By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
There were some growing pains during the 2022-2023 campaign – both for the Miller players and coach – but the Lady Cardinals didn’t appear to miss a beat.
In Ryan White’s first season as head coach, the Lady Cardinals finished 25-5 overall, 7-0 to win the Southwest Conference (for the fifth straight year) and advanced to the Class 2 quarterfinals before falling to Bishop LeBlond.
“Last season was a special one,” said White, who was named Class 2 District 13 Coach of the Year. “We advanced past where we did in the previous year, with hopes to make a final four. The experience gained for our young team will be something we can call upon this season. Making deep runs in the playoffs is difficult, and with a young team last year, we showed our age down the stretch.
“With it being my first year as the head coach, I, too, had some growing pains through the season. In that final game, I made many mistakes that I hope to learn from as well. I hope the experience I gained can help this young team going forward.”
And while the Lady Cardinals may be young, they return nine players (three starters) with varsity experience, including three juniors and six sophomores.
Loghann Leivan, sophomore forward – Averaged 13 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals per game; earned Class 2 All-State, Class 2 District 13 Player of the Year and first-team all-conference honors. “Loghann is coming off a freshman all-state season,” White said. “This puts her in a position to be the center of attention from opposing teams. I am very excited to see how Loghann responds to teams trying to take her away. With her work ethic and self-confidence, I have no doubt she will continue to play at an All-State level.”
Rachel Nunez, sophomore forward – Averaged 8 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 spg; named all-district and second-team all-conference. “Last season, I gave Rachel the nickname ‘Rodman’ for her ability to play hard and use her natural abilities defensively. This offseason, Rachel has proven she can go get 15 anytime she wants. I am excited to be able to witness her growth offensively. Rachel must increase her offensive role in order for our team to achieve its potential.”
Ashlynn Helton, sophomore guard – 8 ppg, 4 rpg, 4 apg, 2 spg; all-district, second-team all-conference. “This offseason, Ashlynn has shown much growth in her overall game. Ashlynn will continue to be the program’s main ballhandler but must increase her scoring ability. In order for our team to get over the hump, we need her to score 15 a night.”
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Other sophomores expected to expand their roles include guards Camden Stockton and Lainee Weiss, and post Mavrie Pritchett.
Kendall Neely, junior post – “Kendall is stepping up her role this year and becoming a starter for the first time. Kendall is a mismatch for most players that we face. I have full confidence in her ability to give us 10 points a night. Her size and strength will be a great new addition to the offense and defense.”
Alexis Bailey, junior guard – “Alexis played some spot minutes last season. This year, her role is going to increase to a starter. Alexis has the potential to be a dominant defender in Class 2/3. With her quickness, she will be asked to guard the other teams’ best guard.”
Kaylee Thom, junior guard – “Kaylee has worked really hard this summer trying to prove she can play varsity basketball. Kaylee will be asked to increase her defensive mindset and also learn to knock down the open 3-pointer. I am excited to see how far she takes her new role.”
Miller has more talent coming up in freshmen Chloe Hendricks and Tori Hollister, who could make their impact felt this season.
Chloe Hendricks, forward – “Chloe is coming into the program expected to help our team out defensively,” White said. “We pride ourselves in being strong and Chloe is no exception. Her strength gives her a chance to help us win.”
Tori Hollister, guard – “Tori showed this summer that she has some really good ball skills. She can put the ball on the floor and make things happen. When she develops the IQ, she will be able to be a really good point guard. This season she will be asked to learn how to shoot the basketball.”
“With this being my second offseason as the head coach, we were able to expand upon the foundation set last season,” White said. “Our program does a really good job of showing up during the summer. We had near perfect attendance every day and I believe we got better at the little things. Being as young as we are, we have to keep working the fundamentals in order to create an all-around player.”
Keys to that foundation included Alyssa Hill, Haylie Schnake and Hailey Mart, all of whom were members of the Class of 2023.
Alyssa Hill – Four-year starter; all-district and second-team all-conference. “With Alyssa graduating, our basketball team is losing one of its leaders. Hill led us by example and was someone I could lean on every day. Her leadership and defensive mentality will be missed.”
Haylie Schnake – Honorable mention all-conference. “Schnake has been one of the most decorated athletes that Miller has seen. She has been able to help out multiple sports with her athleticism. Her consistent defense and 3-point shooting will be missed this season.”
Hailey Mart – “Mart was one of those players that always had a chance to score. She didn’t lead us in points overall, but there were nights that she would just be on a roll scoring the basketball. Our program will miss her ability to always be a threat even when other teams did prepare for it.”
White said his team wants to continue the tradition of success that has been set before it.
“Our girls do a great job of not focusing on the end of the season, but focusing on each day,” White said. “This season, we will continue to focus on the defensive end of the court while getting better at shooting the basketball. I believe our young talent will take a huge step forward on the offensive end this season.”
The Lady Cardinals will participate in a jamboree at Republic before opening the regular season on the road at Hollister.
And while they may be young, these Lady Cardinals are experienced.
“Our team’s biggest strength is our competitive drive,” White said. “One of the reasons I was drawn to this program is the willingness these girls have to get after it. It does not take any effort on my end to get these girls to compete in the weight room or on the court.
“With multiple teams knocking on the door in the conference and district, we treat everyone as a threat to our tradition. We believe this can be a special year for our program, but we know it will not be easy or handed to us. Everything we get we must earn.”
