By Angie Brushwood
The Willard Lady Tigers are gearing up for a rebound year, following a difficult 4-19 season under first-year head coach J.J. Adamson. He’s ready to move forward with the positive changes implemented last season.
“We expect our program to take a positive step forward this season,” said Adamson. “Last year, in the first season of a coaching change, the team had to adapt to a completely new basketball philosophy. We asked an inexperienced group of young ladies to play at a different tempo, both offensively and defensively, with different principles and schemes.”
The Lady Tigers graduated two players, Hannah Parker and Presleigh Doke.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE WINTER SPORTS PREVIEWS
“Hannah and Presleigh were key in establishing a foundation for our program,” said Adamson. “They exemplified what we want our program to be about. I am proud of how both handled themselves last year and hope they will take pride in what they helped to start.”
Returning to varsity leadership will be five seniors, including Aurora import Larissa Pyle. At point guard, Pyle earned First Team All-Big 8 with the Aurora Lady Houn’ Dawgs, having surpassed 10,00 points last season.
“Larissa has adapted well to our program after moving late last year,” said Adamson. “We have been impressed with her willingness to learn and with her tenacity. Larissa is an attacking guard who can score in multiple ways. She is beginning to play within our defensive framework, and by the time we get to conference play, we think Larissa will be a defensive force.”
Senior forwards Breanna Bates (5’10”) and Kelsie Carroll (5’7”), along with senior guards Madi Bradley (5’6”) and Kennedy Burch (5’5”) return for the Lady Pirates. Bradley and Burch (7.7 ppg) will be expected to focus on rebounding.
“Madi has the length to be a disruptive force in our defensive scheme,” said Adamson. “With our lack of size, we will ask her to become a larger presence on the glass this year. Kennedy led our team in steals last season, and we will rely heavily on her to help lead this year’s team.”
Kelsie Carroll provides the hustle the Lady Tigers need to improve their game.
“Kelsie is off the charts in terms of effort,” said Adamson. “Her performance will be a huge factor on the level of success our team is able to attain this season.”
Two juniors round out the returning starters for the Lady Tigers. Joran Stout-Mitchell (5’9″) at forward captured All Conference and All District honors as a sophomore. Stout-Mitchell averaged 6.6 rpg and 13.1 ppg.
“We are challenging Joran to diversify her offensive game and stretch her area of effectiveness,” said Adamson. “Joran can capitalize on her ability to rebound and score, while anchoring our defense. A lot will be placed on her shoulders,and we are confident in her ability to handle those expectations.”
Adamson looks for junior guard Brooklyn Wade (5’5”) to have a breakout season.
“Brooklyn’s decision making is improving, and she is continuing to display a solid grasp of our defensive principles,” said Adamson. “She is concentrating on making those around her better through her play, and her teammates are benefiting.”
New to varsity are sophomores Nona Adamson (5’5”), Hannah Bird (5’4”), Lizzie Drennan (5’4”), and Josie Sanders (5’6”).
“In terms of wins and losses, last season had its share of challenges,” reflected Adamson. “However, the growth and development we experienced last season have cemented a foundation that we will continue to build this program on.”
