By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Goals set. Goals achieved. But there’s still more to accomplish for the Logan-Rogersville Lady Wildcats.
The Lady Wildcats finished a program-best 23-6, won their third-straight district title and capped the 2024 season with a fourth-place finish in the Class 2 State Tournament, their best result in program history.
“We had a good mix of experienced upperclassmen with an athletic group of underclassmen,” said coach Brett Wubbena, who eclipsed the 400-win career mark last season, including a 207-142-7 girls’ program record. “The whole season we were trying to figure out who we were, and it all seemed to come together around the Branson Tournament when we beat Pleasant Hill, who had beaten us (4-2) the year before in the (Class 2) quarterfinals.
“We had won districts before but needed the confidence to get to the final four. Being able to get to the final four and give that experience to the younger classes will be huge and, hopefully, we can take another step forward.”
Logan-Rogersville, which went 5-1 in the Big 8 Conference, returns the experience of nine players from last season’s final four team, including all-staters Maddie Lou Shuberte and Madelyn MacPherson, and other multi-sport athletes with postseason experience.
Maddie Lou Shuburte, sophomore forward – Scored 71 goals (could reach 100 career goals this season); named Class 2 All-State first team, Class 2 All-Region 3/Offensive Player of the Year, Class 2 District 5 first team/Player of the Year, and All-Big 8 Conference first team. “A true talent,” Wubbena said. “She had an incredible year last year and is excited about this year.”
Madelyn MacPherson, senior defender – Was a Class 2 All-State first team/Co-Defensive Player of the Year, Class 2 All-Region 3/Defensive Player of the Year, Class 2 District 5 first team/Defensive Player of the Year, and All-Big 8 Conference first-team selection. “Last year she was moved around a bit trying to find where she would help the most. She is a great hold-up player and one that we can build an attack through. (We’re) excited to see her lead this team.”
Allie Richter, junior defender – Earned Class 2 All-Region 3, Class 2 District 5 first-team and All-Big 8 Conference first-team honors. “Allie keeps getting better and better. She will get a chance to lead our back four this year.”
Sydney Wubbena, junior midfielder – “Sydney has the ability to lead and control a game. At the end of last season, she was playing her best soccer, so I hope she can build on that this season.”
Rainee Noel, senior midfielder – “She adds so much to our team and how she can serve in a ball. I am looking forward to her developing into a leader this season and playing with confidence.”
Taylor Wray, junior defender – “She reads the field well and is a strong defensive player. This past year, she has played in state games in soccer and volleyball and hopefully, basketball. That exposure is bound to pay off.”
Macey Holland, junior wing – “Macey has a strong strike and has moves to beat most. This is going to be a good year for her.”
Abbi Perkins, junior defender – “(Abbi is a) solid defender with the ability to play in the midfield. She has good awareness and control.”
Sidney Holland, sophomore midfielder/wing – Earned Class 2 District 5 second-team honors. “Like Taylor, she also has played in state games in soccer, volleyball, and hopefully, basketball. She is a confident young lady that always wants to be given the chance to win a game.”
Wubbena encourages his players to compete in multiple sports and says it makes them “all-around better” athletes.
“So far, I have really enjoyed this group of girls,” said Wubbena, who was named Class 2 State Coach of the Year-Public, Class 2 Region 3 Coach of the Year-Public and Big 8 Conference Coach of the Year. “I have not seen several of them play soccer because they are swimming or playing basketball, but they are finding a lot of success in those sports and will be better off because of that competition. I am a huge believer in playing multiple sports. I think it makes you an all-around better athlete.”
The Lady Wildcats will miss the five all-district players who graduated last spring.
Aisley James, defender – Named Class 2 All-State honorable mention, Class 2 All-Region 3, Class 2 District 5 first team, and All-Big 8 Conference second team. “Aisley is currently running on the cross country team at Pittsburg (Kan.) State University. She was a four-year varsity player, so she will be missed.”
Alex Wubbena, midfielder – Earned Class 2 District 5 second-team and All-Big 8 Conference second-team honors. “Alex was also a four-year varsity player and will be missed as a leader on and off the field.”
Lydia Coryell, midfielder – A Class 2 District 5 second-team selection. “(Lydia’s) intensity will be missed this year.”
Chayla Perry, midfielder – Named to Class 2 District 5 first team and All-Big 8 Conference second team. “(Chayla’s) strength and competitiveness will be missed this season…getting knocked down in practice we will not miss.”
Sam Kendall, goalkeeper – Received Class 2 District 5 second-team and All-Big 8 Conference honorable mention honors. “We will miss (Sam) in the goal and her great team attitude.”
Logan-Rogersville, which will compete in the new Ozark Mountain Conference this season, will participate in a jamboree at Catholic with Ozark and Laquey on March 14 and will see Ozark again on the road for the season opener on March 26.
“I think that we will be competitive,” Wubbena said. “We have a deep bench and solid players at every position.”
