Conference: 7A/6A Central
Coach: Steve Wiedower (third year, 32-24; 261-135 overall)
Assistant coach: Christina Wilbers
2010-11 record: 22-7 overall (9-5 in conference); Class 6A state quarterfinalist
Returning starters: Kaylee Wiedower (5-10 senior forward, 13 points per game, all-conference, all-state); Mary Carol Davis (5-11 senior guard, 7 ppg, all-conference); Natalie Shockey (6-1 senior post, 9 ppg, all-conference, all-state tournament); Susan Taylor (5-6 senior guard, 8 ppg, all-conference); Lindsey Glover (5-11 senior post, 7 ppg).
Best inside players: Shockey and Glover should dominate the paint, but Wiedower said they would also be helped by Meredith Scott (6-0 junior).
Best outside players: Taylor, Davis and Wiedower will lead from the perimeter. Also expected to contribute are Sarah Prochazka (5-5 senior guard, 3 ppg) and newcomer Brooke Hunt (5-4 senior guard).
How will you match/exceed/fall short of your success from last year? The Lady Cyclones made a big leap last season from the previous one. “We improved a lot, and we are hoping and expecting to have another good season,” the coach said. “The 7A/6A Central Conference is very tough, and we hope playing through the conference will prepare us for the (Class) 6A State Tourney.”
Strengths of the team: With seven seniors, including five returning starters, the Lady Cyclones will be experienced. Balance is another strength. “We have good guards and post play,” Wiedower said.
Weaknesses of the team: The coach said his team needed to improve rebounding on both ends of the floor as well as free-throw shooting and scoring in the paint.
Games to watch: Wiedower said all conference games would be key. “Our conference is very tough, top to bottom,” he said. The Fort Smith Tournament of Champions, which features top teams from around the state and several from outside Arkansas, should also provide good games to watch.
Toughest opponent: The coach listed North Little Rock and Cabot as “very talented teams with winning traditions.”
College prospects: Several colleges are looking at several of his seniors, Wiedower said.
In a nutshell: “We are very excited about the upcoming season and are looking forward to having another good year,” Wiedower said.