Blue Devils set for postseason play

West Memphis boys, girls in action today in 5A State Tournament

By RALPH HARDIN

ralphhardin@gmail.com

The 2024 Arkansas High School Basketball postseason is here. School from across the state will be vying for the championship in their respective conferences.

For the always _erce battle for the 5A State Title, all eyes will be on Searcy High School for the boys’ and girls’ state tournaments. 16 teams (the top four from each of the four 5A conferences) will be in action in each tourney.

As is usually the case, both playoff brackets will see the West Memphis Blue Devils looking to make a big run in the postseason, as the boys and girls both quali_ed for the tournament.

It was a decidedly down year for the West Memphis boys basketball program, but the Devils did play well down the stretch and lock up the No. 4 seed in the 5A East _nal standings. The Blue Devils (14-16) will have their hands full in the _rst round, however, as they take on the No. 1 seed from the 5A Central, the Vilonia Eagles (21-7). Game time is 2:30 p.m., at Searcy High School.

The West Memphis girls locked up the No. 3 seed out of the East with a win last Friday night and they will be matched up with the No. 2 seed from the 5A Central, Little Rock Christian Academy to open their postseason run.

The Lady Devils (19-9) take on the Lady Warriors (20-10) this afternoon, with tip-off time set for 4 p.m., also at Searcy High School.

Both games will be broadcast on the West Memphis Blue Devil Network.

The West Memphis Lady Blue Devils (seen here in action against Marion from earlier this season) will be opening up what fans hope will be a deep run in the 5A State Basketball Tournament this afternoon at 4 p.m. The West Memphis boys also qualified for the playoffs, taking on Vilonia at 2:30 p.m. today in round one of the boys’ postseason tourney.

File photo