B.S.E Lubbock Christian College, Lubbock, Texas
Master of Education Sul Ross State University, Alpine, Texas
Ed. Specialist/Sec. Ed Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri
North Arkansas College completed the 2021-22 campaign with a 17-13 overall record. The Pioneers were beaten in the Region 2 semifinals by National Tournament Qualifier SAU Tech by two points; narrowly missing a 3-point shot at the buzzer for the win. Three Pioneers will continue their basketball careers at four-year schools including All Region 6’7 Trent Lippoldt (20ppg, 10rbpg) at NCAA D2 University of Sioux Falls; 6’4 Cyrus Alexander (7.5ppg 5.5rbpg) at NAIA Harris Stowe University; 6’3 Elliott Brooks (14ppg 38% 3pt)at NAIA Rocky Mountain College. The Pioneers averaged 95.7ppg and return sophomores 6’0 Dontae Taylor (6ppg 4.5apg) and 6’3 George McCurdy (5.6ppg 4.3apg) who shared point guard duties. Other returners who are expected to play a larger role include 6’4 Jacob Hudson, 6’4 Caleb Faulkner, 6’3 Brian Jones, and 6’6 Orie Owen. Transfers Curtis Fowler (6’7 RS Fr.), Jacques Njeanwobe (6’5 So.), Jakare Carroll-Newton (6’5 RS Fr.), Kenny Hodges (6’6 RS Fr.) and Mat Jones (6’5 RS Fr.)will be expected to contribute immediately. An athletic and skilled group of freshmen round out the nucleus of this year’s team and must develop quickly to meet another strong schedule before Christmas and NJCAA Region 2 competition down the stretch.
On January 27, 2019, Coach Hunter was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Coach Hunter and his assistant, Jordan Hunter, will look to improve on their 156-86 (.66%) record heading into their 9th season. The Pioneers will again utilize the services of former Pioneer, Mitch Closser, as a student assistant.
Coach Hunter completed a highly successful coaching career at the high school level spanning Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. His overall record of 536-254 (.678 winning %) spans 28 years including a Missouri State Championship in 2003 and five other Final Four Appearances. Hunter was a 2009 Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame Inductee and Missouri Coach of the Year in 1996 and 2003.
Steve and his wife Julie have been married for 41 years and have three adult children; Jordan (9th year North Arkansas Assistant), Spencer, and wife Laura Ashley; and daughter, Hayley (1st year North Arkansas College Soccer Assistant.) The Hunters have a four-year-old grandson, Blake, and a two-year -old granddaughter, Kennedy.
ContactHead Coach Steve Hunter
870-391-3287
shunter@northark.edu
