By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
After a 17-win season and a heartbreaking two-point loss in district play, the Thayer Lady Bobcats have put in the work to take another shot at the post-season.
“This group has worked hard in the off-season to avenge falling short last year,” said head coach Denny Young, who enters his fourth year at the helm. “They have really matured over the summer and have worked hard to improve on both ends of the court.”
Senior Abby Bowers, All-District and second team All-SCA guard, has started for the past three years and has proven her athleticism.
“At 5’10”, she poses problems as a guard,” said Young. “She sees the floor well and can shoot the three from anywhere.”
Bowers led the team last year in most assists and most steals (3.7 apg, 2.4 spg) and averaged 12.4 points and 6.3 rebounds.
“I really look for her to have a breakout year for us,” said Young. “Defensively, she is really good with her athleticism and height. She had an outstanding summer running the floor and finding teammates in the open court. We will lean on her hard this year to lead us on both ends of the court.”
Junior Kayden Hillis (5’8”) averaged 6.1 points last year and has worked on her game in the off-season. Her coach said her work is paying off.
“She is a phenomenal left-handed athlete that started for us as a sophomore last year,” said Young. “She does a great job on both ends of the court and complements Bowers and Davis at the guard spot.”
He added that she is expected to have a breakout year.
Senior Riley Pierce has contributed solid minutes on JV for the past few years but is now looking to impact varsity.
“Riley is a great shooter with a really good skill set as a guard,” said Coach Young, noting her strong work ethic in the off-season.
Senior Savannah Wheeler (6’0”) “is a game changer with her length and size,” said Young. “She will be a great asset for us this year as we lost a lot of height from last year’s team.”
Ally Kerley is a 5’9” guard who contributed heavily to JV last season but will be relied on to do the same for varsity this year.
“Kerley is the type of player everyone wants on their team,” said Coach Young. “She is a hard worker with an attitude to win. She has improved her skill set on both sides of the ball and we look forward to what she brings to the team this year.”
Jacelyn Donahue was also a JV contributor who has worked on her game. The 5’9” junior will look to add depth to the varsity roster.
New faces to the team include a group of freshmen who have played together for several years.
“They had an amazing junior high campaign, losing only one game in three years,” said Young. “They are talented and pose to give us a much-needed lift after losing players from last year’s roster.”
Ryleigh Davis “is a kid everyone wants to coach,” said Young. “She is a gym rat and is continually working to improve her game.” Young said the 5’6” freshman can score at all three levels and involves everyone in the game, but he was also impressed with her defense this summer. “She will be asked to step into a big role this year as a freshman, but I have no doubt she can and will be a difference maker every night.”
Classmate Kynslee Rigel is a 5’8” guard “that can shoot it really well,” said Young. “Her size and athleticism will allow her to push for some varsity minutes this year.”
Rorie Risner, 5’7” freshman, experienced varsity minutes this summer and proved her value on both sides of the ball. The guard “has a knack for being in the right place at the right time,” said Coach Young.
Freshman Riley Jo Sorrel also saw varsity minutes over the summer and has a good motor, especially on defense, said her coach.
Riley Orf rounds out the cast of freshmen who could see varsity minutes.
“I look for us to really push the pace both offensively and defensively this year and hope to use our athleticism and toughness to win some tough-fought games,” said Coach Young.
Young said his team will approach every game on the schedule as a big game. “We have worked hard to beef up our schedule and there are no nights off for us this year,” he added. “We hope these girls are battle-tested by the time the district tournament rolls around this year.”
