By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Defense and rebounding are the central focus for the Ozark Lady Tigers in 2024-25.
With a by-committee approach on offense, Ozark is eager to see who can step up and lead the team to a bounce-back season.
“Even though we graduated two of our leading scorers, we still return a lot of experience from last season’s team,” said Ozark head coach Brandon Clift. “The two keys for us to be successful will be our ability to guard and rebound.”
If Ozark’s summer exhibitions were any indication, the Lady Tigers are going to be a tough matchup.
“The girls really bought into (our) philosophy over the summer and even though we will be outsized most nights, they are ready for the challenge,” Clift said.
Ozark returns five players with significant varsity experience, including three seniors.
Kori Roussell runs the show at point guard and is one of the best defenders in the Central Ozark Conference. Expect Roussell (5.3 points per game, COC All-Defensive Team) to increase her scoring output as well.
“She is an excellent defender and attacks the basket well,” Clift said.
Fellow seniors Lauren Carson (4.2 ppg, 3.1 rebounds per game) and Lyla Wood (2.8 ppg, 2.0 rpg) are smart, tough-minded players who will have more prominent roles this season.
“Lauren is a true student of the game and put in a ton of work this offseason. She is a versatile player who will play in the post and along the perimeter this year,” Clift said. “Lyla brings grit and toughness each night. She will also be expected to provide more scoring for us.”
Junior Bria Wright and sophomore Avery Havens will look to build off last season’s varsity performances.
Wright will be a pivotal post player for an undersized Ozark team.
“Bria gave us a ton of energy and made a lot of hustle plays last season,” Clift said. “This year, she will have an expanded role in the post. She runs the floor extremely well and will be hard to stop in transition.”
Havens will try to give Ozark a scoring boost from the outside.
“Avery has good size and athleticism at guard, and she can score both inside and out,” Clift said.
As the Lady Tigers find their way on offense, expect the team to lean on its defense to win games.
“We should have a balanced scoring attack with several players who have shown the ability to get hot any given night,” Clift said. “Our (defense) will be one of strengths this year and should be the catalyst to our offense.”
Ozark finished 13-14 overall last season. The Lady Tigers graduated three seniors: Macey Sult (Evangel basketball), Sydney Hampton and Kaylee Linnebur (Bethel College softball).
Hampton and Sult, who made the all-conference team, were Ozark’s top two scorers.
In addition, junior Josey Roberts will miss the season due to a knee injury suffered over the summer.
A trio of juniors and sophomores could see the varsity floor.
Maggie Sult, Kelly Navizovskyy and Hayle Wofford will try to help Ozark fill some of its scoring needs.
“Maggie is another plus-defender on the perimeter. She can shoot the 3 and drive to the basket,” Clift said. “Kelly can also make outside shots, and she handles the ball well. Hayle gives us another very capable shooter on the floor.”
Sophomores Carsyn Wood, Aubrey Sundlie and Emma Humble provide defense and athleticism.
“Carsyn brings toughness and is a good defender,” Clift said. “Aubrey is a tough-minded kid who always gives 100 percent. Emma is a long and athletic guard who can also shoot well from the perimeter.”
Ozark will play in a jamboree on Nov. 19 at Bolivar. The Lady Tigers begin the regular season Dec. 5-7 at the Rogers Tournament in Arkansas.
