03 Feb 2024 Brandt Tipton – Bigelow (501 Basketball Team 2024)

Bigelow reached the pinnacle of high school basketball last season, capturing the Class 2A crown.

For senior guard Brandt Tipton, it marked another milestone in one of the most impressive athletic careers in recent memory for any student-athlete in the 501.

“Brandt has been part of a lot of winning at Bigelow,” Bigelow Head Coach Craig Neumeier said. “From starting in the state baseball finals his sophomore year to winning state championships in basketball, golf and now football, Brandt has been helping our school claim victory in a multitude of ways.”

Tasked with duplicating last year’s success, Tipton and the Panthers return to the court ready to defend their title in 2024. Repeating as champions amid an improved 2A landscape won’t be easy, but the Panthers are confident in their capabilities.

“Winning the state championship last year will always be my favorite basketball memory,” Tipton said. “There is no other feeling like being able to experience that with my teammates. Coming into this season, my goals are to be a good teammate who fulfills his role within the team, to win conference and to compete for another state title.”

Academically, he shines equally as bright. The projected valedictorian carries a 4.O GPA, a 32 ACT score and plans to attend the University of Arkansas Honors College to major in chemical engineering. “Brandt works hard in the classroom to be top of his class,” Neumeier said. “He has great work ethic, is always willing to help others and has a motor that never stops.”