By Chris Parker
Pierce City girls basketball climbed above .500 for the first time since 2017-18 last season finishing with a 15-14 record. The Lady Eagles reached the district title game and bring back a wealth of experience from that team looking to go even deeper in the postseason.
“The biggest strength for our team this year is the desire to achieve our goals,” Pierce City head coach Ragan Blinzler said. “Our returners understand what is at stake this year after reaching the district championship game last year and falling short. Each of them has worked to push themselves to be their absolute best versions-whether it comes to their leadership abilities, mental toughness, or basketball skills.”
Rylie O’Hara (senior guard), Lexie Eaton (senior guard), Ayla Renkoski (junior forward), Macie Crowther (junior forward), Lilianna Lasker (sophomore guard), Faron Linn (sophomore guard), Addison Avondet (sophomore guard), and Emma Hunt (sophomore guard) are the returning players.
Blinzler on O’Hara: “Rylie is a strong threat from the outside who has worked hard this past summer to become more versatile in her game.”
Blinzler on Eaton: “ Lexie pushes herself to be the hardest worker on the court by taking away uncontested fast breaks and bettering her skills.:
Blinzler on Renkoski: “Ayla can be a dominant player when the opportunity arises. Whether it is in the paint or from the outside, she is tough.”
Blinzler on Crowther: “Macie has shown the most growth as a player this year. She is gifted with a skillset that I believe she has molded into an incredible force.”
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Blinzler on Lasker: “Lili’s athleticism goes a long way for her, but she also shows dedication to giving her all.”
Blinzler on Linn: “Faron matured in her game tremendously this summer. This combined with her scrappiness will make for an exciting year.”
Blinzler on Avondet: “Addison is a multi-sport athlete that has developed more confidence in her skills as a basketball player. She will be more successful this year because of it.”
Blinzler on Hunt: “Emma sets the tone with her positive attitude and her drive to improve will only aid to the culture of our team.”
Sophomore guard Paige Fenske is a newcomer to watch for the Lady Eagles.
Pierce City opens its season on Nov. 20 at home against Cassville.
“As always, I hope for our Lady Eagles to be known for our heart, hustle, and scrappiness on the court,” Blinzler said. “Additionally, I would love to see our girls to be known for their ability to finish. We must finish practices, games, and the season as strongly as the way we started them.”
