By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Monett Lady Cubs achieved their first winning season since 2017-2018 and coach Josh Kleine is excited about his team’s prospects for 2024-2025.
“We went 16-11 last season and bring back six or our top seven players,” said Kleine, who enters his fifth season with the Lady Cubs. “We are excited for the upcoming season and think we should compete in every game this year.
“Our schedule is tougher this year, but we expect to play well as a team and compete every night. A key for us this season is to cut down on our turnovers and make more free throws.”
Monett brings back six players to a team that finished 4-2 in the Big 8 West Conference last season, led by all-conference performers Meredith Merriman and Kilee Wilson.
Meredith Merriman, junior power forward – Averaged 13.5 points, 6.8 rebounds per game; earned Class 4 All-District 10 and All-Big 8 West Conference honors; could reach 1,000 career points this season. “She has been our leading scorer the last two years,” Kleine said. “She is very good scoring around the basket and knows how to get open. She has a very good mid-range game as well but is also very unselfish. She is one of the best post players in our conference, and we expect her to have a great junior year.”
Kilee Wilson, junior guard – Average 7.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 2.4 steals per game; named all-conference honorable mention and all-conference defensive team. “She can score from all three levels and is one of our best athletes. Not only can she score, she leads us in steals on defense. She also rebounds very well for a guard. She should have a great junior season.”
Halle Schoen, senior forward – Averaged 6.3 points, 6.2 rebounds. “She is the hardest worker on the team and does all the little things that help us win. She rebounds very well and has the ability to guard anyone on the opposing team. She has also become a dependable scorer for us.”
Fenli Wilson, sophomore shooting guard – 8 points, 2.9 rebounds. “She had a great freshman season. She can stretch the defense out with her 3-point ability. She should have more success this year as she has become a better ballhandler and more confident on the court.”
Abby Inman, senior guard – Averaged 5.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists. “She had a good season last year. She has good vision and knows when and where her teammates will be open. She also has the ability to knock down the outside shot.”
Kalli Hohensee, junior guard – Averaged 4.7 points, 1.7 rebounds. “She is a good defender and also attacks the basket well. She can guard the other team’s best defender when we need her to.”
The Lady Cubs will add some depth in newcomers Hannah Parris and Vayla Smith.
Hannah Parris, junior forward – “She saw some varsity time last year, but she should be a key contributor this year,” Kleine said. “She scores from the inside, as well as outside. She also has the ability to change shots around the basket on the defensive end with her length.”
Vayla Smith, senior – “She hasn’t played since her freshman year. She will make an immediate impact on the defensive end. She’s one of the fastest players on our team and can defend in the full-court. She can also attack the basket and score.”
Kleine said that filling Arryanna Seelyes’ defensive role will be a challenge.
“She was a 6-foot-1 senior that changed a lot of shots around the rim, and grabbed a lot of rebounds,” Kleine said.
Monett opens the regular season at home against Sarcoxie on Nov. 25 and will compete in the Crane Lady Pirate Tournament on Dec. 2-7.
“With the Big 8 going back to one division, our conference schedule will be tougher with Aurora and Mount Vernon coming in,” Kleine said.
“I like our depth this season. We should be able to play nine or 10 players, if needed. We also will have scoring threats from both the inside and outside, which will make it tougher for teams to guard us.”
