Sports

Hogs upset Kentucky in Cal’s return

Published

1 year ago

February 2, 2025

Staff Reports

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Arkansas used one of the team’s best shooting performances of the season to upset No. 12 Kentucky 89-79 in Head Coach John Calipari’s return to Rupp Arena on Saturday night.

The Razorbacks made 13 3-pointers – the second-most in a game this season and the most in a road game vs. a ranked opponent since 2019 – to down the Wildcats on an emotional night. The two teams battled back-and-forth throughout the first half with neither team leading by more than six. Karter Knox’s 3-pointer with in the final minute of the half gave the hogs a 46-45 lead at the half.

Arkansas opened the second half with a 12-2 run to take a commanding lead that the Hogs never gave up, leading the rest of the game. Kentucky cut the deficit to six points with just under seven minutes remaining but the Hogs responded with a Zvonimir Ivisic 3-pointer to push the lead back to nine before Nelly Davis pushed the lead back to 11 points when laid one in with 5:54 on the clock.

Five Razorbacks scored in double digits led by Kentucky transfer Adou Thiero’s team-high 21. Thiero added eight rebounds while going 10-for-12 from the free throw line. Fellow Kentucky transfers DJ Wagner (17 points) and Ivisic (14 points) were key in the victory as the former Wildcat trio combined for 52 points in their return to Rupp Arena. Davis matched his season-best with 18 points on 7-of-14 shooting while Karter Knox chipped in 10 points. Arkansas shot 55.2% (32-58) from the field for the game, including 64.0% (16-25) in the second half.

Amari Williams led all scorers with 22 points for the Wildcats with former Razorback Jaxson Robinson adding 20 for Kentucky.

Arkansas returns to action on Wednesday night at Texas with tipoff set for 8 p.m. (CT) on ESPN2.

FIRST HALF: Arkansas: 46 – Kentucky: 45

Kentucky made its first four 3-point attempts to take an early 18-12 lead. Arkansas was 4-of-7 from deep to start.
Billy Richmond III had a steal and dunk to tie the game at 20-20.
Arkansas had seven assists on its first eight made baskets, including four from D.J. Wagner.
Thiero made back-to-back baskets and Knox capped a 6-0 run with a fastbreak dunk to give Arkansas a 31-30 lead and force a UK timeout. Davis hit a 3-pointer to extend the run to 9-0 and a 34-30 lead.
Knox hit a 3-pointer with 32 seconds left to provide the 46-45 Razorback lead at the break.
Davis was 3-of-5 from 3-point and led Arkansas with 12 first-half points. Thiero added 11 and Knox eight.
Arkansas finished the half with 11 assists on 16 made baskets.
Jaxson Robinson led UK with 12 points, making all three of his 3’s.
Arkansas forced eight first-half turnovers and out-scored the Wildcats 14-5 on fastbreaks.

SECOND HALF: Arkansas: 43 – Kentucky: 34

Arkansas opened the second half with a 12-2 spurt to lead 58-47.
Wagner hit a 3-pointer and Knox had a fastbreak dunk to put Arkansas up 67-56 and force a UK timeout with 13:02 to play.
Kentucky got to within six (76-70) with 6:58 left before Ivisic answered with a 3-pointer and Davis converted a fast break layup to put the Hogs up 11 (81-70) with 5:54 remaining.
Kentucky made a final push, getting to within eight with 5:05 left. Wagner made a free throw, Thiero made a free throw, Thiero made a layup and Wagner sank a jumper to put the game out of reach and give Arkansas a 14-point lead (87-73) with 2:49 left
Wagner played all 20:00 minutes of the second half and scored all 17 of his points in the period.
Arkansas shot 64% from the field in the second half while holding Kentucky to 39.4%.
Kentucky was 7-of-10 from 3-point range in the first half but was just 3-of-13 in the second. The ‘Cats were also just 5-of-10 at the free throw line.

