By Chris Parker
Drew Williams returns to his alma mater to take over as head coach of the Purdy girls basketball program this season. He previously served as an assistant at Monett with the boys team the past three seasons.
He will be looking to turnaround a program that hasn’t won double-digit games since 2017-18 and hasn’t won a district title since 2012.
“I am very excited to return to my alma-mater and rebuild the Purdy Lady Eagles program,” Williams said.
Purdy will be young this year. Senior Kavery Postlewait was the team’s leading scorer with 8.9 points per game last season. She tore her ACL in the off-season, so she will start the season on the bench.
“Kavery has a calm about her, she doesn’t let the pressure get to her,” Williams said. “Her presence on the bench will be paramount until she is cleared by her doctor and able to return. Until her return, I will be calling on a cast of returning players that I hope will take up some leadership responsibilities.”
Jessi Hoppes (junior), Rosa Schad (sophomore), Hadley Hughes (junior) and Raeley Henderson (junior) are all returning starters.
Williams on Hoppes: “Jessi was a high energy player on last year’s team averaging 6.5 ppg, she will need to continue that high energy this upcoming season.”
Williams on Schad: “Rosa was just a freshman last year and gained a ton of experience. I am hoping she will look to be more aggressive and look to score when given the opportunity.”
Williams on Hughes: “Our team’s leading rebounder (6.5 rebounds per game). Hadley is our tallest player and is going to help us out due to our lack of size.”
Williams on Henderson: “Raeley will be a returning starter. She will be an added value with her ability to defend both guards and wings.”
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Adriana Barrientos (senior), Rylee Stanford (junior), Holly Webb (junior), Skye Bingham (sophomore), Serenity Morris (sophomore), Courtney Patterson (freshman) and Kenna Liggett (freshman) will all work to fill out the varsity lineup.
Williams on Barrientos: “Did not get much playing time last season but is very coachable and a hard worker. Adriana’s ability to be coached may allow her to get some playing time this year.”
Williams on Stanford: “Rylee was also part of the team last season but was injured before the season started. Rylee has spent the past year rehabbing her injury. She provides a lot of speed and defensive tenacity to our team. This will help us with our up-tempo style of play.”
Williams on Webb: “Holly is a very coachable player. She didn’t get much playing time with the varsity but she is a student of the game and is not afraid to ask questions.”
Williams on Bingham: “Skye did not get much playing time last season at the varsity level but she is a hardworking player that is not afraid to get in and do the dirty work at post.”
Williams on Morris: “Serenity was also a part of the team last year but removed herself due to personal reasons. Serenity is a skilled offensive player and will contribute to the team.”
Williams on Patterson: “Courtney is a long and athletic player that is a capable ball handler. As a freshman she is not afraid to get in and make a hand.
Williams on Liggett: “Kenna is a freshman that took her 8th grade year off. This will be a big developmental year for Kenna.”
Purdy won’t be a big team but will look to make up for that lack of size with speed.
“Our team’s biggest strength will be our speed,” Williams said. “Our team is not very tall but we are quick, fast, and athletic. I share most of my players with multi-sport athletes, but our speed is what will hopefully set us apart from other teams this year.”
Purdy opens the season Nov. 19-23 at the Verona Tournament.
“I want the identity and reputation of this team to be hard-working,” Williams said. “I don’t want anyone to question our work ethic. I believe that you are never out of any contest if you’re willing to work harder than the other team.”
