By Chris Parker
The McDonald County girls basketball program is expecting big things this season with four all-conference players returning from last season’s 20-win team.
“We have a strong group coming back that is very hungry to proceed farther than last year,” McDonald County head coach Sean Crane said. “(We) have some very talented players that were a huge part of last year’s team coming back with more experience. We need to work hard every day and don’t settle or expect to just have another successful season just because we did last year.”
Point guard Carlie Martin returns after earning first-team all-conference honors as a sophomore.
“Carlie’s basketball IQ is very high. She also has very good court vision,” Crane said. “I expect Carlie to have a huge junior season for us. As she is a leader for us. I expect Carlie to progress even more as a player this year as she has every year so far.”
Forward Dakota O’Brien also earned first-team all-conference honors last season as a freshman.
“Dakota is a very good athlete and has a very high motor. The young lady plays very hard and is never outworked. Dakota is also a great teammate and very unselfish, willing to play or do whatever role we asked her to last year. (She is a) very flexible player that can play multiple positions,” Crane said. “She is much more experienced now and seems much more confident in what we need her to do. She has also improved her ability to defend as she now can guard any position on the floor.”
Junior Jamie Washam returns after earning second-team all-conference honors last season.
“(She is a) physical, tough player that can play all five positions,” Crane said. “Jamie will be a defensive leader for us. Jamie also will be a team leader as well. Jamie was huge for us last year leading us in rebounds and was key part for us defensively each night.”
The fourth returning all-conference player is senior Roslynn Huston who was named honorable mention all-conference.
“I’m expecting a huge year for Roslynn, as it will be her third year of varsity playing time,” Crane said. “Roslynn has been a key piece for us the last three years. I’m expecting this to be her best season yet, as she has put in a lot of work to improve. She is a very hard worker and smart young lady.”
Anissa Ramirez (senior guard), Tatym Trudeau (junior guard), Jada Howard (sophomore forward) and Kearston Hopkins (sophomore guard) will be newcomers to watch.
This group will have defense as its calling card.
“We will have to continue to top defensive team,” Crane said. “Our defense has been a key to our program for years now. When we defend well, we have success. When we don’t, we have down nights or seasons. It will continue to be the same for us this year.”
McDonald County opens the season on Nov. 26 at home against Gravette (Ark.).
“I want us to be a contender for a conference and district titles,” Crane said. “While continuing to build on last year’s success making that an expectation for our program.”
