The Purdy girls basketball team is under new management this season, as a former Monett assistant has taken the reins of a program returning five players, including last season’s leading scorer.

Drew Williams, three-year assistant for the Monett boys team now in his first head coaching job, said he is excited to return to his alma mater.

“We are a young team with several players returning that are underclassmen,” he said. “I want the identity and reputation of this team to be hard-working. I don’t want anyone to question our work ethic. I believe that you are never out of any contest if you’re willing to work harder than the other team.”

Leading the Lady Eagles will be senior and last year’s scoring leader Kavery Postlewait, who averaged 8.9 points per game.

“Kavery has a calm about her — she doesn’t let the pressure get to her,” Williams said. “Unfortunately, Kavery tore her ACL this offseason. Her presence on the bench will be paramount until she is cleared by her doctor and able to return. Until her return, I will be calling on a cast of returning players that I hope will take up some leadership responsibilities.”

That cast includes three juniors and a sophomore with playing experience.

“Junior Jessi Hoppes was a high-energy player on last year’s team, averaging 6.5 points per game,” Williams said. “She will need to continue that high energy this upcoming season. Junior Hadley Hughes is our team’s leading rebounder (6.5 rebounds per game). Hadley is our tallest player and is going to help us out due to our lack of size.

“Junior Raeley Henderson will be an added value with her ability to defend both guards and wings. Sophomore Rosa Schad was just a freshman last year and gained a ton of experience. I am hoping she will look to be more aggressive and look to score when given the opportunity.”

A group of seven other athletes will round out the varsity contributors, including another senior and two more juniors.

“Senior Adriana Barrientos did not get much playing time last season but is very coachable and a hard worker,” Williams said. “Adriana’s ability to be coached may allow her to get some playing time this year. Junior Rylee Stanford was also part of the team last season but was injured before the season started. Rylee has spent the past year rehabbing her injury. She provides a lot of speed and defensive tenacity to our team. This will help us with our up-tempo style of play.

“Junior Holly Webb is a very coachable player. She didn’t get much playing time with the varsity, but she is a student of the game and is not afraid to ask questions.”

A pair of sophomores, Sky Bingham and Serenity Morris, and a pair of freshmen, Courtney Patteron and Kenna Liggett, may also see time on the floor.

“Skye is a hardworking player that is not afraid to get in and do the dirty work at post,” Williams said. “Serenity is a skilled offensive player and will contribute to the team. Courtney is a long and athletic player that is a capable ball handler. As a freshman she is not afraid to get in and make a play. Kenna is a freshman that took her eighth-grade year off. This will be a big developmental year for her.”

Williams said this offseason, Henderson, Schad and Stanford have stood out.

“I saw them the most this offseason working out in the weight room or coming in for shooting workouts during open gyms,” he said.

That work ethic is part of the culture Williams hopes to build. He also hopes to use the Lady Eagles’ best traits in their favor.

“Our team’s biggest strength will be our speed,” he said. “Our team is not very tall, but we are quick, fast and athletic. I share most of my players with multisport athletes, but our speed is what will hopefully set us apart from other teams this year.”

Williams said with that, Purdy will have to work harder on few other areas to get wins.

“We need to improve our conditioning, ball security and ball handling the most in order for us to find success this season,” he said. “With us not having much size we will have to use our speed and athleticism to create an up-tempo style of play through our defense.”

Purdy opens regular season play on Monday, hosting Sparta.