FAYETTEVILLE — While Ethan Henderson has been the Little Rock Parkview standout getting the most press lately, there’s another Patriots sophomore bursting with potential.
That would be Caleb Stokes (6-9, 250), who also teams with Henderson (6-8, 190) on the Arkansas Hawks’ 16-and-under AAU squad.
“Stokes is the most intriguing player we have,” Hawks coach Bill Ingram said. “When you look at him, he is still growing and he is actually taller than Ethan now. Stokes is now about 6-9.
“If you watch him play, there is nothing that he can’t do. He can score on the post and he can hit the three ball. He is a kid that kind of reminds you a lot of (former Razorback) Dwight Stewart, but with more talent.”
Stokes, a key part of Parkview’s state title squad last season, has worked this spring and summer on trying to redefine his body.
“He just has some things he has to do, mainly get in better condition,” Ingram said. “If you could get him in great shape, then he may be the most talented player that we have got period.
“He’s long, he is tall and besides that, he has a long wingspan and long arms and his skill level is very, very advanced for a kid his age.
“He is another kid (along with Henderson) who has no hair on his face and you can look at him and tell that both od those guys have another two inches in them.”
Stokes talked about working on both his physical and mental state’s this spring and summer.
“Getting in shape and working on my body language,” Stokes said.
He loves going against fellow Hawks Henderson and Reggie Perry (6-9, 225) in practice
It is getting me stronger and tougher,” Stokes said.
There’s are a trio of schools starting to show interest in Stokes.
“Arkansas, Alabama and Louisiana Tech,” Stokes said.
He got a chance to see the Razorbacks work out earlier this week.
“I like the Razorbacks,” Stokes said. “I like how they practice and everything.
Stokes is very clear on what he wants to do in July and his sophomore season at Parkview.
“Winning the national championship,” Stokes said. “Winning again, winning the high school championship. That’s all I care about.”