By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Ozark basketball enjoyed another winning season in 2023.
In head coach Brandon Clift’s first season, the Tigers finished with a 15-13 record, falling to Republic in the district semifinal round.
“While we didn’t achieve our goals last season, I am extremely proud of that team,” Clift said. “They allowed me to coach them and they showed up every day and put in the work. We played a loaded schedule, and they didn’t back down from anyone. Playing in big games, playing in tight games late, playing in overtime games will help our returning players this season. They have those experiences.”
Two of those returning players step into prominent leadership roles this season in Sydney Hampton and Macey Sult.
Hampton, a 5-foot-9 senior, averaged 5.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists last season.
“Sydney is a versatile athlete who is comfortable playing multiple positions and can score at all three levels,” Clift said. “Sydney will be looked upon to take on more of a scoring role this year.”
Sult, a 5-foot-10 senior, recorded 5.9 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game as a junior.
“Macey is a long athletic guard who can shoot the ball well, making 49-percent of the 3-point attempts last year,” Clift said. “She has great floor vision and has a knack for finding open teammates. She has done a great job stepping into a leadership role this summer and is expected to continue that throughout the season.”
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5-foot-4 junior Kori Roussell also returns for the Tigers.
“Kori is a very capable ball handler that has the ability to get to the basket,” Clift said. “Kori will be taking over the point guard position this year.”
With five graduated seniors departing the program, a host of varsity newcomers will compete for playing time this season in Lauren Carson, MacKenzie Strohm, Madi Shelton, Lyla Wood, Josey Roberts, Maggie Sult, Bria Wright and Avery Havens.
“We will be a balanced team that shares the ball well,” Clift said. “We have several kids that have the ability to have big nights. Our focus is on defense and rebounding. We believe that if you can guard and rebound you will give yourself a chance most every night.”
Clift believes his team’s overall selflessness will play a big role as the group develops throughout the season and feels Ozark’s success will largely depend on what happens at the defensive end.
“We have a group of young ladies that want to succeed and are willing to put aside their individual goals for the team’s success,” Clift said. “Our biggest x-factor will be our team defense. We know that we will need to guard as a unit to be successful. Defense and rebounding are the staples of our program.”
Following a Nov. 16 home jamboree, Ozark tips off its regular season Nov. 30 in the Rogers, Ark. Great 8 Classic.
