PULASKI COUNTY, Ark. -- The athletics programs from all four feeder patterns in Pulaski County Special School District ensure that our student athletes are safely continuing with sport during the COVID pandemic. The following is a recap of our winter sports programs and achievements during these challenging times.
Joe T. Robinson
Boys Basketball - The boys basketball team advanced to the 4A regional tournament this year. This was one of our youngest groups ever, and they battled hard all year, losing seven games at the buzzer. Bright future for the boys basketball, as our 7th grade boys went undefeated this year.
Girls Basketball - The girls basketball team advanced to the 4A state quarterfinals this year for the first time in 13 years. The 8th grade girls won the middle school conference.
Wrestling - Robinson wrestlers advanced to the state tournament this year and had individual honors as high as 4th overall in state.
Maumelle
Boys Basketball - The varsity boys basketball team has had an excellent season finishing 3rd in the conference and punching their ticket into the state tournament. The 7th - 9th grade boys teams were very successful this year as well.
Girls Basketball - The varsity girls team may not have a great year in terms of wins and losses, but the girls' made huge steps in improving team culture. Both 7th and 8th grade teams had very successful seasons.
The basketball coaches have worked really hard to build a bridge between Maumelle Middle and Maumelle High School.
Swimming - Eden Hamlin won a state championship in the 200-yard individual medley and Justin Oulette got 2nd in both the 200-yard and 500-yard freestyle.
Wrestling - Ember Smith won her second state championship. Nathan Juhl won state as well.
Mills
Boys Basketball - The varsity boys basketball team won the regular season conference, conference tournament, regional tournament and state championship. The team finished with a 26-3 record . Coach Cooper was named the 4A-5 conference Coach of the year.
Girls Basketball - The girls team did not win any games this year. However, the team was made up of primarily sophomores and is looking to be much improved next year.
Sylvan Hills
Boys Basketball - The varsity boys basketball team had an outstanding year, finishing 2nd in the conference with a 24-5 record and making it to the semi-finals of the state tournament. Additionally, the 7th - 9th grade boys had an outstanding year as the 7th and 8th graders only lost one game this year. Coach Davis was named 5A central coach of the year.
Girls Basketball - The varsity girls also had a great year finishing 2nd in the conference with a 15-9 record and qualified for the state tournament. The 7th - 9th grade girls' teams also had a successful season.
Swimming - The boys swim team finished 2nd in conference and our girls finished 3rd in conference. Seven boys and five girls qualified for the state swim meet. Our girls 200-yard individual medley relay team medal.
Wrestling - The boys wrestling team sent 14 boys to the state wrestling meet, five of which received a medal. The boys finished 7th overall in the entire state. Our girls sent ten to the state meet and one received a medal. The girls team finished 16th overall in the entire state.
Moving Forward
The PCSSD Athletic Department will continue to make adjustments due to COVID. Flexibility is necessary to pivot when needed to provide our student-athletes the opportunity to play. As we begin our Spring sports seasons, new practices will be in place to accommodate venues for baseball, soccer, softball, and track.