By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Since the turn of the century, few area programs can match the consistency of West Plains and longtime head coach Scott Womack — The Lady Zizzers have finished with at least 17 wins in 16-straight campaigns.
2020-21 was certainly no exception, as West Plains stormed out to a 28-4 record before falling to Whitfield in the Class 5 state championship.
After losing only a pair of graduated seniors, Womack believes the pieces are in place for another successful campaign.
“This group came together throughout the year and peaked at the right time,” Womack said. “With ten players coming back from that team, I feel the experience we gained will carry over this year.”
Graduates MacKenzie Brunson and Jade Berry moved on from the program in the offseason.
Brunson, in particular, won’t be easy to replace.
The four-year starter was considered the heart and soul of last year’s team, according to Womack.
“After losing three-time all-state player MacKenzie Brunson from last year’s team, we will need younger players to step up and contribute more offensively after being mostly role players last season,” Womack said.
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Fortunately for the Lady Zizzers, there just happens to be another all-state honoree ready to lead.
Senior Ashton Judd averaged 18 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists last season. The 6-foot standout is 58 points short of 1,000 points for her career and is also closing in on the West Plains career rebounding record. Judd already holds three records for rebounds and assists with the Lady Zizzers.
“I think the leadership we receive from Ashton rubs off on the team and finally on the court,” Womack said. “She can make a difference on both ends of the floor as a three-level scorer and a tremendous rebounder. One of the toughest competitors I have coached.”
Judd will be joined by a quartet of key returnees in 6-foot sophomore Allyssa Joyner (9 ppg, 4 rpg), 5-foot-6 junior Georgia Osborn (5 ppg, 3 apg), 5-foot-7 junior Zoey Williams (4 ppg, 3 rpg) and 5-foot-8 junior Drew Harris (4 ppg, 4 rpg).
Newcomers to the varsity roster who will compete for playing time include sophomore Olivia Lawson, junior Kaylea Dixon, junior Mary Claire Gohn, sophomore Madi Hughston, junior Hannah Judd and sophomore Emily Dawson.
“I am very excited about the future with this group,” Womack said. “We have to replace two very important seniors, but I feel this group gained confidence throughout the season and is hungry for more. With the right attitude and work ethic they have a chance to have another very successful season.”
As is typically the case with Lady Zizzer teams, that success starts with defense.
“We stress the defensive end of the floor and make sure to take good quality shots on the offensive end,” Womack said. “This group understands the importance of these two things and have bought into the system.”
Following a Nov. 16 jamboree at Doniphan with Sikeston and the host team, West Plains will tip off its season Nov. 22 at home against Willow Springs.
