Lady Tigers hope to repeat last season

After a trip to the state semifinals last year, the Pangburn Lady Tigers are looking for a repeat performance. “We had a great run last year,” coach Christi Rolland said. “We will have to work hard and use our quickness to our advantage.” Returning starters include forwards Tylar Vernon and Macie Hopkins, as well as guards Kylee Huggins and Hannah Bourgeois. “Tyler is strong and can get to the basket. She is also very quick,” said Rolland, who is in her 18th season as head coach. “Macie can go inside and outside — very versatile and a great rebounder. “Another post player, Megan Whitworth, is also strong and a good rebounder.” The coach describes Huggins as a great defender. “Kurstin Atkins can handle the ball well and shoot,” the coach said, “and Bailey Sagers is a great shooter.” With so many girls coming back, Rolland said one of the team’s biggest strengths is its ability to score. “Our best nights will be when they all contribute to the scoring column,” she said. “We have some quickness.” The coach said the key for the Lady Tigers this season will be controlling the tempo and really getting after people on defense. “We could have matchup programs against the bigger teams,” Rolland said. “We will have to use our speed to offset this.” In the first week, the Lady Tigers will have to go to Izard County High School for a couple of games and to Mount Vernon-Enola. “We will be tested from the beginning,” the coach said. “Conference teams, such as Concord and Rural Special, will be good again. “District teams, such as Conway Christian and St. Joseph, are on our schedule during the regular season.” The Lady Tigers will also play in the Kell Classic, which will feature several statetournament teams. “All of our district opponents can be a challenge,” Rolland said. “Out of the four state semifinals, three came from our district.”