By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Strafford girls basketball program enjoyed yet another banner year in 2025.
The Class 4 District 10 champion Indians posted a 21-8 record, falling to Owensville in the state sectional round.
Heading into his sixth season, Strafford head coach Dustin Larsen believes last year’s postseason experience will definitely help prepare his team for the challenges ahead.
“We had a great year, it just ended with a little sour taste in our mouth, so it was a good motivator in the off season,” Larsen said.
A trio of postseason award winners return to lead the Indians in Elsie Larsen, 5-foot-8 sophomore Kinley Larsen and 6-foot sophomore Trista VanHorn.
Elsie Larsen, a 5-foot-10 senior all-state honoree, has committed to play basketball next season at Colorado State University.
Coach Larsen on Elsie Larsen – “Elsie is our floor general; she has had a great off season recovering from knee surgery during the end of last season. Has become a more physical player in off season, strong defender, great passer, selfless, and can score at all three levels, makes everyone on the floor better.”
Kinley Larsen is a 5-foot-8 sophomore and all-state selection, as well.
Coach Larsen on Kinley Larsen – “Kinley had a great freshmen season for us, she can really stretch the floor and score in bunches, has worked hard in the offseason to be a 3-level scorer and improve defensively.”
VanHorn, a 6-foot sophomore, received all-conference and all-district honors as a freshman.
“Trista had a great freshman season, gaining a lot of great experience. Has worked hard to continue to get more physical around the basket and become a versatile 3-level scorer.”
6-foot sophomore Blair Bough, 5-foot-6 junior Lydia Goodin, 5-foot-8 senior Carly Davis, 5-foot-6 Ayda Baker, 5-foot-7 senior Lizzy Vanhorn, 5-foot-9 senior Zoe Allison, 5-foot-5 junior Chloe Henson and 5-foot-8 junior Jayden Onore also return for the Indians.
Coach Larsen on Bough – “Blair has grown and matured in all aspects of her game and physically she has grown. She can rebound, handle the ball, post up, and solid defender. We are expecting
strong sophomore year from her.”
Coach Larsen on Goodin – “Lydia continues to be a scrappy hard-nosed defender with great speed, and is developing all aspects of her game.”
Coach Larsen on Davis – “Carly had an early season knee injury that ended her season, as we were expecting her to have a positive impact last season. We are excited for her return and looking forward to a great senior year.”
Coach Larsen on Baker – “Ayda is a very solid guard who brings a since of calm and who continues to improve all aspects of her game.”
Coach Larsen on Vanhorn – “Lizzy is a great leader and has continued to improve her shooting from behind the arc. We are looking for a strong senior year from her.”
Coach Larsen on Allison – “We look for Zoe to really be physical around the rim this year and able to step out and shoot from behind the arc.”
Coach Larsen on Henson – “Chloe made some great strides this past season, we will be excited to see her expand on that this season!”
Coach Larsen on Onore – “Jayden continues to show up, work, and improve! We are excited to see her take the next step!”
With plenty of talent, experience and depth on the roster, Coach Larsen believes Strafford’s attack will be extremely versatile this season.
“We will have some depth so willingness to give up me for we will very important. This group has potential to really have great growth during this season, everyone will need to understand the importance of roles to make our team better. Our non-conference schedule, conference, four great tournaments and district will bring great challenges, but we know we get to enjoy competing in these opportunities to make our team better.”
Strafford opens its season Dec. 3 in the Willard Basketball Classic.
