2018-19 Winter Preview: Purdy Girls Basketball

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Purdy will be rebuilding a bit after an 18-8 season. The Lady Eagles lost three all-conference players to graduation and have a new coach in Ashlee Luko.

The biggest loss among that group is Layne Skiles, who was also an all-state honoree.

“Layne’s a great player that did a lot of things very well. It’ll be a team effort to replace what she did, but I think with everyone chipping in and contributing different things we will be able to make up for Layne’s production,” Luko said.

Luko, who comes over after spending the last three years as an assistant at Nixa, will lean on seniors Emma Harkey, Madison Renkoski and McKenzie Renkoski.

“As a new coach, I’ll depend on these players to help me throughout the season,” Luko said. “Emma, Madison, and McKenzie are all seniors and will be counted on for their experience and leadership.”

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Kinsley Mattingly is another returning that will have a big impact. Luko said Mattingly brings athleticism and a big wingspan. Freshman Dally Craig will help out in her first high school season.

Luko got the job late in the summer, so there will be some work for everyone to get familiar with each other early in the season.

“Getting to know the girls will be important; the girls learning my expectations and philosophy will be key as well,” Luko said. “I expect us to work hard, give our best effort, and compete to the best of our ability. If we do that, we will have a chance to be competitive in every game.”

Purdy will also have to get familiar with a new conference moving over from the Ozark 7 to the SWCL this season.

“The SWCL is a very tough conference with Crane and Blue Eye among others. These games will provide use with opportunities to test ourselves against some of the better teams in the conference and area,” Luko said.

Purdy opens the season at the Diamond Tournament from Nov. 26 through Dec. 1.

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