By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Liberty Lady Eagles lost five lettermen from last year’s 17-win season, but the program still has a strong foundation to build on.
“They have played together for a long time and have chemistry together,” said head coach Desi Smith, who enters her second year leading the Lady Eagles. “They are also fast and extremely hard workers.”
With that solid mix of experience and work ethic, the Lady Eagles will look to several returning players to take on bigger roles this season.
Junior Delani Ellett is a 5’8” guard who averaged 4 points and 4 rebounds per game after stepping into a starting position at the end of last year. “She has a great head for the ball and can be a dominant scorer for us at the end of a close game,” said Coach Smith.
Shelby Holdt is a gritty junior who brings her determination to the floor and can always be counted on to give her best effort. “She was the key factor in winning varsity games that required physical toughness,” said Coach Smith.
Jayli Tharp is another junior who began stepping into a starting role at the end of last year. Coach Smith said Jayli is talented on offense and defense and will serve as a ball handler this season.
Junior Lyllian Walton “is our go-getter on defense and averaged the most rebounds per game on JV, which we hope to see replicated on varsity this year.”
Morgan Smith, sophomore, will step into an expanded ball-handling role, bringing the determination, composure, and toughness needed to excel in that position. As JV’s leading scorer last season, she also came up clutch with big shots on varsity and will be counted on to do the same this year.
Sophomore Chloe Jester was voted Rookie of the Year last season and serves as a lockdown defender for the team. She also led the JV squad in steals and assists as a freshman and is expected to make a varsity impact.
Allie Marriot is a three-point specialist who knocked down big shots off the bench as a freshman. The sophomore sharpshooter will once again be a reliable threat from beyond the arc.
Newcomers include sophomore Darra Daniels (5’8”). “With an exceptional summer performance, we are excited to see her grit and determination become a key asset on varsity this season,” said Coach Smith. Attalyn Thompson, 5’9” freshman, has the height and skill to contribute at the varsity level.
“We may be young after losing five seniors, but the chemistry, fight, and success this group showed on JV and through the summer prove they’re ready to rise together and compete,” said Coach Smith.
Liberty will host a jamboree November 18 with East Carter and Bakersfield. The Lady Eagles open their regular season November 24 at Alton.