GAME NOTES:

For the first time this season, Arkansas’ starting lineup was D.J. Wagner, Johnell Davis, Karter Knox, Adou Thiero and Zvonimir Ivisic. It is Arkansas’ eighth starting lineup this season.
Arkansas won the opening tip. The Razorbacks have won the tip in 17 of 21 games this year.
Johnell Davis scored game’s first points, a 3-ponter at 19:49.
Trevon Brazile was Arkansas’ first sub.
Arkansas was out-rebounded 33-30 and won for just the second time (2-7) this year when being out-rebounded.
Arkansas had 17 assists. The Hogs only had 16 assists total over the previous two games combined.
Arkansas made 13 3-pointers. The Hogs only had 12 3-pointers in the previous two games combined.
Arkansas made 13-pointers. It was the second-most this year (making 15 versus UMES) and tied for the most by Arkansas versus a ranked opponent in a true road game. (Also made 13 at #19 LSU on 2/2/19.)
Arkansas has been impressive defending the 3-point shot in the second half. Kentucky was just 3-of-13 from deep in the second half. In the last four games (at Missouri, Georgia, Oklahoma and Kentucky), opponents are a combined 5-of-29 (17.2%) in the second half from deep. (Note, in the first half over the span, opponents are 28-of-52 (53.8%).
Arkansas got its first ever road win over a team ranked #12 in the AP poll, improving to 1-3 all-time in such games. Overall, Arkansas is now 7-8 when playing #12 (3-2 at home, 1-3 on the road and 3-3 at neutral sites.)
However, Coach Calipari is now 6-0 when playing an opponent ranked #12. He was 1-0 at UMass, 4-0 at Kentucky and now 1-0 at Arkansas. It was his first win versus #12 on the road.
Coach Calipari is now 249-28 in games played in Rupp Arena. He was 0-1 at UMass, 0-1 at Memphis, 249-26 as UK head coach and now 1-0 at Arkansas.
D.J. Wagner and Johnell Davis combined for 14 assists and three turnovers. Wagner had a season-high eight helpers and Davis tied his season high with six.
Adou Thiero had three steals, his best effort in an SEC game. He has a steal in nine straight games and 17 over the span.
Johnell Davis had two steals and has nine over the last three games. He only had 10 steals in the previous 16 games combined.
D.J. Wagner tied his season high with 17 points. It was his second-best effort in an SEC game. Ironically, his career best in an SEC game was scoring 19 versus Arkansas in Rupp Arena last March.
Arkansas and Kentucky have met on 51 previous occasions, all but four since Arkansas joined the SEC (1991-92). Arkansas snapped a three-game losing streak to the Wildcats. Despite the loss tonight, Kentucky owns a 36-15 advantage in the series, including a 32-15 mark in SEC games.
Arkansas has won three of the last four meetings in Lexington. However, Kentucky still owns a 16-6 advantage all-time in games played at Kentucky.
Razorback head coach John Calipari is 3-4 all-time when facing Kentucky and is 1-2 when facing the Wildcats in Rupp Arena.
Arkansas is 8-1 this year when leading at the half, 11-2 when leading with 10 minutes to play, 11-0 when leading with five minutes to play and 11-0 when leading with two minutes to play.

For more information on Arkansas Men’s Basketball, follow @RazorbackMBB on X.

Sports

Magnolia High School Names New Baseball Coach

Published

2 days ago

June 2, 2026

Grant Merrill

MAGNOLIA — The Magnolia School District has announced the promotion of Jacob Richardson as the new head baseball coach at Magnolia High School.

Richardson takes over the Panther baseball program after serving as an assistant coach and helping guide Magnolia to a berth in the Class 4A State Semifinals during the 2026 season.

The new head coach brings seven years of coaching experience to the position, including stops at Southern Arkansas University, England High School and the Academies of West Memphis. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Southern Arkansas University in 2018 and completed a Master of Science degree in 2022.

Richardson is no stranger to success on the baseball field. As a player at Southern Arkansas University, he was named an All-American and the Great American Conference Player of the Year in 2018. As a coach, he helped lead England High School to the Class 2A State Semifinals in 2021 and was selected as head coach of the East All-Stars in the Arkansas Activities Association All-Star Game in 2024.

