a warm-up period as both teams made more fouls, turnovers, and missed shots than points on the scoreboard. Some might see that as poor playing on the floor, but in all actuality, it was just good ol’ aggressive basketball between the two solid programs. Someone had to get hot at some point though and it was Magazine who came up with a late scoring run to end the opening quarter with a 14-10 lead.
The second quarter was much hotter as the Rattlers and Rockets kept their aggressive attitudes at a high point. Each team created turnovers which led to either breakaway points or free throw points at the other end of the court. Future School began to gain momentum on the Rattlers midway through the quarter with their high-flying offensive rebounds and putbacks. The momentum sent Future School rocketing on a 10-6 run on the Rattlers which tied the game up at 20-20 with just 0:17 seconds left in the half. Magazine would pop off a smooth jump shot though to regain the lead as the teams went into halftime with the Rattlers up 22-20.
When Magazine and Future School came back to the court, it was one hundred percent game on. The Rockets quickly put up four points to take a 24-22 lead but Magazine responded with a three-point shot to take the lead back. The Rattlers would then create a turnover and capitalize with a breakaway layup to force the Rockets to call a time-out with 5:17 left in the third quarter. Future School would again bring the game within a single point with a board bucket, but the Rattlers drained another three to stretch the game back out in their favor. The back-and-forth scoring between the Rattlers and Rockets made for an action-packed quarter that ended with a 35-35 tied ball game.
There’s no script to how the first game of a District Tournament should go, but if there was, this one would be it. Future School broke the tie with a powerful board bucket which caused Magazine to call a time-out to prevent the Rockets from going on another scoring run. Both teams then sent each other to the free throw line on multiple occasions which allowed the Rockets to inch out a 39-36 lead on the Rattlers with 5:04 left in the game. This game was coming down to which team would have a player to step up and break away from the rest. The team was Magazine. The player was Nate Smith. The result was three consecutive long-range three-pointers which “rocketed” the Rattlers to a 45-39 lead over the Future School with 1:41 left on the clock. Magazine would roll on from there defeating the Future School Rockets with a final score of 50-43.
The Rattlers celebration will have to be a quick one as they head into Round2 of the 2A-4 District Tournament on Tuesday, February 14th. Their opponent will be a very familiar foe as they’ll face the Hector Wildcats. The Rattlers and Wildcats will tip off at the Mansfield High School gym at 5:30pm.
Richard Paul Davis Sr., 87, of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Saturday, February 11, 2023 in Waldron, Arkansas surrounded by his loving family. Richard was born on February 20, 1935 in Gladbrook, Iowa to Marion Davis and Ruby Albright Turner.
Richard was a proud Vietnam Veteran. He served 4 years in the Navy and 16 years in the Air Force, followed by 10 years in the Air Force Reserves. Richard loved to play video games and board games, monopoly and chess were two of his favorites. If you were around Richard long enough you would get to enjoy some of the old-time music play, usually Johnny Cash songs. He attend school for agriculture and was known for having a large garden every year with lots of trees and pecans.
Richard leaves behind to cherish his memory his five children: Bryan Allen Davis of Van Buren, Arkansas; Suzette Robin Hunt and husband Harold of Waldron, Arkansas, Tammy Lynn Davis of Waldron, Arkansas, Mark Anthony Davis of Waldron, Arkansas and Gerald Todd Davis, Sr. and wife Sarah of Waldron Arkansas. Richard is also survived by his companion, Loretta Murray of the home and her two children: Reymundo ‘JR’ Ortiz and wife Samantha of Hatfield, Arkansas and Martina Muñoz and Jason Tallant of Waldron, Arkansas. Grandpa will also be missed by a host of grands and great-grands.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Marion Davis and Ruby Albright; his wife, Jackie Faye Davis; three sons: Richard Paul Davis, Jr., Jeffery Lane Davis and Eric Eugene Davis; one granddaughter, Destiny Dena Davis; one grandson, Gerald Todd Davis Jr.; and one brother, Mike Albright.
