By John Miller
Many programs in the area would love for a season with a 13-12 record to be considered a down year. That’s the case for the Ozark Lady Tigers, who have enjoyed so much success in the past decade and won two state championships since 2000.
But with five starters back, it’s easy to see how this year’s Lady Tigers team could return to their dominance of old.
“We have a good deal returning from a year ago, and we get to add some talented newcomers,” said fourth-year coach David Brewer, who has a record of 45-32 in his time at Ozark. “The potential is there for this team. I’m excited to see how it all comes together during the season.”
After losing seniors Makensi Taylor and Ally Lollis to graduation this past year, the Lady Tigers will rely on the play of its seven key returners, which includes five seniors.
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Senior Mikayla Putt, a Second Team All-Central Ozark Conference-Large Division pick last year, leads the list of returners for Ozark after averaging 9.5 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. “Mikayla is a very good scorer from the perimeter and is good at getting to the basket,” said Brewer of Putt, who has verbaled to Southwest Baptist University.
Seniors Bre Johnson and Cassie Hinkley will help provide some stability in the backcourt for the Lady Tigers. Johnson averaged 6.1 points per game last year. “Bre shot the ball well from 3 last season,” Brewer said. “She’s also a good ball defender. Cassie is a high energy role player that is willing to do the dirty work to help us win games.”
Inside, the Lady Tigers will lean on the play of Morgan Doyle and Kaylan Smith. “Morgan can defend the post or perimeter, and she runs the floor very well,” Brewer said. “Kaylan is a strong and physical post defender who also runs the floor well. She should give us an inside offensive presence.”
Junior Macey Putt (Mikayla’s sister) was a second team all-conference selection last year after averaging 7.6 points and 4.5 rebounds. “She’s a very good scorer inside and can extend to 15 feet,” Brewer said. “She’s athletic, runs the floor well, and has good size and mobility as a post defender.”
Another key returner is sophomore Jadyn Easley, who was named to the all-conference defensive team last year. “She’s a great ball defender,” Brewer said. “On offense, she’s very quick with the ball, handles it well, and can shoot the 3-pointer.”
If the Lady Tigers are to resume their old form, they’ll also need key contributions from a group of seven newcomers that includes senior Abbe Sutterfield, juniors Addy Lasley, Abby Braden, Tara McCormack, and Tanner Covington, sophomore Annie Scheer, and freshman Madi Braden.
