2025-26 Women's Basketball Season Preview

Erik Holth, CBC Sports Information Director

            Conway, Ark. – Coming off a trip to the quarterfinals of the American Midwest Conference tournament last season, Central Baptist College women's basketball tips off the 2025-26 season tomorrow. Tip off against the Philander Smith Panthers is scheduled for 5 p.m.

            "I think practices have been going really well," says Coach Kory Heffentrager, who begins year two at the helm after winning 10 games last season and eight in American Midwest Conference play. She also brings in a new assistant coach, Ali Hillis, who takes over after the departure of Sierra Carrier.

            "We have a young team this year so we are having to rebuild the foundation of knowledge that we laid last year," added Heffentrager. "The players are working hard every single day. That's the one thing (Ali and I) never have to question. They are very invested in this season."

            Heffentrager returns four players from last season, led by all-conference selection Raigan Head. Joining her in the pool of returners are all-freshman team selections Addison Hudspeth and Riley Whittington and one of the top three-point shooters in the conference last year in Aliya Grotjohn. "I'm very excited about these four," added Heffentrager. "All of them started just about every single game for us last season and they got a lot of experience last year. It's going to be exciting to see once they all get back."

            12 newcomers join the roster this season. The newcomers include nine true freshmen and three junior college transfers. The group is led by all-state selection Lexi Duck from Benton and her teammate, Emma Welch and includes twin sisters Destry and Jade Steele from Greenbrier, Rowlett, Texas product Kristyn Galloway, Hattieville's Jaycie Haden, Perryville's Jenny Scott and Bigelow's Kate Wood who join transfers Cammi Christie, Anslee Ballew and Emma Kate McBride who all played last season at South Arkansas College in El Dorado. "When you look at this team, you would not think that's it's full of 12 newcomers," added Heffentrager. "Everywhere you look on campus, they are involved, they are hanging out together and they are laughing and getting along. We are still trying to get things figured out on the court, but we are almost too unselfish and we really want to be successful.

            The Mustangs, who finished eighth in the AMC last season, were picked fourth in the preseason this year, their highest preseason pick in program history. The Lady Mustangs open AMC play on Dec. 6 when UHSP comes to Conway. "The conference is always very competitive. The interesting thing is that for the second year in a row, there has been a lot of coaching turnover in the conference. Most of the top players in the conference last year have graduated so I think this is a year where certain teams could really make moves in the league."

            The schedule includes 29 games with three DI exhibitions and an early season scrimmage against North Ark. Non-conference opponents (besides Philander) include Blue Mountain Christian, Louisiana Christian, and Ecclesia. "The games that we play before conference are really going to help us," added Heffentrager. "It will be good for the newcomers to see a different level and a different speed to the game."

            If you cannot catch games in person this season be sure to head to watchamc.com or download the Urban Edge Network app on Roku or other smart TV devices.