BY KYLE TROUTMAN ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com
“LOVE and TEAM” is the motto for the Southwest High School girls basketball team this season, which is looking to find new success with only two-thirds the number of players compared to last season.
Destiny Jalbert, Southwest High School girls basketball coach, said building chemistry with the eight-girl roster is goal No. 1.
“We are working on reconnecting to our love for each aspect of the game, as well as our teammates,” she said. “We had several lettermen decide not to play this year, and that is disheartening regardless of their reasons. The ones returning are going to have to keep their focus on why they are playing and each other — not on the ones that decided not to play.”
Coming off an 11-16 season with only one senior, Jalbert said the Lady Trojans this season will be tasked with setting a tone for the program.
“[To have a successful season, we need] our team to bond, for the girls to recognize they can rely on each other for more than just playing basketball and for the girls to know their roles and not care about who scores but our team accomplishing our goals,” she said.
Leading the charge this season is a senior-junior-sophomore trio of returners in Alexis Raucstadt, Allison Harling and Jaretsi Quintanilla.
“Alexis is a defensive powerhouse,” Jalbert said. “She is extremely quick. We are looking for her to be more consistent offensively and to extend her defense and cause more turnovers. We are expecting Allison to see more minutes on varsity this year. We are going to need her to be able to handle the ball offensively this year and to stay mentally tough.
“Jaretsi, an Honorable Mention All-Conference and All-District last season, made her presence known last year as a freshman; and this year, we expect her to do the same. She will continue to be a force inside, but she has been working hard to extend her game and be an even harder player to match up with.”
Newcomers to the team include a junior, Brianna Hufford, and four freshmen, Addyson Payne, Gracie Swanpoel, Olivia Hnem and Jarmyn Rivas.
“Bri is quick and causes issues defensively,” Jalbert said. “She gets into people’s pockets very well. Offensively she cuts and moves very well without the ball. We are going to need her to continue to do this and to finish when we get her the ball.
“All four freshman will be seeing lots of minutes this year. They are coachable and have a desire to really understand the game. I am excited to watch them grow.”
Jalbert said going into the season, the Lady Trojans’ inside-outside game is a strength, and ball-handling and confidence will be areas of focus.
“This group of ladies are working hard each day,” Jalbert said. “They are getting lots of reps and growing together. I am excited to see what they do this season. They are a great group of girls.”
Southwest’s season began on Saturday at the Verona Tip-Off Classic. The Lady Trojans will play in the Peoples Bank of Seneca Tournament Nov. 27-30, and the home opener is on Dec. 4 against Pierce City.
Jalbert said one game this season will be a pink out to support a local man diagnosed with cancer, Jerry Shrum, who operates the scoreboard and has been involved in Southwest hoops for many years.
