By John Miller
Few programs in southwest Missouri can feel as optimistic about the upcoming season as the Branson Lady Pirates.
After going 22-5 last year, 6-1 in the Central Ozark Conference-Large Division, the team returns four starters and seven lettermen and is in line for another big year this coming season.
“I’m so excited for basketball season because we have so much potential this year,” said Emily Ogden, one of five seniors on the team. “We have a lot of talent and experience.”
The one starter that did graduate from last year’s team will not be easy to replace. First team all-conference selection Ashley Forrest scored over 1,300 points in her career and was an excellent outside shooter. “She was not only a big-time scorer for us,” said Lady Pirates coach Kip Bough, “but she always keyed the fast break with her ability to rebound, dribble out, and pass ahead to a running teammate. She had the ability to stretch a defense with her 3-point shooting and driving ability. Her leadership will also be missed.”
Branson also graduated Emma Miller and Emily Gifford, who were both very instrumental in last year’s success.
This year, the Lady Pirates will rely heavily on the play of seniors Amanda Kearney and Terra Utz-Depriest. Kearney, 5-foot-11, was an all-state selection last year along with being named Co-Player of the Year in the COC. She’s committed to Harding University to play basketball next year.
Last season, Kearney broke the school’s single game scoring record (42), most free throws in a game (17), and the single-season scoring record (615).
Utz-Depriest is a three-year starter and was named Second Team All-Conference last year after averaging 10 points and 6 rebounds and shooting 62 percent from the field. “She has a real nice touch for a post player,” Bough said. “She has good hands and passes the ball nicely. She will be a real force again this year.”
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Juniors Lauren Garrison and Gracie Jaeger both are returning starters in the Lady Pirates’ backcourt, which could be a strength this year for the team. “Lauren is a very good athlete and an incredible kid,” said Bough, who has a 157-87 coaching record in 10 years at Branson. “I believe we will see a huge jump in her play and production this year with the graduation of Ashley.” Garrison averaged 7 points and 4.5 rebounds per game last year, shooting 53 percent from the floor.
Like Garrison, Jaeger has been starting since her freshman year. She was picked to the COC All-Defensive Team last year. “Gracie is very athletic and has a sneaky way of getting to the basket,” Bough said. “She had a very good summer, and I am looking forward to seeing her progression this year.”
Other returners include seniors Ogden and Tori O’Dell and junior Madison Scrivner, who all will be assets to the Lady Pirates’ success this winter.
These seven returners will be joined by five newcomers in senior Sara Moug, juniors Britton Ellis, Isabel Holloway, and Audrey Arnette, and sophomores Karis Goodwin and Danielle Williams, who moved in over the summer from Iowa City, Iowa.
“Our team really started coming together during summer ball,” said Kearney, “and I can’t wait to carry that momentum over to the regular season. We definitely have the potential to be one of the best teams to come through Branson High School.”
