By Chris Parker
Conway girls basketball is looking to have a big season behind leading returning scorers Graceson and Jamison Cromer.
The seniors averaged 17.6 and 15.1 points per game, respectively, last year. Jamison hit 56 3-point shots while Graceson hit 41. The rest of Conway’s roster combined to hit 11 3-point shots.
“They are both major scorers for us (about 65% of our offense last year),” Conway head coach Lynn Long said. “Jamison was our best three-point shooter and really spread our opponent’s defenses. Graceson also scored a lot from deep but added a lot of midrange jumpers and drives to the basket. Graceson also did the bulk of the ball handling. They are both capable of being outstanding defensive players. In practice they go against each other every day and it gets very competitive. I expect them to have very good years, play outstanding defense and be great team leaders. They are both guards and always anticipate where the other one is on offense.”
Leading rebounder and third-leading scorer Breanna Thompson returns for her junior year. She pulled down a team-high 9.6 rebounds per game and scored 7.2 ppg.
“Breanna Thompson has really improved since last season,” Long said. “She is probably our hardest worker and most intense player. She runs the floor really well and is a great rebounder.”
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Gracie Vestal (junior guard), Reese Atkison (junior guard), Lauren Wissbaum (junior forward), Gibby Beckler (junior forward), Quincy Vestal (freshman), Trista Simpson (sophomore guard), Maddy Officer (sophomore forward) and Makenna Shifflet (junior guard) are all poised to impact the varsity game.
Long on Gracie Vestal: “was a key player on the JV last year and is now ready to make a big impact on the varsity. She is a good outside shooter who has gained confidence and aggressiveness and will be a key contributor for us this year.”
Long on Atkison: “…played major minutes on varsity last year and brings quickness, athleticism, and improved shooting to the team. She will be a major defensive presence for us as well as being an offensive threat.”
Long on Wissbaum: “a very good athlete who understands our system. She will give us depth both inside and at the wing.”
Long on Beckler: “Gibby is a two-time all state volleyball player who has joined the basketball team this year. She is a really good athlete who adds size, speed, skill, and athleticism to our program and will make a huge impact on our team, especially as she gains experience.”
Long on Quincy Vestal: “is an outstanding shooter and offensive player who should make a very big impact for us. She can shoot from long range as well as from midrange who will be an outstanding player as she gains experience.”
Long on Simpson: “can shoot from outside and handles the ball, good competitive player.”
Long on Officer: “hard worker plays multiple positions really improved over the summer.”
Long on Shifflet: “quick, smart, good outside shooter, good defensive player, had a good JV season last year.”
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This group gives Conway a lot of depth to lean on this year.
“Our strengths this season will be our depth, outside shooting, and team defense, and size and athletic ability inside,” Long said. “We need to improve our team defense, reduce turnovers, and execute better in our half-court offense.”
Conway opens on Nov. 22 at home against Cabool, as the Lady Bears look to improve on last season’s 11-9 record.
“I think we will be improved this year and will compete with every one that we play,” Long said. “I think this will be the best team Conway has had in several years. I think we will improve as the season goes on.”
