Happy Friday! We’ve got some key moments and performances to highlight as we wrap up the week. Which matchup was your favorite?

🎙️ Trey Shucker on his recent move and Sylvan Hill’s future
📈 Keeping track of what’s happening around the state
👀 Our One to Watch
🥎 Web Gem of the Week

Let’s dive right in!

🎙️ New Moves. Jeff Williams sits down with new Sylvan Hills Head Coach Trey Shucker to talk about taking over the program, what got him to leave Arkadelphia, and what he’s looking forward to about the upcoming season.

🐯 Tiger Takedown. Bentonville snapped a 10-year drought, defeating Har-Ber with a 5-1 win to bring home the 6A state title. The Tigers built a 2-0 halftime lead before pulling away with three second-half goals, including two from senior Wyatt Marksberry. All around, Bentonville was solid, with senior goalkeeper Eli Alexander delivered several key saves early to help preserve momentum.

Perfect Timing. Siloam Springs rallied past El Dorado with a 2-1 win, claiming the 5A boys state soccer championship. Sophomore standout Elijah Salsgiver came in clutch, delivering both goals for the Panthers, including the game-winner just a minute after El Dorado tied the match. His performance was key to the Panthers’ success, earning MVP honors.

⬆️ Dominance Continues. Valley View baseball continued their dominance, taking down Benton 17-6 to win their third-straight state title. The Blazers offense was hot, racking up 16 hits. Senior Noah Ragsdale led the offensive explosion with three hits, three runs scored and three RBIs, while seniors Levi Martin and Cannon Driskill added three RBIs each.

⚽️ Senior Wyatt Marksberry helped lead Bentonville back to the top, scoring twice in the Tigers’ 5-1 victory over Har-Ber to secure the 6A boys soccer state championship. Marksberry broke the scoreless tie late in the first half with a strike to the top-left corner, then added another goal early in the second half, helping Bentonville pull away for its first state title since 2015.

🥎 Monticello made history this weekend, earning their first state softball championship after defeating Warren, 7-4. Senior Addi Frazer was clutch on both sides of the ball, earning MVP honors after striking out 11 batters in a complete-game performance while also driving in two runs at the plate. The Lady Billies took control with a five-run third inning and never looked back, ending 25-2 season with their fourth victory over Warren this year.

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