5A-East teams have one more week to jockey for state tournament positions, which could be key to making a run in the 5A State Tournament at Alma.
Barring monumental collapses, it seems Blytheville (14-5, 8-2), Forrest City (15-7, 8-2) and Beebe (18-4, 8-2) will be three of the four 5A-East representatives.
All three share the top spot going into tonight's games.
The Chicks host Forrest City, while Beebe entertains Nettleton (10-12, 5-6), which is currently tied with Paragould (9-14, 5-6) for fourth in the standings. Wynne (9-14, 4-6) and Greene County Tech (8-16, 4-7) are also in the mix for the East's fourth 5A State Tournament spot.
Along with owning the title, 5A-East teams have an incentive to win the conference championship.
The East champion would get a nice break between first- and second-round games in the state tournament, playing the West fourth seed Tuesday, March 1, then playing Friday, March 4 and Saturday, March 5 if it advances that far.
The East second seed would play the West third seed that Wednesday, then play Friday and Saturday if it continues to advance.
The East third seed would play the West second seed that Wednesday, then play Thursday and Saturday, while the East fourth seed would play the West winner that Wednesday, then play Friday and Saturday if they continue to win.
East coaches are more likely concerned with getting to and taking the best seed into the state tournament at this point, rather than trying to figure out who they will play in the opening round.
Tonight's game is critical for both Forrest City and Blytheville.
The Chicks play at GCT Tuesday night, then host league winless Batesville Thursday and play at Wynne, next Friday night.
The Mustangs still have to play at Beebe Monday in a make-up game, travel to Batesville Tuesday and host Nettleton Thursday.
Beebe hosts Wynne Tuesday night and travels to Paragould Thursday for its other games.
mbrasfield@blythevillecourier.com