By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
2022 proved to be a rebuilding year for Mt. Vernon basketball.
Following a Class 4 runner-up finish in 2021, the Mountaineers posted a 14-12 record, falling to Cassville in the District 12 semifinal.
Head coach Grant Berendt, entering his fifth season at the helm, knew the season would be challenging after replacing three collegiate-level players the previous year.
“We knew that we would be able to guard but didn’t know how we were going to score,” Berendt said. “I believe we let 4-5 games slip away because of our inability to score the basketball consistently. We had an opportunity to play several freshmen last year and that will benefit us this year.”
With a trio of graduated seniors departing the program over the summer in Raegan Boswell, Cameryn Cassity and Jolie Prescott, Berendt will once again guide a young roster stepping into significant roles.
Mt. Vernon’s returning core includes a quartet of lettermen in Cheyenne Bieber, Addie Hall, Audrey Bittle and Harley Daniels.
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Bieber, a 5-foot-7 sophomore, will run the point for the Mountaineers.
“Cheyenne started several games this past season and brings a lot of energy to our team on both ends of the court,” Berendt said. “She has spent lots of time working on her game and playing over the summer.”
Hall, a 5-foot-6 sophomore, also returns to the varsity lineup.
“Addie gained valuable experience last year on the varsity team,” Berendt said. “She has spent a lot of time working on her game and playing over the summer. We are excited to see her growth during the season.”
Bittle, a 5-foot-9 sophomore, returns after recovering from a late-season injury in 2022.
“Audrey has worked very hard recovering from a torn ACL that she suffered during our district tournament last season,” Berendt said. “She has been in the gym before and after school working to improve her game.”
Daniels, a 5-foot-9 senior, will provide leadership as the lone upperclassmen on the roster.
“Harley brings a toughness to our team on the defensive end,” Berendt said. “She has worked hard on her offensive game during the offseason.”
With only four returning players, Mt. Vernon will look to a host of sophomore varsity newcomers to step into prominent roles.
“We have some players that started on our JV this past season that will play huge roles on our varsity team this season,” Berendt said.
5-foot-5 Taylor Gaddy, 5-foot-6 Madison Rinker, 5-foot-10 Teagyn Huver, 5-foot-6 Isabel Cloud and 5-foot-5 Aubrey Rogerson will all compete for varsity minutes.
While the Mountaineer lineup will be full of underclassmen this season, Berendt believes his team’s youth can develop into an advantage.
“Our youth will be our biggest x-factor,” Berendt said. “It can be an advantage if we are quick learners. The quicker we can fill our roles and believe in ourselves; we will have the opportunity for success.”
If Mt. Vernon is to succeed this season and pursue a postseason run, consistency will be vital.
“With our program’s tradition of winning and history of toughness, we typically get our opponent’s best shot each night we play,” Berendt said. “We learned that you have to be up for everyone and ready to play each game when the ball is tipped.”
Following a Nov. 14 jamboree at Willard with Blue Eye and the host school, Mt. Vernon tips off its season Nov. 22 at Joplin.
