Arkansas tech Basketball: Senior Leadership Fuels Golden Suns, Wonder Boys Face Challenges
In an era defined by the transfer portal and roster turnover, the arkansas Tech University basketball programs are experiencing contrasting fortunes. The women’s team,led by veteran guards ClaraGrace Prater and Hayleigh Wyrick,is contending for a Great American Conference (GAC) championship,while the men’s team is navigating a arduous season. Both programs are set for crucial games this week at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville.
Golden Suns Rely on Experienced Duo
Arkansas Tech University head women’s basketball coach Dave Wilbers is enjoying a rare luxury in today’s college basketball landscape: two senior guards, ClaraGrace Prater and Hayleigh Wyrick, who have spent their entire collegiate careers with the Golden Suns. Combined,the pair have appeared in over 180 career games,providing invaluable experience and stability to the team.
“It’s a fantastic luxury,” Wilbers stated. “We probably wouldn’t be here without players like that who have that experience. They all want to start and they all want to play 35 minutes, but those two have been coming off the bench and are doing a great job with their roles. They have played very solid, both of them. Hayleigh hits shots, and I always have faith in Clara that she’s going to play good defense. She really takes it personal.”
Currently boasting a 10-2 overall record and a 6-2 mark in GAC play, the Golden Suns are tied for second place in the conference standings, just one game behind Northwestern Oklahoma state university. Their recent success stems from a versatile approach, demonstrated during their road trip to Oklahoma last week.They secured a high-scoring 92-84 victory over Oklahoma Baptist University in an offensive showcase, followed by a gritty 63-55 win against Southern Nazarene University, where they limited their opponents to just 27% shooting from the field – the Golden Suns’ best defensive performance of the 2025-26 season.
Wilbers emphasized the importance of home-court advantage as the team prepares for a pair of doubleheaders this week. “We need a good crowd,” he said. “These guys deserve it because they’re working hard.”
Upcoming Home Games
- Thursday,Jan.15: vs. east Central University (5:30 and 7:30 p.m.)
- saturday, Jan. 17: vs. Southeastern Oklahoma State University (1 and 3 p.m.)
Tickets are available for purchase at www.arkansastechsports.com/tickets.
Wonder Boys Struggle to Find Consistency
The Arkansas Tech men’s basketball team (4-10, 2-6) is facing a more challenging season. Recent losses to Oklahoma Baptist (82-75) and Southern Nazarene (62-39) highlight the team’s struggles with consistency and adversity. Despite a brief lead against Southern Nazarene, a decisive 20-2 run by the nationally ranked Crimson Storm sealed their fate.
Head coach Mark Downey expressed his disappointment with the team’s performance. “I’m sorry to Arkansas Tech,all of our fans and all of the people who support us,” Downey said. “You expect more out of my program. I’ve tried to be more positive and more uplifting, and we still don’t handle adversity. The wheels just fall right off, and when you play a tough team like (SNU), they punch you in the mouth.”
Downey acknowledged the challenges ahead but remained resolute. “The fruits are found in the valleys,” he continued. “You have to go through some hard things to get where you want to be. Man, this is one of the harder things, career wise. We have a lot of good coaches and a lot of good institutions (in the GAC), and they’re all trying to do the same thing. We ran it pretty good a couple of years ago, and no one is going to take it easy on us when we’re in this situation. Let me just tell you this…they better get their licks in now.”
Broadcast Information
Fans can follow all four ATU basketball games this week via live coverage on KCJC 102.3 FM, the River Country KCJC website, and www.arkansastechsports.com.
This article was written by Sam Strasner, ATU director of university relations and radio play-by-play voice for ATU football and basketball.
