By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
As Cory Watts enters his second at the helm at Logan-Rogersville, he looks for his Lady Wildcats to build off the momentum from the end of last season.
“Last year was a tough season as far as wins and losses go,” Watts said. “It was our first year together and we had a lot to learn. We ended the season winning five of our last seven, one of those being a win over a higher seed in the first round of districts. We look to build off our late-season successes this season.”
The Lady Wildcats finished 8-18 overall and 3-3 in the Big 8 East, including that first-round Class 4 District 11 win over third-seeded Forsyth (68-46).
Gone are the team’s leading scorer and rebounder.
• Gracie Kibby, averaged 19 points per game and earned all-conference and all-district honors. “Gracie was a great scorer and her offensive presence will be missed,” Watts said.
• Kierra Clark, averaged 6 rebounds a game and was named to the all-conference second team. “Kierra gave us a post presence last season. We will have to find a way to replace her ability to rebound and score around the basket.”
Logan-Rogersville returns three juniors, including one starter, and will be adding five freshmen to its roster.
• Sienna Clark, averaged 1 ppg, 1 rpg, 1 apg, 1 spg. “We will rely on her to be one of our best on-the-ball defenders and to help to care of the basketball,” Watts said.
• Chayla Perry, averaged 4 ppg, 4 rpg, 1 apg, 1 spg. “Chayla will be expected to contribute more offensively this year. She can play both in the post and on the perimeter. We look for Chayla to be a big part in what we do this year.”
• Emma Spurlin, returning starter who averaged 6 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 apg, 1 spg. “Emma does a number of things for us. She shoots it from the perimeter but also does a great job on the glass and can defend in the post when asked.”
• Hailey Buchman, 5-9 freshman – “Is a guard that has some length. She has shown the ability to get to the basket as well as shoot from the perimeter. We are going to ask her to contribute right away.”
• Reagan Rasmussen, 5-10 freshman – “Long, athletic post player that has the ability to rebound, block shots and score. She will also be asked to contribute right away.”
• Eden Kibby, 5-5 freshman – “A shooter. She will add some offense from the guard position.”
• Sydney Pringer, 5-7 freshman – “An athletic, versatile player. She will be asked to play several positions this year.”
• Taylor Wray, 5-5 freshman – “High motor, will be an asset on defense.”
Watts says he expects the program to take another step forward this season.
“I think we have good leadership returning and some potential with our incoming class,” Watts said. “We always look to compete for a conference and district title. I am sure we will have some growing pains early, as we only have one returning starter. However, we have more depth and athleticism than we did a year ago. I am excited to get this season started.”
The Lady Wildcats’ biggest strength will be their depth, while their biggest challenge will be their lack of experience with no seniors on the roster.
“We don’t have a lot of experience, so there will be competition amongst our players,” Watts said. “That should make our practices great and we should improve quickly. The returners we have will have to play more than in the past and will be asked to do more offensively than previous years.”
Logan-Rogersville will participate in a jamboree at Republic with Blue Eye and Republic on Nov. 14 before opening the regular season in the Fair Grove Tournament on Nov. 28-Dec. 2.
“We will be able to play a variety of ways,” Watts said. “With our depth, we will be able to change defenses more often and have a diverse offense this season.”
