The Webb City girls basketball team returns six key players, including a pair of all-conference performers, entering the 2022-23 season.
With those varsity veterans leading the way, the Cardinals have the expectations set high this winter.
“Our girls are very excited to get the season started,” Cardinals coach Lance Robbins said. “They had a very good summer, have worked extremely hard to get better and are looking forward to a successful season. We expect to have a successful season. We return a couple of starters that were all-conference players last season and have several girls returning that have valuable varsity experience. This group is committed to working hard and achieving their goals.”
Senior guard Kate Brownfield averaged nine points, five boards and just under two assists per game last season, earning second team all-Central Ozark Conference recognition.
Senior Izzy Lopez, juniors Mia Robbins and Malorie Stanley and sophomore Kirra Long all return with plenty of prior varsity experience in the backcourt.
Sophomore post player Sami Mancini earned honorable mention all-conference honors at the conclusion of her solid freshman campaign.
The 6-foot-5 Mancini made a big impact as a prep rookie, as she averaged 11 points, 10 rebounds, nearly three assists and just under two blocked shots per game.
“We’ve got a good nucleus returning,” Coach Robbins said. “They’ve had good attitudes at practice every day. Our two seniors have done a great job of stepping into leadership roles. Their goal is to try and turn the corner and get that district championship this year.”
Coach Robbins listed junior Dawsyn Decker and freshman Kylee Sargent as top newcomers to the varsity squad.
The Cardinals appear to have the pieces in place to improve upon last year’s 12-13 record.
“We have high expectations of each other and I think the fact that our players are willing to hold each other accountable is a positive that we can build on,” Robbins said. “We’ll be a good defensive team and we believe that is what we will hang our hat on this season. We also believe we will be able to score the basketball better from all five spots.”
Keys to success include staying healthy, developing some depth and improving overall on both ends of the court.
Webb City hosted a jamboree with Carl Junction and Aurora on Nov. 17.
“We had our moments,” Coach Robbins said. “We had moments where we looked really good and we had moments where we looked lost. But that’s what jamborees are for. They help you figure some things out. But I feel like there were a lot of good things to build on.”
Webb City will begin the season at the Carthage’s Lady Tigers Invitational on Dec. 1. The Cardinals will open tourney play against defending Class 3 state champion El Dorado Springs.
