Coach: Janson Hightower
21-22 Record: 12-13
The Collinsville Lady Cardinals and head coach Janson Hightower are looking to build on the progress made last year when they doubled their win total from the ‘20-21 season. This year Collinsville returns three starters from last year’s team and will have a talented group of incoming freshmen vying for playing time. Abbey Stamper (5-6, Sr.) returns after previously leading Collinsville in scoring with 13.0 points per game and shooting an effective 33 percent from behind the arc. As a four-year starter Stamper can do a little bit of everything and also contributed 2.6 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game.
Brie Smith (5-9, Jr.) returns after averaging 12.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game. Smith has the ability to score from the post or stretch the floor and knock down shots from outside. She will be a matchup nightmare most nights. Look for Smith and Stamper to lead the way as a one-two punch for Collinsville this year as veterans with lots of playing experience.
Three freshmen to keep an eye on are Avery Oder (5-10), Jennah Christian (5-8), and Hayden McDowell (5-6) who have all made an impression on coaches already and look to play significant minutes this season. Oder has the size and skill to play in the post and help the team immediately. Christian has a high basketball IQ and can find open teammates in space for easy shots. McDowell is a long guard with a solid jumper who also passes the ball well. She is an offensive creator in every sense of the word.
Makayla Meadows (5-3, Sr.) returns for her senior year and will be one of the best defenders in Class 5A. Last season she was voted Co-Defensive Player of the Year and will happily accept the challenge of shutting down the opponent’s top scoring threat every night. Rae Johnson (5-6, Jr.) is another veteran back this year who plays well on the wing and makes an impact on both ends of the court. She is a solid defender with good speed and a nose for the ball. Look for her to set up transition opportunities.
Other players to look for include: Brynlee Marshall (5-5, Jr.), Payton Jones (5-4, So.), Emma Baysinger (5-10, So.), and Kate Reid (5-7, So.).
