By Derek Shore (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Hollister girls basketball team will have a new face at the helm in 2024.
Ben West will lead the Tigers. He comes to Hollister with 30 years of coaching experience, including 15 in the game of basketball.
“Assistant coach (Luke) Carter is a great defensive-minded coach, and we are already working hand in hand extremely well together,” West said. “We are determined to give these young ladies our best so that they might produce their best for our school and community.”
West inherits a team that posted a 6-21 record during the 2023 campaign. The Tigers look to improve upon that mark this season and make marked strides as a team.
“Our vision is one team, one mind, one goal, one heart, being the very best we can be,” West said. “We hope when our fans come to games they see a new team, a determined team, a noticeable difference and a competitive spirit.”
Hollister graduated four players in All-Conference forward Brisa Gere, guard Gracie Jennings, guard McKenzie Hamilton and post Renee Sutton. Gere is now playing collegiately at NAIA Baptist Bible College.
The Tigers have a large returning contingent. It starts with seniors Kingsley Tiefry-Morlang (guard) and Chaylen Russell (guard and forward).
“Kingsley is one of our senior leaders who is quick and smart defensively,” West said. “She will be one of our best outside shooters. She is unselfish and distributes the ball well. Chaylen is another one of our senior leaders. She is a strong mid-range shooter but also has the ability to take it inside. She has great hustle defensively as well and is tough and physical.”
Hollister has a slew of juniors returning in Jordin Escalante (guard and forward), Hannah Ponder (forward), Grace Getman (post), Skye Banks (point guard) and Miranda Woolstrum (guard).
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“Jordin is strong defensively and is excellent with mid-range shooting,” West said. “She keeps getting better with her ball handling ability. Her leadership and effort will be important to our success. Hannah is defensive-minded and affects shots inside. She is scrappy and hustles after every loose ball.
“Rebounding and defending is Grace’s game. She is tough and physical while continuing to work hard on her inside game and mid-range shot. Skye is defensive-minded, hard working and plays with great hustle. Miranda also works hard defensively for us.”
Freshman Alyssa Danielson is the Tigers’ lone top newcomer. She looks to compete for playing time and contribute right away on varsity.
Hollister averaged 34.2 points per game last season and allowed 50.4. West said his group is excited about the upcoming season.
“We expect to be very competitive and defensively minded,” the new coach said. “Our priority is to be the hardest working team on the floor and the most improved. The girls have been working very hard in the offseason and look forward to the upcoming season.”
The Tigers jamboree with Reeds Spring and Branson at Reeds Spring on Nov. 14. Hollister hosts Miller three days later to open the season.
