It ’ s a new era in Hoxie as Diamani Davis takes over as the Lady Mustangs head coach . Coach Davis is looking to use the core principles of discipline , dedication , and desire to improve on Hoxie ’ s season a year ago . That is a tall task in one of the state ’ s toughest girls ’ basketball conferences , but Coach Davis and the Lady Mustangs are up to the challenge . Leading the way is senior forward Bailey Prater . Prater is a two-year starter who is a versatile player that can score in many different ways . Sophomore Lindsey Wells is expected to make an immediate impact to the lineup . Wells is an efficient shooter and looks to hit timely outside shots in spots for Hoxie . A strong non-conference schedule will allow the Lady Mustangs to adapt to a new coach and system to gain valuable experience before embarking on a rugged conference schedule in the 3A-2 . NEA Sports predicts that Hoxie will be in the mix for one of the final regional spots come tournament time .
The Hoxie Mustangs had subpar season last year going 9-14 . The Mustangs play in the 3A-2 Conference . Coach Cory Watson loses four players to graduation in Cooper Spradlin , Jakob Felton , Sawyer Anglin , and Ty Gramlin . He does return three starters from last year ’ s group . The trio are all seniors . Kyler Lenderman and Kayden Glenn both play at the guard position and started for the first time last year . Lenderman is a very smart player who can handle the ball and score at will from anywhere on the court . He is also a great passer . Glenn is very athletic and quick . He is a great scorer and a willing defender . If his mind is right can be the best player on the floor any given night per Coach Watson . The third senior is forward Jake Jones . He ’ s a big and very versatile player , who can play both inside and out on both ends of the floor . He ’ s an extremely vocal leader on and off the floor . Senior forward Camden Brooks returns from an injury . He ’ s athletic and has a great work ethic . He ’ s projected to be the team ’ s best defender . “ This team is very similar to last year with a few exceptions ,” told Coach Watson . “ We will lose a little size and depth from last year but will gain some athleticism and speed . We still have our top three scorers from last year who continue to improve . I expect us to compete night in and night out during conference play and if we play to our potential can make some noise atop the 3A-2 .” NEA Sports believes Hoxie will be improved and push for a spot in the regional tournament .
Wesley Couch and his Corning Bobcats look to only improve after their 18-13 record . The Bobcats bring back Roman Davis ( senior forward ) who was named all-conference last season . Roman is 6 ’ 5 ” with outstanding athletic ability . On offense Davis has the ability to make shots and can get to the rim and finish . He is very disruptive and can make things happen on the defensive end of the ball . Davis was tied last season for team leader in steals and blocks . Luke Blanchard ( senior point-guard ) has two years starting experience with two all-conference and all-state honors under his belt . Being a 6 ’ 5 ” point guard allows Blanchard to have excellent court vision . Blanchard can get to the rim or stop on a dime to get points on the board . His defense is very disruptive and can be justified by leading the team last season in deflections and tied for steals and blocks . Jayce Couch ( senior guard ) will bring more experience to the team after starting the last two seasons and titles of all conference and all-state . Couch is an all-around player for the Bobcats . He can score at all three levels with confidence no matter the time and situation . Couch has a high IQ which leads him to lead his team on and off the court . Couch led the team in scoring , assists , and charges last season . Stepping up this season will be Spencer Blanchard ( senior guard ) who plays every play like it is his last . No matter what situation , Blanchard will sacrifice his body for his team . Blanchard has the ability to guard the team ’ s best player every night . Cannon Cumming ( senior guard ) will come in to provide the long ball . Cummings also has the ability to handle the ball and make the right play . Seth Green ( junior forward ) is what Coach Couch defines as the “ best teammate on the team .” Green is a tough , physical player who goes hard every play . Green will do whatever needs to be done for his teammates to be successful . He plays with great energy and enthusiasm . Jakob Cox ( junior guard ) is a great ball handler who can get to the rim . He plays with energy and emotion and loves to compete . Cox is a great on ball defender and can score at different levels on the other end . Hayden Cox ( junior guard ) plays with high energy and has the ability to guard different positions . On the offensive end , Cox can shoot the three at a high percentage . Coach Couch has high expectations for his team and says keys to success will be staying healthy , believing in ourselves , defense , rebounding consistently , limiting turnovers , and mental toughness ” Couch believes this team can make run not only from their skill of their game but the team chemistry they have . The Corning Bobcats are ready to make a run in the 3A-3 .
The Corning Lady Bobcats finished last season as district-runner up ( 24-8 .) The Bobcats are looking to fill some of the shoes that left last year including Whitley Bolen . Returning starters will be seniors Kenlie Watson , Presley Martin , and Emily Selig . These three will have to carry the water and chop the wood every night . Stepping up on and off the court will be a determining factor for this season . Coming off the bench will be Symantha Riley ( senior ), Katir Zimmer ( senior ), Olicia Compton ( junior ) Avery Glasgow ( junior ) Haleigh Cox ( junior ), Celence Pankey ( junior ), and Katir Karr ( sophomore ). The experience the Lady Bobcats gained last year is a valuable asset . It not only enhances the players ' skills and understanding of the game but also allows them to go deeper in their bench this year . Keys for the Cats will be the emphasis on improving their inside game , particularly in the post , signifying a commitment to dominating the key area , both offensively and defensively . Strong post play can lead to higher-percentage shots and can be a game-changer when it comes to rebounding and shot-blocking . This improvement can be a defining factor in our team ' s success this season . Coach Songer would say “ ultimately , the success of our team hinges on one crucial factor : hard work . No matter the talent and experience on the roster , it ' s the dedication , commitment , and relentless effort that will determine our achievements this season . Our collective work ethic , both in practice and during games , will be the driving force behind our pursuit of victory .”