By Derek Shore (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Cassville girls basketball team will have a new-look squad in 2024 following a 14-14 showing last year.
The Wildcats, entering the second year of the Clayton Bagby era, bring back two starters and five total lettermen.
“The summer went very well for us, usually having 16-18 girls a day and 11-12 of them getting varsity time this summer,” Bagby said. “Many girls have put in work on their own time since last season. We are going to be a much different looking team this year than the past couple of years.
“We will be a younger team this year, and with that there will be some growing pains early, but even with our losses to graduation, the coaches are very excited for our potential going forward this year.”
Cassville has one senior in 5-foot-9 Madison Halterman. Halterman, an all-district performer, averaged 7.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and one steal last season.
“Madison is a hard worker and knowledgeable of the game,” Bagby said. “We expect her to take a big step in her final year.”
Kyler Hayward, a 5-5 junior, returns with starting experience.
“Kyler gained a lot of experience starting as a sophomore,” Bagby said. “She sees the floor well on both ends. We expect to see the benefits of her experience this year.”
Hailey Gautney (5-7 junior), Elly Ramaeker (5-7 junior) and Aubrey Stoufer (5-10 sophomore) round out the Wildcats’ returning players. Gautney was Cassville’s sixth man for most of last year and Bagby said she has a motor and is capable of playing inside and out.
Bagby also mentioned Ramaeker became one of the Wildcats go-to defensive players last year and she looks to parlay an improved shot into a productive junior season. Stoufer played significant varsity minutes as a freshman and Bagby said after an impressive summer he expects her to compete for a starting spot this winter.
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Junior Kyla Bowling (5-7) looks to carve out a varsity role.
“Kyla is a hard worker that improved throughout the year last year,” Bagby said. “She has the ability to make 3s in bunches.”
Sophomore Joei Blankenship (5-8) could also contribute. Bagby said Blankenship is the “driver of the energy bus.”
Along with the junior and sophomore classes, Cassville’s infusion of youth concludes with a trio of freshmen. That includes twins Audrey and Taylor Kennedy (both 5-8) as well as Avery Stokes (6-0). Stokes is the younger sister of former Wildcat great Madi Stokes, who went on to a decorated career at Missouri Southern.
“Audrey is an athletic guard with energy,” Baby said. “She contributed over the summer at the varsity level and played well on both sides of the floor. Taylor is a smart incoming freshman, who has the ability to stretch the defense with her shooting. Avery is a true center with a good ability to score around the basket and alter shots on the defensive end.”
One of the areas, Bagby said, Cassville looks to improve upon is its finish in the Big 8 West. The Wildcats were sixth last year with a 1-5 record in league action.
“We consider all of our games important, but our Big 8 West finish is definitely a goal to improve on our record and standing this year,” Bagby said. “With districts not out yet, it’s hard to say. If it falls similarly to last year, we just want to make sure we continue to improve throughout the season to be ready going in. I would expect some parity in it.”
Cassville hosts a jamboree with Mt. Vernon and Southwest on Nov. 14. The Wildcats play at Pierce City on Nov. 20 in their season opener.
