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2009-2010 Women’s Basketball Prospectus
Tradition, respect, and hard work are themes for 2009-2010 College of the Ozarks women’s basketball team. Despite losing five seniors to graduation, including two All-Americans, from last season’s NAIA Division II National Tournament Final Four team, expectations are once again high for the Lady Bobcats. For the first time in six years, Coach George Wilson does not have a returning All-American on his squad. Nonetheless, he does have a roster full of players blessed with athleticism, grit, and an understanding of the responsibility that goes with being a member of the women’s basketball program at C of O. This team figures to be one of the deepest groups under Wilson’s tenure, with plenty of competition for playing time.
Headlining the list of players are returning starters senior center Emily Bell and sophomore guard Tara LaRue. Last season Emily was the MCAC Newcomer of the Year while averaging over 10 points and nearly 6 rebounds per game. Emily gained valuable experience in her first season with the Lady Bobcats, discovering the level of play required to have success at the national level. Tara blossomed into her role as a strong defender as well as developing confidence in her capabilities as an offensive threat.
Senior guards Melissa Duval and Kayla Messick spent the past two seasons playing prominent minutes off of the bench for the Lady Bobcats and each look to be in the mix for starting guard positions. Also figuring into the competition at the guard spot includes junior Megan Jewell, sophomores Maranda Vaught, Kelsey Combs and Julie Gray. Freshman Kayla Davidson from local Strafford High School is adjusting to the rigors of the college game and is a definite threat at the three point line.
Depth at the forward and center position could very well be the strength of team this season, with six players contending for playing time. Along with Bell, junior Madison Culpepper brings experience as well as athleticism, defensive skill and an ever improving offensive game. Fresh off a state championship at Nixa High School, freshman Morgan Smith will make an immediate impact at the center position for the Lady Bobcats. Her soft touch around the basket and tough minded approach will pay big dividends for the post position. The tandem of Bell, Culpepper, and Smith should bring a strong presence in the paint, with plenty of minutes available for the three to share.
Depth at the forward position includes athletic sophomore Morgan Hickey, as well as junior transfers Jenny and Katie Beshoner from Roland, OK. All three bring long, lanky builds with the ability to step out and shoot the three, as well as attack the basket off the dribble.
Coach Wilson has a tough non-conference schedule designed to prepare the team for conference play as well as post-season challenges. Headlining the schedule is Hastings College, who knocked the Lady Bobcats out of the NAIA Tournament last season in the Final Four round. The Lady Bobcats will also travel to Georgetown College for a Classic to play the host team and University of Rio Grande and to both St. Francis Universities (Illinois and Indiana).
Defense, a tough inside presence, and the ability to work in transition will be keys for success this season. How quickly the team blends together and finds their identity will determine the level of success for the 2009-2010 Lady Bobcats.
Games are broadcast locally on KOMC 100.1 FM. Check the Radio Broadcast link to see which games are broadcast. You can also click on the webcast link to follow the game on your computer.
If you are interested in joining the Bobcat Basketball
team, please complete the Women's
Basketball Questionnaire.
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