2016-17 Standard Democrat Girls Basketball Previews

Charleston Bluejays
Head coach: Josh Thompson, 7th season
2015-16 record: 14-10
Conference: Scott-Miss
Alignment: Class 3, District 1
Playoff finish: Lost in Class 3, District 2 semifinals
Returning starters: Connor Watkins, Jermaneja Smith
Starters lost: Cheyenne Randle, Danita Jones, Sharell Woods
Incoming players: Nicole Hart, Ashanti Jones
Notes: The Charleston Lady Bluejays may be young but coach Josh Thompson is expecting big things. "This group has a chance to be special," Thompson said. "We are young and not very deep, but we have a solid group of kids. These kids know how to play and play very well together." The Bluejays return two starters from last season in junior Connor Watkins and sophomore Jermaneja Smith. Watkins averaged 10.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.7 blocks and 3 steals a game last year for the Lady Bluejays. "Connor Watkins has the ability to be one of the best players in the area," Thompson said. "At 5-foot-11 she will be a matchup problem for most teams." Thompson said Smith came on strong at the end of last season and has improved her shooting and ball handling. Along with Watkins and Smith, Thompson will be relying on freshmen Ashanti Jones and Nicole Hart to play big minutes for Charleston this season. "Hart is a very cerebral player while Jones is the quickest freshman I have ever coached," Thompson said. "We expect big things from them this year." The fifth spot on the floor will be rotated between senior Keana Horton and juniors Fa'quazia Wilson and D'Aira Flye. "Horton, our only senior, started as a freshman and after a few years pursuing other sports, she is back and brings on-the-ball defense," Thompson said. "Wilson, who didn't play last year after playing varsity as a freshman, brings length and basketball IQ. Flye, who played JV for the first time last year will box out and rebound." Despite lacking depth, Thompson feels this year's team could be contenders for a district title. "Most of the teams in our district this year seem to have the same depth problem that we have," Thompson said. "The key will be developing depth to survive nights where we get in foul trouble and don't shoot the ball as well as can."

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Dexter Bearcats
Head coach: Chad Allen, 10th season
2015-16 record: 23-6
Conference: SEMO
Alignment: Class 4, District 1
Playoff finish: Lost in Class 4 quarterfinals
Returning starters: Chaylea Mosby, Krysten Garrison, Harley Allen, Cheyenne Mosby
Starters lost: Melanie McKuin, Dakota Reynolds
Incoming players: Hannah Thurmon, Natalie Sitze, Rylee Allen, Meghan Trout, Macie Martin, Madyson Crockett, Lauryn Davis, Keirstan Keirsey, Maci McBride, Daphane Ahrens
Notes: Expectations are high once again for the Dexter Lady Bearcats who saw their season come to an end in the state quarterfinals last year. The Lady Bearcats return four girls who started last year in seniors Cheyenne Mosby (3.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg), Harley Allen (5.4 ppg), sophomore Chaylea Mosby (14 ppg, 4.8 rpg) and junior Krysten Garrison (14.5 ppg, 9.7 rpg). Garrison will miss the first part of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery and should return in late January or early February accoring to head coach Chad Allen. Also returning this season is Hannah Thurmon. The junior missed all of last year with an ACL injury after a stellar freshman season. "It's nice to have Hannah Thurmon back. She's progressing every day," said Chad Allen. Sophomore point guard Natalie Sitze is expected to start for the Lady Bearcats and has come on strong according to Chad Allen while Rylee Allen at 6-foot-1, provides a lot of size off the bench. Sophomore Maycie Martin will supply some athleticism off the bench and junior guard Meghan Trout will provide some depth as well. "Once our youngins get some needed experience to go along our returning class I think we will be pretty competitive," Chad Allen said. Dexter plays a tough schedule with teams like St. Joseph's Academy, Kirkwood, Parkway South and Incarnate Word on tap to go along with SEMO Conference games as well as the new event in Dexter called "Battle At the Border" set for Dec. 8-10. "We have our toughest schedule ever to this year will be a big test for us but that's what we want," Chad Allen said.

