By Chris Parker
The McDonald County girls basketball team is looking to build off a 13-win, district championship season. The Mustangs won the program’s first district title since 2015 last year.
“We ended last year with an incredibly strong finish and very proud of our accomplishments,” McDonald County head coach Sean Crane said. “With that being said, we have a very strong group returning and with desire to make our program strong we are always in the conversation for district and conference titles on a regular basis.”
The Mustangs graduated two all-conference players from last season’s team including first-team selection Sydney Killion and honorable mention selection Kristin Penn. Killion was the team’s leading scorer at 8.7 points per game. Penn added in 6.9 points per game.
Two all-conference players do return for the Mustangs in junior Samara Smith and senior Adasyn Leach.
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Smith averaged 8.3 points, and 6.4 rebounds per game last year. She was named second-team all-conference. She is a 6’0 forward.
“Samara brings so much flexibility to the court with the ability to play inside and out,” Crane said.
Leach was named honorable mention all-conference after she averaged 4.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
“Adasyn is going to be a leader for us on and off the court. Adasyn is a strong and tough post player with good athleticism,” Crane said. “I expect Addy to have a big senior year, as she is just a competitor that expects success basketball court, softball field or whatever she is playing.”
Juniors Reagan Myrick and Megan Elwood along with sophomores Carlee Cooper and Neveah Dodson return to the lineup as well.
Myrick is a strong defender and athlete. She averaged 2.4 rebounds per game last year. Elwood is a diverse player that can do a little bit of everything. She averaged 1.7 points and 2.2 rebounds per game last year. Cooper started as a freshman last year. She averaged 3.3 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. Dodson is a strong defender who brings the ability to do a little bit of everything to the court.
Junior Kylan Sherman along with sophomores Ana Clarkson, Katelyn Townsend, Natlie Gillming and Jacie Frencken will be newcomers to watch.
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McDonald County will travel to Webb City for a jamboree on Nov. 16 with Mt. Vernon, Carl Junction and Webb City. The Mustangs will open the regular season on Nov. 22 back at Webb City.
“I expect for us to progress to the point to compete for a conference and district title on regular basis is our programs goal,” Crane said.
