By Chris Parker
Crocker girls basketball posted its second-straight 20-win season going 21-5 in 2024-25.
The Lady Lions will look to make another run at 20 wins this season with four starters returning.
“Our biggest strength this year is our experience,” Crocker head coach Tom Bildner said. “We have four returning starters who know what it takes to compete at this level and understand our system. That leadership and chemistry are huge for us, they set the tone in practice, communicate well on the floor, and bring a sense of confidence and stability to our team. Having that core group back gives us a great foundation to build on.”
Leading those returners is reigning Frisco League Player of the Year Lexi Ament who is a junior.
“Her success at such a young age really speaks to her work ethic, maturity, and competitiveness,” Bildner said. “To come in as a sophomore and not only earn all-conference MVP and all-district honors but lead our team in scoring says a lot about her drive and love for the game. She plays beyond her years, she is coachable, confident, and continues to set the standard for what we expect in our program.”
Ament scored 18.1 points per game on 48.4% shooting from the field. She also averaged 2.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.6 steals.
“Lexi is such a versatile player, she can really stretch the floor with her range and consistency from threes but can also attack the basket with strength and finish through contact,” Bildner said. “Her ability to score in different ways and make smart decisions makes her a big part of our success.”
Gretchen Candee (senior forward), Alivia Hayes (senior guard) and Tessa Danielson (junior guard) also return.
Candee scored 9.1 points per game with 4.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists.
“Candee is a strong leader on the court, anchoring the defense with her shot-blocking ability while stretching the floor with her 3-point shooting,” Bildner said. “Her versatility and presence make her a key contributor.”
Hayes averaged 8.2 points, 3 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game.
“Hayes provides a strong presence on both ends of the floor, knocking down 3’s and using her quickness to be an effective defender,” Bildner said.
Danielson was the team’s second-leading scorer last season at 9.3 points per game. She also averaged 5.2 rebounds and a team-high 3.5 assists per game.
“Danielson consistently gives maximum effort and sets the tone with her hard work,” Bildner said. “As the team’s point guard, she runs the offense effectively and is also a strong rebounder who battles on every possession.”
Hailey Stewart will have an expanded role in her junior season.
“Stewart was a solid player off the bench last season and will step into a starting position this year,” Bildner said. “She plays hard and aggressive, which will be a big impact on the defensive end.”
Bildner wants to see improvement on the boards from his team.
“We need to do a better job rebounding the basketball, this must be a team effort for us this season,” Bildner said. “Along with that, we need everyone to be a scoring threat. When all five players on the floor are looking to score and stay aggressive, we are a much tougher team to defend.”
Crocker opens the season on Nov. 22 against Union in the Bluefish Shootout in Rolla.
“For us to consider this a successful season, I want to see our team continue to grow and compete every night,” Bildner said. “We want to play with consistency, toughness, and togetherness. If we can rebound better, have everyone contribute offensively, and keep improving throughout the season, the wins will take care of themselves.”
