501 LIFE is teaming up with three local businesses to present the 2018-19 edition of the 501 Basketball Team, celebrating student-athletes who are making contributions on and off the court.

“501 LIFE is excited to be partnering with this year’s team sponsors –  Conway Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Center, Conway Regional Health System and First Security Bank,” said publisher Sonja J. Keith. “We have an exceptional group of young women and men on this year’s team who are not only doing well on the basketball court, they are giving back to help others. We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments and want to thank our sponsors for their support.”

The team boasts 34 honorees, representing some of the best student-athletes the 501 has to offer — both on and off the court.

The 501 Basketball Team is sponsored by Conway Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Center, Conway Regional Health System and First Security Bank.

“First Security is all about community and ‘Making Better Happen,’ which includes basketball in the 501,” said First Security Bank’s Margaret Smith. “We are proud of these athletes and their accomplishments. They are ‘Making Better Happen’ for their teams.”

Players are nominated by their coaches and selected by the 501 staff, and the nominations are weighted equally between on-the-court and off-the-court attributes.  

“Basketball and the young people who play and contribute to the sport are an important part of our community in the 501,” said Matt Troup, president and CEO of Conway Regional Health System. “Many Conway Regional families are in the stands cheering on their favorite athletes and teams. With this community spirit in mind, we are excited to help recognize these outstanding young people for their contributions on and off the court.” 

“For over 25 years, Conway Orthopaedics (COSMC) has been dedicated to the student athlete,” said Todd Greer, administrator. “We are happy to support the 501 team again this year! Please let us know how we can help you succeed both on and off the basketball court (ConwayOrtho.com).”

“This year’s team will be especially fun to watch,” said Levi Gilbert, associate editor. “Several of the players nominated this year were in championship games back in March. Only one of them walked away with a ring. You just know that we’re going to see several of the players back in the state tournament again this spring, fighting for a championship for their communities.”

2018-19 team members include: 

McClendon Andrews (Nemo Vista), Jack Briggler (St. Joseph), Quinton Brown (Riverview), Peyton Caldwell (Searcy), Jenna Chadek (Sacred Heart), Isaac Clemmons (Quitman), Abbie Corder (Faulkner County Falcons), Ben Drilling (Sacred Heart), Rachel Dumont (Guy-Perkins), Alaina Ellis (Mount Vernon-Enola), Bailey Francis (Mayflower), Terry Franklin (Morrilton), Alden Graves (Harding Academy), Blysse Harmon (Greenbrier), Nicki Hooten (Quitman), Brady Jerry (Greenbrier), Abbie Jiles (Riverview), Dejah Jimerson (Cabot), Trey Kelley (Vilonia), Paige Kelley (Vilonia), Caleb London (Conway), Alundra McMiller (Maumelle), Jacob Moix (Mount Vernon-Enola), Davis Morgan (Harding Academy), Piper Mullaney (St. Joseph), Jay Nance (Mayflower), Marianna Richey (Beebe), Morgan Smith (Nemo Vista), Asiyha Smith (Conway), Tamia Templeton (Morrilton), McKenna Vaught (Conway Christian), Hunter Williams (Guy-Perkins), Braydon Wilson (Wonderview) and Jacob Wood (Conway Christian).

“These student-athletes care about their communities, schools, classmates and teammates,” Gilbert said. “Their impact goes beyond just what happens on the court. It’s such an honor for us every year to be able to tell their stories and highlight the difference they are making throughout the 501.”

Each player will be featured in an online story in 501 Sports Extra and 501lifemag.com beginning with today’s edition.