By Derek Shore
The Lamar Lady Tigers have high hopes for a strong 2016-17 winter campaign on the hardwood. And rightfully so.
Lamar, which was eliminated by Mt. Vernon in the first round of Class 3, District 12 tourney in 20156, avenged that defeat with a two-point win over the Lady Mountaineers last season, before being ousted by East Newton in an overtime loss in the second round. The Lady Tigers finished with a 15-11 overall record; the best mark under fifth-year head coach Dale Patton in his career with the program.
Patton will certainly deal with his share of lumps in the initial part of this season, losing two starters to graduation. Center Kaitlyn Grave and forward Shelby Haskins accounted for 20 of the team’s 49 points per game last year.
“Both of these young ladies were our inside presence,” Patton said. “Kaitlynn at 6-foot-0 and Shelby at 5-foot-10 allowed us to have a strong inside game and out rebound the majority of our opponents. (They’re production) will be missed, but will be made up.”
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Lamar will rely on three returning starters and seven returning letter-winners in all to make up that loss in production. The Lady Tigers will start with the return of senior point guard and floor leader Alyssa Fanning (5-foot-4), who has received all-conference honors for two straight years after a stat line of nine points, three boards, two assists, and three steals per game last season.
“She has a great ability to drive and dish, but also capable of pulling up and hitting a 3,” Patton said. “She is also a standout defensive player with 61 steals last year and will be counted on a lot.”
The Lady Tigers will also welcome back leading scorer and junior Darrah Bartlett. Bartlett, a 5-foot-5, guard, accumulated ten points against three rebounds as a sophomore. Patton felt she was overlooked for conference and district honors last year, but will be a known commodity this season.
“She has the ability to drive and finish or dish,” Patton said. “She finishes strong at the rim and again can pull up and hit the jumper or the three with equal effort. She will be counted on heavily to step up and lead this team.”
In addition, Lamar will return sophomore standouts Katelyn Mooney and Kara Beshore, who could contribute in the starting lineup. Both averaged a combined 13 points as underclassmen last year.
“Katelyn is an athlete,” Patton said. “She can jump out of the gym and has a nose for being around and finding the ball. A strong finisher with an uncanny slashing ability to the basket. She will challenge all comers and has a never quit attitude. She will open up a lot of opposing teams eyes on how to contain her.”
“Kara is not afraid to mix it up with the taller ladies on the court,” Patton added. “She’s got a tough, gritty mentality and will surprise you on the boards. Also, a solid three-point shooter.”
Three other returning letterman include junior Lauren Morgan, and sophomores Lauren Compton and Michaella Allen.
Morgan (5-foot-9), a very physical presence inside coupled with a solid post move, who looks to take on a role as a starter. Compton (6-foot-0), is a strong competitor with great range and handles the ball well at guard. With her long reach, Patton envisions she will make for a quality defender and potential starter. Allen (5-foot-8), a strong and capable defender, who will challenge for varsity time.
Patton will continue to apply relentless pressure on the defensive side of things. Offensively, he said the Lady Tigers will feature four guards on the court, who can shoot three’s and look to run at every opportunity.
“We will play seven strong players with a lot of team speed and quickness,” Patton said. “Early, we will be looking to add to our depth on the bench, who can step up and compete. In the end, our team will be ready come district time and look to compete for a district crown.”
Lamar opens up the season with a stretch of four consecutive road games, including the season-opener against El Dorado Springs on Dec. 5. They will also participate in the prestigious Pink and White Tournament on Dec. 26 before starting up Big 8 Conference play against McDonald County at home on Jan. 7.
