By Shelley Ebbrecht
First-year head coach Gerald Knight takes over a Humansville program that finished just 5-19 last season. But with no seniors on last year’s squad, his will be the only new face on the floor for the Lady Tigers this season.
Returning for the Lady Tigers is Lily White who was names All-Polk County League Girls Second Team for her freshman campaign. Knight said White’s work ethic makes her a leader on and off the court.
“Lily is a kid that works hard on and off the court and just wants to win,” he said.
Joining White is junior Betty Stafford. Knight said what Stafford lacks in size, she makes up for in effort.
“Stafford will be an undersized post that plays hard and will do all the dirty work,” he said.
The remainder of the squad is familiar with the game as well.
“We did not lose any seniors from last year,” Knight said. “We will gain some freshmen, but none of them will help at the varsity level this year.”
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Knight comes to Humansville after coaching at Drexel for five years. Last season he reached his 100th win with a 100-60 overall career record. His Drexel Bobcats lost to Walnut Grove in the quarterfinals of the State Tournament.
Knight is looking to turn things around for the young Lady Tigers who lost in the opening round of the Class 1, District 7 tournament last year. He said his goal for the team is for them to rely on their defense to compete in every game.
“Our strengths will be on the defensive end,” Knight said. “What we’ve worked on improving in the off season are competing for four quarters and defense.”
Humansville returns to the court November 18 in their home opener against School of the Ozarks. They will host Niangua on November 21 before appearing in the Everton Invitational Basketball Tournament beginning November 28.
