By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Lady Bears went 19-9 and 5-1 in the SCA Conference under a new coach last season. They fell to Ava in the district championship game, 45-40; Ava would survive to advance to the semifinal round of state playoffs. Now, Willow Springs has graduated most of their starters and are looking to rebuild.
Shannon Crain, who is just shy of 400 wins in his career, returns to lead the Lady Bears. “We lost 90% of our offense from last season,” he said. “We hope as the season transpires, so will our confidence on the offensive end.”
The missing pieces include Ashlyn Jones, Liz Sheehan, Keena Lowe, and Chloe Chafin. Jones averaged more than 15 points per game entering her senior season and was the floor general for Willow. Sheehan led the team behind the arc, and Lowe was the top rebounder and an inside threat. Chafin was a defensive specialist for the Lady Bears.
But all is not lost, as the team returns six lettermen.
Senior Anna Minge (5’6”) is the lone returning starter. She is a versatile player who can make a difference inside and outside and is quick defensively. Minge averaged 5.8 points and 4.9 rebounds last year.
Classmate Sharon Stevenson will take over at point guard and is known for her speed. “Last season, she really helped us out defensively and on the opposing teams’ guards,” said Coach Crain.
McKylie Cox is another senior who can make a difference inside and outside and had some big rebounding games coming off the bench last season. “She is one of our smartest players,” said Crain.
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Reece Jones, junior, is one of the team’s top three-point shooters, connecting at 32% from behind the arc last season. Reece is a sister to graduate Ashlyn Jones, and to incoming freshman Chloe Jones. Chloe will also be an asset for the Lady Bears; she has put in the work over the summer and has proven herself as a reliable scorer.
Aspin Atwell “has a lot of athletic potential,” per her coach. The 5’6” junior is expected to be a big contributor on both sides of the ball this season.
Standing at 5’10,” junior Dana Canedo is an inside threat for Willow Springs. Her coach said her progression from last season is notable and that her strength is growing. Canedo could be a powerful post player for the Lady Bears.
The team has lost a core of experienced players and will once again face tough competitors within the SCA Conference, but they are quick and should gel as the season progresses. Crain said his team will be expected to play an up-tempo game on both offense and defense.
The Lady Bears kick off their season at the Houston Jamboree on November 14 with Houston and Cabool, then host West Plains November 21.