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East Prairie Eagles
Head coach: Steven Douglas, 13th season
2015-16 record: 4-15
Conference: Scott-Mississippi
Alignment: Class 3, District 1
Playoff finish: Lost to Arcadia Valley in first round of districts
Returning starters: None
Starters lost: Dakota Arnold, Summer Maxwell, Jocee Dunn, Montana Watson, Bethany Ferrell
Incoming players: Jordan Harper, Faith Archie, Kenzie Williams, Olivia Douglas, Megan Chaney, Demisha Brown, Grace Sutton, Chaney Moreland
Notes: Losing their entire starting five who happen to all be seniors, the Eagles will rely on depth and improved athleticism to move forward from a 4-15 season last year. An influx of younger players gives head coach Steven Douglas, who's in his 13th year, more options starting with senior Jordan Harper (5-8). She joins sophomore point guard Faith Archie (5-5), who spent all of last year on junior varsity, and rim protector Kenzie Williams (6-2, Fr.) to step into starting roles. Olivia Douglas (5-4, Jr.), Megan Chaney (5-1, Sr.), Demisha Brown (5-1, Sr.) and Grace Sutton (5-4, Jr.) will split time as the remaining two starters depending on their opponent, according to Douglas. "I think we will be better than last year," he said. "We will have better depth and better athleticism. We will be more competitive but will still be a growing year."

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Kelly Hawks
Head coach: Rod McQuerter, 19th season
2015-16 record: 7-14
Conference: Scott-Mississippi
Alignment: Class 3, District 1
Playoff finish: Lost in first round of districts to Charleston
Returning starters: Emmy Bolen, Anna Hughes, Marissa Jones, Hailey Noon, Lynsey Powers
Starters lost: Tori Duenne
Incoming players: Jaci Crank, Taylor Crank, Anna Goering, Bryce Jarvis, Alyssa Tidwell, Mallory Urhahn, Lauren Wadlington
Notes: Although they lose their top scorer, the Hawks have plenty of varsity experience returning. Tori Duenne was one of three seniors who graduated and gave Kelly 13 points a game last season. The Hawks will rely on seniors Emmy Bolen, Anna Hughes and Marissa Jones who all played significant minutes a year ago as starters. Kelly also returns junior Hailey Noon and sophomore Lynsey Powers, who led Kelly with five rebounds a game. After competing in Class 3, District 2 a season ago, the Hawks moved to District 1 with Caruthersville, Charleston, East Prairie, Kennett, Malden, New Madrid County Central and Portageville. "Our goal is to have a positive attitude, play hard and play as a team," McQuerter said. "It has been a joy working with these young ladies."

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NMCC Eagles
Head coach: BJ Stone, 3rd season
2015-16 record: 11-14
Conference: NA
Alignment: Class 3, District 1
Playoff finish: Lost in Class 3, District 1 semifinals
Returning starters: Alexus Jordan, Keionte Tillman, Karlie Frazier, Aaliyah Phillips
Starters lost: Keisha Rainer, Monica Davis
Incoming players: Alexis Phillips, Deja Grissom, Kiara Brown, Hannah Karizamimba
Notes: NMCC finished just under .500 last season and must replace leading scorer Keisha Rainer (17.1) who is currently playing at Roxbury Community College in Boston, Mass., and Monica Davis who led the team in assists. The Lady Eagles do return four starters in seniors Alexus Jordan (5.1 ppg, 6.6 rpg), Keionte Tillman (5.3 ppg, 8.3 rpg), Karlie Frazier (2.6 ppg) and junior Aaliyah Phillips (3.2 ppg). Sophomore Alexis Phillips (5.5 ppg) is also slated to start for the Lady Eagles with junior Deja Grissom and sophomores Hannah Karizamimba and Kiara Brown also expected to log significant minutes. "This season we are going to want to play competitively on a nightly basis and learn from our mistakes, growing daily as a team," said coach BJ Stone. "The goal is to be able to be playing your best basketball when districts begin. Also, I want the ladies to use the lessons we learn through competition to grow as young adults."

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Oran Eagles
Head coach: Ethan Evans, 5th season
2015-16 record: 23-4
Conference: Scott-Mississippi
Alignment: Class 2, District 2
Playoff finish: Lost in Class 1 sectional
Returning starters: Leah Cauble, Jessie Long, Brianna Stause
Starters lost: Ashlyn McIntosh, Tatum May
Incoming players: Claire Ramsey, Kaylee Payne, Mackenzie Graviett
Notes: Oran returns three starters from a 23-4 squad that lost in a Class 1 sectional last season. This year, Oran moves up to Class 2 but expectations will still be high as sophomore Leah Cauble returns after scoring 25.5 points per game last year as a freshman while dishing 4.9 assists per game. Sophomore Jessie Long (9.9 ppg, 7.7 rpg) and senior Brianna Stause (9.1 ppg) also return while sophomore Claire Ramsey (2.6 ppg) and freshman Kaylee Payne are also expected to start. Junior Mackenzie Graviett who mostly played junior varsity last year is also expected to give valuable minutes off the bench. "I am looking forward to the upcoming season," said head coach Ethan Evans. "Our goal as always is to win a district title and a conference title. If we are lucky enough to do that again this year we want to take that next step and get some wins in the state playoffs." To help prepare them for a deep run in the state playoffs, Oran beefed up their schedule adding top local programs in Naylor and Dexter. "We have to get tougher this year and be prepared to meet the challenges we face against those teams that gave us trouble last year," Evans said.

