By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Strafford basketball factory returned to form in 2022.
After falling in the 2021 sectional round, the 25-6 Indians reached yet another Final Four last season – the program’s sixth in the past seven years – and posted a third-place finish in Class 3.
For Mid-Lakes Coach of the Year Dustin Larsen, the drive to capture an eighth-straight district title and another potential deep run through the postseason begins with finding replacements for a talented class of graduates including three-time all-state selection Emma Compton.
“(Compton) has been an unbelievable competitor and player that opposing teams are glad has graduated due to her defensive intensity, speed, and relentless effort,” Larsen said. “She will be greatly missed.”
Emma Mullings, Mattie Walker and Bailey Chrisman also move on from the program, with Mullings set to play at Evangel this season.
While it’s never easy replacing an all-state honoree, Strafford is fortunate to have another one still on the roster in Laney Humble, who will lead the Indians this season.
The 5-foot-5 senior and all-conference selection averaged 12.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.4 steals last season.
Humble has committed to play at Baptist Bible College following graduation.
“Laney will provide great experience at the guard position for us,” Larsen said. “She is very skilled and has the ability to score in a variety of ways. She is strong and has great touch. Very strong on the defensive end. We will look for her to show strong senior leadership in her final campaign.”
Humble will be joined in the lineup by all-district and all-conference honoree Lauren Jones.
Jones, a 5-foot-9 junior, averaged 10.6 points, 3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.2 steals in 2022.
“Lauren had a great sophomore year; she continued to develop and mature,” Larsen said. “She can score at all three levels and is a great defender. We are looking forward to continued growth this season.”
5-foot-11 Sophia Frerking also returns for the Indians.
The senior forward averaged 3.1 points and 2 rebounds as a junior.
“Sophia is a great athlete that can shoot, finish, rebound, run, and really impact a game,” Larsen said.
Additional returnees for the Indians include 5-foot-7 sophomore Brooklyn Adney, 5-foot-8 sophomore Ellie Heil, 5-foot-6 junior Kennedy Clark and 5-foot-6 junior Ally Rust.
Strafford’s graduation losses also present an opportunity for newcomers to step in an play significant roles on the varsity roster.
“We have several young players that will compete for playing time and have an impact on our team this upcoming season,” Larsen said.
For Strafford to continue its postseason success story, the Indians will have to navigate a challenging schedule featuring four regular-season tournaments.
“It will be exciting to see this group develop during this season with a great mix of returners and newcomers,” Larsen said. “Our schedule, conference and district will bring great challenges, but those are the challenges we are excited for and need to continue to get better and continue a great tradition.
“Our philosophy will be to play great hard-nosed defense and be a great rebounding team, while playing with great pace and selflessness on offense. We will be focused on improving each day, working hard and working together to grow as a team and have fun.”
Strafford tips off its season Nov. 22 at home against Flippin, Ark.
