03 Feb 2024 Addison Hudspeth – Heber Springs (501 Basketball Team 2024)

Heber Springs made waves across Class 4A last season, winning 24 games and reaching the state tournament for the first time in a decade.

Determined to duplicate last year’s success, senior guard/forward Addison Hudspeth leads the Lady Panthers’ hot start as the team aims to repeat history this season.

“Winning our first regional game and making it to state was my favorite basketball memory,” she said. “The excitement was unreal, and it hasn’t happened at Heber Springs for 10 years. This season, our team goal is to make it to the state tournament with 20 or more wins. We will achieve it by pushing ourselves to do our best and never give up.”

Named to last year’s All-State Tournament Team, Hudspeth’s play has captured the attention of multiple collegiate programs. With one season remaining in her historic high school career, all eyes are on the senior as she approaches 1,000 career points. 

“Addison can score in a myriad of ways,” Heber Springs Head Coach Spencer Gay said. “She understands how to make plays for teammates and how to get teammates open. She has an extremely high basketball IQ and is like having another coach on the floor. I believe Addison will have a fantastic season and show everyone what she can truly do.”

A leader by example for Heber Springs, Hudspeth hopes to inspire Lady Panthers basketball players for generations to come.

“I want to be remembered as an encouraging teammate that players looked to as a leader,” she said.