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Portageville Bulldogs
Head coach: Kellye Fowler, 4th season
2015-16 record: 16-8
Conference: Bootheel
Alignment: Class 3, District 1
Playoff finish: Lost in first round of districts to NMCC
Returning starters: Adrienne Duncan, Deondra Johnson, Shamyia Roston
Starters lost: Brianna Pitts, Jacara Madison
Incoming players: Zarria Taylor, Dasmine Johnson
Notes: Portageville returns three starters from last year, but will have to look to a host of underclassman to try and replace last year's top two scorers. Brianna Pitts and Jacara Madison led the Bulldogs last season with Pitts leading the team at 12.2 points a game. Madison wasn't far behind at 11.4 points, seven rebounds and two steals. The good news is their remaining three starters hovered around those same marks. Deondra Johnson (5-10, Jr.) is their leading returner at 9.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, two assists and 1.4 steals a game. Shamyia Roston (5-9, Jr.) added 8.1 points, 1.6 rebounds. 1.6 steals and 1.5 assists while Adrienne Duncan (5-8, Sr.) chipped in 7.8 points, four rebounds and nearly two steals a game. Rounding out the starting five will be two sophomores, Zarria Taylor (5-11) and Dasmine Johnson (5-4), who both played significant minutes as freshman last year. After that, the Bulldogs will give seven freshman a chance to contribute. "Even though we return three starters we have lots of newcomers that will be expected to step up and play roles on this team as the season progresses," Portageville head coach Kellye Fowler said. The Bulldogs were hit with a bit of bad luck before the season tips after learning sophomores Selinah Taylor and Alexa Priggel are still battling injuries from volleyball season. "We want to work hard and get better every day," Fowler said. "As always, our goal is to play our best basketball at the end of the season in time for conference and districts. Hopefully our hard work turns into wins for us, but the end goal with as many underclassmen as we have is constant improvement."

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SCC Bravettes
Head coach: Matt Limbaugh, 5th season
2015-16 record: 18-9
Conference: Scott-Mississippi
Alignment: Class 1, District 1
Playoff finish: Lost in Class 2 sectional to Neelyville
Returning starters: Johneisha Daniel, Hailey Kesler, Trinity Thomas
Starters lost: LaQuisha Strickland, Maddison Avance
Incoming players: Hannah Bode, LaTeisha Strickland
Notes: The Bravettes return the bulk of last year's production, but adding the other pieces will have to come from a host of inexperienced underclassman. One of the area's top scorers, Johneisha Daniel (5-10, Jr.) is back after leading Scott Central with 19.4 points, 12.7 rebounds a game last year. Hailey Kesler (5-7, Jr.) added 8.8 points and will join backcourt mate Trinity Thomas (5-6, So.), who poured in 10.5 points per game. SCC said goodbye to starters LaQuisha Strickland and Maddison Avance so, not including Thomas, the Bravettes will look to four sophomores and five freshman to round out their attack. LaTeisha Strickland (5-10, So.) and Hannah Bode (5-5, So.) saw some minutes last season as freshman, but head coach Matt Limbaugh will be asking nearly half of his team with little to no varsity experience to step in and make contributions from the jump. "Our team comes into the season with a lot of youth," he said. "With no seniors we are looking for our returning three starters to help lead the way...We have to work hard every day at practice and come together as a team." The Bravettes moved back down to Class 1 after spending the last two seasons in Class 2. This year's realignment placed them into Class 1, District 1 where they automatically win their fourth district title in five years because no other team joins them. They will meet Delta, another automatic winner in District 2, in a sectional game Feb. 28 at 7:45 p.m., in Bloomfield, Mo., with the winner moving into the quarterfinals.

