By Chris Parker
Joplin girls basketball has increased its win total each of the past two seasons. The past two seasons have been positive steps in the rebuild of the Joplin girls basketball program.
“Our team motto has been “turn the ship,” and as we all know, big ships take time to turn,” Joplin head coach Brad Cox said. “Over the past few years, we’ve focused on building a strong culture — one that emphasizes hard work, accountability, and being great teammates. From the first day our coaching staff took over the program, we’ve worked to develop a want to play basketball rather than a have to mindset. That shift is starting to take hold. Our girls have been in the gym — both together and on their own — consistently since the end of last season. I truly believe we’re right there; it’s just a matter of trusting our abilities and trusting each other to take that next step.”
First-team all-conference selection Alissa Owens returns to lead the team.
“Alissa’s experience and leadership are invaluable. As a three-year starter and one of the top players in the COC West, she sets the tone every day with her work ethic and competitive drive. Her presence brings confidence and stability to the team, and she leads by example. The younger players look up to her, and she’s been instrumental in helping raise the standard for our program,” Cox said. “Alissa’s greatest asset is her versatility. She has the ability to score in multiple ways, rebound at a high level, and defend multiple positions. Beyond her physical skills, her feel for the game makes everyone around her better.”
Solei Parker (senior point guard), Ava Wolf (senior forward), Kyrie Britton (junior guard), Payton Cunningham (sophomore post), Bella Munn (sophomore guard), Ella Kroll (junior post) and Leighton Pena (sophomore forward) also return.
Cox on Parker: “Solei Parker is poised for a breakout year after putting in significant work during the off-season, emerging as a more complete player. She is a remarkable defender, capable of pressuring any team’s top guard, and her quickness off the bounce makes her a constant offensive threat. Solei has also improved her finishing and perimeter shooting, adding new dimensions to her game. Beyond her skills, she is an outstanding leader on and off the court, setting an example of what it means to work hard and elevate her game as a Joplin girls basketball player.”
Cox on Wolf: “Ava Wolf is an outright competitor whose will to win and relentless effort in every game set the standard for the team. Her leadership is a driving force, raising the level of those around her by modeling what it takes to succeed in the COC West Conference. Ava’s versatility and high basketball IQ allow her to impact the game on both offense and defense, making her a key player in every facet of the team’s success.”
Cox on Britton: “Kyrie’s quickness and court vision will help push the pace and create scoring opportunities for the team.”
Cox on Cunningham: “Payton’s size and rebounding ability will anchor the paint and provide a strong inside presence on both ends.”
Cox on Munn: “Bella’s shooting and defensive tenacity will give the team energy and floor-spacing ability from the perimeter.”
Cox on Kroll: “Ella’s strength and versatility in the post will help control the boards and contribute on both offense and defense.”
Cox on Pena: “Leighton’s athleticism and hustle will allow her to make plays in transition and impact every aspect of the game.”
The senior group has been with Cox since their freshman season, so they are well versed in the culture Cox is cultivating at Joplin.
“What makes me excited and optimistic about this upcoming season begins with our senior class,” Cox said. “They were freshmen when I started coaching, and I’ve watched them grow, develop, and fully embrace the culture of our program. I truly believe they are ready to lead, compete, and accomplish great things this year. Additionally, the overall skill level and work ethic of the entire team, including our underclassmen and newcomers, gives me confidence that we can continue to improve, play at a high level, and make this a memorable season for Joplin girls basketball.”
Ava Dunlap (guard) and Adwen Barstow (forward) are poised to make immediate impacts as freshmen.
“Ava Dunlap brings quickness and ball-handling skills that will help push the pace and create scoring opportunities for her teammates,” Cox said. “Adwen Barstow adds size and versatility in the post, giving the team another strong option on both offense and defense. Both players have worked hard to prepare for the jump to varsity and should contribute right away to the team’s success.”
Joplin will look to hang its hat on defense.
“Our biggest strength this season will be our defense, which remains the cornerstone of our program,” Cox said. “The team’s commitment to defending together and with intensity sets the tone for every game. Combined with an increased skill level on the offensive end, our players are now more capable of creating scoring opportunities, moving the ball effectively, and executing under pressure. This balance of strong defense and improved offensive execution gives us confidence heading into the season.”
Ball security and shot quality are the keys for Joplin’s continued improvement.
“To take the next step as a team, we must focus on two key areas: taking care of the basketball and consistently scoring quality shots,” Cox said. “These have been our Achilles’ heels in past seasons, as turnovers and missed high-percentage opportunities have cost us games. By limiting mistakes and making smarter offensive decisions, we can maximize our talent, control the pace, and put ourselves in a position to win more consistently this year.”
Joplin hosts a jamboree on Nov. 19 with Hillcrest, Monett and Sarcoxie. The Lady Eagles open the regular season on Dec. 5 at Pittsburg (Kan.).
“For me, a successful season will be defined by our team’s ability to compete in every game, not just the ones where we feel we match up well,” Cox said. “Consistently bringing energy, focus, and effort, regardless of the opponent, is what separates good teams from great ones. If we commit to competing at a high level every night, we give ourselves the best chance to reach our goals and continue building the culture of this program.”
