By Chad Plein
Mountain Grove has a strong team returning hoping to lead the Panthers to their first season over .500 in five years.
“We hope to develop into a team that brings defensive intensity, show a lot of grit, and determination to win,” Vallie Hoerning said.
Leading that charge is sophomore Reagan Hoerning. As a freshman, Reagan was named Honorable Mention All-SCA after averaging 7.7 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. The 5-foot-8 forward can play any position on the court and it’s her versatility coach Hoerning says that helped her succeed as a freshman.
“She can play different positions with ability to get the ball up the court with great court vision,” coach Hoerning said, “(she) can attack the basket, is a strong defender and great rebounder.”
But it’s the senior class that will be the leaders for the Panthers this season. Forwards Trinity Elliott, Kelsey Watson, and Alex Hicks along with guards Grayci Keeling, and Graci Anderson are ready to lead Mountain Grove to a winning season.
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“We have five seniors that are hungry to win, have a lot of experience, and have high expectations,” Hoerning said.
Elliott and Watson are both 5-foot-8 and averaged roughly 6.5 points per game. But coach wants them to both also make improvements on their rebounding.
As for the other seniors, Keeling (5-foot-3) moved into the district last year and made gains over the summer while both Anderson (5-foot-5) and Hicks (5-foot-5) took a year off after playing varsity basketball as sophomores.
Also impressing coach Hoerning heading into the season are three juniors. Guards Abby Welch (5-foot-6) and Macy Penner (5-foot-8) have both improved their ball handling skills. Forward Destiny Caldwell has worked on her rebounding. Penner missed most of last year with a foot injury and has worked her way back.
Coach Hoerning says the Panthers can also turn to a trio of newcomers who bring speed, defensive intensity, and scoring. They’re all freshman guards Jozey MacPherson, Kailey Wake, and Campbell Welch.
“Our expectations are high, we have a lot of kids with skill sets to be successful as a team,” Hoerning said. “One of our biggest challenges will be the ability to gel as a team and accept roles to make the team successful.”
Mountain Grove opens the season at Fair Grove on Nov. 24.
