By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Like clockwork, the tradition-rich Skyline Lady Tigers have the makings of a postseason contender.
A pair of all-state guards, juniors Kenzi Cheek and Ashlen Garrett, will lead the way. Skyline is seeking its third final four appearance in four seasons.
Cheek posted 13.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game as a sophomore. Garrett averaged just shy of 18 points to go with 3.5 boards and 4.5 steals.
“We look forward to seeing what Kenzi’s junior year brings,” said Skyline coach Kevin Cheek. “She had a good summer and will need to be multi-functional for us to succeed.
“Ashlen plays well on both ends of the floor. She had a great sophomore season and can really score at a high level.”
Cheek begins his 25th season as Skyline’s head coach. He’s complied a career record of 595-138 and won four state championships at the Hickory County school.
Skyline returns solid experience for the 2023-24 season despite having only two seniors.
Cheek and Garrett are part of a deep junior class that includes five more players who saw varsity playing time last season.
Sadie Redd is a versatile guard who progressed from backup to starter.
“She’s a complete player and can do a lot of good things on the court,” Coach Cheek said.
The 6-foot duo of Cela Anderson and Jayln Barb bring size and defense to the squad.
“Cela is good defensively and can give us quality minutes in the post,” Coach Cheek said. “Jayln is athletic and long and can guard a lot of positions.”
Fellow juniors Autumn Baldwin and Lily Lynn provide more depth in Skyline’s guard unit.
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“Lily is our team’s most improved player and always gives great effort,” Coach Cheek said. “Autumn came up big in several games last year and we’re looking for her to step up her offensive game.”
Skyline’s two seniors, Riley James and Ashton Cooley will have key roles as well.
“Riley is our sparkplug,” Coach Cheek said. “She brings energy on and off the floor. Ashton had a great summer. We’ll need her to be active in the post area.”
Sophomores Jenna Hunt, Jaden Britton and Holly Hahs return after mostly playing on the JV as freshmen.
“They all had good summers and we’re eager to see how they can continue to improve,” Coach Cheek said.
Skyline finished 24-7 overall last season. The Lady Tigers made their second state final four appearance in three seasons, finishing third in Class 3.
The Lady Tigers graduated three seniors: forward Grace Edge, along with guards Emily Edwards and Shayla Lynn. Edge and Edwards earned all-conference honors.
“We will miss our seniors,” Coach Cheek said. “Their commitment, effort and experience will be hard to replace.”
Skyline adds a promising freshmen class to the fold.
Shelby Redd, Lauren Bradley, Kimber Henderson, Hailey Stokes and Leslie Caselman provide depth and competition for Skyline’s older players.
“Our freshmen group has athletic talent and a good work ethic,” Coach Cheek said. “We hope they can adjust quickly to the high school level.”
Skyline opens the regular season at the Warsaw Tournament (Nov. 27-Dec. 2).
Along with Pink and White Lady Classic (Dec. 27-30), the Lady Tigers will have non-conference games against the likes of Tipton (Dec. 19), El Dorado Springs (Jan. 23) and Walnut Grove (Feb. 10).
