By Chris Parker
Monett girls basketball is coming off a 14-14 season looking for even more behind a trio of seniors.
“This group of three seniors have battled the last three years,” Monett head coach Josh Kleine said. “Our schedule has gotten tougher every season for them. This year, I believe their leadership and work ethic can push us where we want to go. We want to compete for a conference and district championship.”
Kilee Wilson returns for her senior season after earning first-team all-conference honors last season. She averaged 14 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals per game last season. Wilson could eclipse the 1,000-point barrier this season.
“Kilee’s experience in big game situations is key for us. We expect her to take another step forward this year on both ends of the floor. Staying out of foul trouble is key,” Kleine said. “Her greatest asset as a player is probably her ability to impact the game in so many ways, whether its scoring 20 points one game, getting 10 rebounds in another, or being asked to guard the other team’s best player. She finds ways to help us win.”
Meredith Merriman and Kalli Hohensee are the other two seniors returning for Monett.
Merriman averaged 10 points and 6 rebounds per game. She also has a shot to break the 1,000-point barrier.
“She (Merriman) can score from anywhere 15 feet and in, and we look for her to extend her range this season,” Kleine said. “She is also a very good passer and one of the most unselfish players we have. She battled injuries last season, but she should have a great senior year. She was first-team all-conference as a sophomore.”
Hohensee averaged 5.8 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals per game as a junior.
“Kalli is our toughest defender,” Kleine said. “She is asked to usually guard the other team’s best player, and that might be in a variety of ways. She is also one of our vocal leaders on the court.”
Fenli Wilson (junior shooting guard) and Brycelynn Courois (sophomore forward) also return for Monett.
Wilson contributed 6.5 points, 3 rebounds and made 37 3-pointers.
“Fenli can spread the defense with her three-point ability but also likes to drive to find teammates around the basket,” Kleine said. “We will look to get her more shots this season.”
Courois was a late addition to the varsity equation last season averaging 3.5 points and 2.5 rebounds per game.
“She (Courois) moved in late last season, and only played in six varsity games,” Kleine said. “She brings athleticism to our team and also has a knack for getting to the basket as well as hitting the open outside shot. We are excited to see her progress this year.”
Avery Stokes (junior center), Kenzi Waterman (sophomore forward), Myla Williams (sophomore guard) and Hannah Parris (senior forward) will be newcomers to varsity.
Kleine on Stokes: “She transferred in this summer. She could have an immediate impact for us on both ends of the court. This summer, she fit right in with our team, and we are glad to have her.”
Kleine on Waterman: “She showed big improvement this summer on the defensive end of the court. She will be fighting for varsity time.”
Kleine on Williams: “She also improved this summer, and we look for her to make big strides this year and give us valuable minutes in the backup point guard role.”
Kleine on Parris: “She did not play last year. As a sophomore, she earned some varsity time. We look for her to help us on both ends of the court.”
“I’m excited to work with this group of girls,” Kleine said. “We have the athleticism, offense, and defense to be a tough team this season. We just have to get to work every day and put it all together.”
Depth will be a strength for Monett.
“If we stay healthy, I believe our depth can cause problems for other teams,” Kleine said. “We should be able to go nine players deep if needed. We should also be able to win in a variety of ways. We will be able to push the tempo and play fast but also slow it down and get the ball inside to our post players when needed.”
Monett travels to Joplin on Nov. 18 for a jamboree before opening the regular season on Nov. 24 at Sarcoxie.
“At the end of the season, we want to be in a position to compete for a conference and district title,” Kleine said. “There will be some growing pains early on, but I believe we have a group that can be a tough out when it gets to March.”
