By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Ava girls are coming off back-to-back seven-win seasons and lost two players to graduation, but the Lady Bears do have weapons in their arsenal.
“We have 90% of our offense returning,” said head coach Nathan Houk, who enters his third year with the Lady Bears. “Anytime you have that much offense returning, I think it can be a big advantage.”
Senior Ashton Bewley is a four-year starter who dramatically increased her offensive production last season, from 5 points per game to 14.3 to become the team’s leading scorer. An all-conference and all-district athlete, Bewley is a play-maker and stable guard who sees the floor well. She pulled down 3.5 rebounds and grabbed 3.2 steals per game, and is a solid defender who creates scoring opportunities with her defensive hustle.
Lauren Mendel is a senior and returning starter. She made the all-conference team thanks to her 9.5 points and 8 rebounds per game in the post position. Houk said he expects Mendel to average in the double digits to help propel the team.
Senior Emily Stillings is skilled at dishing the ball to the post and is a strong defender and shooter, particularly on the perimeter. She pulled down 4.6 rebounds last season and looks to improve her scoring average.
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Eden Little, junior, ran the point last season and should continue improvement on both sides of the ball. “She is a solid all-around player,” said Coach Houk. Little created scoring opportunities with her speed and defensive skills, leading the team in assists with 2.7 per game, and had the same average for steals.
Claire Fossett is another returning starter who can defend the post and perimeter. The 5’8” junior averaged 4 rebounds per game and ran the floor well, using her speed to pick up offensive boards.
Junior Emaly Keyes can shoot the three and provides depth at the guard spot. Junior Megan Lakey also adds to the team’s guards and can run point and consistently knock down shots.
Araina Evans returns for her senior season after missing last year due to a broken ankle. The power forward has a nice outside shot and rebounds the ball well and is able to defend the post. “We are excited to have her back on the floor,” said Coach Houk.
Karlie Pedersen, sophomore, held down the post position for junior varsity and could now aid the varsity. She is versatile and athletic, able to play inside and from the three-point range. Classmate Devin Rowe is speedy and a skilled defender.
Three freshmen could contribute: Lauren Hall, Julia Henry, and Baylan Alexander. Hall’s potential lies in fundamentals on both sides of the ball, and her speed will help at the guard spot. Henry and Alexander, at 5’10” and 5’9” respectively, provide depth in the paint. Per their coach, their strength and work ethic could allow both to see valuable minutes.
Coach Houk said his team will focus on physicality and will create scoring opportunities with hustle. “We take pride in our conditioning,” he said. “It is always our goal to be in great shape. This allows us to be tough and physical on both ends of the floor.”
The Lady Bears have their sights set on conference and district titles. “I believe you have to prepare to win,” said Houk. “Taking one game at a time and executing our plan each game will allow us to compete moving forward,” he added.
Ava will open their season at Hollister November 20.
