By Chris Parker
Macks Creek girls basketball has a new head coach in Kodey Weaver this season. He spent the past six seasons as an assistant coach for the Niangua boys.
“I had heard many positive things about this school district and its girls basketball program,” Weaver said. “Learning about how great the students are, and the program’s rich history made it clear that this was the place I wanted to try and be at.”
That rich history involves back-to-back district titles.
All the pieces are in place to make a run at the program’s first final four since 2008.
Four players who earned some form of postseason honors return. None have more accolades than senior India Willis.
Willis is a three-time all-state selection entering her senior season. She averaged 19.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4.5 steals and 3.8 assists per game last season. She is quickly approaching 2,000 points for her career with a shot to eclipse 1,000 rebounds, 250 assists and 500 steals.
“India is very versatile and excels in any position on the court,” Weaver said. “She can handle the guard role effectively but is also a powerful and skilled post player. She finishes strong near the basket and excels at drawing fouls to get to the free-throw line. India is a relentless rebounder, consistently dominating the boards, and she brings strong defensive skills with great anticipation.”
Second-leading scorer Addison Ratliff returns for her senior season after scoring 15.9 points per game along with 2.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists. She was named second-team all-conference last season.
“Addison is an exceptionally skilled guard who excels from beyond the arc,” Weaver said. “Her sharp shooting is complemented by her playmaking ability; she is an excellent passer and navigates the floor in transition very well. Addison is a great defender, and I anticipate a significant expansion of her defensive role this year.”
Brooklyn Duggan earned first-team all-conference honors as a junior on the strength of averaging 10.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 3.4 steals per game.
“Brooklyn is an exceptional guard with a knack for creating opportunities for her teammates,” Weaver said. “Her high basketball IQ and impressive passing skills make her a standout playmaker. She is a great scorer off the dribble, and is also a good shooter from beyond the arc.”
Emma Seaholm is the fourth senior who returns after earning all-conference honors. She averaged 7.8 points per game on the way to honorable mention honors.
“Emma is an outstanding player who runs the floor in transition well,” Weaver said. “She excels defensively, using her length to her advantage. Emma is also a strong rebounder, particularly on the offensive end of the floor.”
The four seniors will be the driving force of the team.
“I believe our greatest strength this year is the experience and leadership of our upperclassmen,” Weaver said. “They understand what it takes to succeed and have competed in big moments already.”
Eva Willis, Ava Willis, Brooklyn Downing and Madison Stoner are a trio of sophomores who saw varsity action last season.
Weaver on Ava Willis: “Ava excels at off-ball movement and has the ability to shoot from beyond the three-point line.”
Weaver on Eva Willis: “Eva excels as a rebounder and off-ball player. She has strong skills in transition and solid defensive play.”
Weaver on Downing: “Brooklyn is a powerful post player who adds significant physicality to our team. She excels at tough defense and finishing strong at the rim.”
Weaver on Stoner: “Madison is a guard that has good ball handling skills and can shoot from beyond the arc.”
Freshmen Taeler Osborn, Izabella Willey, Shay Lynn Yarbor and Adalynn Marshall will be newcomers who could impact varsity.
Macks Creek opens the regular season on Nov. 23 at the Bluefish Shootout in Rolla.
“I think to consider it a successful season, we need to achieve our goal of a 3rd consecutive district title,” Weaver said. “I’m incredibly excited for what lies ahead; it’s a privilege to coach such a talented group. This team has set ambitious goals, and I firmly believe we have a strong chance of achieving each one of them.”
