By Chris Parker
School of the Ozarks girls basketball returns a strong core from last season’s five-win team.
“(We) have a good returning group of girls that is ready for the season,” School of the Ozarks head coach Jay Presson said. “Knowing the effort that they put forward in practice, along with their determination and work ethic.”
Seniors Eva Kocev, Eleanor Osborne, Cora Presson and Kaylee Martin give the Patriots a strong core of upperclassmen to lean on.
Kocev led the team in rebounds last season. Osborne was the team’s leading scorer in her junior season. Cora Presson was tops in assist for the Patriots as a junior. Martin missed half the season with injury last season, but is back healthy this year.
Junior Claire Knight will be key for handling the ball. Sophomore Helena Smilie stepped up last season as a post player.
Aubrey Fitzpatrick (junior), Sophie Mason (junior) and McKenzie Fitzpatrick (sophomore) all also saw varsity action last season.
Freshmen Hailey Housley and Moriah McGinnis will look to make immediate varsity impacts.
School of the Ozarks opens the regular season on Nov. 21 at Humansville.
“If when the season is over, we can say we did our best, not playing for our own gain but helping teammates improve and working together as a team,” Presson said.
