Area athletes earn All-State honors across multiple classifications

Strong season for north central Arkansas programs highlighted by all-state selections

Mar. 19, 2026 at 7:40pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Several area athletes earned recognition on the 2026 Arkansas All-State basketball teams, highlighting a strong season for programs across north central Arkansas. Athletes from Class 1A, 2A, 3A, and 5A were honored, with multiple players from schools like Calico Rock, Lead Hill, Jasper, Bergman, and Mountain Home earning all-state selections.

Why it matters

The all-state selections showcase the talent and success of basketball programs in the north central Arkansas region, demonstrating the strength of high school sports across different classifications. These honors provide recognition for the hard work and achievements of the student-athletes, while also generating excitement and pride within their local communities.

The details

In Class 1A, Calico Rock placed three players on the boys all-state team, while Lead Hill, Viola, Norfork, and Jasper also had multiple honorees on the boys and girls sides. In Class 2A, Izard County and Cedar Ridge were represented. Bergman and Mountain View had strong showings in Class 3A. And in Class 5A, Mountain Home and Little Rock Christian were recognized.

  • The 2026 Arkansas All-State basketball teams were announced on March 19, 2026.

The players

Heath Brothers

All-state selection from Calico Rock High School in Class 1A.

Kyle French

All-state selection from Calico Rock High School in Class 1A.

Eli Thornton

All-state selection from Calico Rock High School in Class 1A.

Jaelynn Whiteaker

All-state selection from Calico Rock High School in Class 1A.

Noah Royce

All-state selection from Lead Hill High School in Class 1A.

Dowson Lively

All-state selection from Lead Hill High School in Class 1A.

Coda Lemon

All-state selection from Lead Hill High School in Class 1A.

Tesli Johnson

All-state selection from Lead Hill High School in Class 1A.

Marissa Hutson

All-state selection from Viola High School in Class 1A.

Cheyenne Newberry

All-state selection from Viola High School in Class 1A.

Maggie Tyrone

All-state selection from Norfork High School in Class 1A.

Blake Williams

All-state selection from Jasper High School in Class 1A.

Tyson Davis

All-state selection from Jasper High School in Class 1A.

Ty Williams

All-state selection from Jasper High School in Class 1A.

Delaney Reddell

All-state selection from Jasper High School in Class 1A.

Kinley Stephens

All-state selection from Jasper High School in Class 1A.

Kendall Hickerson

All-state selection from Yellville-Summit High School in Class 3A.

Jailyn Strong

All-state selection from Salem High School in Class 3A.

Benaiah Spray

All-state selection from Izard County High School in Class 2A.

Rylan Brown

All-state selection from Cedar Ridge High School in Class 2A.

Dawson Engles

All-state selection from Cedar Ridge High School in Class 2A.

Emilee Pankley

All-state selection from Cedar Ridge High School in Class 2A.

Tucker Thompson

All-state selection from Flippin High School in Class 3A.

Jhayden Jones

All-state selection from Bergman High School in Class 3A.

Jace Holt

All-state selection from Bergman High School in Class 3A.

Brinley Colins

All-state selection from Bergman High School in Class 3A.

Jacey Halitzka

All-state selection from Bergman High School in Class 3A.

Tyler Newton

All-state selection from Mountain View High School in Class 3A.

Addy Davis

All-state selection from Mountain View High School in Class 3A.

Emma Akins

All-state selection from Mountain View High School in Class 3A.

Erin Akins

All-state selection from Mountain View High School in Class 3A.

Rhett Gilbert

All-state selection from Mountain Home High School in Class 5A.

Livi Fossness

All-state selection from Mountain Home High School in Class 5A.

Brooklyn Mitchell

All-state selection from Mountain Home High School in Class 5A.

Jayla Yonkers

All-state selection from Mountain Home High School in Class 5A.

JJ Andrews

All-state selection from Little Rock Christian High School in Class 5A, who signed with the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The all-state selections highlight the depth of basketball talent across north central Arkansas, with athletes from small and large schools alike earning recognition for their outstanding performances this season. These honors showcase the continued growth and competitiveness of high school sports in the region.