By John Miller (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
As always, expectations are high for the Kickapoo Lady Chiefs this winter. A program that won a state title in 2016, and finished runner-up in 2018 has a talented roster again this winter and should be a force in the Ozark Conference.
Kickapoo returns three starters and 10 lettermen from last year’s team that finished 18-11 and posted a 6-3 mark in conference play.
“We must outwork our opponents,” noted 10th year coach Jim Pendergrass, who carries a record of 209-74 in his time at Kickapoo. “I would like to see this team grow their physical and mental toughness. We must be better on defense at contesting shots and making it difficult for opponents to score.”
Last year, Kickapoo won its third straight district title, defeating Nixa 57-45 in the championship. A six-point loss (63-57) to Republic in the Class 5 sectionals ended its season.
Gone from last year is Honorable Mention All-Conference and All-District selection Leah Fredrick, who averaged 9.1 points and 2.4 assists last season. She’s now playing collegiately at the NAIA level for Columbia College.
This year, the Lady Chiefs will lean on the play of its many returners, led by senior Indya Green. Green was named First Team All-Conference, All-District, and All-State after averaging a double-double with 16.4 points and 11.7 rebounds.
Kickapoo also returns seniors Rachel Senn and Madie Barrett, who both will be a force inside. Senn, a 6-foot-1 forward, averaged 8.3 points and 6.8 rebounds last year. Barrett, who stands 6-foot-2, averaged 5.1 points and 3.7 rebounds.
“Rachel has a nice shooting touch around the basket and is a good rebounder,” Pendergrass said. “Madie is a good perimeter shooter and shot blocker.”
Juniors Brooke Turner, Kaylee Corbin, and Bella Fontleroy are also back. Fontleroy missed last season with a torn ACL, but she averaged 9.6 points and 5.2 rebounds and was named First Team All-Conference and All-District as a freshman. Corbin gave Kickapoo 8.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game last year, while Turner averaged 2.0 points and 3.7 rebounds.
“Brooke is a gritty player that makes plays happen,” Pendergrass said. “Kaylee plays hard and is a good rebounder. Bella is extremely athletic, explosive, and quick. She can play (any) position on the floor.”
Along with a strong group of returners, Kickapoo will seek contributions from its list of newcomers that includes Kyah Johnson, MaKinley McCall, Kaya Goldsby, Ari Mosley, Miya Nieto, Karli Facklam, and Callie Maldoon.
Last year’s Kickapoo team was dominant, outscoring its opponents 59-44 and outrebounding them by 15 per game.
This year, the Chiefs will look for their fifth conference title in the last six years and fourth consecutive district championship. With a strong group of returners mixed with some talented newcomers, it’s a safe bet that Kickapoo will be in the thick of things again this season.