Richardson said Magnolia’s tradition and community support made the opportunity especially meaningful.

“Magnolia Panther Baseball has a rich tradition built by the leadership of great coaches, strong administrative and community support, and exceptional talent,” Richardson said. “Although Magnolia is not my hometown, it has always felt that way. I am a Mulerider, and I am a Panther.”

He said the pride surrounding Magnolia athletics was evident from the moment he arrived on campus.

“From the first time I stepped on campus, I could see the pride the students, staff, and community take in wearing the Panther red,” Richardson said. “I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to lead Magnolia Panther Baseball and make a positive impact in the lives of young men through the game of baseball.”

Richardson inherits a program coming off a strong season and said his goal is to continue building on the foundation established by previous coaches.

“We return a very talented group for 2027 that fell just short in 2026,” Richardson said. “Our goal is to build on that momentum and compete for a state championship. Long term, we want our program to be known for winning championships, building relationships, and earning high academic honors in the classroom.”

He also emphasized the culture he hopes to establish within the program.

“Attitude and effort are the two absolutes in our program,” Richardson said. “We want our student-athletes to be disciplined, respectful, hardworking individuals both in competition and in the classroom.”

Outside of coaching, Richardson enjoys golf, bow hunting, fishing and maintaining Magnolia’s athletic facilities. He and his wife, Haley, a dentist in El Dorado and fellow Southern Arkansas University graduate, welcomed their daughter, Anniston, in January 2026. The family also includes their Australian Shepherd, Millie.

School officials said they look forward to the continued growth and success of Magnolia Panther Baseball under Richardson’s leadership as the program pursues its goal of competing for future state championships.

Sports

Camden Fairview Head Baseball Coach Announces Departure

Published

2 days ago

June 2, 2026

Grant Merrill

CAMDEN — Camden Fairview High School Head Baseball Coach and Head Golf Coach Austin May has announced he is stepping away from his positions after two years with the district.

In a message shared with the Camden Fairview community, May said the decision came after “much thought and prayer” as he prepares to accept a new opportunity.

May reflected on his time at Camden Fairview, describing the experience as one that created lasting memories and relationships.

“Camden Fairview welcomed me from day one, and I am incredibly grateful for the support shown to me and our student-athletes,” May wrote.

During his tenure, the Cardinals baseball program experienced significant success. May noted that the team’s accomplishments included qualifying for the state tournament, earning a second-place finish in conference play and competing at a high level throughout the season. The Cardinals advanced to the conference tournament championship game and earned a berth in the state tournament, where they battled to the end against the eventual state champions in a closely contested 2-1 loss.

While proud of the team’s on-field achievements, May said the relationships built with student-athletes were the most rewarding part of his time at Camden Fairview.

“I am even more proud of the young men who represented Camden Fairview with character, toughness, and pride,” May said. “Championships and wins are important, but the relationships built, lessons learned, and growth of our student-athletes will always mean the most to me.”

May expressed gratitude to players, parents, fellow coaches, teachers, administrators, staff members and supporters for their encouragement and commitment to Camden Fairview athletics.

He said he believes he is leaving the program in a stronger position than when he arrived and offered his best wishes for the future success of all Camden Fairview athletic programs.

“Thank you for two unforgettable and memorable years,” May wrote.

The school district has not yet announced plans for filling the coaching vacancies.

Sports

GAC Baseball, Softball Championships Set For This Weekend

Published

4 weeks ago

May 7, 2026

Grant Merrill

Grant Merrill · Commissioner Will Prewitt – Great American Conference

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. — Championship season has arrived for the Great American Conference as the league’s baseball and softball postseason tournaments take center stage across Arkansas this weekend.

The GAC Baseball Championship Series begins Thursday at Baswell Field in Russellville, where the Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys will host the East Central Tigers in a best two-out-of-three showdown for the conference title and an automatic berth into the NCAA Division II Tournament.

