By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Cabool Lady Bulldogs finished their season with a 14-8 record, losing to Licking in the semifinal round of district play. They lost key elements to graduation but return a local standout to lead the team.
Hailey Shannon is one of the best players in the area, and not just according to her coach, Rance Beller, who enters his 15th year leading the Lady Bulldogs. “She has the rare ability to play both inside and outside, and her ball handling has really improved this summer,” he said. “With her skillset to shoot the three, as well as drive the ball or play from a true post-up spot, she really poses some matchup issues for opponents.” The 5’9” senior averaged 21.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 3.4 steals per game last year.
“It’s nice to have that one player who can get her own shot or create for others,” said Coach Beller. “That makes it nice when we really need a score.”
Shannon’s classmate Morganne Aaron (5’8”) will step into a larger role on offense and defense. “She has a nice touch on her shot, and I expect her to have a good year,” said Beller.
Maddie Gayer, junior, is an athletic player who will be at the top of the defense. “She had a great summer for us and I look for her to have a breakout season,” said Beller.
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Junior Makalah Watson will help handle and score the ball and has worked on her game the past two years.
Sophomore Hannah Janson, 6’0”, will bring size to the floor the team has needed. Beller said he expects her game to improve as the year progresses.
McKinley Aaron, freshman, could also see minutes. “She’s a talented player with good potential,” said Beller.
The team is full of family ties; Morganne and McKinley Aaron are sisters, Bailey Aaron is their cousin, and Hailey Shannon is an aunt to all the Aaron girls.
The Lady Bulldogs will miss four former contributors due to graduation. Abigail Heurman was a multi-year starter who could play multiple positions. Vanessa Kentner was the team’s athletic defensive spark. Madelyne Aaron served as primary ball handler; her basketball instincts and shooting capability will be missed. Josie Atkins started for four years, played in the middle of the defense for several seasons, and shot the ball well.
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Beller said he is excited for another season of basketball, despite his team having a different dynamic this year thanks to a mix of experience and inexperience. “We are going to be competitive most nights,” he said. “I think we will improve as the year goes on, and we will have the ability to sneak up on a few teams this season.”
The Lady Bulldogs host Greenville in their home opener November 19.
