By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Ava spent last year rebuilding after graduating most of the team that earned the Lady Bears’ third straight district title. Head coach Jaycee Swofford enters her second year at the helm and looks to improve on the team’s seven-win season.
One notable difference to the staff is the addition of a former Ava coach. “This year I’m excited to say that I will have Nathan Houk as my assistant coach,” said Swofford. “I tell everyone that he’s not just my assistant coach because he has so much experience of this game and the Ava Lady Bears program. He won’t just be making these girls better players, but he will make me a better head coach as well. Nathan was my coach in high school as well, and I’m so lucky to have him by my side again.”
Houk spent a year coaching at Forsyth following three years of 20 or more wins and a three-peat on district titles at Ava.
The Lady Bears return three starters and two sophomores who earned substantial playing time.
“This season’s goals will be just like last season,” said Coach Swofford. “We are young by age and young with varsity experience.”
Senior Alexis Emrick averaged 8 points, two rebounds, and four steals last season and earned an SCA honorable mention. “She will be a big shooter for us,” said Swofford. “She can attack the basket but also shoot outside.”
Taylor Dry was Ava’s highest scorer last year. “She will continue to attack the basket and will be a big part of taking care of the ball for us this year,” said Swofford. The sophomore averaged 10 points, three rebounds, and 2 steals in her freshman campaign.
Sophomore Jessie Shrable will serve as the team’s point guard. “She has great ball control and is great at seeing the open spots to attack the basket,” said Swofford. As a freshman, she averaged 5 points, two rebounds, and two steals.
Also returning is senior Natalie Jenkins, who added 2 points and 2 rebounds per game. Juniors Ebanne Nelson and Rilee Croston each added 5 points per game.
“We will focus on one game at a time and really focus on getting a better basketball mindset,” said Swofford.
The Lady Bears will jamboree at Spokane on November 19 with Buffalo and Spokane. They host Fordland for their season opener on November 25.
