After a couple of dress rehearsals, the curtain officially rises for South Arkansas Community College basketball.
Tonight, the Stars host Twin City Premier to start the 2021-22 season. Game time is set for 6 p.m.
The women’s team gets their campaign underway against the Crowley’s Ridge JV squad on Nov. 9.
Fans got a glimpse of the Stars in the Maroon vs. White scrimmages last month, and coach Nate Davis was pleased with what he saw.
“The Maroon vs. White scrimmages went very well for both our men’s and women’s programs,” Davis said. “Both games were very competitive with the men’s game coming down to a buzzer-beater three for the white squad by Zeb Trantham. I was pleased with the in-game efforts by all of the players.”
If there is one area that should be a strength for the Stars this season, it’s their athleticism.
“The men’s team is the most athletic group we have ever had here at SouthArk,” Davis said. “Like years past, we remain somewhat undersized compared to our in-conference foes, however I feel our speed and athleticism will help make up for some of that.
“We have the truest point guards we have had in program history. Each of them brings something different to the table. Jaylon Randle has added the point guard position to his game and is helping lead the way for incoming freshmen such as Zak Brown, Ja’Vontae Pearson and Isaiah Ramey.
“Zeb Trantham and Mar’Keveon Strickland are both in their final year at SouthArk and have a lot to bring to the table at the shooting guard position. Newcomer Jared Todd has stepped up lately at the small forward position.
“Our post players may lack in size, but their skill sets make them much harder to guard. Sophomores Xavier Hall, Derrion Davis, Tyler Everette and transfer Michael Pryor are our seasoned posts with freshman Cameron Frazier working hard right along with them.”
Davis added that speed, defense and perimeter shooting should also be strengths for the Stars.
“They will bring athleticism as well as a lot of speed to the table,” Davis said. “I feel that we could have our best 3-point shooters in program history on the roster this year as well as some great on-ball defenders.
“I feel our focus right now should be working on getting our post players more involved as well as improving our overall communication on both sides of the ball. It’s hard to be competitive and win games if everyone is not getting involved while on the floor.”
On the women’s side, former Strong standout Dyinasty Davis returns for SouthArk.
“On the women’s side, we have returner Dyinasty Davis as well as freshman Vanessa Vinson controlling the point guard position for us. Returner Darbee Forte will likely see heavy minutes at the small forward position for us,” Davis said.
“Addison McNiel has stepped up as of late and has a great chance at pushing for high minutes at the shooting guard position. Taylor Fortune, Christian Marshall, Cierra Gardner and Lexi Pyle have impressed as post players. We have several other key pieces that will be used moving forward as well. Keeping players injury free and returning players from injury at the right time will be vital for us. Both teams have the potential to have a very special season.”
Davis said the addition of Vinson along with having more depth will be a big boost for the Stars.
“Adding Vanessa Vinson to the mix will allow Dyinasty Davis to work off the ball some to create more shots for her as a scorer,” Davis said. “We also added more shooters as well as post players.
“Our biggest factor this year is not only depth, but the ability to not hurt our overall performance when making rotations.
“I feel we will play eight, nine ladies each game and expect long quality minutes from each of them. As far as a concern, I would say that a lot of our minutes will be played with new faces, which means we don’t have a lot of experience now, however I feel confident that will be fixed by January.”
As far as how the region stacks up, Davis said it will be very competitive for both the men and women.
“Our region for both men’s and women’s basketball improves every single year,” Davis said. “We have nationally ranked in-conference opponents on both the men’s and women’s side. SAU-Tech men’s and women’s teams are both nationally ranked as well as both programs at ASU Mid-South.
“NorthArk women are always very competitive and will more than likely be nationally ranked at some point this year. University of Arkansas-Cossatot was able to produce an All-American in Terry Anderson last season and he chose to come back and play another year with them. I feel like we have one of the strongest conferences in Division II and that will speak for itself very soon.”
As far as expectations go, Davis said he is looking for his teams to be competitive.
“Overall, I want both teams to compete,” Davis said. “Before you worry about winning games, you must first become competitive. We have been competitive over the past two seasons in most of our games as well as last year’s women’s team. Once we know we can compete, play as a team, the wins will start to fall.”
For both teams to have success, Davis said the veterans on both squads have to shine on and off the floor.
“Both programs will need to rely heavily on our returning players not only for their experience on the floor, but off the floor as well,” Davis said. “Being a collegiate student-athlete is not always easy. Between class, practice, work, games and a social life, things can become overwhelming at times.
“It’s important to have returning players who can help pave the way for our new players. I want each program to come together as one to create a family bond that will last forever. Once you can form as one unit, the sky is the limit.”