By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Following a 13-14 record in 2019, Nixa rebounded in a big way last season.
The Lady Eagles posted a 21-8 mark and captured a district championship before falling to Kickapoo in the state sectional round.
As Nixa head coach Jennifer Perryman looks to build on that success heading into her ninth season at the helm, she will also need to find replacements for a pair of graduated seniors in Katie Kamies and Addy Weaver.
Kamies is playing collegiate soccer at William Jewell College.
While Nixa’s starting lineup will change this season, one thing will remain the same – high expectations for a program steeped in tradition.
“We have extremely high expectations for our season,” Perryman said. “We have lofty goals that our kids set this summer and we have been doing an incredible job of working to achieve those. What we lack in size, we will have to make up for in physicality.”
The Lady Eagles will be led by a trio of seniors in Macie Conway, Rhi Gibbons and Ali Kamies.
Conway, a 5-foot-10 all-conference and all-district guard, averaged 17 points and 3.6 rebounds last season. She has committed to Rockhurst University.
“Macie’s competitive nature and will to win, combined with her talent level and strength, is a combination for success no matter what position she is playing,” Perryman said. “We look for her to be even more versatile than she was last year.”
The 5-foot-8 Gibbons, a Drury University commit, received all-conference and all-district honors as well, averaging 9 points and 3.5 rebounds per contest.
“Rhi is one of the most pure shooters in this area,” Perryman said. “Her ceiling is incredibly high. She is one of the most fun kids to watch play as she always honors the game when she steps foot on the floor.”
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Kamies averaged 11 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 3.3 steals for the Lady Eagles, earning her all-conference, all-district and all-conference defensive team honors. The 5-foot-8 guard could reach the 1,000-point plateau this season and is also committed to play at Rockhurst University after high school.
“I am one of Ali’s biggest fans and always will be,” Perryman said. “She does the little things that add up to big things and add up to wins. She is my voice on the court, and her defensive spark gets us going when we need it most.”
6-foot-1 junior Norah Clark (8 ppg, 2.7 rpg) and 5-foot-8 sophomore Sadie Conway (6 ppg, 3 rpg) also return for Nixa.
Clark received all-district honors last season and holds offers from Division One schools.
“Norah is a nightmare match-up for any defender, and her length and athleticism make her dangerous on both ends of the floor,” Perryman said. “Sadie is one of the toughest kids I have ever seen at this level. Her ability to get to the rim and guard the ball the length of the floor is vital to us.”
Sophomores Jacy Bray and Lilly Mahy also return with varsity experience.
“Jacy has the versatility to play 3-5 for us,” Perryman said. “Lilly is the much-needed true point guard we have been looking for.”
Junior newcomers Kinley Hammit and Chloe Krans will also compete for varsity minutes this season.
Perryman believes the adversity faced two years ago helped forge last season’s success and will continue paying off as the Lady Eagles look to take another step forward.
“Our biggest strength is our experience,” Perryman said. “We are a battle-tested veteran group. If our team chemistry on the floor comes together, combined with our determination and work ethic, the sky’s the limit for this group.”
That work ethic, according to Perryman, is rooted within her senior class.
“Our three senior leaders have done an incredible job with setting the tone for this season,” Perryman said. “Their focus and determination is contagious throughout our program.”
In addition to an always-challenging Central Ozarks Conference schedule, Nixa is set to play in the KSA Winter Classic in Orlando, Fla., as well as the annual Pink and White Lady Classic.
Perryman also has high hopes concerning the competitive level headed to Nixa’s own tournament in late January.
“Our NIT tournament is loaded,” Perryman said. “It will be one of the best in the state with West Plains, Republic, Notre Dame Cape, Park Hill South, Carnahan School of Prep, Webster Groves and Norfolk, Ark. all in attendance.”
Following a Nov. 16 jamboree at home, the Lady Eagles tip off the season in Nixa Dec. 2 against Battle.
