By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
After a 19-win campaign with all but one starter returning, the Willow Springs Lady Bears are poised for another strong season and have big goals ahead.
“Our conference and district are always tough, and we will have to be ready to battle in every game,” said head coach David Cox, who returns for his third season leading the Lady Bears. “We want to play for a championship in every tournament this season. Our goal is to win 20 games, to win the SCA, and to win a district championship.”
Leading the fight in a tough SCA conference is senior guard Chloe Jones, an all-state standout who averaged 22 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals per game in her junior season. The district and conference player of the year is an Evangel commit and the Lady Bears’ team leader. “Chloe is a tremendous player,” said Coach Cox. “She can do everything on the floor.”
Sydney Stuart is a 5’10” senior all-conference guard and has served as the team’s top defender in the last two seasons. “Sydney is a great athlete,” said Coach Cox. “She can impact the game on every level. She will help us in scoring, rebounding, and defending.” Sydney averaged 6 points and 3 steals per game in her junior season.
Junior Alexis Sigman, a 6’1” all-conference and all-district presence in the paint, returns to anchor the Lady Bears after averaging 7 points and 7 rebounds per game. “Alexis was a force in the post last season,” said Coach Cox. “She has improved her game this offseason and will be even better this coming season. She rebounds the ball extremely well.”
Paisley Crudgington, 6’2” senior, also returns for her final season. “Paisley is a skilled player,” said Coach Cox. “She can impact every possession on defense when she is locked in.”
Sophie Jackson, senior (5’10”), “is tough and battles in the post and on defense,” said Coach Cox. “Sophie is a good all-around player for us.”
Allie Adams is a 5’10” junior who will contribute in several different areas. “Allie is a hard worker and very athletic,” said Coach Cox.
Senior Emma Grogan is “one of our better outside shooters” per Cox. “She is a very smart player and also a great teammate.”
Rounding out the list of returners is senior Zoey Johnson. “Zoey is a great teammate and plays hard,” said Cox.
The Lady Bears’ roster will also be enhanced this year by freshmen Kailene McKee and Avery Foster. “Kailene is a hard worker and will push for minutes on the varsity floor,” said Coach Cox. “Avery is a good shooter and plays really hard. She will be a good role player for us.”
Experience is at the heart of the Lady Bears’ planned success. “The core of our team has played together for three years now,” said Coach Cox. “We know what to expect at the varsity level and that should really benefit us in big moments and over the course of the year.”
The Lady Bears kick off their season at Houston on November 18 for a jamboree with Houston and Thayer. They will travel to Bakersfield December 8 for their first regular season game.
