By Pat Dailey (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Norwood coach Shannon Crain is confident Josie Sullivan is well on her way toward establishing herself among the Lady Pirates’ all-time bests in both basketball and softball.
“She’s going to come out of here as one of the most athletic girls in our program,” Crain said of his star senior swingman who has also been a standout as a catcher for Norwood’s softball program that made it to the Class 1 Final Four a year ago and also won a district championship this year.
Sullivan will likely have a lot to say about Norwood’s chances to reach the same level of success on the hardwood. She is on pace to reach the 2,000-point milestone, after averaging 22.4 points and 11.4 rebounds a game as a junior and leading the Lady Pirates to a 14-13 record last season.
Crain said Sullivan’s all-around game makes her difficult for foes to defend.
“She can get a rebound, dribble the length of the court and score,” he said. “She’s going to be our main inside scoring threat. But she can step out and shoot the 3 when needed. She’s athletic and versatile in all areas.”
Sullivan was an All-Summit Conference First-Team selection and an All-District choice two years in a row. Teammate Payton Drake received All-Summit Conference honorable mention recognition last season while averaging 12 points a night.
Norwood will likely count on Sullivan and Drake to supply roughly 50 percent of its offense again.
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“Those two will have to keep their numbers in relatively the same areas for us to be successful,” Crain said. “We can rely on them.”
Another returnee from last season is sophomore guard Cassie Chadwell.
“She will increase her scoring output this year,” Crain said.
Twins Sierra and Keyera Cornelison, along with freshmen Cassie Wright and Kaitlyn Drake also figure to play plenty.
Wright and Drake could assume the Lady Pirates’ point guard duties.
“We have freshmen who have to step up,” Crain said. “That’s going to be our biggest key, to see if they contribute right off the bat. They’re going to have to fill some major roles. Our point guard position is up for grabs. They looked promising over the summer.”
Outside of Sullivan, who stands 5-foot-10, Norwood will be looking up to most opponents.
“We haven’t got a lot of height,” Crain said. “We’re under-sized, but the girls can play above their size.”
Norwood started practices with uncertainty regarding what classification it will be assigned to by the Missouri State High Schools Activities Association.
“We missed being in Class 1 last year by three (students) and we’re right on the border again,” Crain said. “You’d like to be in the class in which you have the best chance at winning. It doesn’t always work out that Class 1 is easier than Class 2. There are tough teams like Hartville and Mansfield in Class 2 in our (area). There are also a number of decent Class 1 teams in our area in Chadwick, Dora and Eminence.”
