James Tyler Spears – Heber Springs (501 Basketball Team 2023)

New to the Class 5-4A conference this season, Heber Springs is driven to make a statement among tough competition. Led by senior guard James Tyler Spears, the Panthers thrive on a combination of speed and defense to achieve victory.

“My first goal is to establish Heber Springs’ place in our new conference,” Spears said. “I want to be competing for a playoff position at the end of the year. To achieve this, we are going to have to beat the teams we are expected to beat and also beat a few of the teams that people think we shouldn’t.”

Though the Panthers are young this season, Spears’ basketball IQ has helped give the team an edge.

“JT makes good decisions and gives our team some much-needed length on the defensive end of the floor,” Heber Springs head coach Jordan Riley said. “He leads by example and has a positive impact on those he comes into contact with, and his teachers and administrators always speak highly of his character and work ethic.”

Off the court, the multisport athlete has punched his ticket to the next level and hopes to leave a lasting impact on the Panthers’ program.

“After high school, I will be attending Harding University to play baseball,” Spears said. “Sometimes you have to wait your turn, so be patient and keep working hard. Hard work and being coachable are what will get you on the court or the field at game time.”