Richard’s life celebration will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 17, 2023 at Carolan Cemetery in Booneville, Arkansas with interment to follow. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Richards’s visitation will be on Thursday, February 16, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.
Annie Mae Marchant, 80, of Waldron, Arkansas passed from this life on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at her home. Annie was born on April 21, 1942 to Linville and Anna (Ward) Higgins in Lakeland, Florida. Annie was 80 years old. She was a Christian, she believed in God The Father, Jesus, and The Holy Spirit.
Annie was loyal, dependable, and funny, always there for family and friends with a great sense of humor. She loved doing puzzles and playing with her puppies. She played solitaire, card games, word search, and loved talking on the phone and visiting with family and friends. Annie loved the color blue, poodles, roses and fresh flowers. Lilies, orchids, and plants were some of Annie’s favorites. A few of the things Annie always believed… “Never hang up the phone or leave the house without a hug and a kiss and saying I love you” and she wants everyone to know “I finally lost the weight I wanted to”.
Annie said, she wanted her flowers when she was living and not after she was dead. Her request was: Instead of flowers that she cannot enjoy, help her family in any way possible. If you would like ideas on how to help, send an email to blessingsfromabove713@gmail.com.
Annie leaves behind to cherish her memory long-time companion, Hebie Henfler of the home, three children: Millie Ann Kozak of Georgia, Johnny Glenn Marchant of Arkansas Keith Robert Marchant of Arkansas; one sister, Pansy Hall and one brother Henry Higgins both of Florida. Grandma will forever remain in the hearts of her 6 grandchildren: Kenneth Lastinger II, Frances Magan Marchant, SaRina Marie Marchant Pease, Andrew Micheal Marchant, Gwenevere Amber Marchant, Landon Marshall Holland Marchant and 4 great-grandchildren: Trey, Ashton, Johnston and Shauna True Lastinger.
Annie was preceded in death by her parents, Linville and Anna Higgins, and siblings: Wesley, Cynthis, Lester, Harry, Linville Leo and her first husband Johnny Marchant.
A small memorial service will be held at a later date and time in Waldron, Arkansas. Anyone interested in attending, please contact the family to be notified once decided. There will be an additional memorial service/celebration of life at a later date in Lakeland, Florida, as well.
Casey Traver Parks, beloved infant son of Callie Oliver and Caleb Parks went to be with our Lord on February 3, 2023 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Casey was born on December 13, 2022 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was 7 weeks and 3 days old and brought joy and happiness to everyone he met.
Precious little angel Casey will be missed by family and friends that he had touched in some small way throughout his short yet very memorable life. He is survived by his parents, Callie Oliver and Caleb Parks of Waldron, Arkansas; Grandparents: Tony and Kim Oliver of South Carolina and Robert and Joy Jones of Abbott, Arkansas; Uncle Colt and Aunt Sky Oliver and Uncle David and Aunt Carleva Jones.
“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.” -A.A. Milne
Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas.
A special meeting of the Board of Education of Mansfield School District No. 76
At the special meeting of the Board of Education of the School District aforesaid, at the Administration Building, on February 10, 2023, 9:00 am, there being present Rick Nicodemus, Lesli Baggett, Michael Gipson, and Steve Hattabaugh; Absent: none.
All members of the board, the following business were transacted to wit: (Minutes were recorded by Joe Staton) STAFF PRESENT: Joe Staton
The meeting was called to order by Rick Nicodemus, School Board President, at 9:00 a.m. IN THE MATTER OF: Consent Agenda Items A motion was made by Nicodemus, seconded by Gipson, to approve the consent agenda items as presented. Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Gipson, Baggett, Hattabaugh Voting against the motion: Motion passed 4-0 at 9:01 am.
IN THE MATTER OF: Board Position and Zone 3 Vacancy A motion was made by Nicodemus, seconded by Gipson, to approve the recommendation to appoint Owen Dale Edwards to fill the vacancy to School Board position 3, zone 3, until the next regular School Board election. Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Baggett, Gipson, Hattabaugh Voting against the motion: Motion passed 4-0 at 9:04 am.
