As football teams dwindle out of the playoffs, basketball edges its way into the sports spotlight. For the Lady Wildcats basketball team, it is what they have been waiting for ever since their state championship hopes were put on hold by the Cabot Panthers.
“Something that’s different this year is our sense of playing as a team,” said junior Samantha Weber. “Instead of focusing on individual players, we look more at the team as a whole.”
The Lady Wildcats reached the quarterfinals in the state playoffs last year and hope to make it even farther.
“Sam Weber and seniors Caylee Wright and Tayleah Neal are returners who saw lots of playing time last season,” said assistant coach Tim Aynes.
These returners are only a few of the key players that the coaches will look to to lead the team.
Another difference one will see in the makeup of the Lady Wildcats this season will be the number of sophomores. Seniors and returning players will be expected to help develop these underclassmen’s skills, creating a bench with some depth.
“This year we have more sophomores that will make us a better team,” said Weber. “They’ll give us more depth on the bench for sure.”
Senior Ashley Gray knows how it feels to watch from the sidelines. Last season, she tore her anterior cruciate ligament, (ACL), in her right leg on a lay up on Jan. 20, 2012.
“It’s really exciting to be able to play again,” said Gray. “It won’t be scary though.”
This is the second time Gray has had to wait to play again. As a sophomore, Gray tore her left ACL in a game against Springdale.
“This year as a senior, I’ll help to be a role model and a mentor,” said Gray. “I’m going to help guide the underclassmen.”
Exiting the last school year’s season, the Lady Wildcats were the fourth seed. Heading into this season, the girls were placed at the fifth seed, a disappointing yet motivating rank.
“I like that they ranked us lower because it make us look like a weaker team than last year,” said Weber. “It just makes us want to play better.”
Thoughts towards being placed at fifth seed are positive throughout the team.
“Despite what they ranked us, I think we are going to be good,” said Gray, “at least in the top three.”
One strength the Lady Wildcats will use this season is their speed, guards, and developing underclassmen.
“We are less experienced and smaller in size this season, but we will be quicker,” said Coach Aynes.
The Lady Wildcats have already been preparing for the season with team camps, tournaments, and of course pre-season games. They will travel to Willard, MO for a tournament on Nov. 29, 30, and Dec. 1. Their first home game will be Dec. 11 against non-conference opponent the Greenwood Bulldogs.
A new addition into the 7A West will be Pea Ridge and Siloam Springs. The Lady Wildcats will face the Siloam Springs Panthers Jan. 4 for their first conference game. The game will be at Siloam and previously defeated the Panthers in a pre-season game last year.
