By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
A new but skilled head coach coupled with an experienced core of returning players could be the key to success for the Willow Springs Lady Bears this season.
Last year, the team claimed the South Central Association Conference championship but lost to Forsyth in Class 4 district play, ending the season with a 20-6 record.
Now, Shannon Crain takes the reins of the program as head coach. He has spent 24 years at the helm, with 16 years as head boys’ coach at Plato and 8 years as head girls’ coach at Norwood, with a record of 371 total wins.
Assistant coach David Cox is a familiar face returning to the team in his third season in that capacity, though he has helped with the program for over a decade.
The Lady Bears will have to replace graduate Alyssa Von Allmen, an all-district, all-conference standout who was a skilled scorer and rebounder in their starting lineup. Madison McDaniel, a strong role player off the bench, will also be missed.
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Coach Crain said his team brings experience to the table with four returning starters.
Point guard Ashlyn Jones is “one of the top point guards in the area,” according to Crain. The senior is a skilled outside shooter who averaged 15.3 points per game last season. Jones has signed to play basketball with Baptist Bible College, and the floor general said she has hopes to make a Final Four appearance this year.
Senior Liz Sheehan is a scoring threat from inside and outside and is the most versatile player on the team per her coach. She averaged 8 points and 5.3 points per game in the 2020-21 season.
“Keena Lowe is one of the strongest post players around,” said Coach Crain. The 5’7” senior averaged 9.8 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, proving she is efficient at inside scoring and rebounding.
Chloe Chafin, senior, is the team’s gritty defensive specialist, effective at applying pressure to opponents.
Three juniors are expected to contribute to the varsity crew: Anna Minge, Sharon Stevenson, and McKylie Cox. Two 5’9” sophomores, Shea Riley and Dana Canedo, and sophomore Reece Jones, sister to Ashlyn Jones, will also add to the team’s depth.
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Coach Crain said the girls worked hard over the summer to prepare for their tough schedule, and the guard, forward, and post positions are strong. “I know it will take some time for the team to transition to a new coach, but I have high expectations that it will all come together as the season progresses,” said Crain. “I am excited about this team and the upcoming season.”
The Lady Bears open their season at West Plains November 22.
