By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Year One at Lamar for Mandy Moyer couldn’t have been much more successful, with the Lady Tigers posting a 18-9 record with conference and district runner-up finishes to state power Mount Vernon.
But, while Lamar will attempt to replace four graduated seniors, the transition will be more seamless than it appears because of her ties to the junior high program as well.
“Most of these kids I have coached at the middle school level so they already know my expectations,” said Moyer. “I also stay involved with my middle school players. During summer contact days and open gyms, I allow 7-12th grade to attend so by the time they get to high school they have already had contact with me and know my coaching style. My high school kids are very welcoming of this and help mentor these younger kids. It’s great to see a senior working with a middle school kid encouraging them.”
Losing All-Big 8 selections Darrah Bartlett and Katelyn Mooney is tough, but Lamar does return seven players with varsity experience, led by fellow All-Big 8 pick Hallee Doss.
As a junior, Doss averaged 8.5 PPG, 6 RPG, 3.5 APG and 3 SPG. The 5-foot-9 guard is truly a two-way player that can change a game on either end.
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Moyer believes last year was just a sneak peek at what she can be.
“Hallee will shine this year and teams will have a hard time matching up with her,” said Moyer. “She is athletic and smart on the floor. She is the type of kid you want as a leader in order for your program to be successful. She was in the first group of kids I coached in middle school, so we have a close relationship.”
Classmate Kinley Nance, a 5-foot-5 guard, will also rejoin the program for the first time since her freshman year.
A small senior class means that several younger players will be in competition for roles and minutes.
Juniors Halle Miller and Faith White will look to replace Mooney in the post. Classmate Ashland Diggs will likely shoulder more of a scoring load this season.
“Out of any player I’ve coached, I have seen the most growth out of Halle,” said Moyer. “She will play a role in scoring and rebounding. She will help Hallee lead this young team. Faith will provide a vital role for us in the post and she will be a utility player for us. You may see her inside playing post or outside the paint playing a guard.
“Ashland can light it up behind the three point line. Will look for her to contribute in the scoring column.”
Sophomore guard Kara Morey saw varsity minutes as a freshman, averaging 3.5 points and 1.5 steals. Classmates Sierra White (5’7), Lizzy Davison (5’7), Elisea Daniels (5’11), Hannah Brisbin (5’11) and Elly Haun (5’6) will all be in the hunt for minutes this winter.
“Kara may be little, but she is mighty when it comes defense,” said Moyer. “When it comes to basketball smarts this kid has it. Another good three point shooter, looking to extend her range this year from the arc.
“This group of sophomores will play a vital role in this year’s team success. They have great chemistry on the floor. As a coach, it will be exciting to see the growth that will happen during the season with this group.”
Freshmen Josie Adams and Emma Johnson will also receive minutes this season. Moyer loves their athleticism and defensive prowess that they displayed during summer camp.
Lamar will have plenty of new opponents in the reformatted Big 8, which includes Class 4 programs like Nevada, Rogersville and Marshfield.
While the added COC teams will stay on the eastside of the conference, Nevada will immediately challenge Lamar for Big 8 West supremacy. Moyer is excited about the new-look conference and what it’ll mean for her program.
“I got a chance to watch Nevada at camp this summer and Bartlett has done a great job with the group of kids he’s got,” said Moyer. “He is a great Coach and they will be tough. Monett is returning a great group of kids and they were the most improved team in the Big 8 last year. The West will be tough and competitive but we are ready to compete. The chemistry these kids have on the floor is something I haven’t seen in recent years.”
Lamar will open the 2018-19 season on Nov. 19, at home, against Wheaton.
