By Denise Tucker (For Ozark SportsZone.com)
The Camdenton Lady Lakers are hoping a healthier season will lead to successful results in 2023-2024.
“We did not have a strong season,” head coach Staci Caffey said of the Lady Lakers, who finished 7-19 overall and 2-7 in the Ozark Conference in 2022-2023. “We were young, had some major season-ending injuries and used last season to grow as individuals. We have everyone back and are eager to get on the court.”
Among those returnees for the Lady Lakers are three seniors and five juniors.
Jacee Peterson, junior guard/forward – Rogers, Ark., Elite 8 All-Star; KGEL All-Star Team; All-Ozark Conference honorable mention selection. “She brings a lot of energy and skill to the game,” said Caffey, who is 14 wins from 200 for her career (186-127). “I love how hard she goes, her leadership on the court, as well as her ability to take over a game. It is fun to watch because she does it in such a selfless way.” Peterson suffered an ACL tear last season and Caffey said she “worked all summer to come back strong.”
Alyssa Farris, junior, point guard – Named to the OC All-Defensive Team. “This girl plays all out, is a leader by example and gives it everything she has every time she steps on the court. Alyssa will do whatever is asked of her and more. Last season, Farris stepped up as our varsity point guard as a sophomore and did an amazing job. She is a strong team player and a great example of the quote, ‘hustle makes it happen.’ Every program needs a player like this; she is one of the most committed, driven players to come through the Lady Laker program.”
Kileigh Vavruska, senior – Sat out last season with an ankle injury. “I am excited to get her back on the court,” Caffey said. “She can speed up a game and make plays happen offensively, while causing a lot of problems defensively. Kileigh is a very upbeat, positive player who has played varsity since her freshman year.”
Zoe Lockhert, senior – A three-sport athlete who will pursue soccer in college. “The positivity and intensity this young lady brings to the team and court is amazing. She is so selfless on the court and works so hard to take on whatever role is given to her. I love her mindset as an athlete, and I hope she shares that with our underclassmen before she graduates.”
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Mia McGuire, junior – “I believe this young lady brings so much to the team. She has the potential and athletic ability but needs a little more confidence in herself. I believe that Mia will do whatever it takes to bring her game to the next level and make big things happen on the court.”
Makenna Brauer, senior – A two-sport athlete who will continue playing soccer at the college level. “Makenna is a strong team player who steps on that court ready to compete. I love Brauer’s competitive spirit and just how hard she works to reach her goals. She is a very consistent player who takes care of the ball and knows the game.”
Brooke Archibald, junior – “This young lady plays with a lot of heart. She can shoot the ball, but what stands out to me is her defense. She goes hard and makes big things happen defensively.”
Kacie Prettyman, junior – Split her time between junior varsity and varsity last season. “This summer, I saw a lot of confidence in Kacie’s play. Her style of ball is a perfect definition of how we like to play Lady Laker basketball. I love the intensity and energy Kacie plays with every time she steps on the court.”
Caffey will be looking for newcomers Kenzie Vavruska and Addison Knoeck to vie for varsity minutes this season.
Kenzie Vavruska, freshman guard/forward, and sister of senior Kileigh Vavruska – “Kenzie spent some time on the varsity court with us this summer. What stood out the most to me was her work ethic and ability to pull down the boards. The girl plays hard and aggressively every minute she is on the floor. I am definitely excited to see what she can accomplish.”
Addison Knoeck, sophomore center, move-in from Richland – “Knoeck is another young player that got to see the varsity court this summer. She has a strong post game and finishes around the bucket well. I am excited to get the opportunity to work with her.”
Caffey is excited to see what this group will do this upcoming season.
“First of all, I like that we have a strong group of players coming back,” Caffey said, “leaders and athletes that are hungry to get better.
“We will have speed and athleticism. We like to play a fast style that applies pressure both offensively and defensively. If we can keep everyone healthy and strong, this group will accomplish that.”
One missing piece this season is senior Oakleigh Hill, an OC honorable mention pick who moved to Fayette.
“We will miss her big,” Caffey said. “She was a stat leader in almost every category. We will miss her leadership both on and off the court and how hard she played. I know she will do a great job in Fayette; that is just the kind of athlete she is.”
Camdenton will participate in a jamboree at Marshfield on Nov. 14, before opening the regular season in the Rogers (Ark.) Elite 8 Tournament on Nov. 30-Dec. 2. The Lady Lakers’ first home contest will be against Marshfield on Dec. 7.
“I expect our players to come out with a mentality of something to prove,” Caffey said, “not really to anyone else, just ourselves. We didn’t play like we wanted to last season and we are ready to make the changes needed so that we can compete in every game.”
