By Chris Parker
Macks Creek girls basketball went 23-3 last season with a pair of freshmen leading the way.
Both of those players, India Willis and Brooklyn Duggan, return this year.
“They led our team last year in most categories and even though we have a more balanced attack this year, their experience should lead us again,” said Macks Creek head coach Ron Duggan.
Willis earned Class 1 All-State honors in her debut season. She averaged 24.5 points, 8.7 rebounds and 5.7 steals per game.
Brooklyn Duggan was a first-team all-conference and all-district player who averaged 15 points. 5.3 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 4 steals per game.
Junior Ashlee Klinksick and sophomore Emma Seaholm give Macks Creek four returning starters.
“Ashlee was our leading defender last year and I look for her to embrace those duties again this year. She’s also shown us the ability to be a sound scorer and playmaker,” Coach Duggan said. “Emma gives us a good inside presence and is becoming a great defender in the post. She’s an excellent shot blocker and can score from anywhere.”
CLICK HERE FOR LINKS TO ALL OF THE WINTER PREVIEWS
Klinksick scored 5.6 points per game with 3.1 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 3.5 steals per game. Seaholm scored 5.2 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.
A pair of transfers in Addison Ratliff and Nevaeh Dorrell are a pair of transfers who will have an impact.
“Addison Ratliff was all-conference her freshman year and was a solid shooting guard, excellent defender and great ball handler. She helps balance our shooting attack and gives us much needed depth at the point guard position,” Duggan said. “Nevaeh Dorrell is another transfer but did not play her freshman year. She did have a good summer and will give us another inside threat and rebounder. She has shown she can attack well and handle the ball.”
Freshman Baylee Hash has the potential to make an immediate impact.
“Baylee Hash is another strong rebounder and defender that gives us more depth at the post position” Duggan said. “She also had a good summer and will get significant playing time.”
Macks Creek will be a deep team with many scoring threats.
“Our biggest strengths this year will be our defense which has improved significantly over last year and our scoring depth. We will have seven girls that can score and we may have a different scoring leader each night,” Duggan said.
Macks Creek opens the season Nov. 19 at the Blue Fish Shootout in Rolla against Osage.
“To find success this year, we just need to continue to mature on the court,” Duggan said. “We were led mostly by freshman last year and with a year of varsity experience under their belt, that should help us tremendously.”
