By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
In just one season under coach Jimmy Lincoln, the Hollister Lady Tigers improved from six wins in 2017-2018 to 15 wins in 2018-2019 – Lincoln’s first year at the helm.
And, with a fairly young roster returning, the future looks bright for the Lady Tigers.
“We will continue to expand from the foundation we put in place last year,” said Lincoln, who has coached for 23 years, most recently at Omaha (Ark.) High School, amassing a career record of 402-242.
Hollister reached double-digit wins last year for the first time since going 10-14 during the 2010-2011 season. During 2018-2019, the Lady Tigers finished 15-12 overall and 3-3 in the Big 8 East before falling to now-four-time state champion Strafford in the first round of the Class 3 District 11 tournament.
Gone from last year’s squad are: Maddy Frenzel, a starting forward who was the Lady Tigers’ fourth-leading scorer and leading rebounder. Frenzel now is playing softball at North Arkansas College. Taylor Sellers was the first sub off the bench and a strong defensive player. Beca Clarida was the backup post, role player and a team-first player, according to Lincoln.
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Leading the young Lady Tigers into the 2019-2020 season is junior captain Kendrick “Bug” Bailey.
Bailey is a 5-foot-6 point guard who has started since her freshman year. Bailey led the team with 16.6 points, 5.5 assists and 3.0 steals per game. She also added 4.8 rebounds per game last season on her way to earning first-team all-conference honors and was a two-time all-tournament selection as a sophomore. She could surpass 1,000 points for her career during her junior season.
Other returning starters/letterwinners include:
• Nesa Clarida – 5-9 junior captain, also started as a freshman – Averaged 6.8 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.0 APG, 1.0 SPG. Starting post player, best post defender, hard worker and great team leader.
• Jackie Pyatt – 5-9 sophomore, started as a freshman – Averaged 6.8 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.0 APG. Started all 27 games as a freshman.
• Gabby Franciskovich – 5-3 sophomore, started 25 of 27 games as a freshman. Averaged 7.5 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 2.0 APG and 1.3 SPG. Led the team in 3-point percentage.
• Aubrey Henson – 5-6 junior – Averaged 4.5 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 1.5 APG and 1.0 SPG.
Also returning for the Hollister are letterwinners Mady Pyatt (5-7 sophomore) and Emma Cronin (5-7 sophomore).
Newcomers that Lincoln will look to contribute this season are: Victoria Houtchens, 5-9 junior; Nakeol Wells, 5-4 junior; Daniela Richardson, 5-2 junior; Shyannah Frenzel, 5-7 sophomore; Lillie Fletcher, 5-11 sophomore; and McKenzie Hamilton, 5-6 freshman.
The Lady Tigers open the season on the road Nov. 25 when they travel to Ava. They will next participate in the Blue Eye Tournament on Dec. 2-7.
