By Amanda Perkins
The Crocker girls’ basketball team went 23-3 last season, winning the Frisco League Tournament, sweeping their conference and claiming the district championship before losing against Gainesville in the sectional round of the Class 2 state playoffs.
With the departure of Coach Nancy Ward to Stoutland, Mike Austin takes the reigns in his seventh year of coaching. He most recently led the Wheaton boys basketball team in 2014-15.
“I’m looking forward to the challenges of a new conference and getting to know my players as they become accustomed to my style and ways,” he said. “We will look to build off the success they have had in the past and start a new chapter in Lady Lion basketball.”
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The team will certainly feel the void of one of the area’s best tandems, Lindsay Medlen and Kelsi York. As point guard, Medlen took over Crocker’s career points record, surpassing 2,000 points last season on the night the team took the conference championship.
The all-state selection was also the Frisco League MVP, and averaged 17.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 4.6 assists per game. She now plays college ball at Division II Lindenwood University.
York, shooting guard, is also at a D-II school this season, playing for the University of Missouri – St. Louis. She was also first team All-District and All-Conference, and averaged 14.1 points, 3.15 steals, and 4.5 rebounds per game. Crocker also graduates Kyla Connell (5.4 ppgs, 2.8 rpg, 2.5 apg) and Kayla Knifong.
“Anytime you lose 32 points per game and 10 rebounds per game, those players are going to be missed,” said Coach Austin.
Returning starters and seniors Zoe Wilson and Sadie Bomar both have two seasons of significant playing time under their belts. Wilson averaged just over 3 points and 3 rebounds per game last season, and Bomar put up 5 points and 2 rebounds each contest. Each will be looked to as key scorers and leaders this season, with Wilson a threat of driving to the basket and both capable of connecting on an outside shot.
Sophomore Macey Connell will also start for the Lady Lions. “She’s coming off a good freshman campaign,” said Coach Austin. “She’s skilled inside and can step out and knock down the three. She’s versatile.” The 5’10” post player put up 6.3 points per game and 3.3 rebounds last year.
Also returning are juniors Kelsie Shoemaker, Kaitlyn Gambill, and Lyndsey Parrish. Shoemaker won’t see playing time until January due to recent knee surgery, but is expected to be a good rebounder and defender. Gambill will also be tasked with rebounding, outside shooting, and solid interior defense. Parrish is a versatile player and could contribute in a variety of positions.
Four freshmen round out the roster. Morgan Wall and Abigail Posten are both good ball handlers, and Posten will help run the offense. Mariah Dean is an effective defensive player but will help on both sides of the ball. Chloe Moss will assist with rebounding and defense.
The Lady Lions will rely on full-court pressure and capitalizing on the other team’s mistakes. “We will look to push the ball up the floor and catch defenses out of position,” said  Austin. “I like for my teams to press and put pressure on the ball. We like to run our offense through our defense, so we will be a running team as much as we can.”
The team will begin their quest to claim the conference trophy and a title in their new district against Cuba, one of three losses from last season they are eager to avenge.
