By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Year 13 for Kip Bough at Branson will present a different challenge than the last several seasons.
Few Class 5 programs have won more games than the Lady Pirates over the last half decade, with the program not suffering a sub .500 season in more than a decade. Following an Elite Eight run in 2017, last season was a bit of a rebuild for Branson.
That rebuild –a 13-13 season that saw the departure of six seniors – has opened the door for a youth movement within the program, something that is exciting for Bough.
“Our youth will begin this year,” said Bough. “We are really starting anew this year. That is exciting, gives us a fresh start and a new beginning.”
That beginning will center on 5-star junior guard Priscilla Williams.
A 6-foot-3 point guard, Williams is the top-rated junior in Missouri and ranked No. 16 by ESPN and holds offers from Michigan, Kansas State, Louisville, Arkansas and Kansas. She’s also considered the No. 2 point guard nationally.
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In 15 games as a sophomore, Williams averaged 31.7 PPG, 12.6 RPG, and 2.8 SPG.
“Priscilla is being recruited by several D-1 schools,” said Bough. “She is tall, long and very athletic. Priscilla will be asked to do a majority of the scoring for us this year. Priscilla will be very motivated this year to prove herself on and off the court this year.”
Also back is senior guard and returning starter Karis Goodwin, who as a junior averaged 6.5 PPG and 2.4 APG. She gives Bough and experienced combo guard that can alleviate some of the offensive pressure on Williams.
“Karis was a starter last year and a letterman the year before,” said Bough. “She can shoot the 3 ball and get to the basket. She shot 42.5% last year and will be very instrumental to us this year for leadership on a very young team.”
From there, it’s a mixed bag for Branson.
Bough has nine players that he believes can make an impact in some form, offering a blend of size and skill.
Senior Ravan Tucker, at 5-foot-11, will provide post depth. Junior Sidney Davis (5’11”), Maddie Pardeck (6’2”) and Corina Bissonnette (6’2”) could be the biggest frontline in the COC.
“Ravan was going to see some varsity time last year and got sick,” said Bough. “She is long and athletic, she will gives us an edge on the defensive end of the floor as well as some height on the offensive end. Sidney is a strong kid who can rebound and finish in the paint. We hope she adds some inside toughness for us this year.
“Maddie, saw considerable time last year down the stretch on the varsity. She is long and has good hands, with an ability to run the floor and finish at the rim. Her length will give opponents trouble. Corina is tall, runs the floor well and jumps well. She may see some time because of her ability to influence shots on the defensive end.”
That backcourt will also have plenty of competition for minutes.
