By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
“There’s no place like home!”
The Marshfield Lady Jays welcome back Trish (Van Diggelen) Marsh, who takes over the reins of a program where she once starred, and one that finished third in Class 5 last season.
As a player, Marsh was a two-time all-stater and a standout on a Lady Jays team that went 32-0 and captured the first of four-straight Class 3 titles in 1988. She is both honored and excited for the opportunity.
“There is truly a great amount of pride that I have for being a part of this storied program as a player,” Marsh said. “I can’t put into words what it means to have been a Lady Jay basketball player. I am so excited to coach at my alma mater and give back to a program that has held such fond memories of my time here.”
The Lady Jays finished 27-5 overall, 6-0 in the Big 8 East Conference in 2023-2024, and captured the Class 5 District 6 title with a 53-37 win over Branson.
“I believe that we will have a learning curve early in the season with a new coach, a new system, as well as the loss of four key graduates,” Marsh said. “I am excited to see this young team grow in their experience during the season and see where we are come postseason. We have a good nucleus of returning players along with some newcomers that will challenge each other daily to be the best version of themselves.”
Among that nucleus of returnees are juniors Quinn Aldridge and Tilly Greenfield, and sophomore Peyton Ward.
Quinn Aldridge, junior guard – Averaged 7.1 points and 2.3 rebounds per game as a point guard; shot a team-high 73.7 free-throw percentage; earned All-Big 8 East Conference second-team honors; could reach 1,000 career points this season. “Quinn will continue to lead by example for this year’s team,” Marsh said. “I hope to move Quinn off the point guard position some to get her more scoring opportunities as she can knock down the perimeter shot with consistency. Quinn is a playmaker in clutch time.”
Peyton Ward, sophomore guard/forward – Was the second-leading scorer averaging 13.2 points
a game and the team’s leading rebounder (6.4 per game); named Class 5 All-District 6, All-Big 8 East Conference second team; nearing 1,000 career points; drawing interest from several NCAA D-I schools, as well as other levels and currently has an offer from D-I Lindenwood. “Peyton made the most of her minutes last year, making a big impact as a freshman. She had the most two-point attempts on last year’s squad and the highest two-point field goal percentage at 62.8 percent. Peyton’s versatility posed mismatches for many opponents.”
Tilly Greenfield, junior guard/forward – “Tilly is an exceptional athlete that can play multiple positions. She has a great nose for the ball and can rebound very well. Tilly stepped up in critical situations and knocked down free throws to win games.”
Marsh noted four newcomers who could make the case for earning varsity minutes this season in Kendyl Dolan, Laina Wipf, Allie Tackett and Izzy Cherne.
Kendyl Dolan, sophomore guard/forward – “Kendyl was a key component in the JV’s success
last year from the point guard position,” Marsh said. “Kendyl is an athletic playmaker that can score in a
variety of ways. Kendyl has the ability to play multiple roles to help us win ballgames.”
Laina Wipf, senior guard – “Laina will provide valuable leadership to our varsity squad this season.
Laina has been working hard in the offseason to improve her game.”
Allie Tackett, senior guard – “Allie showed growth over the summer and with hard work this season, she could compete for varsity minutes.”
Izzy Cherne, freshman guard – Drawing interest from several D-I schools, as well as other levels, and
currently holds an offer from Saint Louis University. “Izzy is a very skilled freshman who has a high basketball IQ that could make an impact at the varsity level.”
The Lady Jays have some big shoes to fill with the graduation of Lauren Luebbert, Abby McBridge, Hallie Menzies and Lillian Findley.
Lauren Luebbert (guard/forward) averaged 13.8 points per game, earned Class 5 All-State, Class 5 All-District 6, All-Big 8 East Conference first team, and Big 8 East Conference Co-Player of the Year honors.
Abby McBride (guard) averaged 11.8 points per game and was a Class 5 All-District 6, All-Big 8 East Conference first-team and Big 8 East All-Defensive Team selection.
Hallie Menzies (guard) was named to the Big 8 East Conference All-Defensive Team.
“I think the biggest component that will be missed by these key graduates is their valuable leadership skills and their willingness to do whatever it took to win,” Marsh said. “Anytime you graduate an all-state player (Luebbert), you are definitely going to miss all the statistical contributions that they brought each
night.
“McBride definitely was a skilled offensive player, but she brought the intensity on the defensive end. Menzies was a tough competitor that would do whatever she needed to do for the team to be successful. Findley was a zone-buster that could knock down the ‘3’ at critical times. It will be hard to replace these four because of their childhood dreams to hang a banner in the gym.”
The Lady Jays will host a jamboree on Nov. 19 before opening the regular season at home against Clever on Nov. 25.
“I like how this team competes,” Marsh said. “We had a good summer and we challenged our kids by playing some tough programs. We are asking some players to accept larger roles and new roles.
“We have some skilled offensive players that can put the ball in the hole. We will be solid defensively as a team, mainly relying on fundamental basketball and utilizing our athleticism to get up and down the floor at a fast pace.”
