By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
2022 proved to be a banner year for Mansfield basketball.
The 23-5 Lions captured the Summit Conference championship before falling to Licking in the Class 3 District 10 title match.
Graduated seniors Haley Tripp and Madelyn Ivy departed the program over the summer.
“Haley Tripp and Madalyn Ivy were both three-year starters so they will be missed greatly,” head coach Greene said. “They both understood our system and did all of the little things you need players to do to be successful.”
Heading into his 16th season at the Mansfield helm, Greene has reason to be optimistic.
The Lions return 80 percent of the team’s scoring, led by three-sport all-state honoree Logan Jones.
Jones, a 5-foot-8 senior, averaged 17 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.7 steals last season.
“Having Logan Jones on any team is a strength,” Green said. “Logan is a phenomenal player with no quit and no fear. I think people have heard about her but not like they will this year.
Greene expects Jones to reach the 1,000-point career mark as early as the first game this season.
Classmates Lauren Jones, Harleigh Hodges, Macie Tate and Chloe Lemons also return.
Lauren Jones, a 5-foot-8 all-conference and all-district selection, averaged 10.8 points and 4.1 rebounds as a junior.
“Lauren Jones is also going to catch people’s eye this year,” Green said. “Clearly, Logan and Lauren are our leaders on the floor, they have the most experience and both are four-year starters so they are our leaders. Both are great leaders and great competitors and as a coach that’s all you can ask for.”
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Hodges, a 6-foot-1 forward, averaged 6.1 points and 7.4 rebounds last season, earning all-conference honors.
Tate averaged 4.3 points as a junior.
Newcomers to the varsity roster include sophomores Haven Trip and Elly Williams.
“(Haven) is a very athletic player who will be a big factor in our success this year as a rebounder and athletic presence on the floor,” Greene said. “I am hoping Elly steps up her play. She has tremendous potential and if she does we could be very good.”
With plenty of scoring and experience returning, Mansfield’s expectations are high for a postseason run.
“I believe we have the people to make a long run this year,” Greene said. “Obviously what class we are in will make a huge difference. In order for us to do this we need to stay healthy and we need to continue to defend and rebound better, but the talent is there.”
For the Lions to reach their potential, Greene believes the team’s blue-collar work ethic and commitment to the defensive process will play vital roles in the outcome.
“We aren’t flashy but we will make you earn a win,” Greene said. “We defend pretty well and we play till the end so you have to play pretty well to beat us on most nights.”
Following a Nov. 15 home jamboree with Mountain Grove, Central and Catholic, Mansfield tips off its season Nov. 28 in the Blue Eye Invitational Tournament.
