By Chris Parker
Cassville girls basketball has a new head coach in Reed Smith this season. This is his first head coaching position after spending the past five years as a junior varsity coach in Pea Ridge (Ark.).
“At my previous school we have traveled here multiple times for games and summer camps. I have always enjoyed the town and when I heard of the opening I applied for the position,” Smith said.
He will be looking to turn around a Cassville program coming off an 11-15 season. The Lady Cats have not finished above .500 since 2017-18.
“There are always lots of variables that need to go your way to have a successful season, but I know this team is very capable of having a stand-out year,” Smith said. “We are going to treat every game with importance and take it one game at a time.”
Standout volleyball player Sharayah Seymour returns to lead Cassville on the basketball court. She was a second-team all-conference selection last year.
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“There are multiple transferable skills from volleyball to basketball, but specifically she brings explosiveness and a great vertical,” Smith said. “I know that I have a phenomenal senior leader on the floor and in the huddle with her.”
Post Riley Morris and guards Marianna McCrackin and Ashlynn Bryan return to the team as well.
“Riley is an outstanding athlete with a great nose for the ball on rebounds. She is also a fierce competitor and defender. Marianne has a high basketball IQ, and I will be relying on her greatly to direct the team on the floor. (Bryan) is a defensive specialist and a three-point threat this year that we expect to have a great year,” Smith said.
Pazlee Burbridge, Madison Halterman, Macie Walker, Maci Barton and Chloe Moller will be varsity newcomers to watch. Burbridge is a lengthy guard that can stretch the floor. Halterman is a post that will provide good minutes. Walker is another shooting threat for Cassville. Barton is a post player that had a strong summer. Moller will provide senior leadership.
Cassville will host a jamboree with Seneca and Nevada on Nov. 16. The Lady Cats open the regular season on Nov. 19 at Joplin.