By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Few teams are more eager to start the 2017-18 season than Webb City.
The Lady Cardinals went 14-11 last year, winning eight of their final 11 games entering districts, before being upset by Cassville in the Class 4 – District 12 semifinals.
While that loss hurt, it’s been a motivating factor for Webb City all offseason.
“We are disappointed in the loss in districts last season, but feel like we had been playing well up to that point,” said Webb City head coach Lance Robbins. “It is a loss we can learn from, put behind us and get ready for the upcoming season.
“We are very excited about the group of girls we return. They have a good understanding of what is expected of them attitude and effort wise. We expect them to work hard and have a successful season.”
Webb City returns everyone from last year’s team after playing without a single senior.
Leading the way will be seniors Cami Roy and Hannah Woodcock.
Woodcock was the team’s leading scorer last year. Roy was named to the All-COC Defensive Team, having the ability to defend 1 through 5.
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“Both Cami and Hannah have played varsity basketball for 3 years,” said Robbins. “They have been through the conference and know how tough it is night in and night out. They can use that knowledge to help some of our younger girls.”
Classmates Sydney Dixon, Kaylee Christy and Addie Darby are also back for Webb City.
Dixon brings athleticism and rebounding to the Lady Cardinals, Christy is a three-sport standout that excels defensively and Darby is one of the best shooters in the conference, knocking down 36% of her triples a year ago.
Robbins also expects juniors Ali Vanzant, Abby Brownfield and Madeline Hayes to take on bigger roles this winter after being gym rats all summer.
Darcy Darnell and Talyn Smith, both of whom played pivotal roles down the stretch of last year, are expected to play more meaningful roles after excelling as freshmen.
Webb City also welcomes a talented freshman class that went 24-8 in junior high.
“We are very excited about our younger kids,” said Robbins. “They have pretty good basketball IQ and are athletic. They will be able to push our older girls which will make for good competition in practice.”
This is Robbins’ fourth season at Webb City and every player in the program is now engrained with his expectations.
It’s no secret that this group wants to be the one that restores the legacy of Webb City Basketball.
“Each group and each year is a little different and I believe this group is hungry to raise the bar for our basketball program,” said Robbins. “They understand the process and will work toward being the best they can be.”
Webb City opens the 2017-18 on Nov. 21 at Springdale (Ark.).
