GENTRY, AR – There have been seasons when other varsity boys’ basketball teams saw Gentry on their schedule and penciled in a win. It’s a reputation new head coach Chip Collins confronted immediately when he arrived this past summer.
As preseason workouts turned into long days in the gym, Collins began to see something change — a renewed fight in his players’ eyes and a shared goal to restore Gentry basketball to a higher level.
“I want people to see Gentry on their schedule and know it’s going to be a dogfight every time,” Collins said. “We’re going to be aggressive and work hard. I know we can become a program built on effort and excellence — I can see it in our players. Nothing comes easy, but we’re putting in the work to get where we want to be.”
Collins has helped reshape a program before. When he joined Westville (Okla.) as an assistant coach, the team was viewed much the same way by other teams — as an automatic “W.” But that changed. Westville went on to win three district titles, a regional championship, and reach the state tournament quarterfinals during his time as an assistant coach.
Now in his first head coaching role, Collins brings that same energy and mindset to Gentry.
“We live by these words: There’s no shortcut to greatness. You have to work hard and earn it. You get out what you put in,” Collins said. “My mentor – Ron Dunaway – taught me that, and it’s a philosophy I want to carry forward. Our players have really embraced it, and we’re ready to get the season started.”
Building a Strong Foundation
Several key players return this season along with some new faces, but perhaps Collins’ most valuable returnee isn’t a player — it’s assistant coach Garrett Burcham, who immediately helped Collins understand the team’s strengths, needs, and culture.
Some players had considered stepping away from basketball to focus on other sports, but renewed conversations and a shared vision from Collins and Burcham helped solidify the team’s core.
“Having Coach Burcham is a big plus,” Collins said. “He’s extremely talented and works hard. He sees things that I don’t, and we work really well together. He’s ready to be a head coach somewhere, and we’re fortunate to have him here in Gentry.”
Burcham, who also leads the junior high program, said Collins has brought a fresh energy to Gentry basketball.
“From Day One, Coach Collins has been all about the kids,” Burcham said. “He’s disciplined and structured, but he also makes the game fun. The players love being coached and held accountable — they’ve really responded to his leadership.”
Despite losing most of last year’s starting five, Collins and Burcham have embraced the challenge. Collins’ fresh perspective and Burcham’s deep familiarity with the program have proven a strong combination. Thanks to the team’s offseason commitment, they’re seeing both untapped potential and improved skills that will shine once the lights come on.
Players to Watch
· Bryson Woodall, a 5’11” junior guard and standout baseball player, returns as a multi-sport leader. “He’s a really good shooter and a fierce competitor,” Collins said. “When the lights go on, he’s at his best.”
· Jayden Montague, a 6’3” sophomore and newcomer from out of state, brings size and versatility. “He’s still growing,” Collins noted. “He can score inside and stretch the floor with his shooting — a tough matchup for anyone.”
· Chris Huey, a senior point guard, provides leadership, defense, and experience. “He’s coachable, competitive, and improving every day,” Collins said. “He can heat up in a hurry offensively and change a game.”
· Layne Mason, another senior guard, is the team’s vocal leader. “He’s exactly the kind of player I want our program to represent,” Collins said. “He gives great effort in everything he does.”
· Eagan Harper, a 6’2” junior, anchors the defense. “Our press is strong because of him,” Collins said. “He’s athletic, plays above the rim, and makes everyone around him better.”
· Carson Owl, a sophomore shooting guard, adds quickness and confidence. “He believes in himself, and that belief is contagious,” Collins said. “He’s got a great feel for the game, and he’s a lights-out shooter.”
· Josh Skaggs, a senior shooting guard, who has worked especially hard from his seventh-grade season to today and has earned a starting position tonight. “He’s an excellent example of what hard work and dedication can do.”
Others expected to contribute include seniors Alex Osterkamp, Tylan Owl, Josh Skaggs, and Noah Palacio; juniors Titus Cable, Harrison Roberts, Eagan Harper, and Steven Cung; and sophomores Josiah Plett, Peyton Knight, Ethan Meyers, Tysen Smith, Hunter Shepard, Trevor Hebert, and Semmie Guenther.
A Program with Purpose
As the Pioneers open their season tonight against West Fork, Collins will take the bench for his first game as a head coach — a milestone he doesn’t take lightly.
“I want our kids to get more out of this than wins and losses,” he said. “Yes, we want to win, but we also want to teach lessons about life — about being good fathers, husbands, and people. I want us to be a team that values what’s important — including winning basketball games.”
Before coming to Gentry, Collins served as varsity assistant at Keys (Okla.) High School, helping lead that program to a district championship last season.
“Chip is a great basketball coach and will be a great leader for our student-athletes,” said Gentry Athletic Director Brent Hester. “He brings integrity, passion, and a genuine love for mentoring young people on and off the court.”
With eight years of coaching experience, a degree from Northeastern State University, and a deep passion for both teaching and coaching, Collins is ready to build something lasting in Gentry.
This season, the Pioneers are focused on one major goal: changing the narrative — one hard-fought game at a time.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Mark Scott, Director of Community Engagement, Gentry Public Schools, mscott@gentrypioneers.com;