By Tyler F. Thompson (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Nevada girls basketball head coach Blake Howarth (68-39 coaching record) enters his 10th season with the program and his fifth as at the helm.
This year, the Tigers return three starters and two seniors to the floor.
A benefit for Howarth, who guided his Lady Tigers to an 18-10 record one year ago, 5-1 in Big 8 play.
“I think the identity is our work ethic and competitive nature that we have established. Even when I was an assistant, the big things — the stuff the younger players have picked up over the years — is how to compete at a high level,” Howarth said. “The losses that we had last year, other than the Carl Junction tournament, we really didn’t get blown out. They were all close games. The tenacious defense, that is what we hang our hat on.”
Gone is Clara Swearingen, who averaged 22.1 points last season and authored 1,743 career points. Swearingen was all-state, all-district and all-conference last year.
Also gone are Katie Johnson, all-district and all-conference; and Lakyn Applegate, all-conference.
The team averaged 51 points per game.
Back in the fold, though, are 5’7” sophomore Lucy Swearingen (7.3 ppg); Caylee Holcomb (3 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1 apg and 1 spg).
“Lucy was able to carry a big load for us last year,” Howarth said. “Her ability to score and defend will be needed. Caylee is who we lean upon on the defensive end. Offensively, she has been improving.”
Swearingen compiled more than 200 points last year.
Holcomb will serve as a team captain, Howarth said.
Swearingen was all-conference honorable mention one year ago.
Also returning is senior Halle Richmond, who saw action in 20 games last year en route to being a starter this year.
“She will help us out on both ends,” Howarth said of Richmond.
Alaina Hardin, a 5’7” junior, also returns for her junior season.
“Alaina has a ton of potential as an athlete. We are looking for her to use that potential this season,” Howarth said.
And 5’7” Addison McInroy returns for her junior campaign.
Said Howarth: “Addi is going to be our defensive specialist. We are going to need Addi to knock down the open shot when needed.”
Newcomers include sophomore Anna Swarnes; freshman Cora Braden and sophomore Halle Hawks.
Swarnes is a guard who transferred in from Arkansas.
“She played with us this summer, and she is only a sophomore, but she has a lot of potential,” Howarth said.
With the season weeks away, Howarth said Holcomb, Swearingen and Richmond are the starting core, with other positions still being decided.
“She definitely has earned that [starting spot],” Howarth said of Swearingen.
The jamboree is scheduled for Nov. 19 at Seneca.
The home opener is Dec. 16 against Clinton, and the season opener is Nov. 26 at Lebanon.