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Sikeston Bulldogs
Head coach: Alisha Wills, 1st season
2015-16 record: 22-5
Conference: SEMO
Alignment: Class 4, District 1
Playoff finish: Lost to Dexter in district final
Returning starters: Tyeshia Mitchell, Kiera Steward
Starters lost: Tyra Bonner, Erica Peet, Miranda Harrison
Incoming players: Larysa McClellon, Zayteanna Williams, Antravia Green, Alexis Boyd, Cana Bles, Olivia Nash, Zaria Blissett-Hall, Sydney Stark
Notes: If the Sikeston Bulldogs want to keep rewriting history, they'll have to do it without a core of seniors that helped pave the way. The Bulldogs lost three starters and added a new head coach as they look to once again challenge for their first district championship in school history. Gone are all-conference players Erica Peet, who averaged a double-double, and Tyra Bonner, who helped push Sikeston to its highest single-season win mark in school history at 22-5 and back to back conference championships. Both are now playing at the collegiate level, but the cupboard is far from bare with seven returning seniors. Returning as one of the area's best, senior Tyeshia Mitchell looks to add to her already history-making career for the Bulldogs. As a junior, Mitchell (5-9) was the first Sikeston player to win the Bob Gray Award, which goes to the top player in the SEMO Conference, and became the first Sikeston girls player to make the MBCA Class 4 all-state team since 1992. She averaged 14 points, 12 rebounds, 2.6 steals and 1.7 assists a game. She'll be joined by fellow starter and point guard Kiera Steward (5-5, Sr.). Seniors Larysa McClellon (5-8), Antravia Green (5-3), Zayteanna Williams (5-7) and Alexis Boyd (5-8) are back and saw significant minutes a year ago for the defensive-minded Bulldogs who help opponents to 39 points a game. The Bulldogs are also under new leadership after the resignation of six-year coach Matt Schonhoff. Alisha Wills takes over after spending the last three seasons as an assistant. "I've really been pleased with our work ethic and determination so far in practice," Wills said. "The girls have had to adjust to my new role as head coach but they know my expectations of them are no less and possibly even greater."

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Bloomfield Wildcats
Head coach: Louis Bell, 1st season
2015-16 record: NA
Conference: NA
Alignment: Class 2, District 1
Playoff finish: NA
Returning starters: NA
Starters lost: NA
Notes: The Lady Wildcats will field a girls basketball for the first time this year and 15 girls are on the roster for the inaugural season. There are no seniors and four juniors in Dakota Smith, Kaley Roper, Nicole Roper and Dakota Stroup. The Lady Wildcats will play 15 games plus districts and is not scheduled for any tournaments.

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Chaffee Red Devils
Head coach: Andrew Boone, 1st year
2015-16 record: 12-15
Conference: Scott-Mississippi
Alignment: Class 2, District 2
Playoff finish: Lost district title game to Scott County Central
Returning starters: Mattison Cline, Katie Glueck, MaryBeth Knutson, Bailey Wisemam
Starters lost: Julia Sutterfield
Incoming players: Kylie Whilhite, Brittany DeRossett, Hannah Glueck, Sydney Walker
Notes:__ Although they lose their leading scorer from last year, the Red Devils return a host of starting experience looking to build on their 12-15 campaign. Julia Sutterfield, who averaged 13.8 points and 5.7 assists, left a team that made it's second-straight Class 2, District 2 title game a year ago after winning the district during the 2014-15 season. Returning starters are juniors Mattison Cline (8 rpg), Katie Glueck (9 rpg) and MaryBeth Knutson. Kylie Wilhite, who played the first eight games with Chaffee last season averaging 15 points during that stretch, also returns. Chaffee is ushering in a new head coach after the departure of Darrin Pruitt, who led the Red Devils for five seasons. Boone has been an assistant of Priutt's for the last four seasons.

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Malden Green Wave
Head coach: Mike Vipperman, 1st season
2015-16 record: 21-7
Conference: Bootheel
Alignment: Class 3, District 1
Playoff finish: Lost in Class 3, District 1 championship game
Returning starters: Desiree Perkins
Starters lost: Iccey Williams, Kiara Newton, Shamyiah Stone
Incoming players: Tebrya Benford
Notes: Mike Vipperman takes over the coaching reigns from Shellena Stone who led Malden to a 21-7 record and district runner-up finish last season, the best finishes the Green Wave had since 2000."Coach Stone has done a phenomenal job building a program," Vipperman said. "Last year they had a great season so we just look to continue that with this group of girls." Senior Desiree Perkins is the only starter returning but at least six players on the roster have varsity experience. -- SEMO News Service

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