By Calen VanNess (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Chadwick Lady Cardinals third-year head coach David Argo’s goal this year will be to bring an experienced team together and improve upon last year’s injury-plagued season.
Although the Lady Cardinals finished the season at 6-18 (3-3 in the Mark Twain Conference) and a first-round loss in district play, Argo loses no players to graduation from a year ago and brings some newcomers to the team who will be expected to instantly step in and help Chadwick improve upon last year’s record.
“I feel that we will be very competitive and play at a high level,” said Argo. “Last year we were plagued by injuries and never found our way to be competitive on the offense side of the floor. By the end of the season, we played good defense but just couldn’t score. With 7 new players coming to the team, that will take care of that problem. We have to stay focused and hold each player accountable.”
CLICK HERE FOR ALL OF THE WINTER SPORTS PREVIEWS
Players returning from a year ago include all five starters. Second team all-conference senior Kayla Loveland and Brianna Esline, a sophomore who earned conference honorable mention last year, look to play key roles for the Lady Cardinals again this season. Also returning to the squad are seniors Haley Farris, Shelby Weter and Shayna Adams. All three were starters a year ago.
Seniors Brooklyn Driggers and Katelyn Driggers, along with junior Mikayla Bushong and freshmen Stevi Jones, Lauren Gilbert and Courtney Grimes are the newcomers that Argo believes can make a huge impact on where this team will go this year.
“They will have a huge impact on all aspects of the philosophy of this team,” said Argo of his six new additions. “Brooklyn, Katelyn, Mikayla and Stevi are all two-way players who can shoot, drive and defend at high levels. Laruen and Courtney will add more solid depth to our lineup. Adding them to what we had will immediately change our team and how we played from a year ago.”
Argo sees his team as being able to play good basketball on both ends of the floor.
“We are going to be solid on both ends,” said Argo. “We have the components to do a lot of things. Our structure will be based on the defensive end, but we have a strong offensive team as well. We are going to be fast, which has to come into play with our lack of size. This team will compete and be fun to watch.”
Argo is excited about his team and what they can accomplish this season.
“Our goals are high,” said Argo. “The players are very excited and ready for the challenge. If we play together, we will be right there in the thick of the district race. We have a tough conference and a very hard district, but I think we can be there at the end if we play our brand of basketball. I feel all games are key, so we will be prepared for a long grind this year.”
The Chadwick Lady Cardinals will begin the season at home against Marionville on Nov. 21.