Meanwhile, the GAC Softball Championships begin Thursday in Bentonville with quarterfinal action before shifting to the Tiger Athletic Complex for the semifinals and championship game.

Great American Conference Commissioner Will Prewitt said the baseball championship matchup has all the ingredients for an exciting weekend.

“We have a Cinderella story in East Central,” Prewitt said during an appearance on the River Country Breakfast Show with Grant Merrill. “The number eight seed who hasn’t won a conference championship of any sort since 1972.”

Prewitt noted that East Central battled through the upper bracket by defeating regular season champion and top-seeded Arkansas-Monticello before advancing to the finals.

On the other side, Arkansas Tech rolled through its bracket to earn a spot in the championship series.

“Arkansas Tech swept their way through bracket two,” Prewitt said. “And believe it or not, Arkansas Tech hasn’t won a postseason tournament championship of any sort since the 1984 NAIA District 17.”

Because of those long title droughts, Prewitt said one team will make history this weekend.

“So someone’s going to break a really long streak this weekend,” he said. “Again, it’s fun to have this on campus.”

Prewitt said the atmosphere at Baswell Field is expected to be electric.

“Great crowd last night,” he said. “Expect another close-to-packed house night over at Tech, and the winner goes on to NCAA regional play next week.”

GAC Baseball Championship Series Schedule

Baswell Field – Russellville

Game 1 — Thursday
Game 2 — Friday
Game 3 — Saturday (if necessary)

The series will feature No. 2 seed Arkansas Tech against No. 8 seed East Central.

Softball Championship Begins Thursday in Bentonville

The GAC Softball Championships open Thursday with four quarterfinal contests at the Wolverine Athletic Complex in Bentonville before moving to the Tiger Athletic Complex for Friday’s semifinals and Saturday’s championship game.

Prewitt said the regular season race created plenty of drama heading into postseason play.

“An incredible three-way battle for the conference regular season championship,” he said. “Tech finished a half game ahead of Southern Arkansas.”

Prewitt noted that Southern Arkansas played one fewer game than the other title contenders after severe weather disrupted part of a conference series at Southeastern Oklahoma State.

“We had a game last month down in Durant where storms came through and blew over the backstop at Southeastern,” Prewitt said. “So we couldn’t complete the series, and it ended up having championship implications.”

Despite the unusual circumstances, Prewitt praised Arkansas Tech for earning the regular season crown.

“You have to give Tech all the credit in the world,” he said. “Coach Jones and her team, they’re really balanced, strong pitching staff.”

Arkansas Tech enters the tournament as the top seed after clinching its first regular season conference title since 2022. Southern Arkansas earned the No. 2 seed, followed by Oklahoma Baptist and Harding.

2026 GAC Softball Championships Schedule

Thursday, May 7 – Wolverine Athletic Complex

10:30 a.m. — No. 4 Harding vs. No. 5 Southern Nazarene
1:00 p.m. — No. 1 Arkansas Tech vs. No. 8 Ouachita Baptist
3:30 p.m. — No. 2 Southern Arkansas vs. No. 7 Henderson State
6:00 p.m. — No. 3 Oklahoma Baptist vs. No. 6 Southeastern Oklahoma State

Friday, May 8 – Tiger Athletic Complex

Noon — Semifinal No. 1
2:30 p.m. — Semifinal No. 2

Saturday, May 9 – Tiger Athletic Complex

12:30 p.m. — Championship Game

All seven softball tournament games will stream on GACSportsNetwork.com.

Sports

Muleriders Win Series At Harding

Published

2 months ago

April 6, 2026

Grant Merrill

SEARCY, Ark. – The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (21-15, 15-9 GAC) split their Friday doubleheader with the Harding University Bisons (19-16, 14-10 GAC) falling in game one 3-1 and winning the third game of the series 8-0.

