By Derek Shore (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Second-year head coach Derek Judd and his coaching staff coined a phrase they hope resonates for their Lamar Tigers during the 2024 campaign.
“Run from being good and chase being great,” Judd said.
Lamar strives for greatness after taking a step forward in 2023, posting a 14-13 record and finishing as a district runner-up. It proved to be the Tigers most successful season since 2018.
Now in his second season at the helm, Judd said his team has worked relentlessly this offseason to improve. That comes after Lamar saw its season come to an end in a 54-53 heartbreaking loss to Diamond in the district finals last year.
“The girls put in a ton of work over the summer in an effort to not let this upcoming season end the same way,” Judd said. “We played a ton of games at Webb City, Bolivar and Missouri Southern while also going through a new summer weights program that pushed the girls both physically and mentally.”
Lamar will lean on two All-Big 8 West Conference performers to lead the way. Zavrie Wiss, a 5-foot-4 senior, returns after averaging 11 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals per game en route to earning all-conference recognition.
“Zavrie’s motor never stops,” Judd said. “From the opening tip to the final buzzer, her face is always red from working so hard. She’s small but plays big and with no fear. She made a huge leap last season and we expect the same kind of leap again. Her outside shooting continues to improve, which pairs nicely with her ability to get to the rim and draw fouls.”
Jaycee Doss contributed four points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. The 5-5 junior earned a spot on the conference’s all-defensive team last season.
“Jaycee is the ultimate glue player,” Judd said. “Whatever the team needs, she’s willing to do. Her defensive IQ, quick feet and floor vision are second only to her work ethic and leadership skills. Jaycee is willing to sacrifice personal stats for team success. A smooth passer, Jaycee also has a knack for getting to the rim.”
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Junior Kynlee McColluch (5-6) and sophomore Baylee Heckadon (5-5) return after averaging four points apiece. McColluch grabbed four rebounds, while Heckadon added two boards as well.
“Kynlee is the type of kid every coach wants on their team,” Judd said. “She is willing to do the jobs that go unnoticed by most crowds. Boxing out, banging with bigger girls and being a consistent finisher around the rim aren’t easy jobs but Kynlee is a pro at them. If you were to ask her, she’d tell you she enjoys mixing it up with girls twice her height.
“Baylee came on late in the season and stepped up big for the team when injuries started to rack up. She has a high basketball IQ, excellent work ethic and a drive to help the team. Her long arms make it hard for defenders to contest shots. She is fast with the ball in her hands, making her a threat to go rim to rim.”
Olivia Force, a 5-5 senior, rounds out the Tigers returnees. Judd said Force is one of the fastest athletes you will ever see.
“Combining her speed with how hard she works to improve, Liv can be a tough kid to guard,” Judd said. “We are really looking forward to seeing what Liv will bring to the team this season.”
Sophomores Rowan Parks, Breanna Morey, Lydia Nolting and Maylee Rawlings make up Lamar’s top newcomers. Judd said Parks is an excellent shooter and has solid court vision, making her a good playmaker.
Judd mentioned Morey is fast with the ball and with her quick feet and hands she is a nightmare for opposing defenses. Nolting, willing to take on whatever role, is a capable defender and rebounder while Rawlings was described as a “beast in the paint” who added moves to her post game during the summer.
“With the adversity we faced towards the end of the year due to injuries, a number of younger girls had to step up, play big and meaningful minutes in the district tournament,” Judd said. “We will look to capitalize on that experience for the younger girls mixed with the returning veterans to have a very successful season of Lady Tiger basketball.”
Lamar will host a jamboree with McDonald County, El Dorado Springs and Butler on Nov. 13. The Tigers open the season in the Morrisville Tournament on Nov. 27.
