By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Hollister continued its upward trend last season in head coach Jimmy Lincoln’s second year at the helm.
The Lady Tigers posted a 17-11 record, falling to Forsyth in the district semifinal.
Heading into the 2020-21 campaign, expectations might be even higher.
The reason?
Hollister returns its entire roster.
“Looking forward to this season, third year in the program,” Lincoln said. “Have had back-to-back winning records after averaging 4.5 wins for the past ten years. Hoping to have a winning record again this year.”
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The Lady Tigers will be led by All O-Zone, all-conference and all-district honoree Kendrick “Bug” Bailey.
The 5-foot-6 senior and Harding University commit averaged 20.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 2.5 steals per game last season.
Bailey will have plenty of help from a solid core of returning upperclassmen, as well.
Nesa Clarida (SR, 5-foot-9, 6.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.0 apg)
• Team leader, hard worker, great post defender
Aubrey Henson (SR, 5-foot-6, 4.2 ppg, 2.0 rpg)
• Clutch Shooter, hit the three pointer to beat Springfield Catholic in Districts. Have higher expectations for her this year.
Gabby Franciskovich (JR, 5-foot-4, 8.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.0 spg)
• Good three point shooter, third year varsity starter, good defender.
Jackie Pyatt (JR, 5-foot-8, 8.7 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.4 spg)
• Coming off an ACL injury, missed the last three games of the season. Looking forward to having her back mid- December.
Additional returnees include juniors Shyannah Frenzel, Mady Pyatt and Emma Cronin; sophomores Brisa Gere and McKenzie Hamilton and senior Victoria Houchins.
With a solid mix of leadership, talent and depth, Lincoln has high hopes for his squad.
“Returning all 11 varsity players from last year’s team,” Lincoln said. “Have a really good senior class that is good leaders and looking forward to this year because of them. Feel like we have a chance to compete for the conference and district title.”
For Hollister to take another step and launch a postseason run, Lincoln believes speed, defense and depth will play vital roles.
“We are going to look to push the ball up and down the court and play pressure defense using our depth,” Lincoln said. “We have turned the corner and we feel we have a solid program moving forward.”
Hollister opens its season Nov. 24 against Ava.
