Lady Tigers embrace new roles for season ahead

A new season will require new roles, new production and a new identity for the Houston girls basketball team.

With four of its five starters gone — courtesy of three graduations and one family move — from a year ago, the Lady Tigers will have a new look in coach Micah Lee’s third season with the program. 

Lee said her team will have a new identity in 2025-26.

“Our biggest strength will be our ability to play as a team. We have struggled with that in the past, but all of these girls are willing to work hard for their teammates, pass the ball and work together.” 

HHS girls basketball coach Micah Lee

It will take everyone, Lee said, to replace the team’s offensive production. The Lady Tigers, who went 8-17 last season, lost two-thirds of their scoring from a year ago when they averaged 44.4 points per game.

“We still need to make some improvements on getting points on the board,” Lee said. “All of our girls will have to be able to score and create scoring opportunities so that we can compete.” 

McNiell brings back big production

For all that HHS lost with the graduations of Lacey Cavaness, Makinley Aaron and Sophia Crites, and Summer Seago moving, the Lady Tigers return a huge piece in senior Gracyn McNiell. 

The senior forward is a two-year starter who was the team’s second-leading scorer at 10.0 points per game while grabbing a team-best 7.5 rebounds. She also averaged 1.4 assists and 1.4 steals.

McNiell was an all-conference and all-district selection as a junior.

“She is our leader,” Lee said. “She is a force under the basket with great post move skills and is versatile enough to step out and shoot the 3. Her tenacity is unmatched on the floor.”

Gilbert, Weaver will expand roles

The Lady Tigers’ other two seniors, Ashley Gilbert and Kynlee Weaver, will move into the starting lineup with opportunities to play expanded roles. 

Gilbert, a 5-foot-10 center, averaged 2.8 points and 3.0 rebounds off the bench last season. 

“She will be huge for our rebounding efforts,” Lee said. “I am also hoping to see a lot more scoring opportunities for her.”

Weaver will play a full season after joining the team midseason last year. She averaged 2.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists and one steal per game.

“We will be looking for her at the 3-point line,” Lee said. “She is a great passer and can keep our team motivated. She is also very aggressive on defense and gives a lot of ball handlers fits.”

Other impact players this season

The starting lineup will be rounded out by sophomores Ava Koch and Isabella Cook. The sophomores played 18 and 12 varsity games, respectively, during their freshman campaigns. 

Koch will start at point guard while Cook will play on the wing.

“Ava is a great defender and a very coachable kid,” Lee said. “I’m expecting a good year for Izzy after getting playing time as a freshman last year.”

Freshman Millie Manier, who was a varsity volleyball player, will do the same for the basketball team as the first player off the bench. Sophomore Claire Benoist will also play varsity minutes off the bench.

The Lady Tigers have 10 players with three – sophomore Reese Wilson and freshmen Piper Volk and Katie Richards – rounding out the roster on junior varsity. 

Season at a glance

After hosting a preseason jamboree with Willow Springs and Thayer Tuesday night, the Lady Tigers don’t compete until the Fordland Invitational Dec. 1. The first scheduled game, Saturday at the Bunker Shootout, was canceled. 

Houston’s home opener is Dec. 8 against Licking. Conference play begins Jan. 8 at home against Willow Springs. The regular season concludes Feb. 19 with Senior Night against Ava. 

Along with finding consistent scoring options, Lee said keys to the season also include minimizing turnovers and executing an effective full-court press. 

“We want to improve our win-loss record,” Lee said. “Mainly, just being consistent.”

Lady Tigers roster