Cavewomen look for new leaders

In his 30-plus years of coaching, Cave City girls basketball coach Russell Fowler has never seen the level of commitment to success as shown by this year’s Cavewomen basketball team. “We like to define success as the point where preparation and opportunity meet,” Fowler said. “Success from this team starts with being patient as our team chemistry develops because I know they are going to have good work habits. “I feel very fortunate to be in a position to get to coach a team that comes to practice and works hard on a daily basis. “It makes coaching fun and my job easier.” Cave City finished last year 10-12 and runner-up in the 4A-3 Conference tournament to Pocahontas. “We have no returning starters from last year, but we do have two with playing experience at the senior high level,” said Fowler, who is in his 26th year at Cave City. Cave City does have several inside threats this year, including Genet Childress, Sierra Williams, Brittnie Walling and Maddie Koch, but all four need game experience, the coach said. Fowler said Childress attacks the basket strong, and Williams — who can also play around the perimeter — can get to the goal with her quickness. “Sierra has a very quick first step to the basket and shoots the ball consistently,” he said. “Brittnie is strong to the basket, and Maddie is a strong attacker toward the basket.” Fowler said Williams, a sophomore, has the potential to play at the next level. “She handles the ball, has got good speed and can play inside or outside,” he said. “She also works really hard.” Other perimeter players include Gracie McComas, Maddie Verser, Brooke Henry and Brooke Brown. “All shoot the 3 with confidence,” the coach said. The Cavewomen have a very competitive nature. “The team is very competitive in everything we do in practice,” Fowler said. “Our intensity on defense should be strong.” A lack of senior leadership and lack of experience were pointed to as some of the team’s weaknesses. “With no seniors on the team, who is going to step up and be our team leader?” Fowler asked. Cave City will open the season Nov. 4 against Bald Knob. “Hoxie, the defending 3A state champion, and Pocahontas, the defending 4A state champion, are both in our blended district, and they will be tough again,” Fowler said. “Melbourne has a strong group coming back this year. “In our conference tournament, Brookland and Pocahontas will be tough, and several others will be very competitive.”