By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Beefing up their schedule last year helped the Chadwick Lady Cardinals advance all the way to the Class 1 state championship game, and they aim to follow a similar game plan this season.
“We played in a lot of tough games against Class 4 teams and bigger, and this year’s schedule is tough again; that should help prepare us for the postseason play,” said head coach Shaun Guerin, who was named Class 1 District 3 Coach of the Year, and is 142-73 at Chadwick.
“We had an amazing run last year and made it all the way to the state championship game, where we fell just short to Meadville. With our incoming class, we feel we can fill the void and stay competitive.”
The Lady Cardinals finished 25-6 overall and 6-0 to win the Mark Twain Conference, Class 1 District 3 championship and end as the Class 1 state runners-up.
Chadwick will look to make another deep postseason run on the experience of juniors Kerrigan Guerin, Raeleigh Little and Millie Burkhart, as well as sophomore Ella Herd.
Kerrigan Guerin, junior point guard – Averaged 12.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 4.7 steals per game; earned Class 1 All-State, district Player of the Year, and conference Player of the Year honors. “She is our point guard, who led us in assists and steals last season,” coach Guerin said. “She has great ballhandling skills and is a great passer. She also does a great job of getting to the rim.”
Raeleigh Little, junior – Averaged 13.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 3.9 apg, 3.3 spg; All-State; first-team all-district; first-team all-conference. “Rae returns as our leading scorer and rebounder. She is a fast, athletic player and can finish well in transition. She is a versatile player that sees the floor well. She and Kerrigan together are one of the best small-school duos in the state.”
Millie Burkhart, junior post – Averaged 3ppg, 2.7 rpg; all-conference honorable mention. “Millie had some big minutes for us last year. She will be a solid post player and contribute both defensively and offensively. With the absence of her sister, Chloe, in the post she will fill her shoes.”
Ella Herd, sophomore – Averaged 2.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg; all-conference honorable mention. “Ella is a strong/tough player that works hard and will be seeing more varsity action this year. We look for her to be an immediate impact player on both ends of the floor.”
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Players whom Guerin thinks could make an impact this season include a familiar face and a brand new one.
Lexi Loveland – “Lexi will return after playing her freshman and sophomore year,” Guerin said. “We look for her to come back strong and be a starter for us this season.”
Chloe Spoon – “Chloe is new to Chadwick. She will be a nice addition to the team and give us some valuable minutes. We have a big freshman class; several could make an impact as the season progresses.”
Guerin said his team’s strengths include hustle and defense.
“I love our work ethic and the attitude we bring to the gym each day,” Guerin said.
The Lady Cardinals lose three key players from last year’s roster.
Chloe Burkhart was an all-conference player and a solid post, good defender, rebounder, and leader for Chadwick. Cora Michael earned all-conference honors and was a great role player who defended well. Maddie Nalley was an all-conference and all-district performer who hit big shots for the Lady Cardinals.
Chadwick will participate in a jamboree at Houston on Nov. 14 before opening the regular season with five-straight games on the road, beginning with Richland on Nov. 21.
“I feel we had a great summer (and were) very competitive with larger-class schools,” Guerin said. “Can our young players adapt and improve as the season progresses? We will rely heavily on our guard play and defense once again.”
