Cornett, Lady Devil Dogs primed for big season

by Levi Gilbert

For Hannah Cornett, the term “teammates” is just another word for “friends.”

The senior Lady Devil Dog is soaking in every moment of her Morrilton basketball senior campaign.

“I have been playing basketball since the fifth grade with three other seniors that are on my team,” Cornett said. “I just wanted to try something new and ended up loving the sport. My favorite basketball memory is going to Greenwood for a basketball tournament and getting to stay in a hotel with my teammates for three nights.”

Cornett, a senior guard for Morrilton, was selected to this year’s 501 Basketball Team — 37 players representing the best the 501 has to offer both on and off the court. The team is sponsored by Conway Ortho and Sports Medicine, Conway Regional Health System and First Security Bank. Cornett was nominated by her head coach, Carin McNabb.

“Hannah plays hard on every play — in practice or game,” McNabb said. “She’s a great teammate and great student. Last year, Hannah supported her teammates and played great defense. She’s always in the right place at the right time. She’s just a joy to be around. Never complains and just smiles.”

In her final season of high school basketball, Cornett is focused on helping her team make it to the state tournament with the ultimate goal of winning state. The goal could be in reach for Cornett and the Lady Devil Dogs. With a win over McClellan on Monday, Morrilton is 9-1 early on in the season.  

“I want to be remembered as the person that was always there for my teammates if they ever needed something,” Cornett said. “It means a lot to be selected to represent my team for the 501 Basketball Team. I would like to thank Coach McNabb for giving me his opportunity.

“It’s been an amazing experience playing for Coach McNabb. She’s a great coach and an even better person, and I will never forget her.”

After high school, Cornett plans to attend Arkansas Tech University and major in biology, with the plan to attend medical school and become an obstetrician gynecologist. The senior is involved in Beta Club at Morrilton High School, and she’s active in her youth group at First Assembly of God in Oppelo. 

Cornett and the Lady Devil Dogs travel to Greenwood for the Greenwood Classic starting tonight.