Varsity Vibe: Arkansas

The Rogers Mounties won their seventh consecutive 6A-West conference title, and finished the regular season 24-2. One their way to try and defend their State Championship from a season ago, Head Coach Matt Melson joins Alyssa Orange to look ahead to the post season. 

The regular season is in the books, and it is post season time for high school soccer. The Lady Wolverines finished the regular season with a win on Senior Night against Southside, and turn their attention to their first game of the playoffs against Jonesboro. Head Coach Kerry Castillo joins Alyssa Orange with the latest from the pitch. 

The Great American Conference was started in 2010, and how has 12 universities across Arkansas and Oklahoma. Commissioner Will Prewitt took the time to talk with Alyssa Orange on the growth of the conference over the years, how the transfer portal and NIL has affected them at the DII level, and his advice to high school athletes who want to play collegiate sports. 

The Bentonville Tigers fell in the 2025 7A State Title game to Bryant, and as they look to 2026 there are a lot of new roles to fill with the talent returning for the upcoming season. Alyssa Orange and head coach Jody Grant to look ahead at what the Tigers want to accomplish during Spring Football. 

The Bentonville West girls soccer team has two more regular season games against Fayetteville and Southside before the post season begins. Alyssa Orange and head coach Kerry Castillo discuss the 2-2 tie against Bentonville and the 5-1 win over Springdale last week, plus give some love to the senior class with Senior Night coming up on Friday. 

Year one under Head Coach Aaron Danenhauer is in the books for the Har-Ber Wildcats, and now he looks to continue to build on what they've accomplished in the fall during Spring Practices. He joins Alyssa Orange to talk about the group of talent returning, including quarterback Bryce Owens, and what they hope to accomplish over the next few weeks. 

Springdale Head Coach Brett Hobbs joins Alyssa Orange to preview spring football with the Bulldogs, what's new with the 2026 team, and the addition of new Offensive Coordinator Eric Munoz. 

The Rogers Mounties have had a few months to move on from the way the 2025 season ended, and are now excited about what the 2026 season can bring. As head coach Chad Harbison explains to Alyssa Orange, it'll be different and new, but they've got some good talent to lean on. 

With a week off to work on fundamentals and reset, the Bentonville West Wolverines feel really good about where they are heading into the final stretch of the regular season. 

Spring Football is ramping up for high schools around the state of Arkansas as they get ready to see what their teams will look like for the 2026 season. Our first stop takes up to Bentonville West, where head coach Bryan Pratt and the Wolverines have a lot of returning talent back, but they have a key position to fill at quarterback. 

High School football is back, with Spring Football starting around Arkansas. On top of the start of practice, there have been more coaching changes around the state this off-season than in the past few decades. Jeff Williams and Alyssa Orange break down what teams have in store for the spring and what the changes mean for the programs ahead. 

After six seasons as the Head Coach of the Greenwood Bulldogs, and serving as the Offensive Coordinator for 11 years prior, Chris Young is stepping down and moving to the role of Director of Student Activities and Operations. What does this mean for Greenwood Football? A new era.Young visits with Jeff Williams about why he decided to make the move and how Jason Gill is a great fit to take over the football program. 

A new era of Greenwood football is upon us! The district announced on Wednesday the hiring of long-time Defensive Coordinator Jason Gill as the new Head Coach of the Bulldogs. Gill replaces Chris Young, who served as Head Coach for 6 seasons and who is transitioning into a new role as Director of Student Activities and Operations. Gill joins Jeff Williams to discuss the move and the future of Bulldogs Football. 

There are only a handful of weeks left of the regular season before Regional Tournaments and State Tournaments begin for high school baseball. Teams are starting to separate themselves, and some surprises are starting to set themselves up for success. Longtime Arkansas baseball reporter Kevin Bohannon joins Alyssa Orange to give his take on the action around the state and how teams have set themselves up for the post season. 

