By Nolan Epstein (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Last year presented quite an unenviable position for Lady Wildcats head coach Randy Towe, but there’s good reason for optimism in 2016-17.
Just two seasons earlier, Billings was unable to construct a roster necessary to field a basketball team on the court – forcing Towe to start from scratch in 2015-16 and put together what he could to at least get the girls basketball program rolling once more.
The result was a toilsome 2-24 season led by nine total players – consisting of one junior, one sophomore and seven freshmen.
“It was a long, tough season,” Towe said. “We suffered growing pains with a very young and inexperienced team. The kids worked hard and showed improvement throughout the season.”
Billings’ two wins a year ago came against two squads that also faced their fair share of troubles in Niangua and Pleasant Hope, but largely helped to provide both confidence and experience going forward.
Now, armed with the luxury of not having to graduate any players and knowing the overall process, Towe is excited to see how his team will improve.
“We now know what it is like at the varsity level after gaining some valuable experience,” said Towe. “The team worked hard and I can’t wait to see how that translates to the season.”
The Lady Wildcats will again be led by athletic sophomore Elizabeth Gearing, who paced last year’s team with 10 PPG as a freshman. Gearing is joined by six other sophomores this season including Republic-transfer Taylor Painter, a guard who possesses commendable scoring and ball-handling abilities.
Senior Kerri Culver and freshman Bailey Groves could be the biggest factors in determining Billings’ success on the boards. Culver, averaging 5 PPG last winter, is the lone senior for the Lady Wildcats and has tremendous jumping ability, according to her head coach. Groves will utilize her height to provide inside help as well.
Still, the Lady Wildcats don’t have much to speak of in terms of any significant height advantage, which is an automatic concern for any coach. In addition, Towe is focusing on ways to limit turnovers and not give away possessions.
“We will always be the smaller team on the floor and we will have to be much better handling the ball,” Towe said.
With his team battling in the SWCL, one of the toughest conferences in the area on a yearly basis, Towe is keeping his expectations realistic as the program continues to work its way back up the competitive ladder.
But regardless of how his team fares this season, a strong work ethic is likely to produce some positive results on the scoreboard one way or another.
“Our best effort every game should provide more wins for this program,” added Towe.
Billings begins its season on Nov. 28 as it partakes in the Everton Invitational.
