By Denise Tucker
With the combination of a returning veteran group and talented newcomers, the Weaubleau Lady Tigers look to bounce back from an 11-13 season in which they finished 3-5 in the Polk County League.
Charley Dryer, who has a coaching record of 31-19, is in his first season as the Lady Tigers’ head coach.
Gone from last year’s squad is forward Riki Meagher. Weaubleau will miss her leadership and interior presence on both ends of the floor.
The Lady Tigers do return three starters including Second Team All-Polk County League selection Jenna Ratliff. A 5-8 sophomore, she led the team with 14 points per game in in 2015-16, in addition to running the offense from the point guard position.
MaKenna Arthurs, a 5-6 junior guard, chipped in with 8.8 points per game. Dryer says Arthurs can score from the perimeter or by attacking the basket and is an athletic and aggressive player he will look to make an impact on both ends of the floor.
Another versatile scorer is 5-8 junior Jerika Vanderford, whom Dryer describes as “one of the most athletic girls I have ever been around.” Dryer plans to play Vanderford as a guard, but may also use her in the post.
“We will need, and I expect to get, big years out of those three,” Dryer said. “Even though they are still young in some people’s eyes, they have the most experience that we have on our team. They will have ball in their hands a lot. They will have to score, especially early in the season, and will also play huge roles in our defensive scheme. It is a must they that they provide leadership for us.”
Other returning letterwinners include Danni Stewart, 5-7 sophomore, who Dryer expects to be a major offensive threat; and Hollie Farmer, 5-5 junior.
Dryer is excited about the newcomers he has coming in, notably 5-9 sophomore Megan Flagg. Flagg did not play her freshman year, but could be a big post presence for Weaubleau on the offensive and defensive end, especially as a rebounder and shot-blocker.
Kierra Gannaway, a 5-8 sophomore, who did not play her freshman year, also brings size and athleticism to the team.Also out for the team is junior guard Autumn Potter and 5’8” freshman Keri Reed.
“The sky is the limit for Flagg,” Dryer said. “She has so much ability. I want to take it slow with both of them (Flagg and Gannaway) since they have been off for a year, but expect them to have big futures.”
Another player who has decided to make a return to basketball after taking last year off is junior Autumn Potter.
“She can handle the ball, shoot and score off the dribble,” Dryer said. “She can also play good, solid defense. In junior high, she was one of the best on the team, if not the best. Once she kicks the rust off, she can make a huge impact for us.”
Freshmen Liz Stewart and Kaylee Lower could also make an impact as the season progresses. Stewart, 5-4, grew up competing on boys’ teams and could play multiple positions for the Lady Tigers. Lower, 5-8, could make a difference once she gains experience.
Dryer plans to take things slow during practice, but has a good feeling going into the season.
“We hope to play an up-tempo style game and to outwork most teams,” Dryer said. “We have a lot of fundamentals to fix before we start jumping into things.
“We have the pieces here to be very successful. I feel it depends on the early sessions, how fast we can fix the basics and get the team concepts in. If we are focused and ready to work together, this could be a very special season.”
