By Pat Dailey (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
With Zoe Reel contending to start as a freshman in Crane’s backcourt this season, coach Jeremy Mullins was anxious to have her gain experience with the Lady Pirates’ upperclassmen over the summer.
That didn’t happen, as Reel suffered a foot injury.
“She was in a walking boot,” Mullins said. “We didn’t get to see her play over the summer and she’s been playing volleyball, so it’s been a while since she picked up a basketball. I look for big things from her. I’ll look for her to take over some of (Madison) Hicks’ responsibilities from last year.”
Hicks put up averages of 23.6 points. 9.6 rebounds and 2.3 blocks night as a senior last season. She’s now competing in volleyball and track for Southwest Baptist.
Reel will be part of a regular rotation that likely will also include three sophomores and two juniors.
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Crane has no returning starters from last season’s 21-7 bunch that finished second in the SWCL to league champion Blue Eye and was ousted in a Class 2 District 11 semifinal by Ash Grove.
Crane’s sophomores were 24-4 during their junior high careers.
“We’ve had success having all new players before,” Mullins said. “This is a different group, who knows.”
In addition to Reel, Crane will count on sophomore guard Gracie Brawley, sophomore center Emrey Ellingsworth, junior guard Robyn Pascale, junior center Celsie Kilman and sophomore guard Danielle Cutbirth.
Ellingsworth and Brawley saw quality playing time last year. Ellingworth averaged 6.3 points and 4.5 rebounds a game and Brawley averaged 2.8 assists and 1.7 steals. She made 29 3-pointers and received All-SWCL honorable mention recognition.
Mullins said it will be important for his youngsters to maintain confident should the Lady Pirates get off to a rough start.
“My expectations are high. At the same time, looking at our schedule, it might be tough for us to get a win before Christmas,” he said, noting a trip to the Ash Grove Tournament and a visit to Strafford. “(Hopefully, I can keep their mental state positive. (Fans) should be a expecting a lot of growth from us.”
Last season, Crane enjoyed an eight-game win streak over January and February.
Mullins adds the Lady Pirates will try to win with defense.
“I’m going to have them play defense as hard as they can night in and night out,” Mullins said. “Hopefully, we’ll be known for our defensive prowess. We’re so young, though, I don’t know what to expect. Right now, I’m trying to get them acclimated to (the varsity level). We’ll do a lot of building.”