Game 1 | HU wins 3-1
The Muleriders got the scoring going early in game one plating one run in the top of the first inning. Luke Noack singled to lead off the game and was followed two batters later by a Wyatt Fielding double into right center to score Noack, 1-0. The Bisons knotted the game at 1-1 plating a run in the bottom of the first. A scoreless second inning for both teams saw Harding score another run in the bottom of the third to take a 2-1 lead. Neither team was able to plate a run for the next four innings, but Harding broke the ice in the bottom of the eighth adding an insurance run to take a 3-1 lead. The Muleriders were not able to push a run across in the top of the ninth despite some traffic on the bases as Harding took game one and the series.

Top Performers
Easton Hurley: 6.1 innings pitched, 2 runs allowed, 2 earned runs, 4 strikeouts
Wyatt Fielding: 2-for-4, 1 RBI

Game 2 | SAU wins 8-0
Game two began just like game one as the Muleriders broke the ice but this time with a three spot to get the scoring going. Tate Elliott collected two RBI on a double into right center field scoring Wyatt Fielding and Michael Herndon as SAU jumped out to a 2-0 lead. Tate Elliott plated the third run of the inning scoring from third on a wild pitch after advancing on a David Chandler ground out one batter earlier, 3-0. Nate June took the mound for the Muleriders in game two and shut down the Bisons in the bottom of the inning setting the tone for the rest of the game. Ayden Slott drove in two runs his own in the top of the fourth inning reaching on a throwing error by the short stop as David Chandler and Christian Gutierrez scored on the error. SAU jumped out to a 5-0 lead after the top of the fourth inning. Luke Noack collected two RBI of his own in the top of the eighth as SAU continued to pour on the runs as Jacob Lang and Ayden Slott scored, 7-0. Michael Herndon tacked on another run for the Muleriders singling up the middle to score Noack, 8-0. Nate June dominated on the mound in game two throwing seven complete inning allowing no runs and no earned runs.

Top Performers
Nate June: 7 innings, 4 hits, 0 runs, 0 earned runs
Wyatt Fielding: 2-for-3, 1 run
Luke Noack: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, 1 run
Tate Elliott: 1-for-4, 1 run, 2 RBI

Up Next
The Muleriders will be back in action next weekend as they travel to Ada, Oklahoma for a three-game series against the East Central University Tigers. The series is scheduled to start on Friday, April 10th at 2:00 p.m.

Sports

Camden Fairview Hires New Football Coach

Published

4 months ago

February 18, 2026

Grant Merrill

CAMDEN — The Camden Fairview School Board approved the hiring of Jamie Carter as the next Camden Fairview Cardinal head football coach and assistant athletic director during its regular board meeting Monday night.

Carter comes to Camden Fairview from Marion, where he most recently served as associate head coach and co-defensive coordinator. He previously spent four years as head football coach and assistant athletic director at Osceola, compiling an 18–5 conference record. Carter brings 17 years of coaching experience, including two seasons as Marion’s defensive coordinator.

“I am truly honored and grateful to be named the Head Football Coach at Camden Fairview High School,” Carter said. “This is more than just a position; it’s an opportunity to serve young men, build meaningful relationships, and represent a proud community the right way.”

Carter emphasized his commitment to discipline, accountability, trust, and respect, saying those principles will serve as the foundation of the program. He added that values instilled in him by his parents—hard work, character, integrity, and treating others with respect—are the same standards he expects from his players.

The coaching search began January 9, when former head coach Nick Vaughn announced his resignation to accept the head coaching position at Maumelle. The interview committee included Assistant Athletic Director Johnny Jackson, Assistant Superintendent Andre Toney, Assistant Superintendent Cara Bowie, Human Resources Director Fred Lilly II, and Cardinal football booster club president Jamie Semple. Interviews were conducted last week before Superintendent Mrs. Armstrong met with Carter and presented her recommendation to the school board.

“Our community has always shown strong support for our students and for Cardinal athletics,” Armstrong said. “I’m confident that Coach Carter is the right leader to continue building on our proud tradition of Cardinal Football, developing our student-athletes, and moving our program forward with integrity and purpose.”

Carter is scheduled to meet with Cardinal football players on Monday, February 23, and the district will host a community meet-and-greet on Thursday, March 19. Additional details are expected to be released in the coming days.