The Viola Longhorns, still finding their rhythm this season, will visit the Alpena Leopards in what marks their third consecutive road game. Viola, currently 1-4 on the season, has struggled against a challenging schedule. Their sole victory came against Mountain Home Christian Academy in a decisive 71-32 win. However, the Longhorns have suffered defeats against Maynard, Jasper, Hillcrest, and Lead Hill.
Viola's roster is led by seniors Tucker Cowgill and Brycen Bagwell and features a core group of juniors that includes CJ McMillan, Alonso Del Real, Youri Salemkour, Mattix Rowden, Gabriel Vanboquestaels, and Rhett Robbins. The sophomore contributors are Titen McMillan, Brently Goines, and Elijah Olson.
The Alpena Leopards, who hold a 1-5 record, will host the game.
Meanwhile, the Yellville-Summit Panthers will begin their season at home by welcoming the Lead Hill Tigers. The Panthers feature a senior-led team, with Braden Walker, Jonah Sutterfield, Micah Barnett, Easton Voight, Cantin Cobb, and Cody Begley anchoring the roster. The juniors include Ryland McDonald, Logan Layton, Trevon Spence, Wyatt Gilley, Dane Due, and Mason Ponce. Additionally, sophomores Tatum Dodillet, Kolton Layton, Cantin Smith, and Westin Swearingin, who also serves as the football team’s quarterback, will contribute to the lineup.
The Lead Hill Tigers come into the game with a strong 4-1 record. They secured wins over Cotter, Calico Rock, Timbo, and Viola but are looking to recover after a narrow 67-65 loss to Bergman last week.
Yellville-Summit won't have much rest after their season opener, as they travel to Eureka Springs on Thursday before participating in the Arvest Bank Tournament in Flippin this weekend.
Other local boys' basketball matchups tonight include Cotter hosting Berryville, Timbo traveling to Concord, Omaha facing Advanced Studies in Rogers, and Highland visiting Mammoth Spring.