Trent Loyd, Blackhawk head coach for the varsity boys, was named Boys Coach of the Year for All-NWADG basketball.
It's the second time in three years for Loyd to be named All-NWADG Coach of the Year and the fourth-year the Blackhawks' head coach piloted the program's first trip to the state championship. Under Loyd's helm, the Blackhawks won a school-record 32 games, the 3A/4A-1 regular season district title, the 4A-1 Conference tournament and the 4A-North Regional tournament. the Blackhawks also won Southwest Holiday Classic in Washburn, Mo., defeating three opponents by an average margin of 34.3 points per game. They beat eventual Class 2A state champ Earle 70-62 during the Battle at the Ridge tournament on Dec. 9.
Loyd is the son of former long-time Van Buren boys basketball coach Randy Loyd.
Pea Ridge shot 51.4 percent from the field in the state championship, including 13-of-23 from 3-point range. It was the highest shooting percentage all season against defending 4A state champion Baptist Prep and helped the Blackhawks led the Eagles with under three minutes remaining in regulation.
"We wish we could've finished that thing out. It would've been awesome to bring a championship back to Pea Ridge because, Lord knows, that town deserves one," Loyd said. "I think that's the thing that hurts so much is being so close to being able to do that, but I couldn't be more proud of my guys and all they accomplished.
"Going to the state finals will be something that I remember for my entire life. But the relationships that have been built with this team and having these guys since they were in the seventh grade as my first job as well, this will be a group I never forget. We'll have relationships for as long as I live."
Sports on 03/29/2017