Sports

Mulerider women saddled in for Clark County clash

Published

1 year ago

December 18, 2024

Staff Reports

MAGNOLIA, Ark. – Mulerider Women’s Hoops is back in action for one final outing before the Christmas break as Southern Arkansas is set for its final venture to Clark County this season to take on the defending Great American Conference Tournament champions, the Henderson State Reddies. The two groups have split their series over the past three seasons, each claiming victory over the other at home for all three campaigns (SAU vs HSU | Magnolia: 3-0 | Arkadelphia: 0-3).

Last season, the Muleriders had begun GAC play against the Reddies in Magnolia after starting the 2023-24 year 5-0. SAU would advance their record to 6-0 after defeating HSU 61-55 in a defensive battle. Following that contest, Southern Arkansas dropped its next four matchups while Henderson State improved each week, with losses only to teams ranked nationally or those that received national recognition. When the Reddies met the Muleriders for the second time last season, Henderson State handled the Blue and Gold with a final score of 60-81.

The two groups are set to begin another season series with the Muleriders looking to break the pattern on the road as SAU enters Arkadelphia on Thursday 7-3 and 2-2 in the GAC after defeating Ouachita Baptist on the road and Arkansas Tech at home. If anything, Southern Arkansas’ contest with ATU seems to be proof of patterns being disrupted as the Muleriders’ triumph against the Golden Suns was the first for the unit since the 2019-2020 season and the first since the 2014-2015 campaign that SAU defeated them at home.

Both the Muleriders and the Reddies have had similar beginnings to the 2024-25 GAC schedule after both teams fell twice while in Oklahoma in a similar fashion. The following week, Henderson State went to Russellville where they defeated Tech much like Southern Arkansas (83-70). The only difference between the programs’ week two of conference play was the loss the Reddies received at home against preseason favorite Harding in a tightly-contested overtime battle (88-94).

In that contest with the Bisons, sophomore guard Natalie Cardenas led the game in scoring with 32 points after she made 9-20 from the field, 4-8 from three-point range, and a very impressive 10-12 at the free throw line. Cardenas also acquired six rebounds and tied for the second-most on the team that game. Three other Reddies also had an impressive game, which were Brynlee Huggins, Sam Basson, and Marlee Raby. Basson and Raby both accounted for 17 points while Huggins was second in scoring for the Reddies with 18 points.

Last week for the Muleriders, the Matthews Era truly began to set in as the first-year head coach for Southern Arkansas claims a second defensive player of the week honor with Elena Lijo-Rodriguez winning the honor for the first time in her career, which marks the first time SAU Women’s Hoops have been rewarded multiple GAC POTW honors for two or more players in the same season.

The Muleriders have been dominating teams on defense with the most points surrendered all season being 70 points against the Golden Suns on Saturday. Nationally, the Southern Arkansas defense ranks 13^th, allowing just 52.0 points per game. The group is leading the Great American Conference defensively in scoring, defensive field goal percentage (35.0% | 32^nd nationally), and steals per game (11.9 | 33^rd nationally). Because of SAU’s defense, the team also leads the league for their scoring margin of 18.4, which is 18^th nationally.

Three different Muleriders have accounted for 100+ points on the season. Leading the team in scoring is Addy Tremie with 126 so far (12.6 ppg). The Sulphur, Louisiana native has made 48-117 (41.0%) and is also leading the team in three-point shots made with 25, and is second in the conference for her three-point attempts (67), percentage (37.3%), makes, and made per game (2.5).

Leading the team, the conference, and the Central Region in steals is Marlee Bright as the junior averages 4.00 steals per game and has accounted for 40 on the season. Those numbers rank her average fourth in Division II and her total fifth in Division II. Finally, the native of Amity, Arkansas is also the team’s, the conference’s, and the Central Region’s leader for total assists with 64 assists this season, which ranks third in Division II.

Southern Arkansas will face Henderson State inside the Duke Wells Center on Thursday at 5:30 PM with live links to streaming and live stats available at www.MuleriderAthletics.com/coverage.

Sports

Camden Fairview Hires New Football Coach

Published

2 weeks 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.

Sports

West Side Christian Warriors and Lady Warriors Dominate at HCAA Quarter Finals in Ft. Smith

Published

3 weeks ago

February 17, 2026

Jax Sanford

The West Side Warriors of El Dorado hosted the Regional Heartland Christian Activities Association (HCAA) Regional Basketball Tournament for boys and girls teams over Valentine’s Day weekend, where they came out on top of the tournament in dominant fashion. West Side Warriors and Lady Warriors won their games and advanced to the HCAA Quarter Finals hosted in Fort Smith, AR. It was there where they, again, showed their dominance and advanced to the Semi-Finals to be played in Oklahoma City, OK on February 20, 2026 @ The Firelake Arena. The winner of that matchup will play in the Championship, also hosted in OKC on February 21, 2026.

West Side Lady Warriors won 43-5 over the Southwest Christian Lady Lions in the Quarter Finals in Fort Smith during their 2 pm matchup. They showed a dominant effort on the boards, defense, and efficient scoring opportunities.

West Side Warriors Boys won 62-49 over the Lakewood Christian Lions in their 3:30 pm Quarter Finals matchup in Fort Smith. The Warriors showed hustle, grit, and determination to come out of this tournament the victors.

West Side Jr. High Warriors finished 2nd in the 2A HCAA State Tournament after falling to Garrett Memorial out of Hope, AR.

