Coach: Lady Mustangs young, but quick

If it’s true that the best offense is a good defense, the Perryville Lady Mustangs will give fans something to cheer about this season. There’s no doubt the team is young and somewhat inexperienced, but that can be overcome, coach Kodi Speers said. Speers said the team’s strengths this year include quickness and the ability to defend. “We would like to bother people on defense, cause bad shots and turnovers, and let that lead to our offense,” she said. Last year, in her first year as a solo coach after being an assistant in the district, Speers took the 3A-4 Conference team to the regional tournament, giving them a 15-16 record. They lost in the first round to Greenland, but the coach sees potential in this year’s team, too. She will be assisted by coach Troy Denn. “This year, we will have a couple of returning starters and a good group of young guards,” she said. Returning starters are seniors Tori Hayes, 5-9, who averaged 6 points and 4 rebounds per game; and Brooklyn Schmelter, 6-0, who averaged 7 points and 6 rebounds per game. Schmelter will be counted on inside because of her height, and her ability to block shots and get rebounds, Speers said. The coach said Hayes will be right in there with her because of her ability to get to the rim and finish around the basket. The outside game will be supported by four sophomore players, Speers said, including Kyra Hargrove, 5-6, who transferred from Flippin. “She makes great passes and shoots the ball well,” Speers said. Becka Reynolds, 5-8, “is an athletic guard and a good shooter.” Grace Walker, 5-5, is in the mix “because of her speed and ability to defend,” Speers said. She described Allee Southerland, 5-3, as “a natural leader who does all the little things that often go unnoticed.” Because the team is young, the players will lack experience early in the season, the coach said. “We try to simulate game climate in practice to prepare, but it’s just not the same. As the season progresses and we get some game experience, I hope we are able to adapt and mature as a team,” Speers said. She said fans always look forward to the team’s biggest rivalry game with Bigelow, the only other school in the county. “It always draws a big crowd as our opening game, and you know the kids are going to play hard,” she said. The toughest opponent the Lady Mustangs may meet in the blended conference is Pottsville, the coach said. “They made it to the 4A state finals last year and have several returning players.” All in all, Speers said, she expects her young team to play hard every game. “I think this team has the potential to win a lot of games, and I’m excited to see how they finish the season,” she said.

This year, we will have a couple of returning starters and a good group of young guards.” KODI SPEARS PERRYVILLE GIRLS COACH