Lady Devil Dogs shooting for daily improvement

With four senior starters back from a team that finished 18-10 — but did not make the postseason last year — and a move to the 4A-4 from the 5A-West, Morrilton’s Lady Devil Dogs could be looking at a special season. “We have a group of experienced seniors who have great chemistry,” Morrilton coach Carin McNabb said. “We have to get some good bench play from kids who don’t have much experience. We are in a new conference, so I’m not sure what to expect, but I like our team and look forward to a great season of getting better daily.” Returning starters include 5-10 senior forward Tamia Templeton, who averaged 11 points, 5 rebounds and 1 block per game as a junior; Mary Kate Kordsmeier, a 5-10 senior guard who had 8 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists per game last year; Caitlyn Williams, a 5-7 senior guard with 4 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists; and Maddie Adams, a 5-7 senior guard with 3 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists. “Tamia Templeton is strong and experienced,” McNabb said. “Caitlyn Williams, M.K. Kordsmeier and Maddie Adams all can really shoot it.” The coach said Templeton has had several college offers. Team strengths will be experience and shooting, but the Lady Devil Dogs will be lacking in bench experience and speed, McNabb said. After many years in the 5A-West, one of the best leagues in the state, Morrilton will join Clarksville, Dardanelle, Dover, Heber Springs, Ozark and Pottsville in the 4A-4. Pottsville reached the semifinals of the Class 4A State Tournament last year. McNabb said Ozark and Clarksville look to be the teams to beat in the conference. “They are good programs with experience returning,” she said. Morrilton will test itself with three games against bigger schools to open the season: Class 6A Benton at Devil Dog Arena on Nov. 8, at Class 5A Maumelle on Nov. 13 and at Class 7A Cabot on Nov. 15. The Lady Devil Dogs will play in the Springdale Classic during Thanksgiving week. “We hope to continue to improve on the year before,” McNabb said.