By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
2020-21 turned out to be a challenge for Branson.
The Lady Pirates finished with a 4-21 record, falling to Nixa in the district tournament.
For longtime head coach Kip Bough, set to enter his 15th season at the Branson helm, the constant challenges proved to be overwhelming at times for a young, inexperienced team.
“Last year whatever could go wrong, went wrong,” Bough said. “Three would-be starters out with knee injuries, one ruled ineligible at the start of the season. If a kid had a big game, they would be quarantined, put on concussion protocol or roll their ankle the next day. It was so tough that even our manager was out for the season!”
The program suffered its first losing season in 14 years; however, Bough believes the process will only make his younger players that much better moving forward.
“We had no seniors last year and we lettered four or five freshmen,” Bough said. “Through all that adversity, I believe that we will be better this year because of those circumstances.”
One thing is for certain — Branson will not lack for senior leadership this season.
A quartet of senior leaders return to lead the program in Chloe Grimm, Shelby Heil, Joanna Lansman and Rachel Riveros.
Grimm, a 5-foot-3 guard, averaged 5.5 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.6 steals last season in limited action.
“Chloe was a freshman and sophomore starter for us,” Bough said “She tore her ACL last season and returned after seven months. She adds a level of toughness, experience and leadership to our team.”
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The 6-foot Heil averaged 4.3 points and 4.4 rebounds last season.
“Shelby probably improved last year more than any other player I have coached over the years,” Bough said. “She rebounds really aggressively and has the ability to shoot the three for her height.”
Lansman averaged 5.2 points and 2.8 rebounds last season. The 5-foot10 senior missed the entire sophomore season with an ACL tear and worked her way back into form last year.
“Joanna is a knock-down 3 shooter who has the ability to hit several 3s and shoot lights out for the team,” Bough said. “We believe that she has come all the way back.”
Riveros, a 5-foot-4 guard, averaged 6.3 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.0 steals last season.
“Rachel started every game for us last year,” Bough said. “She was thrown into the fire last year with all the injuries and had to learn the varsity speed and competitiveness. She was our leading scorer last year and handles the ball really well.”
The seniors are joined by juniors Ellie Hoenie and Quinn Swofford; and sophomores Taylor Foster, Maci Rogers, Rylie Hagston and Lillie Sever.
Branson’s returning core will offer leadership and experience this season, but a move-in could provide a huge lift to the program, as well.
Junior Hadley Houston will be a varsity newcomer for the Lady Pirates.
Houston, a 5-foot-7 guard, was ruled ineligible for varsity play as a sophomore following a move from nearby School of the Ozarks.
“Hadley is probably our best all-around athlete, but MSHSAA ruled that she could only play JV last year,” Bough said. “She can run, jump, defend and score. She will have an immediate impact on the varsity floor this year.”
Sophomore newcomers Avery Crouse, Sirena Carlson, Abby Deckard, Tatym Halbrook and Lindsay Gerleman will also compete for varsity minutes.
With a healthy mix of veteran leadership and youthful energy, Bough is already noticing a change within the program after the summer session.
“We have seniors this year, and that is a huge thing for us leadership wise, and we saw that over the summer,” Bough said. “We looked like a totally different team at the end of the summer and they made the decision to play together as a team and they looked really good. If we stay together and commit to playing together, we will surprise a lot of people.”
Following a Nov. 16 jamboree at Hollister with Reeds Spring and the host school, Branson will open its season Nov. 22 at Springfield Central.
