By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Vallie Hoerning took over for the former two-win Lady Panthers last year and led her alma mater to a 10-15 finish.
With established athletes returning to an improved schedule, the Lady Panthers plan to make key strides in advancing their program this season.
Mountain Grove fell to MV-BT/Liberty in district play and lost four athletes with the season’s end. Makenzie Gardner, co-captain and all-district and second team SCA guard, was the offensive team leader with top numbers in field goals, free throws, and three pointers. Her 14 points per game and leadership were vital for the Lady Panthers. Co-captain and SCA honorable mention guard Rachel Loughridge led in assists and steals, and leaders Ashton Albrecht and Makenzie Berry will also be noticeable absences on the floor.
Winning conference games will be a priority for the team, and they aim to improve on their three conference victories from last season. The Lady Panthers added Fair Grove and Neelyville to their schedule, beefing up their competition; Fair Grove advanced to the District 11 semifinals and Neelyville to the Class 2 quarterfinals.
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Three seniors will help lead the charge. Kacey Watson, 5’7” forward, averaged eight points per game and four rebounds in the 2016 season and has improved on her mid-range jumper. She can also handle the ball, rebound, and is a threat from the perimeter. Forward Jayden Jordan is also a strong rebounder and good team player. Skylar Homer has improved her outside shooting, defensive abilities, and her confidence during the off-season.
Junior Sydney Noel is skilled at knocking opponents out of their defense and will also be a ball handler. Kadee Sheppard is expected to use her shooting skills to help fill the void left by Makenzie Gardner’s absence. Makenzie’s little sister Tommi Gardner was an integral part of the offense last season, averaging 4.8 ppg and 2.5 rebounds. Now a junior, she will handle the ball, look for deflections on defense, and will be expected to step up her shooting game. Kinley Collins, junior, is quick and skilled at pulling down rebounds.
Newcomer Rachel Albrecht will round out the cast. The 5’11” senior is athletic and adds height to the post position.
“We will have to play good team defense, limiting our opponents’ shot attempts with good team rebounding,” said Coach Hoerning. “Offensively, we must reduce our turnovers from last year, and improve our free throw chances and percentage.”
The Lady Panthers host Fair Grove November 21.
