By Dana Harding
The Loganne Hickman era has begun at Greenfield … again.
Following a successful playing career at Avila University, the former Lady Wildcat standout returns home for her first head coaching assignment.
Hickman (née Grider) scored 1,000 points in three seasons with Greenfield after missing her sophomore campaign due to a hip injury.
“To have the honor and ability to come back to my hometown and coach has been an absolute dream,” Hickman said. “Knowing I will be standing on the sidelines of the court that lit such a spark in me throughout high school is a truly surreal feeling. Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat!”
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Greenfield finished the 2015-16 season 11-15, losing to Adrian in the first round of districts.
All-district guard Katie Marshall has moved on to play volleyball at Avila. Replacing her production and leadership will be one of Hickman’s first challenges.
“Katie was a leader on the floor and showcased a team mentality,” Hickman said. “Although she will be missed, I have full confidence that our seniors will go above and beyond to work for their team and uphold that leadership presence.”
Greenfield’s senior trio includes Taylor Burns (8.6 ppg/6 rpg), Macy Wilson (10.2 ppg/6 rpg) and Sadie Fare.
Burns, in particular, will give the Lady Wildcats some much-needed versatility.
“Taylor is quick enough to keep up with guard play defensively,” Hickman said. “But tall and strong enough to to work the paint.”
Key newcomers to the squad include Kiarra Mai and Lauren Jones, a pair of sophomores expected to make immediate impacts at the varsity level.
Hickman feels her own playing experience enables her to not only relate to her Lady Wildcat players, but help them achieve success, as well.”
“Coming from a small school, playing in college was tough for me,” Hickman said. “I know what it’s like to feel like you are constantly digging out of a hole, and the extra effort it
takes to become competitive. I know what it takes to uncover their potential
and I’m willing to put the work in to do so.”
Greenfield’s success this season will depend heavily on the defensive improvements. The Lady Wildcats held opponents to an average of 47.2 points last season. A figure Hickman expects to drop.
“Last year, the girls got used to playing zone for a majority of the season, and I know we have the abilities and quickness to shake that up,” Hickman said. “I am looking to push my girls defensively and set a tone early in the season.”
In order to improve on last season’s achievements, Miller will have to navigate highly-competitive conference and district waters.
Spring River Valley Conference rivals include Jasper, Walnut Grove, Lockwood and Sarcoxie. Lockwood, in particular, presents a challenge that goes beyond simple conference standings.
“For years Lockwood has always been Greenfield’s chief rival,” Hickman said. “With the towns being so close there are bragging rights on the line, therefore, the two teams always bring a little extra fire with them.”
Hickman’s homecoming season tips off Nov. 21 at home against Everton.
