By Chris Parker
Richland girls basketball returns key players from last season’s 19-win team.
“We have several girls with varsity experience,” Richland head coach Brandon Robinson said. “We will have some senior leadership. These girls had some success last year and I think they want to continue that into this year. We are athletic and have good size. Hopefully our experience and athleticism can translate into success. We also have the ability to play several girls every night.”
That returning group includes Lexi Burns (senior forward/center), Mallory Moss (sophomore guard), Kamryn Kardosz (junior guard/forward), Monica Smith (senior guard) and Andi Wans (senior guard).
Burns was all-conference and all-district averaging 13 points and 7 rebounds per game as a junior.
“(She is) a versatile player who can play inside and outside,” Robinson said. “She can play around the rim and also make the three. I expect Lexi to be a team leader this year.”
Moss poured in 18 points per game with 3 steals and 4 rebounds as a freshman on her way to all-conference and district player of the year honors.
“Mallory is a true point guard,” Robinson said. “She is extremely fast and athletic. She is an elite scorer and defender. Very high motor kid who brings a lot to the table. Worked a lot on her game this summer.”
Kardosz is a third returning all-conference player for the Lady Bears. She averaged 8 points and 7 rebounds per game.
“Kamryn has the ability to create shots for herself and is able to make the three,” Robinson said. “A good rebounder and defender around the basket. She passes well and can run the floor. Strong kid who is not afraid to play physical.”
Smith tallied 5 points and 3 rebounds per game.
“Monica is a great kid who plays hard,” Robinson said. “She rebounds and defends well. She can knock down the three as well. Made some big shots for us last year. She is a tough and strong kid.”
Wans rounds out the returning players coming of a season where she averaged 3 points and 2 rebounds per game.
“Athletic kid who can guard full court,” Robinson said of Wans. “Improved a lot last year. Has the ability to make the three. Plays hard all the time and can be a spark plug on the floor.”
Senior Isabelle Bowling along with sophomores Brooklyn Moore and Ali Cambier will be newcomers to watch.
Robinson on Bowling: “Belle had a great summer. She is a good defender. Athletic kid who can guard and create chaos on the defensive end. Can be our best defender.”
Robinson on Moore: “Long athletic kid. She works really hard. Can be a threat offensively with her size. Able to make threes and has a good floater around the basket. Very coachable kid.”
Robinson on Cambier: “Ali is a hard worker. She is athletic and guards well. Can also score. Had a good summer. I’ve seen a lot of improvements from her in the past year.”
Richland opens the regular season Nov. 22-23 at the Bluefish Shootout in Rolla.
“We have a lot of expectations going into this year,” Robinson said. “We had a good season in my first year with them. We have everybody back from a 19-win season. I just hope we can build on the success from last year. We will have plenty of depth and leadership on this team. Unlike last year, we will have some senior leadership which will hopefully help with the grind of the season. I just hope we can put a quality product on the floor every night. We want to make our school and community proud. Our goal is to get better every day and hopefully some success comes with that.”
