GENTRY, AR — Gentry has been selected to host the Class 4A-1 Regional Baseball and Softball Tournaments, scheduled for May 7–9 at Gentry High School. The tournaments will bring top teams from Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley to compete for advancement to the Class 4A State Tournament.
Sixteen teams will participate, including the top four teams from the 4A-1 Conference and the top four teams from the 4A-4 Conference in both baseball and softball. The top four teams overall in each sport will advance to the state tournament, which will be hosted by Nashville on May 14–16. The Class 4A “Weekend of Champions,” featuring the final games, will take place May 21–23 in Hot Springs.
Gentry Athletics Director Brent Hester said the selection followed significant facility upgrades approved by the Gentry School Board in 2024, which led the district to submit a bid to host the regional tournaments.
“We have great facilities here, along with strong community support and the infrastructure to support our visiting teams and fans,” Hester said. “Our conference also works collaboratively, which makes hosting events like this easier and more enjoyable for our student-athletes and schools.”
In 2024, the Gentry School Board approved approximately $1.3 million in improvements to Pioneer baseball and softball facilities. The project includes turf added to the baseball infield, turf installation on the softball field, and the addition of a raised left and left-center field fence. Funding for the project came from surplus funds.
Schools in the 4A-1 Conference typically coordinate hosting opportunities rather than competing against one another. Hester said that collaborative approach is a strength of the conference and helps bring major athletic events to the region.
The 2025 regional baseball and softball tournaments were hosted by Gravette.
The 4A-1 Conference includes Gentry, Gravette, Berryville, Pea Ridge, Prairie Grove, Huntsville, and Shiloh Christian. The 4A-4 Conference includes Waldron, Mena, Ozark, Clarksville, Pottsville, and Dardanelle.
Local businesses interested in supporting or participating in the event may contact Mark Scott, Director of Community Engagement, at mscott@gentrypioneers.com.