By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Jennifer Perryman is starting her 17th season at Nixa, eight of which she’s been the head coach, and the Lady Eagles have one of the strongest young cores they’ve had in her tenure.
Coming off a 14-13 season, don’t be fooled by the record. The backcourt duo of juniors Ali Kamies and Rhianna Gibbons, as well as senior do-it-all returner Katie Kamies – as well as a talented crop of newcomers – makes this one of the most intriguing rosters in the COC.
Ali Kamies was an All-COC selection as a sophomore and is rapidly ascending up recruiting boards of D1 and D2 programs. Her 14 points and three steals per game as a sophomore were just a glimpse of what she’s capable of.
“I have watched Ali closely over the last few years and her success last year was no surprise,” said Perryman. “I still think her ceiling is very high and will continue to grow her game. She’s a lot stronger than people realize and that makes her tough to guard.”
Classmate Gibbons also returns after averaging nine points as a sophomore.
“Rhi is one of the most skilled players in the area,” said Perryman. “She has a natural feel for the game. Her guard play on both ends of the floor will determine the tempo of the game.”
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The elder Kamies, Katie, is one of the most unique players in the Ozarks. Her scoring numbers don’t jump off the page, but the 5-foot-9 wing is one of the best defenders in Missouri. As a junior she averaged eight rebounds, three assists and three steals. She also earned a spot on the COC’s All-Defensive team.
“Katie is one of the most versatile players in the area; she continues to be an integral part of the success of our team,” said Perryman. “She is so athletic and works harder than most people on the court. Those qualities combined with her physical and mental strength make her such a threat defensively. Her ability to guard any position makes her so versatile.”
Seniors Adelyn Weaver and Emma Vincent add versatility and athleticism. Sophomore Norah Clark is a paint presence at 6-feet tall. Her length and athleticism allowed her to help Nixa make another postseason run in volleyball.
Perryman is also extremely excited about her newcomers.
Junior Macie Conway will be one of the top players in the Ozarks this season. As a sophomore, she averaged 16 points per game and earned All-Ozark Conference honors for Kickapoo.
She’ll fill an immediate need for the Lady Eagles, who shot just 29 percent as a team last year.
“Macie will play a huge part in our program,” said Perryman. “She fits our style of play and will excel in our system on both ends of the floor. She brings a lot of experience and talent to our team.”
Freshmen Sadie Conway, Lily Mahy and Jacy Bray will also compete for rotational minutes with abilities that far exceed their experience levels.
Nixa won’t be big, which is something that Perryman has grown accustomed to over the last several years, but this has the potential to be one of the most athletic teams in recent memory.
The schedule won’t do them any favors, with non-conference matchups featuring West Plains, Kickapoo, Fayetteville (Ark.) and Columbia Battle. The hope is that the group can be playing their best basketball heading into the month of February.
“This has never been about our record,” said Perryman. “This has always been about challenges and preparing our girls for real life battles. I believe that being a Class 5 school in the COC, our schedule should reflect that.
“With the lack of size we have, we must make up for in speed and pace of play. We will have to defend in the post and our guards will have to make rebounding a priority. And, and we have to hit shots.”
Nixa will open the 2020-21 season on Nov. 24 at Parkview. The Lady Eagles won’t play at home until Jan. 5.
