BY KYLE TROUTMAN ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com
The Southwest girls basketball team has doubled its roster from last year, embarking on a season without no seniors and under new management.
Shawn Johnson, former assistant coach in his first year as head coach, said he brings 23 years as a coach, including 13 in JV or junior high basketball and 10 in varsity softball, and he’s excited to see what the Lady Trojans can do this season.
“We finished our last game [in the 2023-2024 season] with only five players after starting with only eight, but we did finish,” Johnson said. “We currently have 15 who will be playing this season, so that will help with the competitiveness on our team.”
Leading the brigade is a lone returning junior, Jaretsi Quintanilla, a 6-1 center who earned All-District and All-Conference honors last season averaging 21 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks per game.
“She is our go to on the inside, but she has been working to extend her game,” Johnson said. “We look for her to be our leader on and off the floor.”
Beyond the junior, Southwest has a slew of underclassmen, some of which contributed in the previous campaign.
“Sophomores Addy Payne, Gracie Swanepoel and Olivia Hnem also return,” Johnson said. “We are looking for the sophomores to be more productive this year and to help more on the defensive end.”
Additionally, a freshman with a name Southwest fans will recognize is taking on the point guard duties, Sydney Roe.
“Sydney will be our starting point guard, and we are looking for her to set the tone for our team’s performance,” Johnson said.
Heading into the season, Johnson hoped defense would be the Lady Trojans’ biggest strength, and he pointed to outside shooting as an area of improvement, as it will open up more opportunities inside for Quintanilla.
“I want to see our team improve each and everyday and to be playing our best basketball at the end of the season,” he said.
Southwest opened the season this week in the Verona Tip-Off Classic, and the home opener is on Dec. 5 against Hurley.
The Lady Trojans will again host their annual Holiday Tournament, the 11th installment, and will play in the Galena Lady Bear Winter Classic from Jan. 23-25, 2025.
Of the 17 regular-season games, 9 are at home, with the last home game on Feb. 10, 2025 against Blue Eye. The season finale is on Feb. 20, 2025, at Purdy.
Southwest finished last season at 2-24 with wins over McAuley Catholic (at the Southwest Holiday Tournament) and Wheaton on the road.
