By Pat Dailey (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Sarcoxie coach April Ellis learned long ago not to underestimate Annette Ramirez. The 11th-year Lady Bears coach is looking forward to seeing the impact the junior swingman can have as her team’s undisputed go-to girl this season.
“If you saw her walking down the hallway, you wouldn’t think she is as explosive as she is,” Ellis said of the 5-foot-5 Ramirez. “She likes to be a crasher and get after the boards. She doesn’t mind sacrificing her body. It’s fun to watch a kid like her play.
“Her whole heart is into basketball. She would love to play basketball every second of the day. That kind of attitude is contagious, it flows throughout our team.”
The scoring, rebounding and intangibles Ramirez brings is one of the biggest reasons why Ellis has optimistic expectations, even after losing three starters last season to graduation.
“We have a solid core coming back,” Ellis said. “I don’t want to say we’re rebuilding, we’re relocating. We’re finding places where kids will feel comfortable in new roles. We’re going to be competitive.
“My goal when I got here was to build a program that even after you lose four or five seniors, you’re still able to compete every night. I look for us to do that. We’ve got everything we need. We’ve got experienced post play, a great guard who can handle the ball and we’ve got shooters. When you’ve got outside threats and an inside-outside threat, that’s tough for teams to guard.”
Ramirez averaged 17.9 points a game last season.
“There were times last year in which she did more giving than she should have,” Ellis said. “She’s a very selfless player. If she feels like somebody else has a better shot than her, she’s not afraid to give up the ball.”
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Myra Caddick, Elaina Chapman and Jacey Roth are proven performers. Jessica Hinkle, McKenna Bass and a pair of transfers, Kaylyn Anderson and Amara Meier, round out the rotation.
“(Caddick) was in and out of the starting lineup as a freshman last year, but could have easily started every game,” Ellis said. “She’s going to be looked upon to score a lot more. (Chapman’s) presence on the floor is important. We’re excited to see what she can bring to the table with different leadership responsibilities.”
Sarcoxie has been 65-10 the last three seasons while overwhelming many foes with an up-tempo style. Ellis hopes these Lady Bears can thrive with the same style.
“That’s the plan,” she said. “These kids are used to playing that style of basketball. But what I’ve learned after 11 years is each year is different. Things aren’t always going to be what I think they’re going to be. You have to adjust to the kids and put in what fits for us.”
Already, Ellis’ players have impressed her.
“I have a great group of kids,” she said. “They get along well. They’re a classy, respectful group of young ladies. I don’t expect us to go 23-3. But I’m not going to put anything past them or sell them short. This group is going to be very focused and excited to get on the floor.”