Bentonville Tigers head baseball coach Will McGinnis is building his own groundwork for success his first season leading the program. But he's no stranger to the 6A-West. He played in it as a high schooler at Springdale, and coached as an assistant at Har-Ber. McGinnis joins Alyssa Orange to discuss the 2026 season so far, growing up playing baseball in Northwest Arkansas for his dad, and what this senior class has meant to him in just a short amount of time. 

Despite a wake boarding accident at 10, Brett Brewer was a high level high school player at Mountain Home High School as a goalie, and then went to college to pursue Agriculture. But the game kept calling him back. He now is in his 3rd season as the Har-Ber head girls soccer coach, and continues to build the program in the right direction. He joins Alyssa Orange to brag on the way his team has played this season, and share his own soccer journey. 

The Lady Wolverines continue to play at a high level as they get closer and closer to the post season. Coming off wins over Heritage and a tie 0-0 over Rogers, they now look ahead to Northside and Har-Ber next. Head Coach Kerry Castillo joins Alyssa Orange to give shoutouts to his team that continues to rise to the occasion. 

After taking over for the legendary head coach Noel Boucher in 2020, Leighton Hardin has been able to set his own standard leading the Conway baseball team while also embracing the tradition set before him. He joins Alyssa Orange to talk about the 2026 team, taking over the program, and where the ceiling is for Conway baseball. 

When he first starting playing soccer at a young age, Bentonville West's girls soccer head coach Kerry Castillo had no idea the lessons the sport would teach him about life. Those lessons taught to him, and the people around him helped him through some of the hardest moments of his life. Sharing his testimony of what he's overcome plays a big role into how he views his responsibility as a head coach. 

Fayetteville Softball head coach Ed Duncan has been with the Bulldogs program for 10 years, and is now in his 4th season at the helm. He joins Alyssa Orange to share his love for the game of softball, how he got into the sport after being a dual sports athlete in football and baseball, and how he found his passion for art at a young age. 

Powered by Lindsey & AssociatesHall of Fame Head Coach: Buck James A legendary figure on the sidelines, James carved out one of the most respected coaching careers in the state, leading programs with toughness, discipline, and consistency for decades. Known for developing not just great players but great men, his impact stretches far beyond the scoreboard. Now, that legacy is officially stamped forever with his induction into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.• Built championship-caliber programs year after year• Known for discipline, toughness, and player development• Impacted generations of athletes across Arkansas• A career that defines what high school football is all aboutLike, comment, and subscribe for more stories that matter across Arkansas sports.🔴 Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026🔴 One of the most respected coaches in the state🔴 Legacy measured in lives changed, not just wins🔴 A true pillar of Arkansas high school footballFinal segment presented by Lindsey & Associates — support those who support high school and Arkansas athletics.

The Lady Wolverines have stacked together wins over the last few weeks, including wins over Fayetteville and FS Southside. Head Coach Kerry Castillo joins Alyssa Orange to give the lastest update on the team and what lies ahead next week. 

In 2022, Brandon Brewer left the very successful Owasso Baseball program as an assistant coach to come back home to Greenwood and lead his alma mater. As a former player, he's seen what it takes to maintain success in a town that builds champions. He joined Alyssa Orange to share his story and what it's been like pouring back into the program that helped build who he is. 

JJ Andrews shined during the festivities of the McDonalds All-American week on Phoenix surrounded by the best high school basketball players in the country. And Varsity Vibe's Alex Hall was there to capture it. Hall joins Alyssa Orange to give share is experience around the best new wave of talent, his favorite moments, and what it was like to cover the event on the inside. 

HawgBeat and Arkansas HS reporter Kyle Sutherland joins Alyssa Orange to break down how the softball season is unfolding, and the biggest storylines in high school athletics including Daryl Fimple's move to Arkansas Tech and Anthony Lucas' move to Fayetteville. 

