The Blytheville Chickasaw look to win their second game in a row and snap a two-game conference road losing streak Friday night against the Yellowjackets at Wynne.
Wynne is coming off a 67-45 loss at the hands of Forrest City Tuesday night to drop them to 3-6 in the 5A-East and 8-14 overall in what has become a roller-coaster season for the defending 5A-East champs. Wynne defeated the Mustangs earlier in the season, delivering Forrest City its only conference loss to date. Blytheville head coach David Hixson isn't taking anything for granted.
"They're a dangerous team," said Hixson. "Anytime you beat Forrest City, you know you have some talent."
Hixson noted the youthful makeup of the team as to why it may be experiencing ups and downs this season.
"They're fairly young, but very talented, and you have to have maturity if you want to win this conference."
One of Wynne's most talented young players is Keenan Halk. Halk is a sophomore guard who saw a lot of minutes as a freshman in the Yellowjackets run last season. For experience, the Yellowjackets look to senior forward LaJordan McDaniel.
As for the Chicks; "We're a little banged up," said Hixson.
Both center Greg McKillion and guard Jimmy Aldridge reaggravated ankle injuries against Paragould. Aldridge was the recipient of a hard foul late in the game from Chase Sugg and McKillion reinjured his ankle early in the second period.
"We're holding our breath about those two," said Hixson. "They're very instrumental to what we do. Right now, we're taking a day-by-day approach."
Hixson said while the inclement weather has hampered their normal preparation routine, he knows Wynne is probably having a similar situation.
"We didn't get a lot accomplished yesterday," said Hixson. "We're going to try to have a good prep day today. They're (Wynne) probably in the same boat we are. We're just going to have to go out and do what we do best."
Friday night's action begins with the girls game currently scheduled for 6 p.m.
afitzpatrick@blythevillecourier.com