Lady Jaguars coach hopes for regional or even state run

Ayear ago, the McCrory Lady Jaguars finished 17-7 under former coach Kevan Moore. Moore left the school, and Tyler Houston was hired to take over the program, which lost to Rector in the first round of the regional tournament at Carlisle High School last season.

“I expect to be in the top third of the conference, contending for a conference title,” Houston said. “We have the experience needed to win big games and games that usually younger teams lose.”

The Lady Jaguars return four starters from last year’s team that finished 8-4 in conference games.

“Bringing back four starters is always huge, and then having a move-in that is an immediate-impact player always helps,” the coach said. “The girls have bought in to the new system and style and are getting better every day, and the focus and drive have been there since June 1, when we started summer ball. I look forward to a great year.”

Returning starters include Natalie Creasey, Hadyn Brewer, Kendall Stovall and Chandler Reynolds.

Houston said Brewer is the best inside player. “She is tall and long,” he said. “She knows how to use her body to defend the basket and is an excellent rebounder.”

Brewer averaged 6 rebounds and 3 blocks a game last year as a freshman.

Houston said the best outside player is Creasey. “It’s very easy to see why,” he said. “She’s got great handles on the ball and moves great without the basketball. She is a 3-point threat at all times. She was double- and triple-teamed at times last year as a junior.”

The new player that McCrory added is point guard Tacara Neal from Rogers.

“The game comes very easy to her, and she can get in the paint,” Houston said. “Paired with Natalie Creasey on the outside, they are a tough two-guard combo to match up with. I believe both have all-conference and all-regional abilities, if not more.”

Houston said his team’s weakness is depth, or a lack of it.

“We only have eight players,” he said. “We are going to have to make sure we are in shape and be very good at rotations and time management in games to make sure we are there and ready to go in the fourth quarter.”

Houston said games against Des Arc and Carlisle in 2A-6 Conference play will be games to watch.

The Lady Jaguars will play at Des Arc on Jan. 10, then host the Lady Eagles on Feb. 3. McCrory will play Carlisle at home on Dec. 6, then host the Lady Bison on Jan. 17.

Houston also said his team is playing in the NEA Tournament at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, and it will be a good tournament.

“Des Arc is a rivalry between both schools, so both bring their best to that matchup,” Houston said. “Carlisle has a great coach in Jonathan Buffalo and a system of developing good players that are tough to contact with. The NEA is a great opportunity for the girls to get that college experience that most players do not get to have.” Houston said he expects big things this season. “I believe the team has the ability to make another regional run and possibly a state run,” he said. “We have a mix of experienced and young talent who know how to get there and know what it takes to win games.”