16 Feb 2022 State title in reach for Pinion, Devil Dogs
By Mark Oliver
After a three-point loss in last year’s Class 4A title game, the Morrilton Devil Dogs have taken the Class 4-4A conference by storm this season and charges into the postseason as one of the hottest teams in the 501.
Senior shooting guard Joseph Pinion has been a key factor in the team’s success this season.
“My favorite basketball memory was playing in the state championship game last season,” Pinion said. “Even though we didn’t get the result we wanted, I was extremely blessed to be able to be in that environment. Even though we started out rough this season, we have bounced back and it has made us better.”
For Pinion, Morrilton’s turning point this season came after the team lost two in a row to end 2021.
“Our defining moment of the season was losing back-to-back games to Maumelle and Lafayette,” Pinion said. “After that, we focused up and started playing better as a team.”
Morrilton hasn’t lost since. Riding an 11-game winning streak into the end of the regular season, Pinion and the Devil Dogs have proven they belong in the discussion for the title this season, too.
“Coming into this season, I didn’t set personal goals,” Pinion said. “We only have one team goal and that is to win state. I’m looking forward to playing any team who doubts our ability to beat them.”
Pinion was selected to this year’s 501 Basketball Team — 40 players representing the best the 501 has to offer both on and off the court. The team is sponsored by Velda Luders of Coldwell Banker RPM Group, Moix Equipment and Toy Company, Conway Regional Health System and First Security Bank. The senior was nominated by his head coach, Keith Zackery.
“Joe is a great leader with a very high basketball IQ and a very nice feel for the game,” Zackery said. “He works at his game tirelessly, showing teammates he’s a guy that doesn’t just talk the talk, he walks it, too.”
A versatile leader, Pinion is known for setting the tempo early and taking control of games late.
“Joseph leads by example and has earned the respect of his teammates,” Zackery said. “When he speaks, they listen. He is an unselfish person who wants to see everyone flourish. Every night, I expect him to embrace the pillars in which we have tried to build our program on. I know he will do just that.”
Pinion’s leadership abilities go beyond the basketball court, too.
“Joe is an academically-sound honor roll student,” Zackery said. “Several of his teachers have spoken with me about his politeness and his ability to go the extra mile helping others. I’ve even seen him helping his teammates with math in the locker room. He is a well-mannered, respectful young man that excels in various facets of his life.”
For Pinion, the best is yet to come in his basketball career. After committing to play for the Razorbacks last November, the senior has high aspirations for taking his talents as far as he can.
“I have been playing basketball since I was a little kid,” Pinion said. “My brothers were my role models and I have so many memories about watching them play when I was younger. After high school, I plan to play college basketball at the University of Arkansas. After that, I hope to play in the NBA.”
Morrilton faces Pottsville in the second round of the Class 4-4A district tournament at Subiaco Academy at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 17.
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