Conference: 4-4A
Coach: Kenneth McCoy, third year at school, 30-22 at school
Assistant coach: Mary Buford-Corkins
2012-13 record: 13-11, fourth in the 4A-4 Conference. Lost to Prairie Grove in the first round of the Class 4A North Regional, 51-23. Prairie Grove ultimately finished runner-up to Malvern in the state championship game, 33-32.
Returning starters: Stefanie Traigle, 5-7 senior guard, 7.8 points per game; and BreAnna Hauff, senior guard, 7.9 ppg
Best inside players: McCoy said the answer to this question had not been determined at press time. “We do not have a true post at this point,” he said. “That needs to come.”
Best outside players: Traigle and Hauff. “Both can drive and shoot the 3,” McCoy said. “They were very consistent players last year.”
How will you match/exceed/fall short of your success from last year?: The coach said solving the post question would be the key to the Lady Lizards’ improving on their 2012-13 finish. “If we can develop a post, we have a chance to finish higher in the conference this year,” he said.
Team strengths: The Lady Sand Lizards are deep at the guard position.
Team weaknesses: While Dardanelle comes into the season without a true post player, the Lady Lizards are also lacking in numbers at that position. Development of depth there will be crucial.
Games to watch: With only 13 players on the roster and likely a sophomore starter at point guard, McCoy said, every game will be a challenge for his team.
Toughest opponent: McCoy said Maumelle and Pottsville would both be “very solid” ball clubs. Both of those fell in the opening round of the state tournament. “Both have athletic guards, and they have post players 6 feet and bigger,” he said.
College prospects: None at this time.
In a nutshell: In just his second season at Dardanelle last year, McCoy said, he could see improvement already. “We expect to be able to shoot the ball from the perimeter this year,” he said. “The big question mark for us is can we develop a consistent post player, and will our sophomores be able to play night in and night out on this level.”