By Tyler F. Thompson (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
If anyone bleeds Marionville blue, it is Lady Comets head coach Casey Young.
Young, who graduated from the district in 1998 and has produced a 72-37 overall record, enters her fifth season at the helm of the Lady Comets — a team that authored a 21-8 record last season, falling to Norwood 41-37 at the Class 2 state tournament.
But that was last year, and this year, losing only a pair to graduation (Anna Bright, Maggie Murphy), has the Comets primed for another solid season.
Returning starters this year include junior guard/forward Lanie Stokes (16 ppg, 3 rpg, 3 apg); junior guard/forward/point guard Dally Pomeroy (10 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 4 apg); and junior guard/forward Avery Eden (5 ppg, 4 rpg and 1.4 apg).
The Comets will go as their three juniors go, as their time together dates back to first grade.
“Dally has really played a lot of basketball. And they just continue to progress in their roles every year,” head coach Casey Young said. “Last year, with Maggie and Anna, Dally and Lanie were our leaders just by their experience. They set the tone for the whole thing.”
As for Eden, the junior’s confidence has lent itself to added offensive production, and Young expects big things from her in 2026.
“She hit some big shots. She is not really tall, [but] our weight room is incredible — and that helps with us in not being very big,” Young said. “We are able to be stronger than a lot of people that we play, so we are able to be physical. She stepped into that role as a forward and just gained a lot of confidence, and I expect it to be better this year.”
The Comets, once again, will utilize a smothering press defensive attack.
Said Young: “We play fast, we guard hard, and we just outwork everyone we meet. Lanie is undeniable with the ball in her hand, and Dally comes in and just keeps everything rolling.”
Keying a stingy defense allows for added possessions on the offensive end, which will be vital once again for the Comets.
The Comets also return sophomore Rylie Fletcher, who averaged five points per game, four rebounds per game and one steal per game during her freshman campaign.
“Rylie is one who got a lot of time last year and is one of the most athletic kids at our school,” added Young. “She is 5’8”, long, and really strong.”
Newcomers include freshman Nekalia Young, freshman Tinsley Marshall, freshman Ysabelle Allhands and sophomore Ashlin Carr.
“Our program is built on effort, toughness, and unity — three things that don’t require talent but define who we are every time we step on the floor. The expectation is simple: compete relentlessly, play for each other, and represent our school and community with class and pride,” Young said.
The Comets will join Parkview and travel east to Sparta for the Nov. 19 preseason jamboree.
The regular-season opener is scheduled for Nov. 25 as the Comets host Central High School.
On Dec. 1-5, the Comets will play in the Fair Grove Invitational Tournament.
