By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
A new face will patrol the Webb City girls basketball sideline this season.
After finishing with an 11-16 record in 2023-24, the Cardinals welcomed new head coach Grandt Berendt to the program.
Most recently at Mt. Vernon, Berendt will look to quickly develop a young roster heading into the winter campaign.
“I know that we were a fairly young team this past season,” Berendt said. “We had 3-4 freshmen that played considerable varsity minutes. We are hoping that their experience on that level will carry over to this season.”
A pair of seniors return to lead Webb City this season in 5-foot-7 Kirra Long and 5-foot-8 Jenna Schulz.
Berendt on Long – “[Long] has played on the varsity team for a couple of years. Brings a lot of experience to our basketball team. We are looking for Kirra to take on a leadership role for us. She can be a playmaker on both ends of the floor for us.”
Berendt on Schulz – “[Shulz] brings a lot of energy and toughness to our team. Jenna is an undersized post player that does not mind mixing it up with bigger posts.”
Juniors Caitlin Sinclair (5-foot-6) and Bailey Packard (5-foot-5) also return for the Cardinals.
“[Sinclair] has the ability to get downhill to the basket and will be a presence on the defensive end,” Berendt said. “[Packard] has worked hard on her ability to handle the ball under pressure and knock down 3s.”
5-foot-5 junior Kylee Sargent will rejoin the active roster after missing her sophomore season due to an ACL injury.
5-foot-6 sophomore Abby Sargent returns to handle point guard duties for Webb City after receiving all-conference honors as a freshman.
“Abby was thrown into the fire of COC play,” Berendt said. “We are hoping with that experience she can be a calming presence for our team this season. Abby has the ability to score at all three levels. Abby is a sound defender who can guard multiple positions.”
Sargent will be joined by classmates Addie Burns (5-foot-11), Whitlee Keith (5-foot-5) and Adalyn Maxwell (6-foot).
Berendt on Burns – “Addie is a player who can play positions 1-5. Her skill set allows us to move her all over the floor. She can stretch the floor with her ability to shoot the ball and take smaller defenders inside and post them up. Addie is a tireless worker, she is always finding a way to work on her game. We are looking for big things this season from Addie.”
Berendt on Keith – “Whitlee brings lots of energy to our team with a high basketball IQ. She has the ability to score at all three levels and is a good defensive player. Whitlee has put a lot of time into further developing her skills during the offseason.”
Berendt on Maxwell – “Adalyn played a lot of varsity minutes last season. She is a presence under the basket on offense and defense. We are hoping that she can control the boards for our team this season and help protect the basket.”
“Anytime you start at a new school and take over a new team there is a learning curve,” Berendt said. “I’m trying to get to know and learn the school and players, and the players are trying to get to know and learn me. I believe that building relationships with the players is extremely important in this process. When players know you truly care about them and the program, I think great things can happen. Ultimately, we want to be a source of pride and enthusiasm for the members of the Webb City community.
“We envision a culture in which our student athletes commit to pursuing excellence and leaving a legacy in their community, schools and team. A culture in which players strive to reach their full potential by being champions on and off the court.”
Following a Nov. 19 home jamboree with Aurora, Carl Junction and Neosho, Webb City will open its season at home Nov. 25 against Lebanon.