Sports

El Dorado Cheer Wins National Championship

Published

1 month ago

February 1, 2026

Grant Merrill

ORLANDO, FL – El Dorado High School’s cheerleading team claimed a national championship on Sunday, winning the Division II title at the 2026 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship, part of the National High School Cheerleading Championship (NHSCC), in Orlando, Florida. The Wildcats competed against top Division II programs from across the country at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, emerging as national champions on cheerleading’s biggest high school stage.

The NHSCC is the premier national competition for high school cheer teams in the United States and is organized by Varsity Spirit and the Universal Cheerleaders Association. Each year, it brings together elite programs from across the nation to compete for national titles in multiple divisions, with teams judged on execution, difficulty, synchronization, crowd leadership, and overall performance.

El Dorado advanced through preliminary rounds earlier in the weekend before taking the floor Sunday in the championship finals. The Wildcats delivered a clean, confident routine featuring strong stunting, tumbling, sharp motions, and high energy, separating themselves from a highly competitive Division II field to secure the championship.

The national title reflects months of preparation, discipline, and teamwork by the athletes and coaching staff. It also places El Dorado High School among the nation’s elite cheer programs for the 2025–26 season.

The competition was streamed nationally on Varsity TV, allowing family members, classmates, and supporters back home to watch the Wildcats’ championship performance in real time. With the Division II NHSCC title, El Dorado High School adds a significant national accomplishment to its athletic tradition and brings home a championship that will be celebrated throughout the school and community.

Sports

Hogs Roll Past Vanderbilt In Statement Win

Published

2 months ago

January 21, 2026

Grant Merrill

FAYETTEVILLE — No. 20 Arkansas delivered one of its most complete performances of the season Tuesday night, dominating No. 15/14 Vanderbilt 93-68 at Bud Walton Arena.

Six Razorbacks scored in double figures as Arkansas (now 4-0 in ranked matchups this season) used balanced offense, high-efficiency passing, and stifling defense to cruise past the Commodores in their eighth all-time meeting as ranked opponents.

Trevon Brazile recorded his fourth double-double of the season with 10 points, a season-high 14 rebounds, and added five assists, four steals, and two blocks. Darius Acuff Jr. led the scoring with 17 points and five assists — all in the second half — while Meleek Thomas added 13 points and five assists. Malique Ewin and Karter Knox each scored 16, and D.J. Wagner contributed 11 off the bench in a strong bounce-back performance.

Head coach John Calipari moved Wagner to the bench to “get him going,” and the sophomore responded with efficient play — three assists, no turnovers, and confident scoring.

Arkansas led 46-35 at the half after racing out to a 13-2 start and holding a 20-point advantage midway through the opening frame. The Hogs never looked back. They shot 54.5% from the field in the first half and out-rebounded Vandy 23-13, then torched the Commodores for 61.3% shooting in the second half while forcing cold shooting on the other end.

Vanderbilt (previously 10th nationally in scoring and 24th in field goal percentage) was held to just 68 points on 37.9% shooting. Tyler Nickel was the only Commodore in double figures with 17 — all in the first half.

Arkansas totaled 25 assists to just seven turnovers and threw down 13 dunks, including four by Ewin and three from Nick Pringle.

With the win, Arkansas improves to 32-15 all-time against Vanderbilt and 17-5 in Fayetteville. The 25-point victory marked the fourth-largest margin of victory over a ranked opponent in program history.

The Razorbacks return to action Saturday night when they host LSU at Bud Walton Arena. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. on SEC Network.

Sports

Muleriders Set For In-State Road Trip

Published

2 months ago

January 21, 2026

Grant Merrill

MAGNOLIA, Ark. — Southern Arkansas men’s basketball (7-9, 4-6 GAC) hits the road for a pair of key in-state matchups this week, visiting Arkansas-Monticello on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. before facing Henderson State on Saturday at 3:00 p.m.

Thursday marks the 118th meeting between SAU and UAM, with the Muleriders holding a 73-44 series lead. They’ll then square off with Henderson State for the 120th time, with the Reddies leading 64-55 all-time.

SAU looks to bounce back after a tough 69-64 home loss to Northwestern Oklahoma State. Greg Moore Jr. led the way with 22 points, his best since early December. Junior Williams added 12, and Jair Horton finished just shy of a double-double with 10 points and eight rebounds. Despite the loss, the Muleriders shot a strong 46.2% from the field and 47.1% from three.

Moore continues to shine at the line, ranking second in the GAC with a 91.1% free throw percentage. As a team, SAU leads the conference in three-point shooting at 34.4%.

Thursday’s opponent, UAM (7-9, 3-7 GAC), enters on a two-game skid and sits just below SAU in the standings. Ashton Price leads the Boll Weevils with 14.6 points per game, while Isaac Jackson adds 13.7. UAM averages 66.1 points per game and shoots 45.4% from the floor.

Saturday’s opponent, Henderson State (8-8, 5-5 GAC), also comes in after back-to-back losses, including a triple-overtime battle with nationally ranked SNU. The Reddies average 76.6 points per game and are led by Zaveion Okoh (15.8 ppg) and Xavier Owens (12.9 ppg).

Both games will be streamed live on YouTube through UAM and HSU’s athletic channels, with radio coverage on KVMZ 99.1 FM. The matchups mark the start of a four-game road stretch for the Muleriders.