By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The 2024-2025 campaign will be a season of change for the Camdenton Lady Lakers. But one thing that won’t change is how the Lady Lakers compete.
This season, Camdenton makes the move to the Central Missouri Athletics Conference that includes Battle, Capital City, Columbia Hickman, Columbia Rock Bridge, Jefferson City Helias Catholic, Jefferson City and Sedalia Smith-Cotton, after spending several years in the Ozark Conference.
“I am anxious to see how we will do in the CMAC,” said coach Staci Caffey, who is approaching 200 wins with a 196-143 career mark. “Our philosophy is not going to change. We will still play a fast-paced pressure style of ball that will give us an opportunity to compete in every game. This group is very selfless, they play well together and get after it.”
The Lady Lakers improved to 10-16 overall and 6-4 in the Ozark Conference after finishing 7-19 and 2-7 and will be led by a veteran group of returnees.
Addison Knoeck, 6-foot junior – “(Addison) is one of those players that is the first on the court and last to leave,” Caffey said. “She works hard, plays big, gets in there and fights for the ball, has a strong finish around the basket and does whatever is asked of her. Knoeck brings strength and intensity to the team. My favorite part about Addison is she is only a junior.”
Alyssa Farris, 5-7 senior – “(Alyssa) is such a strong athlete that always gives it her all. She brings pressure to the court, both offensively and defensively. Farris does a great job setting the standards high for what is expected in our program. I have no doubt that Alyssa will play a strong part in the leadership role this season. This young lady plays with such grit and determination that is fun to watch.”
Kacie Prettyman, 5-4 senior – “(Kacie) is a hustler and does everything she is asked to do. I love her team-first mindset and the heart and determination she plays with every time she steps on the court. Prettyman has always been confident with her defensive game, but I saw a whole new level offensively this summer and I am excited to see what she does in her last year of playing.”
Mia McGuire, 5-8 senior – “(Mia) brings a lot to the court. She is fast, athletic, can shoot and is an overall strong competitor. This summer, she showed a new level of play that is going to be fun to coach and watch. McGuire is a type of teammate that makes others want to play.”
Kinzie Vavruska, sophomore – “A strong competitor, Kinzie has the ability to get to the rim and score. She can help bring the ball down or be your go-to shooter when needed. Vavruska was a strong offensive player for us last year, and we will be looking for her to step up big on both sides of the game during this upcoming season.”
Madison Sykora, junior – “(Madison) came in big for us this summer. She is a strong defender, a great rebounder, and a teammate you want to play with. Sykora is an unselfish player that finds a way to make it happen. Her positive attitude and never-giving-up mentality is fun to coach.”
Caffey said there are some holes on varsity, so she will be looking at the junior varsity and freshmen athletes to see who will compete for those spots.
Chloe Caffey, 5-8 freshman – “(Chloe) did a great job and stepped up when she was given an opportunity to see some varsity court time this summer,” Coach Caffey said. “I liked her competitive attitude and knowledge of the game. I think she could be a positive spotlight in the program, if she keeps putting in the hard work.”
Madi Franklyn, 5-7 – “(Madi) also got on the varsity court this summer and brought some defensive intensity to the court, along with extra ball handling. I love how Madi never turns down an opportunity to get on the court. I know there is definitely more she can give, so I am excited to see what she brings this season.”
“One thing I love about summer ball is seeing girls jump at opportunities to play no matter the level. Freshmen Ella Hulett and Nova Eblen, and sophomore Blair Schwantes did just that. These ladies sure can put pressure on the ball and raise the defense intensity quickly.”
One hole that will be tough to fill is the one left by senior Jacee Peterson, who currently is out with an ACL injury. Peterson led the Lady Lakers in several categories and was a Class 5 All-District 5 and all-conference selection last year.
“Jacee (is out) for now, but when she makes her comeback it will be big, even if it is at the next level,” Caffey said. “Jacee has some offers to play at the next level and will do a great job wherever she decides to play. She is athletic and is a great all-around player. Peterson can help bring the ball down, can play with her back to the basket, pop out for the 3 or get to the rim and finish.”
Lady Lakers lost to graduation include Ozark Conference All-Defensive Team honoree, Kileigh Vavruska, Zoe Lockhert and Makenna Brauer.
“We will miss Kileigh and the hustle she brought to the court,” Caffey said. “Vavruska did a great job handling the ball for us and getting us into our offense.
“Zoe’s athletic ability will be missed. She always played hard and made big plays happen when we needed them. She continued her soccer career at (William Woods University).
“Makenna was a player that was very consistent and always gave it her all in every game, Brauer is a competitor and hated to lose. She is competing in soccer at (MidAmerica Nazarene University).”
The Lady Lakers will participate in the Marshfield Jamboree on Nov. 19 before opening the regular season at the Elite 8 Tournament in Arkansas on Dec. 5-7.
“For the most part, I have been pleased with this team’s efforts and dedication,” Caffey said. “The ladies have shown up and are determined to be better. They have been working hard and doing what it takes to make sure they are ready to compete this season.
“I love this team. I love their attitudes. They are a personal group who care for each other, and truly want the best for one another; that shows on the court.”