IN THE MATTER OF: School Improvement plan and external provider A motion was made by Gipson, seconded by Baggett to approve the 2022-2023 Application for 1003 funds and contract with National Institute for Excellence in Teaching as the provider and accept their 2023 proposal to provide services. Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Baggett, Gipson, Hattabaugh Voting against the motion: Motion passed 4-0 at 9:30 am
Superintendent’s Report: Mr. Staton discussed bills filed up to date for the legislative session. OTHER BOARD COMMUNICATION: IN THE MATTER OF: Adjournment A motion was made by Nicodemus, seconded by Hattabaugh, to adjourn the meeting at 10:13 a.m. Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Baggett, Gipson, Carlton, Hattabaugh Voting against the motion: Motion passed 5-0.
FAYETTEVILLE – Arkansas women’s basketball (19-8, 6-6 SEC) dominated against Missouri (15-10, 4-8 SEC) to cruise to a 61-33 victory for the Razorbacks’ ninth straight win over the Tigers. Missouri’s 33 points is the least amount the Razorbacks have given up defensively ever in an SEC game to reach a new record. Chrissy Carr led the Razorbacks with 18 points off 5-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc.
Arkansas came up empty on its first two possessions, but Samara Spencer got the Razorbacks on the board with a jumper, which initiated a 6-0 run, while Missouri was still searching for its first field goal of the game. The Razorbacks then could not get a field goal in its next five attempts, but Arkansas still lead 6-2 at the media timeout taken with 4:56 left in the quarter. Spencer picked up two freebies and Makayla Daniels came up with an and-1 to extend Arkansas’ run to 11-0. Missouri scored its first field goal of the game with 1:40 left in the frame, as Arkansas led 11-4. Barnum came up with layup, but Missouri got off a layup before time expired, as Arkansas led 13-6 after one. The Razorbacks held Missouri to just two field goals, while forcing six turnovers.
Saylor Poffenbarger earned her first basket of the game off a jumper to start the scoring in the second quarter, and Carr followed with the Razorbacks’ first 3-pointer. Missouri called a timeout with Arkansas leading 18-6 with 7:34 left in the quarter. Arkansas continued its run, 8-0, with a Carr and-1. After Missouri’s second offensive foul of the game, the Tigers took a timeout with 6:05 left in the frame and the Razorbacks led 21-6. Missouri logged a freebie and a layup, but Poffenbarger answered with a 3-pointer. Missouri went on a 4-0 run, to cut the lead to 26-13 with under two minutes to play in the quarter. The Razorbacks finished the quarter with four unanswered points, thanks to Spencer scoring a layup off a Tiger turnover and Daniels attacking the basket for a layup as the buzzer sounded. Arkansas led 31-13 at the half, holding Missouri to 25% shooting in the first half.
Daniels logged Arkansas’ first points of the second half with two free throws. After a Missouri shot clock violation, the Tigers’ 16th turnover of the game, Missouri took its third timeout of the game with Arkansas leading 33-14 with 7:38 remaining in the quarter. Carr logged a 3-pointer out of the break, but Missouri responded on their next possession with a layup. Missouri cut the lead to under 20 after a jumper, but Erynn Barnum pushed it to 22 following a triple. At the media timeout, taken at 4:11, Arkansas held a 40-18 advantage. The bench got some action, as Rylee Langerman hit a 3-pointer and a Jersey Wolfenbarger’s three-point play pulled Arkansas ahead, 47-18 going into the final quarter. Arkansas held Missouri off the scoreboard for the latter six minutes of the frame.
Daniels knocked down a triple to find her way back in double digits in scoring. Missouri was 0-for-13 from beyond the arc until the Tigers scored their first triple, but Arkansas still led 52-23 with under eight minutes left in the game. The Razorbacks were held in a scoring drought for over three minutes, as Missouri went on a 4-0 run. Carr broke the Razorbacks’ scoring drought with her fourth triple of the game, and with 2:53 left in the contest, Arkansas led 58-29. The redshirt senior added one more for 3-pointer for good measure to match a career-high five triples and send off Arkansas with a 61-33 win. Despite being outscored 15-14 in the fourth quarter, Arkansas held Missouri to 33 points, a record low in SEC play defensively for the Razorbacks.
