Conference: 3A-5
Coach: John Davis White, his first year with the team
Assistant coach: Ricky Mooney
Last year’s record: 13-17
Returning starters: Morgan Ramsey (5-8 guard) is a senior who White believes will be at the center of the action on his new team. “She is really athletic and shoots the ball well,” he said. Senior Torie Simmons (5-8 post and guard) is another good shooter who will be strong both inside and outside. Also returning is Macy Coffee (5-5 guard), another senior providing experience for the team and described by White as a tough competitor.
Best inside players: Along with Simmons, there will be junior Molly White (5-6 post) on the inside. The coach said she can move people around and stop the ball and get them moving in another direction on the floor. “She a good defender,” White said. Haley Barnett (5-6 post) is another inside player. White said she can help her teammates be successful with her rebounding ability.
Best outside players: Ramsey and Coffee will get a lot of minutes on the perimeter, along with junior Lauren Demsey (5-10 guard), who White said is a good shooter and a real competitor with a will to win. “We are going to need leaders who can push their teammates to a better level,” he said. Junior Laura Britt (5-1 guard) brings a lot of energy onto the floor with her play, White said. She has quick hands and can move the ball up and down the floor. Lexa Carpenter (5-7 guard) is another player White said he is glad the team has out on the floor. “She is a complete player and a hard-worker,” he said. “Lexa is a good teammate.”
How will you exceed the success of last year? “We expect to improve our record in several ways, being a more experienced team,” White said.
Strengths: White points to the amount of experience on the team and its competitiveness. “This is one of those teams that will keep fighting,” he said.
Weakness: That’s a lack of height,” the coach said. He said there will be matchups during the season that will be a challenge.
Game to watch: Our rival is Glen Rose. “That game is always big, no matter the record,” White said. He said he thinks Jessieville will be one of the best teams in the conference, and games with Arkansas Baptist and Fountain Lake will also be big games for his team.
College prospect: Morgan Ramsey has some Arkansas colleges interested, and they will be looking at her through the season.