By Chris Parker
Ragan Blinzler takes over as head coach of the Pierce City girls basketball team. It is her first head coaching position at the high school level, but it is a program she is familiar with. Blinzler is a graduate of Pierce City.
She inherits a program seeking its first winning season since 2017-18. Last year, the Eagles finished 12-15 overall.
A trio of seniors will be back after contributing in big ways as juniors.
“I believe that most of our girls are capable of becoming “team leaders” over the course of the season-regardless of their age. We do have three seniors who have stepped up and vocalized their willingness to lead in this upcoming season,” Blinzler said.
Those three seniors are Olivia Stanphill, Madi Tindell and Keishia Delgado.
Stanphill led that group in scoring last year with 7.8 points per game to go with 4.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.3 steals per game.
“Olivia will be a vital player on and off the court,” Blinzler said. “She leads by example and looks for ways to better herself as well as her teammates.”
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Tindell was just behind Stanphill at 7.1 points per game. She averaged 7 rebounds per game to lead the senior group.
“Madi showcased great growth in her leadership skills and mental game over the course of the summer,” Blinzler said. “I am stoked to see how that transfers over to this season.”
Delgado contributed across the board with 6.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.7 steals per game.
“Keishia is the definition of an aggressive and competitive player,” Blinzler said. “She takes her game seriously and also holds her teammates accountable when it comes to our expectations.”
Juniors Rylie O’Hara and Lexie Eaton along with sophomores Ayla Renkoski and Macie Crowther also return to the varsity lineup.
Blinzler on O’Hara: “Rylie has grown as a leader and is fully invested into our program as well as bettering herself. She will be a vital asset this year.”
Blinzler on Eaton: “Lexie is a consistent player who continuously gives her all, even as adversity arises.”
Blinzler on Renkoski: “Ayla is an intelligent basketball player who has a diverse skill set. With a year of playing varsity under her belt, I am expecting great things.”
Blinzler on Crowther: “Maci’s development this summer was a sweet surprise. The confidence she possessed in her own abilities transformed her game and will only push the rest of her teammates to keep improving as well.”
Blinzler expects to see some freshmen push for playing time.
“We have a large group of freshmen that I am expecting great things from,” Blinzler said. “Over the course of the summer, they worked to improve their skills and better understand the program that they have become a part of. Additionally, to the assets which they will be on the gym floor, each of these girls are phenomenal individuals off the court.”
Pierce City opens the season on Nov. 21 at Cassville.
“I would love for our team to be known for their tenacity, work ethic, and scrappiness on the court,” Blinzler said. “Additionally, their characters should be apparent by being respectful to officials, opposing players and coaches, and whoever else they may interact with on and off the court.”
