By Amanda Perkins
Since the night Willow Springs fell to Houston in its district championship game, the Lady Bears have been eager for redemption. DJ Gutscher enters his eighth season coaching at his alma mater, and looks to improve on last year’s 17-12 record.
Beth Sherbo was the team’s single graduation loss, but a great one. An all-district and all-SCA standout, she was versatile and highly skilled. She ended the season as Willow Springs’ sixth all-time leading scorer with 1,111 points and nearly a 50 percent field goal percentage. She played in the most games in school history (104) and pulled down 541 total rebounds.
“Her accomplishments are a direct reflection of her attitude and work ethic,” said Gutscher. “Beth was our leader on and off the floor. She is a great example of how student athletes should conduct themselves.
“Her attitude on and off the floor was always exceptional; she has left behind a great legacy for herself. We will miss her and I know our current players wish her the best and want to finish what they started with her.”
The Lady Bears return a cast of seasoned players. The senior class includes Grace Bailey, a vocal leader for the team who added 4.4 ppg and 4.7 rebounds last season. “She is a skilled big that I think is going to excel in her roles on both ends of the floor,” said Gutscher.
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Devin Perkins was named to the all-SCA second team in her junior season after putting up 8.7 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.5 steals per game.
“Devin is a versatile player who finishes really well around the basket,” said Gutscher. “She has a guard skill set and does a really nice job of scoring and passing out of the post areas.”
The senior will be asked to help pick up the void left by Sherbo. Senior Kayla Cox has worked hard as a defender and has the potential to be one of the best in the conference, according to Gutscher.
Junior Kianna Rothermich earned an honorable mention in the SCA conference, showing her offensive abilities as the team sharpshooter last season. Rothermich averaged 11.5 ppg and made 56 three-pointers through the regular season.
Gutscher said she has been working to increase her defensive abilities in the offseason. “She showed a toughness that is going to make her a better all-around player,” he added.
Liliya Dudko is another returning junior who is athletic and defends in the post and on the perimeter. Her mid-range game has progressed and she is also capable of finishing around the basket.
Shyanne Figley contributed 3.5 ppg in her freshman season, and the sophomore should be more of a physical presence this year than last. “She has a knack for being in the right spot at the right time,” said Gutscher. “She worked hard in the offseason to improve her shot.”
Sophomore Sydney Miller is a skilled, explosive player. The slasher should build on confidence gained last season, and she should perform well for the Lady Bears. Madison Porter is the final returning sophomore. A good passer and ball handler, she has worked to improve her game in the off-season.
Joining the varsity roster is Alexa Fredrick, a sophomore forward with versatility and athleticism.
The Lady Bears will play at an up-tempo pace, pushing the ball in transition and looking to try to score quickly. In order to create the pace they desire, the team will play more man than in the past.
