Southside’s Matt Wilkinson adjusting to roles starting and providing leadership
by January 17, 2025 3:03 pm 161 views

There are no seniors on this season’s roster for the Southside boys basketball squad. As a result, several underclassmen – mainly a large junior class – is having to assume more of a leadership role than they normally would have.
One of those juniors is Matt Wilkinson, a 6-foot-6 forward.
“We’ve had to take leadership on our own and kind of work with and teach each other,” Wilkinson said. “Not having anyone to look up to is definitely harder, but we’ve been working well together and try not to goof off as much being younger guys.”
Wilkinson has had to adjust in another way, as he is in his first season as a varsity starter. Southside graduated a large senior class last season, so Wilkinson worked his way into a starting role after spending his sophomore season with the junior varsity squad.
“It’s definitely different going from JV up to varsity playing with the bigger guys,” he said. “But it’s definitely more fun and more competitive.”
Then there was the adjustment Wilkinson had to make going up against taller players, some who around 6-8 or 6-9.
“Obviously, I had to change my game,” Wilkinson said. “Starting out, I just had my back to the basket in the paint. Now, I’m able to run the forward spot and shooting the ball better; it really helps my game out.”
Wilkinson added passing the ball has been beneficial to his playing style.
“Definitely the ability to pass when being double-teamed down in the post, and being able to work well with other teammates,” he said.
When the chance to be a starter for the Mavericks materialized, another aspect Wilkinson really concentrated on was improving his 3-point shooting. He believes he has become a better outside shooter, and has averaged at least five attempts a game from beyond the arc.
“I wasn’t very good a couple of years back (shooting 3’s), but now I’m able to step into my shot with more confidence and knock it down,” he said.
In December, the Mavericks traveled to a tournament in Carthage, Mo., and Wilkinson had a good showing, averaging 12 points. He also had 15 points in one game, a narrow loss to Missouri school Webb City.
Southside now has entered 6A-West conference play. Wilkinson realizes that it will be challenging for the Mavericks, especially with a roster devoid of seniors, but believes his squad is more than capable of challenging for a state tournament berth.
“Going into conference is definitely different from the (non-conference) games; it’s a lot harder and we’re having to battle the whole game and not take a break off,” Wilkinson said. “It’s definitely a lot harder being in this conference, but I think it’s more fun at the end of the day getting to play the better teams.
“That’s what we’re the most ready to look forward to, hopefully getting games under our belt and start winning these conference games, so hopefully we can get to state and prove a point for next year also.”
Basketball has always been Wilkinson’s main love, something that was handed down to him early on from other family members, as his father, Kyle Wilkinson, and mother, Natalie Adams, also played the sport.
“My grandparents and my parents played when they were younger,” Matt Wilkinson said. “(From my parents, I learned) definitely to work hard and you’ve got to work hard for your spot and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, just to play hard out there.”
Another thing Wilkinson enjoys about playing basketball is the game’s faster pace. He also spent last summer playing travel ball for a local team, the Fort Smith Raptors, who mainly played tournaments in Northwest Arkansas.
“I like the fact that it is an every day kind of sport and you can’t take any breaks,” Wilkinson said. “You’re also able to travel and play these outstanding teams that are hard to go against and sometimes beat them, which is the best feeling to me.”
But basketball isn’t the only pastime for Wilkinson, as he also enjoys hunting. He’s also a straight-A student, and takes a couple of Advanced Placement classes at Southside.
All things considered, though, there’s no other place Wilkinson would rather be than in the gym. Especially getting to play in Southside’s still relatively new arena.
“That thing’s definitely awesome to be in and be a part of, and have that there every day. … The court is beautiful and it’s great to play on,” Wilkinson said.