Presented by Rock City Kitchen & Catering
“Catering Champions On and Off the Court”

The Dexter Hendrix Era and the Rise of the Benton Panthers

By FAB44TV Insider

In Benton, Arkansas — a place where pride runs deep and expectations are earned, not given — Coach Dexter Hendrix just cemented his place in the state’s basketball history. Leading the Benton Panthers to their first boys basketball state championship in more than two decades, Hendrix didn’t just bring a title home — he established a new standard. A Championship Moment

"We Built This”

From the first handshake in our sit-down, Hendrix made it clear: this wasn’t just about basketball.

“We built a culture that’s player-led,” he said. “From day one, it was about holding each other accountable and staying together.”

That culture didn’t form overnight. It was shaped through morning workouts, tough film sessions, and a relentless belief that standards beat systems. Benton didn’t just play harder. They played smarter. They played for each other.

Redemption Run

Three years ago, the Panthers weren’t in the title conversation. Now they’re at the top. That transformation didn’t happen by accident — it was designed.

“To go from overlooked to overachieving… that’s what I’ll never forget,” Hendrix reflected.

What he built wasn’t just a state champion roster — it was a movement. A brotherhood. A culture of toughness, trust, and tenacity.

A Season for the Books

Under Coach Hendrix’s leadership:

• Overall Record: 31–3

• Conference Record: 32–0 over two seasons

• Average Margin of Victory: 35 points in conference play

The Panthers not only dominated the regular season but broke school records for wins and capped off the season with back-to-back conference championships.

Stars of the Show

Coach Hendrix’s roster blended seasoned talent with rising stars:

• Terrion Burgess – MVP, All-State

• Harrison Pickett – Senior Forward, Signed with UAPB

• Anthony Spratt Jr. – Freshman, All-State Honors (First in school history)

• Elem Shelby, Javarious Russell, Caleb Knight, A.D. Gray – All- Conference Honors

This team was a complete unit—defensive tenacity, unselfish ball movement, and elite mental toughness.

Legacy in the Making

Coach Hendrix built more than just a basketball team—he built a championship culture.

From the weight room to the classroom, his impact on Benton student-athletes stretches far beyond wins and losses. With a championship banner now hanging in the rafters and his name written in Benton basketball history, Coach Hendrix continues to raise the standard for what’s possible in Arkansas high school hoops.

Brought to you by Rock City Kitchen & Catering – Proud supporters of Arkansas basketball culture

EXPLORE CATERING OPTION - ROCKCITYFAMILY.COM