ROGERS — Despite being hit hard by graduation, Rogers High coach Preston Early expects the Lady Mounties to compete for the 7A/6A-West Conference championship and make an eighth straight trip to the Class 7A playoffs.
Having one of the best players in the state in Taylor Strickland back is a big plus, but the Lady Mounties lost more than 50 percent of their scoring and rebounding to graduation.
That means several players are going to have to step up and be physically and mentally tough, Early said.
“I love the fact that our program is where people look to us to be good year-in and year-out,” Early said. “Even though we graduated a lot of players, we have to have players step into those roles. Our plans are to compete for a conference championship.”
Strickland is a three-year starter and averaged 19 points and six rebounds a game a year ago. Strickland, who has committed to Missouri-Kansas City, set the school single-season scoring mark last year and she needs 514 points this year to become the all-time scoring leader. That mark is currently held by Oklahoma guard Morgan Hook.
“I know the offense runs through me,” Strickland said. “But for that to be successful the whole offense has to run well and we must play defense.”
Senior guard McKinzie James is the only other returnee with extensive experience after starting 20 games last year. James averaged five points and three rebounds a game as a junior.
“McKinzie brings a whole different level of experience,” Early said. “One of the things she brings to the floor is that she is the best athlete on the floor. She brings instant intensity and energy.”
Senior forward Samantha Warren (5-11), senior guard Hannah Hawley (5-8) and junior guard Cassandra Trexler (5-6) round out the starting five.
Warren played in 24 games last year and averaged four points and three rebounds a game. Hawley averaged two points while playing in 13 games last year.
“Sam has been unbelievable with her leadership,” Early said. “I love the growth out of her and she brings a lot of athleticism inside. I’m really proud of her of embracing a role of leading this team. She is a tough physical player.”
Sophomore guard Libby Ganoung (5-8) and junior forward Ruth Davis (6-0) will be the first players off the bench. Twelve of the 19 players on the roster are sophomores and depth could be a problem, especially early in the season.
Rogers, which was 22-6 last year, opens the season Nov. 17 when they take on Drew Central at Arkansas-Monticello. The home opener is Nov. 20 when West Fork visits.
Rogers High Schedule
Date Opponent Time
Nov. 17 Drew Central@UAM 7 p.m.
Nov. 20 West Fork 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Rogers Basketball Classic TBD
Dec. 6-8 Springfield Kickapoo Tournament TBD
Dec. 14 at Shiloh Christian 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 20 Mountain Home 6 p.m.
Dec. 27-29 Mountain Home Tournament TBD
Jan. 4 at Springdale High* 6 p.m.
Jan. 8 Siloam Springs* 6 p.m.
Jan. 11 Fayetteville* 6 p.m.
Jan. 15 at Bentonville* 6 p.m.
Jan. 18 Van Buren* 6 p.m.
Jan. 22 at Rogers Heritage* 6 p.m.
Jan. 25 at Springdale Har-Ber* 6 p.m.
Feb. 1 Springdale High* 6 p.m.
Feb. 5 at Siloam Springs 6 p.m.
Feb. 8 at Fayetteville* 6 p.m.
Feb. 12 Bentonville* 6 p.m.
Feb. 15 at Van Buren* 6 p.m.
Feb. 19 Rogers Heritage* 6 p.m.
Feb. 22 Springdale Har-Ber* 6 p.m.
Feb. 27 7A State Tournament@Fayetteville TBD