GENTRY — Tim Rippy’s start as the Gentry’s boys coach hasn’t been easy. The Pioneers (9-11, 0-8) have faced three of the 4A-1’s top teams since he took over Jan. 22.

The Pioneers have lost to Farmington, Shiloh Christian and Pea Ridge since Rippy replaced Conlan Efurd.

Rippy, who is also thecoach for the Lady Pioneers and assisted Efurd before the change was made, has been pleased with his new team’s effort.

“(I told them) the only two things we want out of them is to work their butts off and act right,” Rippy said. “Those are our two goals. Our ultimate goal, in three weeks we want to be (district) tournament ready.

“They’ve bought into it. They’re playing hard justnot always executing.”

The Pioneers played a solid second quarter against Pea Ridge to stay within striking distance. The same thing happened against Farmington before a lopsided loss.

“They’re showing flashes of (good ball),” Rippy said. “We play well for four or five minutes and then have a two-minute explosion.”

The district tournament starts Feb. 15.

Sports, Pages 7 on 02/03/2010