The Houston Lady Tigers have played in five consecutive district championship games. Despite only returning one starter, third-year coach Jim Moore said the expectation is to get there again.
HHS will attempt to do so with a mostly new cast of players.
Senior forward Ally Morgan is the lone holdover in the starting lineup from a year ago. Two of her teammates, Kennedy Campbell and Kelly Hubbs, played significant minutes last season and will be count ed on even more this year –– along with several others.
“We think we are capable of being not just good, but a very good defensive team,” Moore said. “We have to be to compete.”
Sophomore Jaden Stell takes over point guard duties for the team. She’ll be joined in the backcourt by Hubbs and Campbell.
The frontcourt is anchored by Morgan, who ranked second on the team last year in both scoring (9.1) and rebounding (6.6). She shot a team-best 58 percent from the field and 72 percent from the line.
Morgan was her best in district play as she had career highs of 17 and 21 points in the opener and semifinals. She led the team in scoring in two of the Lady Tigers’ three postseason games.
“She’s in position to have a big season,” Moore said. “The focus is going to be on her, but I think she’s up to that challenge.”
Senior Madison Curtis and sophomore Riley Scheets are candidates for the final starting spot alongside Morgan.
Off the bench, freshman Hannah Dzurick will add an additional perimeter shooting threat and ball handler. Danielle Walker and Haylie Heathington will also play guard spots.
The varsity roster is rounded out by Lexie Spratt and Samra Morton.
The Lady Tigers opened their season Monday night against Camdenton. They host Bradleyville on Tuesday.
“It’s the expectation for us when districts arrive, we’re in the hunt,” Moore said.