By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
After a standout 21-win campaign, the Mountain Grove Lady Panthers enter the new season with confidence and high expectations. With a strong returning core and plenty of momentum, they’re ready to build on last year’s success.
“We graduated two seniors, but we returned a lot of experience,” said head coach Mike Mallow, who has spent 20 total years as a basketball coach at Mtn. Grove.
Part of that experienced crew is senior Stella Benson, who earned all-SCA honors last season and added an average of 10.1 points, 2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 3.1 steals per game. “Stella provides an outside shooting threat and great effort,” said Coach Mallow. “She led us in three-point shooting percentage last year. She brings great energy.” Stella was also named her team’s “Hustle Award” winner, as voted on by her teammates.
Junior Sadie Schober earned all-district and all-SCA honors as a sophomore and averaged 8.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.3 assist, and 2.8 steals per game. “Sadie plays the point for us,” said Mallow. “She is a versatile player and a great communicator.”
Rowen Kelly “is a hard worker and a good outside shooter,” said Mallow. “Her attitude is a strength of our team.” The junior averaged 7.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1.6 steals as a sophomore.
Hadley Driskell is a solid perimeter shooter for the team, and the junior adds depth to the roster. Classmate Gabby Miller is a “good athlete” per her coach, who saw varsity action as a sophomore and has continued to grow her game.
Kaylee Virtue’s freshman campaign included competing in 23 games. “Kaylee gives us another outside threat off the bench,” said Coach Mallow. “I look for her role to increase this winter.”
Coach Mallow said the freshmen class “are a hard-nosed, athletic group and should provide needed depth.” The newcomers have already impressed in preseason workouts, and their energy and competitiveness are expected to make an immediate impact on both ends of the court.
Mallow noted his team will continue to play an up-tempo offense, complemented by a pressuring defense, keys to Mtn. Grove’s success in the past few seasons since he took the reins. The team has also strengthened their schedule and increased JV games in an effort to prepare for the postseason.
“They play together with great effort and attitude,” said Coach Mallow of his team. “I am looking forward to this season.”
The Lady Panthers open their season at Gainesville November 24.