HOG HIGHLIGHTS
Carr paced the Razorbacks with a game-high 18 points off an efficient 6-for-10 shooting from the field. Her five 3-pointers matched a career-high and moved her up to No. 18 for the most 3-pointers scored in an individual season with 61. Carr also added five boards
Barnum followed with a near double-double of 14 points and nine rebounds for her 11th straight double-digit scoring game. She added three blocks as well
Daniels logged 11 points, while drawing six fouls. She also tallied three assists and three steals
Langerman and Wolfenbarger recorded three points each off the bench
Arkansas scored 24 points off Missouri turnovers
The Razorbacks held Missouri to 28.3 percent shooting from the field, 13-for-46, while holding the Tigers to 6.7 percent, 1-for-15, from beyond the arc
Arkansas logged nine 3-pointers on the game
UP NEXT
Arkansas will remain home to face Tennessee on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. The game will be televised on SEC Network.
Note to Our Readers:The preceding story was sourced directly and in its entirety from the University of Arkansas Office of Communications, Kylie Magar.
Billie Jo Brewer of Needmore, Arkansas, crossed over to a joyous celebration with her Lord and Savior, Friday, February 10, 2023 with loved ones at her side. Billie was born June 15, 1937 in Pittsburg, Kansas to Jack and Lois (Edwards) Lynton. She was 85 years old.
She spent most of her adult life in retail sales and many will remember her from her years at Waldron Walmart. After marrying at 16 and leaving public education, Billie obtained her GED at 40 and went on to take several classes at then Rich Mountain Community College in Mena, Arkansas.
For Georgie, it was love at first sight when he saw Billie getting on the school bus one day in 1952. He must have done something right because she married him on August 4, 1953 in Kansas City, Missouri. They were four months shy of their 69th wedding anniversary when Georgie passed last year. Before leaving Kansas City, Billie and Georgie took on the responsibility of raising all of her younger siblings.
In 1969, Georgie moved his city girl to Scott County, Arkansas, along with their boys, Bill and Jeff. They made their home in the Needmore Community on the Brewer family homestead. In addition to working outside the home, Billie was a true helpmate to Georgie, working side by side on the family farm, feeding their own and extended families and many in the community. Billie was an expert seamstress, talented artist and the occasional community barber! They made their church home at Needmore Assembly of God where she impacted many lives as a Sunday school teacher for both youth and adults and a worship leader. Together, Billie and Georgie attended and traveled to countless revivals and camp meetings. Billie was fervently devoted to her Lord, her husband, her boys and their families.
Billie leaves behind to cherish her memory, two sons, Bill and wife, Rani, of Chicota, Texas and Jeff and wife, Melissa, of Needmore, Arkansas, brother Joe Luppens, two sisters, Roberta Luppens and Lavina Johnson, sisters in law, Dorothy Lynton and Mary Brewer and brother in law Vernon Brewer. She was grandmother to Mishayla Brewer, Josh (Tashia) Brewer, Caleb (Chelsea) Brewer, Daniel Brewer, Kaleigh (Austin) McAdams, Braden Taff, Justin (Heather) Kelley and James Kelley as well as great grandchildren, Madison, Josiah, Harrison, Noah, Emily, Gabe, Addilynn, Kase, Talyn and Brooklyn. She will be missed by all who knew her and the many whose lives she positively touched including a host of nieces and nephews, church and extended family and friends.
Billie was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Lois, her loving husband Georgie, brother Danny Lynton and sister Francis Lynton.
Visitation with the family will be Tuesday, February 14, 2023 from 5:00 -7:00 p.m. at Heritage Memorial Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.
Billie Jo Brewer’s life celebration will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at the Heritage Memorial Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas, with Brother David Holt and Reverend Mishayla Brewer officiating. Interment will follow at Buffalo Cemetery in Boles, Arkansas. Arrangements are entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home of Waldron, Arkansas.
Pallbearers are Daniel Brewer, Josh Brewer, Caleb Brewer, Braden Taff, Austin McAdams and Greg Oliver.
