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SPRINGDALE
In the 7 years I’ve been reporting sports for a daily newspaper, I’ve had the privilege to watch some really talented high school athletes.
During those years, there’s always at least one player in every sport that stuck out in my mind.
For me, I remember players like Ronnie Brewer, who was nothing short of outstanding at Fayetteville and Arkansas before being drafted by the NBA’s Utah Jazz in 2006. I also remember Anthony Blackmon, an undersized running back from Bentonville who ran for 2,596 yards in 2007.
That year, Blackmon — now at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway — was added to a short list of elite Arkansas prep running backs to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a single season. He had the fourth-most yards behind guys like West Memphis’ De’Arrius Howard, Conway’s Peyton Hillis and West Memphis’ James White.
One player that will always stand out to me was Shiloh Christian’s Megan Herbert. I had the privilege to frequently cover Herbert during her junior and senior seasons.
I watched Herbert routinely post double-doubles, sometimes scoring more than 20 points or pulling down more than 15 rebounds.
In 2008, when the Lady Saints were in the Class 3A State Tournament in Cave City, Herbert — only a junior — lifted the Lady Saints to a second-round victory by scoring 34 points and totaling 13 rebounds in only three quarters.
It was then I realized just how dominant she was.
The following year, Herbert led Shiloh to a 34-1 record and to the Class 4A state championship, a perfect ending to her three-year run with the Lady Saints.
Herbert, who now plays at UCA, finished her career at Shiloh with 2,867 points and 1,335 rebounds — averages of 21 and 10, respectively.
And her numbers are even better at UCA. As a freshman, she’s had 21 consecutive games with a double-double, the second longest streak in NCAA Division I history. She averages 22.3 points and 14.2 rebounds per game and is one of only three players in the country averaging at least 20 and 10.
The shame is that she’s not showcasing that kind of talent in the Southeastern Conference and on a larger national stage while playing for Arkansas. A team with one conference win could have used a player like Herbert, couldn’t it?
As a tribute to her success, Shiloh is honoring Herbert tonight with a ceremony at halftime of the varsity boys game. Her jersey will be retired as one of Shiloh’s all-time greats. It’s good to see that Herbert’s performances will never be forgotten at Shiloh.
A lot of great prep players have passed before these eyes, and there will be more in the future. And Megan Herbert will rank right up there with the best of them.

That guy is a moron! I love the fact that Herbert is a Sugarbear, she seems to have a good head on her shoulders and is just having fun. I just pray for the day the SugarBears make the NCAA tourny and the Hogs sit at home!

Although the Westlake starters played limited minutes, they made the most of their opportunities. Senior post Courtney Duever, who ended the contest with a game-highs in points (14) and rebounds (10), had a remarkable first period that included 10 points, nine rebounds, four steals, three blocked shots, three assists and countless smiles.

I just pray for the day the SugarBears make the NCAA tourny and the Hogs sit at home!

Megan Herbert Ranked Nationally Central Arkansas freshman forward Megan Herbert is the current league leader in scoring (22.2), rebounds (14.3) and field goal percentage (.551). If eligible for NCAA ranking, Herbert’s 22.2 points per game would rank eighth, her 14.3 rebounds per game average would rank tied for first and her .551 field goal percentage would rank 18th in the NCAA. Herbert is currently one of only three players in the country to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds a game, and is the only freshman of the group.