Career
Born in Ash Flat, Arkansas and nicknamed Shorty despite his 6-foot, 6 inch frame, Carpenter played his college basketball at the University of Arkansas, where he was an All-Southwest Conference performer in 1943. He later played Amateur Athletic Union basketball for both the Phillips 66ers and Denver Chevrolets, making Amateur Athletic Union All-American teams each year from 1943 to 1947. He coached the United States men"s national basketball team at the 1950 International Basketball Federation World Championship, winning the silver medal.
Carpenter was named to the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame and the Helms Athletic Hall of Fame.
Following his playing career, he became a referee with the Big Eight Conference.