Anton Beard, KeVaughn Allen could put North Little Rock back in the national rankings picture.
North Little Rock, which earned a spot on last year's Tour of Champions, hopes for a repeat title as the No. 1 squad in Arkansas heading into the 2013-14 season.
Photo by Army National Guard
MaxPreps 2013-14 Arkansas Boys Basketball Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard
Click here to see the boys basketball preseason Fab 5 from every state1. North Little Rock2012-13 record: 30-1, Class 7A state champions
Head coach: Johnny Rice
After a dominating 2012-13 campaign that saw the Charging Wildcats finish No. 9 in MaxPreps.com's final national rankings, many expected NLR to take a step back after losing several key seniors. But the arrival of transfer and Arkansas verbal commitment
Anton Beard changed expectations in a hurry. Beard will join junior MaxPreps Sophomore All-American
KeVaughn Allen (18.6 points per game in 2012-13) in the backcourt.
2. Bentonville2012-13 record: 23-9
Head coach: Jason McMahan
After reaching the 7A semifinals a year ago, the Tigers received an early Christmas gift over the summer when 2016 star
Malik Monk announced intentions to transfer in. Monk was among the last cuts for USA Basketball's U16 team and earned Freshmen All-American honors from MaxPreps last season.
3. Hall (Little Rock)2012-13 record: 26-5, Class 6A state champions
Head coach: Jon Coleman
The Warriors are one of the state's most consistent winners in recent years, compiling an incredible 185-26 (.876) since the 2006-07 season. But replacing 6-foot-9 shotblocker Bobby Portis – now a freshman at Arkansas – will be the program's biggest challenge during that span. Senior guard
Gregg Easter is among the players that will be asked to do much more in 2013-14.
4. Parkview (Little Rock)2012-13 record: 21-5
Head coach: Al Flanigan
The loss of Beard to North Little Rock will sting for Parkview this season. But the Patriots have rebuilt and reloaded steadily with a lot of success over the past decade – averaging 22 wins per season over that span. Nine players are back from last year's 21-win squad, including stud junior guard
Markell Foreman.
5. Clarksville2012-13 record: 27-5
Head coach: Tony Davis
Two members of the first family of Arkansas high school basketball are back for the Panthers, and that should be enough to do damage in the 5A ranks. Gone are last year's two leading scorers in Dederick Lee and adopted brother Deven Simms. But back are brothers
Freddy Lee (11.8 points per game last season) and
Kendrick Lee (9.8).
