By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Clever girls basketball enjoyed another successful campaign in 2023-24.
The Blue Jays posted an 18-10 record, falling to Fair Grove in the district championship.
Heading into his fourth season, head coach Clark Satterlee will look to field replacements for a talented graduating class, including all-state honoree Ireland Jones.
“We were pretty much right on our expectations for last season,” Satterlee said. “We thought we would have a good shot to win a district championship – which we did – but we knew it would be tough to knock out the reigning state champs (Fair Grove) in the next round. They beat us and went on to win another state title, but I was happy with the season we had and how we competed each night. Ella and Kenzie (our two returning varsity players) got a lot of great experience last year, and that should pay off big time as they assume leadership roles this year.”
Juniors Ella Newman and Kenzie Camp return to lead the Clever attack this season.
Newman, a 5-foot-6 point guard, averaged 3.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.4 steals last season.
“Ella was primarily a distributor last year,” Satterlee said. “This year she will have to take on more of a scoring role. She is also a tough defender, skilled at taking charges.”
Camp, a 5-foot-7 wing, posted 8.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.8 steals per contest as a sophomore.
“Kenzie was basically our sixth starter last year, as we played primarily a six-man rotation,” Satterlee said. “She was our utility player, guarding every position defensively and bringing some scoring power off the bench. I expect her to have a big offensive year this season.”
A quartet of returning role players will look to step into prominent roles this season in 5-foot-11 junior Valerie Cowles, 5-foot-4 sophomore Izi Hunter, 5-foot-7 sophomore Katelyn Butts and 5-foot-9 junior Savannah Cheney.
Satterlee on Cowles – “Valerie is a great athlete (excels at track & field) who will help us tremendously on the defensive side. She has also worked to improve her offensive touch around the basket.”
Satterlee on Hunter – “Izi should be a solid guard for us, knocking down shots and helping handle the ball. She is also a good help defender and plays with a high basketball IQ.”
Satterlee on Butts – “KB is a workhorse who excels on cleaning up the glass. She has also spent time improving her jumper and should be a solid threat from 15 ft. this year.”
Satterlee on Cheney – “Savannah is the ultimate team player, willing to do whatever is asked of her. She should help us out with defense and rebounding this season.”
In addition to senior transfer Brooke Wheeler, Satterlee expects a quartet of freshmen to step in and compete for varsity minutes this season in Bella Argo, Kinley Burk, Lex Flood and Elle Camron.
“We will be replacing a lot from last year, but I am confident in the returners and new girls we have coming in,” Satterlee said. “Ella and Kenzie were solid contributors for us last year and should take on greater responsibilities and leadership roles. Brooke’s senior leadership should also be key for our young team.
“We will continue to play up-tempo, getting the ball up the court quickly. Aggressive defense will also once again be a part of our game plan. This should be one of the tallest teams we have had in a while, so offensive and defensive rebounding should also be a strength. We expect to compete well in our conference and be in the mix come district time.”
Following a Nov. 19 jamboree at McAuley Catholic with New Heights, Carthage and the host school, Clever will open its season Nov. 25 at Marshfield.
