Though Carthage graduated its top ball handler over the last four seasons as well as another integral starter from last year’s team, head coach Scott Moore is excited to see what is in store for his team, which will be anchored by the junior class in 2023-24.
Carthage, which graduated four-year PG Kianna Yates as well as F Landy Cochran, returns a trio of junior starters.
“We are excited to see what this season holds for the Lady Tigers,” Moore said. “We have a solid group of returners who have gained important varsity experience over the past two seasons. The juniors are a very cohesive bunch and we hope that translates to success on the basketball court.
“I think that we have the players to battle our way into the top half of the (Central Ozark Conference). Our league is loaded year in and year out. If we can play up to our potential on offense, I think our defense will keep us in games.”
Leading the list of returners for Carthage is G Lauren Choate, who averaged 11 points, three rebounds, three assists and 2.5 steals per game as an all-Central Ozark Conference Honorable Mention honoree. Also back for Carthage is G Maggie Boyd, who averaged nine points, three rebounds, 2.5 assists and 3.5 steals per game. G/F Lexa Youngblood also returns to the starting lineup after averaging five points and three boards a game last season.
“Lauren will play shooting guard and point guard for us this year,” Moore said of his returners. “She is a good shooter who will need to up her scoring for us to be successful this year. Entering her third year on varsity, I expect Lauren to raise her game in all statistical categories and assume a larger leadership role this season.
“Maggie will be our primary point guard this year. We will need her to distribute the ball well to her teammates, but also create her own shot at times. She is a spark plug on both ends of the floor and is capable of giving teams fits for 94 feet of court.
“Lexa spent last season being an undersized post for us. Hopefully, this year she can spend more time in her natural guard position where she’s much more able to use her athleticism to score points for the team.”
The newcomers to the varsity level are made up of nearly all upperclassmen for the Tigers. Senior G Trisha Kanas, junior G/F Jaidyn Brunnert and junior G Ashlyn Brust.
“Team speed, hustle and shooting will be our strengths this year,” Moore said about his Tigers. “If we get hot, we can beat anybody on our schedule. The key will be how we play when we aren’t hot. On those nights, our speed and hustle will have to win the games for us.”
Of course, the biggest issue for Carthage this season isn’t an uncommon one. The Tigers lack size in the paint. Fortunately, Coach Moore had to adjust to that very problem last year, and he knows what it takes to counterbalance his players being undersized inside.
“Obviously, our size will be a concern this year,” Moore said. “We won’t play with any true, back-to-the-basket post players this season. However, what we give up in height on the defensive end, can translate to a positive on the offensive end when teams will have to guard all five positions from the 3-point line to the rim. We will spread teams and attack downhill.”
Carthage opens the season with the Carthage Lady Tigers Invitational basketball tournament from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2.
“Our three keys for success this year will be accountability, communication and effort,” Moore said. “If we can do our jobs on each possession, hold each other accountable, communicate like crazy on defense, and play with max effort for 32 minutes, we have a great chance to finishing in the top half of the COC.”
The Carthage Tigers advanced to the consolation finals in four events.