It's been two weeks since our last episode, thanks to Spring Break, but that doesn't mean the action slowed down for the Lady Wolverines. They tied against Bentonville 2-2, then went on and beat Harrison, Springfield Catholic and Springdale. Alyssa Orange and Head Coach Kerry Castillo catch you up on everything that is happening on the pitch, and freshman Addy Sharp joins us to share her soccer journey and play trivia! 

From a star player at Pine Bluff to an assistant coach and now leading his own program, Claude Johnson has been around the game of football in Arkansas his whole life. In February he was hired as the Marion Patriots new Football Head Coach and has hit the ground running starting to build his vision of success. He joins Alyssa Orange to look ahead to his first season, why it's important for him to build the relationships away from just the X's and O's and the supportive family behind him. 

After nine years as an assistant coach for the Fayetteville Volleyball team. Kele Luigs is to take the torch passed to her by her mentor Jessica Phelan, and start a new era of Bulldogs Volleyball. Luigs sits down with Alyssa Orange to share her own volleyball career, playing at Arkansas, getting into coaching, what she learned from Phelan and much more. 

After over a decade with the program, Pea Ridge softball head coach Josh Reynolds led the Lady Blackhawks to their first State Title in 2025. Now, he’s ready to build on that success. He joins our host Alyssa Orange to look back on what that championship meant for the program, and the enjoyment he gets seeing his player’s hard work pay off.

Rogers Baseball head coach Matt Melson lead the Mounties to their second state title in 2025 and continues to maintain a level of success at Rogers that was built when he was a player and an assistant coach. Melson joins Alyssa Orange to talk about his roster in 2026, what the program means to him, and how he still learns from his mentor Tom Woodruff. 

In 2025, The Bentonville Softball team won it's 7th State Championship. As one of the most successful programs in Arkansas, it's lead by one of the winningest coaches in the sport. Kent Early learned from a young age what great coaching looked like from his father Alvy Early at UA-Monticello. He sits down with Alyssa Orange to discuss how he's been able to build and sustain the success at Bentonville, and how much the sports has evolved. 

JJ Andrews won two State Championships with LRCA during his high school career, and although it didn’t end the way he wanted, he’s grateful and ready for the next chapter. The Arkansas signee and 5-Star sits down with Alyssa Orange and looks ahead to the McDonalds All-American game, getting to the Hill, watching Arkansas through March Madness and how is family has been there every step of the way. 

The Bentonville West Wolverines are coming off conference wins over Northside and Har-Ber, and now are ready to face their crosstown rivals, and the team that eliminated them from the postseason a year ago- Bentonville. Alyssa Orange is joined with Head Coach Kerry Castillo and junior Hadley Moore to talk about their win over the Wildcats and the game with the Tigers. 

Baseball Season is kicking it into full gear, and it was a pleasure to have Kevin Bohannon join the show to breakdown all the classifications, players to watch and teams to keep in eye on in 2026. He's covered High School and College baseball in the state for over a decade, and he's sharing that knowledge here with us. 

The softball season has officially begun in Arkansas, and Kyle Sutherland has been covering the sports for over 10 years. He joins Alyssa Orange to break down each classification, what players to watch, and who could be competing for a state title in Hot Springs in May. 

In this week's Kickin' It With The Wolverines, the ladies were hit with their first in-game adversity when they dropped a conference match with Rogers. They were then able to learn a lot about themselves in the NWA Invitational they hosted over the weekend. Head Coach Kerry Castillo shares the latest about his team, and the big rivalry game coming up next week. Plus freshman Kaylee Fenton joins the show! 

When Daryl Fimple took over the girl's basketball program at North Little Rock in 2005, he had no idea what was in store for him in the future. He had a vision. He knew the program was a sleeping giant, but now, looking back, it's amazing to see the level of success the program has been able to sustain. In addition to five state championships, he's been able to coach both of his daughters in his program. As they head into the 2026 State Title game, it's the final time he will be able to share the court with his daughter in a program they both hold dear to their hearts. 

The Arkansas State Tournaments are in the books and now 24 teams are heading to Hot Springs with the hopes of bringing home at State Title. We saw upsets, thrillers, drama and excitement over the last week, and Alyssa Orange and Alex Hall break down how they see the action unfolding in the Spa City. 

