Mid Lakes Conference

[Razzy417]

How will Mid Lakes Conference go this year in girls hoops? Can anyone beat Strafford?

Teams are Clever, Fair Grove, Forsyth. Skyline, Stockton and Strafford

 

[Hoopsquad20]

No they can't beat Strafford.

 

[Razzy417]

No they can't beat Strafford.

So who will Strafford have specifically? I know some of them but guess I'd be curious to know more. Don't have to name names but at least what type of player they are and what they bring to the table.

I think Fair Grove lost too much to contend, and Forsyth and Stockton usually aren't too competitive, but what about traditionally good squads like Skyline or Clever?

 

[AC100]

So who will Strafford have specifically? I know some of them but guess I'd be curious to know more. Don't have to name names but at least what type of player they are and what they bring to the table.

I think Fair Grove lost too much to contend, and Forsyth and Stockton usually aren't too competitive, but what about traditionally good squads like Skyline or Clever?

Clever beat Carl Junction in a fall league game on Sunday so they must be pretty good. Of course I don't know who played for CJ.

 

[Razzy417]

Both Clever and Skyline have some younger players, mainly sophomores, that will make a difference this season. Clever has at least 4 girls that can knock down 3's at a high percentage and can all handle and pass and defend. Plus the 6'1 senior in the middle and they return the only girl who made first team all conference last season who didn't graduate and shot well over 40% on 3's.

Skyline is only Class 2 but they are legit in a Class 3 conference.

Clever also knocked off Nixa and an improved Springfield Central team in that fall league. Lost a close one to Rolla, a 24-4 team last year with almost everyone returning, but Rolla is struggling with chemistry issues right now, a residue from the drama surrounding their former coach and some of the parents I'm sure.

But again... good enough to knock off Strafford in the conference and possibly districts, depending on classification?

 

[basket_ball]

Both Clever and Skyline have some younger players, mainly sophomores, that will make a difference this season. Clever has at least 4 girls that can knock down 3's at a high percentage and can all handle and pass and defend. Plus the 6'1 senior in the middle and they return the only girl who made first team all conference last season who didn't graduate and shot well over 40% on 3's.

Skyline is only Class 2 but they are legit in a Class 3 conference.

Clever also knocked off Nixa and an improved Springfield Central team in that fall league. Lost a close one to Rolla, a 24-4 team last year with almost everyone returning, but Rolla is struggling with chemistry issues right now, a residue from the drama surrounding their former coach and some of the parents I'm sure.

But again... good enough to knock off Strafford in the conference and possibly districts, depending on classification?

 

[basket_ball]

Rolla only has half their varsity team in the league due to volleyball and softball players not being able to play. They will be a different team come season.

 

[Razzy417]

I figured that might have been the case. Just knew that they had their two best sophomores playing but didnt know about any of the seniors

 

[HARDWORK3211]

Allie Clevenger for Clever is going to have a huge year. I think she is poised to make a big jump after having some big games the last couple years but Clever had 4 2019’s that could all score it as well.

 

[8162417]

The 2019 class was great over all in this conference. It’ll be interesting to see what players step up.

 

[Razzy417]

The 2019 class was great over all in this conference. It’ll be interesting to see what players step up.

The sophomore class in this area is pretty loaded too, though some like Fontleroy are injured. I think we will see quite a few sophomores as well as some juniors step up this yr

 

[AC100]

The sophomore class in this area is pretty loaded too, though some like Fontleroy are injured. I think we will see quite a few sophomores as well as some juniors step up this yr

The sophomore class in the Springfield metro is really strong. Even in Junior high that class would crush all of the Joplin schools while the other grades would be more competitive.

 

[Razzy417]

With the exception of Carl Junction, you're very close to being correct I'd say. The Joplin area is way better in football, but no question the basketball - boys and girls - is better in the Springfield area.

 

[8162417]

Any seniors out there to keep an eye on? Anyone coming out of the shadows of last years class? What are some games to look forward to in the Mid-Lakes?

 

[Razzy417]

Any seniors out there to keep an eye on? Anyone coming out of the shadows of last years class? What are some games to look forward to in the Mid-Lakes?

Strafford has Jones and Dorrman back for their senior year, they will really step it up this season without the Franks and Chittenden around. They also have two or three good sophomores, the younger Compton girl will really step it up this year, she's better than her sister was, she has an extremely high motor. They also have sophomore guard Mullings and sophomore big Walker who will make some noise this season. Two other seniors as well who will step up and a junior or two.

Clever has Clevenger returning along with 6'1 Gladney. Clevenger should be the best senior and possibly best player in the conference. And they have three sophomores that can shoot and handle. Brown girl has good size and can score in a variety of ways and the Simpson twins moved from Nixa, both can really shoot the 3 ball as well as pass. They will be one of the most balanced 3a teams around as well as one of the best shooting teams.

Skyline has several sophomores and juniors returning and while they were a bit down last season, they will be a force this year and could go to state in 2a. Crawford, Holmes, Quinnoz are some of the names to watch for. They have others.

Any games between Strafford, Clever, and Skyline should be competitive.

Fair Grove returns their point guard Luna, she is tenacious and fast with the ball but they lost their three best players last season and will be hard placed to replace them all adequately. They have another super fast guard who should step in and start. The question is who will score and who will rebound?

Don't know much about Stockton and Forsyth but unless I'm missing something they won't compete with the others.

 

[have an idea]

Sounds like some teams should go undefeated.

 

[Razzy417]

That won't happen, but SWMO will have some outstanding girls teams, as always.