By Chris Parker
Jasper girls basketball finished 18-9 overall last season.
They will look for even more this year with one of the best athletes in southwest Missouri returning to lead the team in Crystal Smith.
Smith, a multi-time state champion on the track and all-state volleyball player, averaged 16.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 5.5 steals per game last season.
“Crystal is a tremendous athlete that loves to steal the ball and disrupt a team’s offense,” Jasper head coach Kent Anderegg said. “She has worked hard to improve the range on her shot and can be a threat from anywhere. I would like to see Crystal to more consistently look to take over games.”
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Juniors Emerson Bass and Bailey Adams also return as starters. Bass is the primary point guard for the Lady Eagles who averaged 11.1 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 1.7 steals per game last season. Adams is a guard but can also play inside.
Sammy Jo Pingsterhaus (senior guard), Chloe Storm (sophomore forward), Lili Lira-Munoz (senior center) and Katerin Molina (junior forward) also return for Jasper.
“Sammy Jo does a great job as a leader keeping us unified and Chloe is a great athlete with a strong work ethic. Lili is a strong defensive post player. Katerin Molina has greatly improved her shooting ability,” Anderegg said.
Addi Atnip (junior guard/forward), Angel Buhlinger (senior) and Alivea Roberts (sophomore) are all returning to basketball and have varsity potential.
Freshmen Hope Sheldon, Brooke Vogel and Lexie Goodwin all have the potential to help this season but will need some development time.
“Our biggest strength should be depth, defense and versatility,” Anderegg said.
Jasper opens the season Nov. 18-22 at the Verona Tip-Off Classic.
“To be successful this season, we will need to improve our ability to win close games,” Anderegg said. “If we gel as a team, and find a way to win the close games, I think the sky’s the limit. I think these girls are expecting to compete to win every night leading up to districts.”
