If you took time off from following Arkansas prep sports news on Wednesday, there is quite a bit to catch up on. Most notably in the hoops world.
The news of Greg White leaving Bentonville West took center stage.
White is re-joining forces with Athletic Director Scott Passmore – who hired White at West – at Thaden School, a small private school about 10 minutes east of Centerton in Bentonville. Along with leading the varsity boys basketball team, White will also serve as Passmore’s assistant AD.
“Coming to Thaden feels like going back home,” the Cutter-Morning Star alum said in a post on the school’s Instagram page. “The sense of community and belonging is unparalleled to anything I’ve experienced in my two decades of coaching.”
White took the reins at West in 2016 when the school was formed and built the program from the ground up. He compiled a 133-93 overall record with the Wolverines and enjoyed his best season with the team in 2022-23 when he was named 6A-West Coach of the Year following a 26-4 finish, including a 14-2 conference record, while making it to the state semifinals.
Just like in Centerton when he started, White has his work cut out for him at Thaden. The Barnstormers went 6-23 overall this past season, 3-13 in 1A-1W play, and have struggled in their short history. To make the job even more challenging, Thaden is bumping up two classes to 3A and will compete in Region 1.
Spring Hill hires Blevin Boyd as boys coach
Former Mountain Pine girls basketball head coach Blevin Boyd will now lead the boys program at Spring Hill.
“My family and I are excited about this new opportunity,” Boyd said in a release from the school. “I am eager to work with my new teaching and coaching staff. I am also anxious to meet students and prepare for a great basketball season.”
The Kirby alumnus led the Lady Red Devils to a fifth-place finish in the 2A-5 regular season conference standings this past season. Boyd takes over a Spring Hill squad that is coming off of a 2A-South Regional Tournament berth.
Jonathan Buffalo leaves alma mater to take over Centerpoint girls squad
Buffalo announced on his Facebook page Wednesday evening that he is headed to southwest Arkansas after 16 years at Carlisle.
Read more here.
Prairie Grove named Mike Simmons boys coach earlier this month
After more than a decade coaching Greenbrier’s boys, Mike Simmons will take on the challenge of rebuilding Prairie Grove’s boys squad.
Read more here.
(Cover photo submitted)
Kyle Sutherland is a journalist and podcast host (Arkansas Preps Weekly) for The Natural State Sports Network. His written work has been featured in outlets including the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Best of Arkansas Sports and Hooten’s Arkansas Football. He is also the color commentator for 103.7 The Buzz’s high school football Game of the Week. Email Kyle at kyle@naturalstatesports.com.