I forgot I made this earlier this week hahaVarsity Vibe: In this week’s Courtside Chats, Alyssa Orange sits down with Little Rock Christian Academy’s Whitley Rogers. The 2025 Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year details her decision to sign with the Razorbacks, what it’s been like growing up in a basketball family, and how she is soaking up the rest of her senior season

The Bentonville West girls soccer team started off the 2026 season with a statement win over Heritage, and now look to keep it going against Rogers. Head Coach Kerry Castillo and Alyssa Orange break down the action and what's still to come. Plus junior goalkeeper Brooklyn Williams joins the show!

After 13 seasons at Pea Ridge, eleven as the Boys Basketball head coach, Trent Loyd made the short move to Bentonville West in 2024. The son of a high school coach, he’s been able to put his own stamp on his program with everything he’s learned over the years and knowledge shared with him. He's excited about what the are building at West and the potential the program has. 

Bentonville Boys Basketball head coach Kyle Pennington took over the Tigers program in 2024 after stops at Little Rock Christian and Russellville. He's no stranger to building success, and has guided the Tigers in the same direction. He joins Alyssa Orange to share his journey and where he believes the Bentonville program is heading. 

It's time for some state basketball! Alyssa Orange and Alex Hall go through the state tournament brackets for all the classifications in Arkansas to see who they believe will be heading to Hot Springs to play for a state championship. 

Syniah Coachman Joined the Har-Ber Girls basketball team this season, but it didn’t take long for her to become a part of the close knit locker room and play a role in the success the lady wildcats are seeing this season. She’s not only one of the best players in the 6A-West, but one of the best players in Arkansas and across the country. Continuing to move up the recruiting boards for the class of 2027- her list of college offers only continues to get longer and her game continues to get better. Watch her episode of Courtside Chats. 

Welcome to Kickin' it With The Wolverines, a weekly podcast with the Bentonville West Girls Soccer Team following the entire 2026 season. In the first episode, host Alyssa Orange sits down with head coach Kerry Castillo to preview the season, what the off-season has looked like for him and his team, and what we can expect from this 2026 roster. Plus, sophomore forward Makayla Sullivan joins us!

Throughout his high school career, Jack Hooe has never ended a season that didn't end in an individual state title. His final win came in February. Four straight state championships to cap off years of dedication, hard work and self-discipline. But wrestling didn't only give him trophies and titles, it set him up for success for life after the mat. He joined our Alyssa Orange to talk about the sport he loves so much, what it taught him, and what Shiloh Christian's program has meant to him over the years. 

Farmington's Johnny Taylor was hired to take over the boys basketball program in June of 2020. He's won a State Championship in 1A with Weiner and 3A with Rose Bud, and has laid the foundation with the Cardinals to help them get their first State Championship. He sat down with Alyssa Orange detailing his coaching career, outlining the "Notebook System" and being able to coach both of his sons. 

In this week’s Courtside Chats, Alyssa Orange sits down with Fayetteville senior Kinyun Johnson on being a dual-sport athlete and how Fayetteville boys basketball is finding success this season. 

After their win Friday night against Fayetteville, the Rogers boys basketball team had won 4 games in a row and starting to find their groove as the post season draws closer. Alyssa Orange caught up with seniors Chris Hill and Gus Krout about the team, their roles as leaders and much more. Plus, soccer season is right around the corner, and the Bentonville West Wolverines are excited to get it going. Head Coach Kerry Castillo joins the show. 

After playing high school basketball at Springdale and coaching at AAO, DaShaun Stark was hired as an assistant coach and then promoted to Athletics Director and Head Coach of the Cougars at The New School. His vision is to make it the first prep school opportunity in Arkansas, helping continue to develop and grow the basketball talent in the state. He sat down with Alyssa Orange to share that vision and his love for the game in this episode of Varsity Vibe.