Sean Crane is optimistic that good things are ahead for his McDonald County girls basketball program.
The Mustangs feature six players with prior varsity experience back and also have a promising group of newcomers for the 2022-23 season.
“We’re very excited about this season, as we have a very hardworking group returning,” Crane said. “This group doesn’t exactly have lots of varsity experience, but it is a very good core of hardworking, team-oriented individuals. As we are going to be a mixture of young and older players, I believe we’ll be a team that improves greatly throughout the season as we develop and gain experience playing with one another.”
McDonald County’s top returning performers are senior forwards Megan Elwood, Analisa Ramirez and Lexie Abbott and junior guards Anna Clarkson, Carlee Cooper and Katelynn Townsend. Cooper and Elwood are three-year varsity performers.
Top newcomers are juniors Jacie Frencken, Natalie Gillming and Corina Holland and sophomores Rylee Anderson and Roslynn Huston. Frencken, Anderson and Huston are forwards, while Gillming and Holland are guards.
Freshmen Carlie Martin and Jamie Washam are other players who could contribute at the varsity level this winter.
Crane said there’s a lot to like about this year’s group.
“Improved guard play will be a key for us this season,” Crane said. “We’re very excited about our guards. They gained lots of experience last season. And I believe we’ll be a good defensive team by season’s end. This is something that we’ve hung our hat on in the past. We want to play solid defense and out-work other teams. I also believe having as many flexible players as we have will also be a huge advantage for us going forward.”
The Mustangs lost standout Addy Leach to graduation. The team also suffered a blow when Samara Smith moved out of the district. Both players earned all-conference honors at the conclusion of last season.
The Mustangs managed just five wins last season, but Crane is confident the team has the potential to greatly improve upon last year’s record.
“I believe we will be much improved defensively,” Crane said. “We expect each player on the floor to work hard defensively and to guard multiple positions.”
McDonald County is off to a 1-0 start, as the Mustangs defeated Hillcrest 46-30 in last Friday’s season opener.
The Mustangs will be among the teams competing at the Carl Junction Classic beginning on Nov. 28. McDonald County will host its Lady Mustang Classic from Dec. 12-14.
