Top basketball talent hits town

Getting to play in their hometown against some of the best talent in the country was a welcomed experience for Conway High's Kenyon McNeaill and Preston Purifoy.

Both are members of the Arkansas Wings Gold 16-under AAU basketball team that's competing in this weekend's Old School Super Regional, which is being held primarily at the Farris Center on the University of Central Arkansas campus and Hendrix's Wellness and Athletic Center.

The field of players in the tournament includes some top college recruits. Competing against that caliber of players is just fine with the Wampus Cat duo.

"That helps us improve our game," Purifoy said. "We're competing against the best players in the nation, so it makes us take our play to another level."

Doing that while familiar faces are in the stands is an added bonus.

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"The good thing about it is we can play in front of friends and family," McNeaill said. "I'm glad they can come see us play."

"It's good to have people in Conway come out and support us," Purifoy said.

The Wings ended pool play against their toughest opponent of the tournament. However, they handed the Tennessee Travelers an 82-49 loss.

That's no surprise to McNeaill.

"We're a good team because we run the floor and play defense," he said. "A lot of teams don't play defense."

The offensive play isn't too bad either.

McNeaill finished the game with nine points to go along with five assists and four rebounds on a 4-of-7 shooting performance. His scoring included a long 3-pointer at the halftime buzzer.

"Kenyon is definitely a team-oriented player," Wings coach Keith Ross said. "He can score too, though."

Most of McNeaill's work came as a floor general, getting his teammates involved.

"My team has confidence in me," McNeaill said. "I give them the ball when I need to, and they score."

Purifoy hit his first shot of the game a 3-pointer and finished with five points and two rebounds.

Statistics aren't what the CHS pair are concerned with, though. They're more focusing on improving and enjoying being teammates.

"We know what each other's going to do," Purifoy said. "It feels good to be on the same team."

Conway coach James Bates is glad they're on his team in the fall.

"It's exciting to see them play, especially against such good competition," Bates said. "They're super kids and great players."

Competing in AAU no doubt helps the great player part.

"They're experienced because they've played against some great competition," Bates said. "That's going to help them (for the high school season)."

Action continues today with the tournament round. The championship game is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. at the Farris Center.