Paris High School Winter Court was held last week after being delayed and rescheduled due to winter weather that forced the closure of area schools. The weather also delayed Senior Night for the Paris basketball programs, so, both ceremonies were held last Friday night at Paris Gymnasium.
Members of this year’s Paris Winter Court were:
Freshman Maids: Ashton Ihle and Emerson Komp
Sophomore Maids: Bella Nelson and Hayleigh Sharp
Junior Maids: Stephanie Arrendondo and Aryanna King
Senior Maids: Brailey Forst, Mia Harrison, Reagan Lowery, Hailey Robinson, and Faith Sanders
Timing is everything, and for Paris’s Brailey Forst, that could not be more important to both her team and to her aspirations of playing college basketball.
The Paris Lady Eagles have just completed a regular season that saw the team eclipse their 2021-22 win total by more than double the number of wins than from a year ago. Paris just completed this year’s regular season in third place in their conference and are now competing in post season play. First year Lady Eagles head coach, Jonathan Vire, has done a masterful job in taking a team that did not have a lot of success last year while simultaneously losing to graduation a lot of talent and experience. Vire has brought along a talented sophomore and junior class all season and combined them with two talented seniors who have been hungry for success. The result has been a fun season to watch combined with a team that has the opportunity to play deeper in regional and state tournament play than has been the case for several years.
And as an obligation and sense of duty to our readers, I must once again disclose that I am related to Paris senior Brailey Forst. I am related to her by marriage; she is the daughter of my wife’s daughter, Lauren Trusty. But I believe Brailey is an exceptional person, student, and athlete, and when you run across a story like her’s, it should be shared with our readers.
At the start of this school year, I highlighted her in a story that chronicled her desire to play college basketball. Brailey has exceptional work ethic. She works extremely hard everyday in all phases of her life. She is mature beyond her years, and she has great character. And her senior year has been a showcase for her character. She loves her family and has maintained high academic performance while playing sports, working a part time job, and being there for her younger brother Brantley and her other family members. She is truly remarkable.
Brailey plays the sports of volleyball and basketball, and in a few weeks, will also play high school softball. She just loves to play. But it has not been all fun and games for her as she has battled through injuries since last year. It has been tough at times, but in her true character, she has overcome each setback and is now playing the best basketball of her career.
So, I wanted to sit down with her again and visit with her in an interview and ask her for her sense of perspective on what has happened and what it all means to her now. College coaches are talking to her and she has had an offer to play. She is still looking for the right fit, and she is very hopeful that it may happen soon. For Brailey, it is not just about basketball. In fact, it is about life after basketball. She is very committed to academics and her career after college. So, in her mind, yes, she wants to play college basketball, but more importantly, she knows that she will not play after college to earn a living and academics are the most important aspect of her recruitment.
Approximately six weeks or so ago, she sprained an ankle early in a game at Booneville. It forced her to sit out of practice, getting treatment for the injury, and missing her next game at Hackett. And then, about one week after the injury, she started a home game against Charleston where she was expected to play a few minutes, or, sparingly throughout the game as she eased back from the injury.
But that is not what happened. What did happened turned around her season and placed her on a trajectory of playing the best basketball of her career, just at the right time for her team and for her chances to play college basketball.
The Lady Eagles won a hard-fought conference game that night over Charleston, and Brailey played the entire game. Hobbling on the injured ankle noticeably in the fourth quarter, she not only hung in to play the entire game, but was the game’s high scorer with 32 points. She was a force on both ends of the floor, and her gutty performance inspired everyone. Since that time, she has continued to play extremely well, scoring in double figures each night.
So, I asked her, “What has clicked for you? What do you attribute your success to?” Brailey answered, “It has all come together for me both mentally and physically. After I scored the 32 points against Charleston I gained confidence back. I have battled injuries all season. There has not bee a point this year that I have not been injured.”
In the last story, I detailed how she injured her foot (heel) in the 2021-22 school year and eventually had to have surgery in February of 2022. She elected to have the surgery to allow time for rehab and a return to sports her senior year. She did that, and ended up earning her second All-State Award for the sport of volleyball in 2022. Most recently, she was named by the Arkansas Activities Association to the high school volleyball all-star game this summer.
