By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Carthage girls basketball finished the 2023-24 campaign with an 11-17 record, falling to Lee’s Summit in the district tournament.
Heading into his sixth season, head coach Scott Moore has reason to be optimistic with all five starters returning in Lauren Choate, Lexa Youngblood, Maggie Boyd, Jaidyn Brunnert and Ashlyn Brust.
“All five seniors were starters last year and they are a very experienced group who is ready to compete for titles in tournaments and in the COC West.”
Choate, a 5-foot-8 all-conference and all-district selection, averaged 13.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.0 steals.
“Lauren is a great scorer who is entering her fourth year as a starter for us,” Moore said. “Her ability to score at all three levels makes her a force to be reckoned with in the COC.”
Youngblood, a 5-foot-10 all-district honoree, finished with 9.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals per contest last season.
“Lexa is an athletic post who is not afraid of the physicality in the paint,” Moore said. “Her open court game is definitely an advantage we will look to exploit more this season.”
Boyd, a 5-foot-8 all-conference selection, posted 6.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.7 steals per game as a junior.
“Maggie triggers our offense and our defense as a fourth-year starter,” Moore said. “She’s the point guard setting the tempo for us and the defensive stopper who sets the tone for our man-to-man defense with a bulldog mentality.”
Brunnert, a 5-foot-7 forward, averaged 6.6 points and 4.5 rebounds last season.
“Jaidyn is a smooth shooting post for us,” Moore said. “Her quick release and ability to knock down the corner three gives defenses fits when she’s on fire. She’s also an excellent rebounder for her size.”
Brust, a 5-foot guard, averaged 3.6 points and 2.0 rebounds as a junior.
“Ashlyn uses her elite speed to create transition baskets for our team,” Moore said. “She is also a relentless defender who gives taller players problems on the perimeter.”
Moore also expects a quartet of varsity newcomers to compete for playing time this season in Alexis Jenny, Kylinn Stonebraker, Adalee Gober and Ashleigh Rowden.
“We should be an exciting team to watch play with our up-tempo offense and aggressive man-to-man defense,” Moore said. “These girls like to get out and run and have fun playing the game at that pace.”
Carthage will open its season Nov. 26 at Carl Junction.
