By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Seven seasons.
156 wins.
Six district championships
One Final Four.
… and one extremely motivated team.
Licking’s 26 wins matched its highest total in Rissler’s time leading the program, which is a school record. Returning four starters and five total letterwinners from last year’s Final Four group paired, with the graduation losses of other elite teams across the state like Strafford and Lutheran North, have expectations extremely high for the Lady Wildcats.
While they’re still riding the high of program’s first Final Four, they’re also ready to build on last year’s historic run.
“The community was behind us 100 percent from the district title game up through the Final Four,” said Rissler. “It was a fun two week stretch. The girls even got to be the Grand Marshall in the Annual Licking Rodeo Parade.
“We played Strafford this summer and they are still a top five team. Dustin is an elite coach and they still have multiple talented players. That being said we feel we can play with any class 3 team in the state now. Whichever team can stay healthy and get going at the right time could make a run to a state title.”
Leading the way will be senior All-Everything guard Karlee Holland.
Just 47 points from breaking Megan Smith’s program scoring record, Holland is coming off a junior season that saw her lead Licking in scoring (20 PPG), assists (3.3 APG) and steals (3.5 SPG).
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She’s going to play her college basketball at JUCO power Three Rivers Community College.
“Karlee should break the current school record in scoring during the Frisco League Tourney,” said Rissler. “Her class has been a huge part of 75 wins, three district championships, three Frisco League Tournament and regular season championships. The further development of Kylie Taylor at the point could see Karlee’s scoring take a jump up from 20 PPG as a junior. She will be the focus of every team on our schedule like normal allowing our other girls to get open looks and make plays.”
Licking returns its three top scorers and five of its top six players overall, giving the Wildcats plenty of help around Holland.
Senior Abby Moncrief averaged 8.1 points and 4.9 rebounds last year. Rissler believes the 5-foot-11 forward could have a breakout season.
Sophomores Kylie Taylor and Kiley Ingram both played major roles as freshmen.
Taylor averaged 6.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.8 steals, to go along with three assists per game. She gives Rissler the flexibility to play Holland on or off the ball. Ingram is a 6-foot wing that averaged 6.2 points and is extremely active defensively.
“Kiley and Kylie combined for 13ppg, 7rpg and major minutes all season,” said Rissler. “Kylie started every game as a freshman and has a high IQ and killer mentality. Kiley has an extremely wide wing span. She added strength in the offseason, which makes her a match-up nightmare. Sometimes I forget they were only freshman. Both will be physically stronger and more confident which will translate into success for our team.”
Junior guard Anna Sullins and freshman Abbie Sullins, a 5-foot-11 guard, will also cause match-up problems because of their inside-out ability.
“Anna is a two-year starter; she can play anywhere from the 1-5,” said Rissler. “Her skill set allows me to plug her in wherever needed. Abbie is a great shooter with a super long wing span. She could make a varsity impact immediately.”
Junior Tomi Rose and senior Bailie Joyner will add a physical presence to the frontcourt. Sophomores Kasey Richards and Winter Murray will compete for backcourt minutes.
Licking’s schedule will be as challenging as any, in hopes that it can prepare this group for a deep postseason run.
Rissler has never been afraid to play anyone, but he’s confident the schedule will give his girls enough exposure to different playing styles and elite talent that nothing will rattle them come March.
“We changed our schedule to better prepare the girls for the playoffs by adding the Kickapoo Tournament, Strafford and Blue Eye,” said Rissler. “We will also will play St. James, Thayer and in the Rolla Holiday Tournament, which just added Lutheran North and Kansas City Central. Our versatility will also allow us to mix up zone and man defensively this year. Certain lineups will be extremely long and others will be extremely quick so we will adapt to the personnel on the floor.”
Licking will open the 2019-20 season on Nov. 26 at St. James. The Lady Wildcats will play their home opener on Nov. 19 against Steelville.
