By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Lamar basketball has struggled the past few seasons, yet there is reason for optimism heading into the 2023 campaign.
First, not only did the 10-16 Tigers reach the double-digit mark in victories, the team returns an almost full roster of experienced players.
Graduated senior Josey Adams will continue her basketball career at Crowder College this season.
Lamar will also welcome a new coach to the program in Derek Judd, who most recently coached at Golden City.
Judd, a 12-year coaching veteran, believes working with a strong returning core of players will allow his team to accelerate the learning curve with his new system and style of play.
“The team had a more successful season than they have had in the past, winning more games,” Judd said. “Only losing one player this season will help us this year. Having returning starters lets us start practice hitting the ground running.”
A quartet of talented seniors will lead the way for the Tigers this season in Marcy Miller, Ashlyn Stettler, Kennedy Evans and Phajjia Gordan.
Miller, a 6-foot-1 forward and all-conference honoree, averaged 15 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals as a junior.
“Marcy averaged a double-double most games,” Judd said. “Her speed and height make her a force to be reckoned with. She is a great shot blocker and has a nose for rebounding the ball.”
Stettler, a 5-foot-6 guard, averaged 7 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals last season.
“Ashlyn is a smooth ball handler that can manipulate her way to the basket,” Judd said. “She also has range that makes her a formidable force on the court. Her quick hands also make her a threat on defense.”
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Evans, a 5-foot-8 combo, averaged 4 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal last season.
“Kennedy is a versatile player that can play both in a guard and post position,” Judd said. “She has a great outside shot, but can also make a smooth transition into the paint. She is gritty and tough both on offense and defense.”
Gordan, a 5-foot-10 forward, averaged 9 points, 8 rebounds and 1 block last season.
“When Phajjia is on the court , she owns the paint,” Judd said. “She makes her presence known by fighting for rebounds and putting the ball back up off the glass. Phajjia can also surprise her opponents by hitting some shots off the arc. She is a very vocal presence on our team.”
Zavrie Wiss, Jaycee Doss and Alyssa Powell round out Lamar’s returning core.
Wiss, a 5-foot-4 sophomore, averaged 8 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals as a freshman.
“Small, but fierce are the perfect words to describe Zavrie,” Judd said. “She is just one of the kids you do not have to coach intensity. She will go up against girls 3x her size without a hesitation. Her quick feet and high basketball IQ make her a threat on the court.”
Doss, a 5-foot-2 junior, averaged 2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals last season.
“Jaycee is an excellent defender,” Judd said. “She moves her feet well, stopping and turning her opponents. She gives 100% effort every minute she is on the floor. She is one of those ‘glue kids’ that often doesn’t get the credit she deserves.”
Powell will miss the season following an ACL injury over the summer.
“Alyssa would have been a huge help to us on the court,” Judd said. “But even though she will not be on the court this year, she will still bring the team a ton of energy from the bench and is a major part of the team.”
In addition to its strong returning core, Lamar will benefit from a host of varsity newcomers this season in junior Olivia Force, sophomore Kynlee McCulloch, freshman Bailey Heckadon, freshman Rowan Parks, freshman Brenna Morey, junior Audra Lloyd, freshman Maylee Rawlings and Emma Potter.
With plenty of depth and experience on the roster, expectations are high as Judd and the Tigers prepare for the winter campaign.
“We are expecting a big year for this group,” Judd said. “Over the summer they showed they are willing to be coachable and work hard to reach the goals we have set for them and they have set for themselves. The players and coaching staff believe that we will be competing for a district championship at the end of the season. We will be focused on winning three key battle areas: turnovers, rebounding and free throws.”
Lamar’s outlook hinges on how quickly his players adjust to and implement Judd’s coaching style, which will feature heavy doses of both Miller and Gordan.
“We will be looking to play up-tempo ball with a focus on getting the ball into the post and working inside out,” Judd said. “This style best suits the makeup of our skill sets and gives us the best chance to be successful. We have fierce players in both the post and on the outside, so guarding us will be a challenge.”
Following a Nov. 14 home jamboree with Butler McDonald County and El Dorado Springs, Lamar will tip off its regular season