Brailey Forst was named most recently to her high school homecoming court. Pictured here with her mother, Lauren Trusty and her brother, Brantley Trusty (RNN Sports Photo / Jim Best)
After the 2022-23 basketball season began, she injured herself the week of Thanksgiving in a non-conference game at Dover. She again worked through that injury only to dislocate a finger in the Bill Frye Invitational Holiday Tournament in late December against Elkins.
But she has persevered through all of that, including the ankle sprain in January at Booneville. And people who watch her play would never know any of this has happened unless they were close to her or had been following her throughout the season. In fact, it is very possible that she could collect her second all-state award in basketball in a few weeks.
Academically, she has never wavered. Brailey carries a 3.80 grade point average and has taken a challenging course load that includes concurrent college credit courses as well as advanced placement (AP) courses. She aspires to a career in the medical profession; medical school, nursing, physical therapy…who knows. But she does know that a solid academic foundation in math and the hard sciences is the key to where she wants to go with her career, and that is what she is looking for in a college and a chance to play college basketball.
As a member of the Lady Eagles basketball team, Brailey gives a lot of the credit to their coach, Jonathan Vire. In speaking of their coach, Brailey said, “We have really improved as a team under Coach Vire. Coach Vire has just done so much with us this year. He has us contributing the way we should and we are all working together as a team. We’re third in the conference and you could just tell over the summer that Coach Vire was watching us and had a plan for us. Jayden (Wells) and I have been the senior leadership of the team, trying to build chemistry for the post season. I think our team has done a heck of a job going from where we were last year to where we are now and what we have the chance to do in the playoffs. It’s just good that we have Coach Vire. He’s a really good coach.”
So, I asked Coach Vire for his comments and response, and the Paris coach responded, “I feel like Brailey is starting to come into her own offensively. She has done phenomenal job at scoring at all three levels and has taken pride in getting to the free throw line where she is shooting 89% for the season. She is really starting to show the leader that she is and is helping the underclassmen throughout this season.”
And now, the team has a chance to go to the regional tournament. At press time for this story, the Lady Eagles had just defeated Cedarville in their final regular season game and were looking forward to the district tournament that will be hosted on their floor in Paris. Paris needed to win one game in the district tournament to advance to the regional tournament.
Brailey continued, “I have been to the regional tournament just one time and that was my freshman year. We lost in the first round. I want to advance past regionals this year; I really want to go to state. I really believe we can win in the regionals and make state. Making the regional tournament is our goal, and going to the state tournament is another of our goals.”
Brailey has been quiet throughout her college recruitment. She is considering a lot of factors, and, by personality, is a quiet person to some extent. She is mature beyond her years and thinks through major decisions. And when the time comes, she will make her choices public to her family and others who follow the Paris basketball program.
Late last fall, Brailey was offered by an NCAA Division 3 school in Longview, Texas. LeTourneau University, after an official visit, offered her a spot in their basketball program along with other considerations. It is an excellent academic school, and it was a hard decision for Brailey. But in true Brailey fashion, she did not mention it to a lot of people, as her mind was not made up. Eventually, she decided that she did not want to play and go to school that far away from home. There are excellent programs and academic colleges and universities in her home state of Arkansas, and that is what she wants.
Others schools have looked at her and have invited her to visit, but she is laser focused on her first choices of where she wants to go to school, and that is kept close to the vest for her. But knowing her like I think I do, she will make a great choice that will be not only a great fit for her academic and basketball careers, but a place that she will be happy and will take great pride in being a small part.
So, the “Brailey Watch” is on in her family as we are all excited for her and the opportunities that may lay ahead for her. She is so deserving of such an opportunity, and, as biased as I am on her behalf, she will make a great contribution to any program college, or university.
And when that time comes, we will be there to bring you the conclusion of this great story and the beginning of the next as she ends a storied high school career and begins the next phase of her life as a college student and perhaps a collegiate basketball player!
