By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Cody Woody enters his third year leading the Salem Lady Tigers; while young, they will be looking to improve on last season’s six-win record.
Woody is no stranger to success, as he led the Newburg boys to a district title on his first and only year at the school.
As for the Lady Tigers, he said the team’s goal is to continue getting better in practice and to improve on the fundamentals. “We are obviously a young team, but I’m looking forward to seeing where we can be at the end of the year with this nucleus,” he said.
Salem lost three to graduation but return six with experience.
Addison Fulton is a 6’0” junior who added 8.7 points and 5 rebounds per game in her sophomore season. She’s a third-year varsity player and is coming off first team all-district honors in volleyball. “She’s an emotional leader and physical leader on the inside,” said Coach Woody.
Raven Gillam started many games in her freshman debut, and the sophomore has already made big strides during the offseason, per her coach. “She will be a vocal leader on the floor, a ball handler, and one of the biggest defensive stoppers,” said Coach Woody.
Abbi Terrill, sophomore, started as a point guard last year and suffered an injury; she could play a different role this season as a post player. “She is a strong girl and can help us,” said Woody. “She gets better each day coming back from her injury.”
Trista Dooley is “tall and lanky and played both ways on varsity last year,” said Coach Woody. The sophomore will have an increased role this year. “We are looking for her to be more aggressive as a wing player and to knock down shots,” said Woody.
Sophomore Allie Walters is a post player who proved in her freshman campaign that she rebounds well and is skilled at put backs. She is expected to become more comfortable in her role now that she’s an established varsity player.
Rebekah Pipp, junior, is the final returner. This is her second year playing the sport and she has made big strides, per her coach. “She is a point guard and tenacious defensively,” said Coach Woody.
Gracie Mendenhall is a freshman, and at 5’10”, she brings some height and will be counted on for rebounding and protecting the rim. “She provides a lot of energy and athletic ability, hopefully a spark on the defensive end, and can get stuff done inside as well,” said Woody.
“A lot of what we do will be learning on the fly,” said Coach Woody. “We are looking to improve every day we go out.”
Woody said his team’s strength is the bond they share.
“This is a close-knit group,” he said. “They won’t give up, they play until the buzzer, and they give everything they have. Even if things aren’t going our way, we will still battle.”
Salem will participate in “Blue & White Night,” their Gatorade scrimmage, on November 12. They will host their home opener November 26 vs. Licking.
