Submitted by Steve Patterson

The student body of Arkadelphia High School will present its 2022 Basketball Homecoming Court during ceremonies on Friday, Feb. 11, at 10 a.m. in the AHS gymnasium. The ceremony will include introductions of the 13 senior males selected to the court by popular vote of the entire student body. The 2022 King of Hearts for Arkadelphia High School will be announced during the ceremony. 

Members of the 2022 Lady Badger Basketball team will serve as escorts for the members of the court. A pep rally supporting the Badger basketball teams and their games against the Nashville High School Scrappers Friday evening will conclude the morning’s festivities.

Spencer Allen is the son of Amy Allen and the late Guy Allen. His escort is Kennedy Winters. Kennedy is the daughter of Cheryl Bearden. Allen is a member of the high school’s football, tennis, and soccer teams. He was named All State in football, was a part of the three-time district champion tennis team, and has been named All-Conference in soccer, where he serves as the team captain. Allen is a three-year Badger Scholar. He plans to attend the University of Central Arkansas and major in business. Allen stated that he was grateful that the students picked him to represent them on this year’s court.

Braylon Bailey is the son of Zina Bailey and the late Eddie Bailey. His escort is Liyah Smith. Liyah is the daughter of Shalonda McCoy. Bailey is a member of the school’s football and track teams, as well as the yearbook staff. He was part of the 2018 state football championship team where he was named All-Conference Honorable Mention. He is a member of the honor roll. Bailey plans to attend Henderson State University and major in business administration and management while playing football for the Reddies. He would like to start his own business after graduating from HSU. Bailey that he was very excited to be a part of the King of Hearts court.

Kobey Buckley is the son of Latoya Buckley. His escort is Trinity McKenzie. Trinity is the daughter of Tyrone and Tekelia McKenzie. Buckley is a member of the Badger football team, the National Honor Society, and the Beta Club. He was named All-Conference in football, and was a two-time defensive player of the game this past season. He has been named to the honor roll. Buckley plans to attend Henderson State University and major in wildlife and field biology. When asked about being on the court, he said that “It is a cool experience and I am thankful for all the students who voted for me.”

Jaishon Tyrone Davis is the son of Chimere Wordlow and Jeff Davis. His escort is Emilee Young. Emilee is the daughter of Darryl and Koren Young. Davis is a member of the Badger football team, where he earned All-State honors, and was named Farm Bureau Offensive Player of the Year. He was also a member of the 2018 state championship football team, and is a member of the Student Council. Davis plans to attend Henderson State University and play football for the Reddies, while obtaining a degree in social work. He stated that he was excited to be selected for the King of Hearts court.

Tate Goodrum is the son of Kirk and Amber Goodrum. His escort is Latavia Johnson. Latavia is the daughter of Terra Jones. Goodrum is a member of the Badger baseball and cornhole teams, is on the Student Council, and he serves as a leader for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He is a three-year Badger Scholar and a four-year letterman in baseball, where he was named All-Conference this past season. He is excited to report that he passed his driver’s test on his third attempt. Goodrum plans to attend Henderson State University and play baseball for the Reddies while majoring in business. He gives his selection to the court “two thumbs up.”

Ryan Harris is the son of Temetria and Terrell Harris. His escort is Aliyah Ware. Aliyah is the daughter of Mayra Sanchez and Ollie Ware. Harris is a member of the Badger basketball and baseball teams along with the Beta Club. He attends Mount Mariah Baptist Church. He is a two-time All-Conference selection in basketball, and this past year was named All-State. He was selected to National Honor Society. Harris plans to attend college after graduation and play basketball in college. When asked about his selection to the court, he stated that he was thankful that his fellow classmates think I should be a part of such a great court.

Landon Kuhn is the son of Shawna Childs. His escort is Raegan Greer. Raegan is the daughter of Merilee and Jeremy Greer. Kuhn is a member of the Badger football and wrestling teams, and he serves on Student Council as Student Body President. He was named All State as a linebacker in football, and has been a Badger Scholar each year of school. Kuhn plans to attend Ouachita Baptist University and play football for the Tigers. He stated that he was honored and grateful to be selected for this year’s court.

Alex Loy is the son of Nathan Loy and Samantha Loy. His escort is Makayla Gentry. Makayla is the daughter of Rekina Gentry and Dana Gentry. Loy is a member of the Badger football team, and was a member of the 2018 state championship team. He was named All-State receiver in football this past year. Loy’s future plan is to attend Henderson State University and play football for the Reddies. He stated that he was honored to be chosen by the students for this year’s court.

Matthew Porter is the son of Chris and AJ Porter. His escort is Anaiya Ford. Anaiya is the daughter of Ashley Lavine. Porter is a member of the Badger football and wrestling teams, and is part of the school’s gifted and talented program. He was named to 4A-7 All-State and was selected as team captain for both football and soccer. He is a three-year Badger Scholar. Porter’s future plans are to attend the University of Central Arkansas and play soccer. He stated that he was honored to be chosen by the student body for this year’s homecoming court.

Isaiah Salinas is the son of Crystal Perry. His escort is Takylia Crawford. Takylia is the granddaughter of Ursula Crawford. Salinas is a member of the Badger basketball team, and won the 6 th Man award for the team in 2020-2021. He plans to make a decision by the end of the season on where he will attend school. He would like to play basketball in college. When asked about his selection to the court, he said, “I feel good about it, and I’m honored.

Alex Turley is the son of Mark Turley and Amber Taylor and stepfather Matt Taylor. His escort is Zoe Davis. Zoe is the daughter of Utana Newborn and Eric Davis. Turley is a member of the Badger football, wrestling, and baseball teams, and he was a member of the 2018 state championship football team, and placed fourth at the state wrestling meet last season. He is undecided on where to attend college. Turley stated that he was honored to be chosen for this year’s King of Hearts court.

Ollie Ware is the son of Mayra Sanchez and Ollie Ware, Jr. His escort is Taylor Woodson. Taylor is the daughter of Kelly Woodson and Ty Woodson. Ware is a member of the Badger football team, and was named All-Conference honorable mention in football. He plans to attend trade school to become an electrician. He stated that it is an honor to be picked for the court, and thanked everyone for voting for him.

JJ Williams is the son of Victoria Hill and Rod Williams. His escort is Madison Hill. Madison is the daughter of Glenn and Tiffany Hill. Williams is a member of the Badger band and color guard, as well as the Future Business Leaders of America and the Beta Club. He is a four-time state band champion, and is a Badger Scholar. Williams plans to attend the University of Arkansas and major in animal sciences. He stated he was very thankful for the opportunity, and feels so slay about it.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the 2021 AHS football homecoming queen, Kimberly Escobar, and the 2021 maid of honor, Mallory Gilbert, will crown the young man chosen by the student body as the 2022 King of Hearts. Basketball Homecoming is a service project of the AHS Student Council. Landon Kuhn serves as president of the council, Hannah Moss serves as vice-president, and Blaise Batson is the basketball homecoming student coordinator. Steve Patterson and Beverly Slavens are their advisers, and Callie Hunley, Ashley Wesley, and Caroline Reed serve on the basketball homecoming faculty advisory committee.