2021-22 Winter Preview: Strafford Girls Basketball

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By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)

As ludicrous as it may seem, Strafford actually had a down year last season.

The Lady Indians — state champions in each of the five previous seasons — compiled a 21-8 record, falling to Steelville in the state sectional round.

Head coach Dustin Larsen, entering his third year at the school, believes his young team from last season will benefit greatly from the experience heading into the 2021 campaign.

“Our girls got good experience last year in larger roles and are ready to compete at a high level and get better each day,” Larsen said. “It will be exciting to see this group continuing to grow during this season.”

A lone graduated senior departs the program in guard Hannah Hess.

“Hannah had a great senior year, great player and even better person,” Larsen said. “Developed into our highest percentage 3-point shooter last year making 45 percent.”

Strafford’s returning core is deep, experienced and athletic.

Led by all-state guard Emma Compton, the Lady Indians will once again feature a talented lineup that can score from multiple positions on the floor.

Compton, a 5-foot-3 senior, averaged 15.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.9 steals last season as a junior and received all-conference, all-district and all-state honors.

“Emma is an intense competitor on both ends of the court,” Larsen said. “Sets the tone for our defense and, as our point guard, she will be looked upon to provide leadership and poise on the floor.”

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Compton will be joined by a trio of classmates in Emma Mullings, Mattie Walker and Bailey Chrisman.

Mullings, a 5-foot-5 guard, averaged 12.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 2.4 steals during her junior season. She was named to all-conference and all-district teams.

“[Mullings] brings great experience at our shooting guard position,” Larsen said. “She Is very active on defense and provides versatility on offense, as she can stretch the defense and get to the basket.”

The 5-foot-10 Walker — an all-conference selection — averaged 10.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 2.0 steals last season.

“Mattie is strong, athletic and runs the floor well,” Larsen said. “She has the ability to play inside and out — great rebounder and defender!”

Chrisman, a 5-foot-6 guard, averaged 2.3 points and 1.7 rebounds last season.

Sophomore Lauren Jones (5.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg) and junior Sophia Frerking (1.6 ppg, 1.6 rpg) also return for the Indians.

Strafford will also benefit this season from transfer student Laney Humble.

Humble, a 5-foot-5 junior guard, spent the last two seasons playing at Sparta. She averaged 23.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 3.2 steals during her sophomore campaign.

“Laney is expected to add depth, leadership and experience to our group of guards,” Larsen said. “She is very skilled and has the ability to score in a variety of ways.”

While the Lady Indians will feature an experienced and talented lineup, a pair of varsity newcomers will also challenge for playing time in 5-foot-11 senior Christa Duffel and 5-foot-10 senior Nellie Tatar.

“Our philosophy will be to play great hard-nosed defense and be a great rebounding team, while playing with pace and sharing the basketball on the offensive end,” Larsen said. “We will be focused on improving each day, working hard, and working together to grow as a team.”

In addition to a challenging Mid-Lakes Conference, Strafford’s schedule will include the likes of Republic, El Dorado Springs, Miller and Blue Eye this season.

“Our schedule, conference, and district will bring great challenges, but those are the challenges we need to continue to get better and continue a great tradition,” Larsen said.

Strafford tips off its season Dec. 1 in the Willard Basketball Classic.

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