Lady Jackets look to senior leadership
Mountain View reached the Class 3A girls state-championship game last season, falling to Charleston in Hot Springs, 67-59, to finish 30-3. That followed a 29-3, state-semifinal showing in 2017, when the season ended against eventual runner-up Valley Springs. “The past two years were special,” said coach Casey Scribner, 62-6 heading into his third season atop the Lady Yellowjackets program. “This is a new year with new challenges. Our players know what it takes to make a run in the postseason. We will just need to stay healthy and get some breaks.” Back to lead that effort are four returning starters. Kaley Shipman, a 5-8 senior guard, is a three-time all-state player. Aubrey Isbell, a 5-9 sophomore guard, earned all-conference honors as a freshman. Kadyn Johnson, a 5-7 junior guard; and Chaelann Vickers, a 5-9 sophomore forward, round out the returning starters. “Last year we had so many different kids; they played different roles,” Scribner said. “Some games they started; some they didn’t. Some were great role players, and of course, we have some exceptional players as well.” Of Shipman, the point guard, Scribner said: “I don’t like to keep records, but if there was one word to describe her, it would be ‘winner.’” He said Johnson had been a vital role player the past two years. “She’s one who at the end of the game makes end-game decisions,” Scribner said. “She’s the glue kid who makes everything go. She can play multiple positions.” In his 18th season of coaching, Scribner said he had had success in previous years in bringing up freshmen to the varsity. Isbell and Vickers are the latest in that run. “These girls were very ready athletically and maturitywise,” he said. “They stepped in last year and learned the ropes from the older kids. We’re hoping they can keep that tradition going here.” Other Lady Jackets expected to contribute heavily this season are Caitlynn Lopez, a 6-0 junior forward, and Avery Decker, a 5-5 junior guard. “Caitlynn Lopez has good size and strength,” Scribner said. “Along with our returning starters outside, Avery Decker will have a vital role in our success. She is a good outside shooter and provides great energy.” Team strengths include the senior leadership of Shipman, who has committed to Arkansas Tech, Johnson and guard Dusty Nesbitt. “They have a lot of big-game experience,” Scribner said. However, the Lady Jackets will have to overcome an overall lack of size and become better rebounders, the coach said. Lopez is their biggest player. “In the league we play, we’re going to be fine with our size, but when it comes to big games …,” Scribner said. “In the past, we’ve had three girls like Caitlynn. We’ve been huge. This year, we’ll look a little different on the court.” Mountain View will play in the 3A-1 East against Bergman, Clinton, Green Forest, Marshall, Valley Springs and Rose Bud. Rose Bud reached the Class 3A quarterfinals last season. Last year, Mountain View won the 3A-1 East district title after playing that cycle in the old blended conference. “I think you could say on paper we’re favored, but you know how the season goes with injuries,” Scribner said. “It’s just about staying healthy and getting the right breaks. I think we’ll have a chance.”