GIRLS BASKETBALL: New coach Tolbert has all-stater to build around

At Richland, there is some replacing to do due to graduation losses. But Tolbert certainly has some returning talent to work with from last season’s team, which finished 20-9 overall and 6-1 in the Frisco League. The Lady Bears lost a heartbreaker to league foe Iberia in the championship game of the Class 2 District 9 Tournament.

“I am very excited for the upcoming season,” Tolbert said. “We have a great group of student-athletes and I look forward to seeing them come together and form a wonderful team of basketball players. There will be some changes within the program, and I am hoping that it makes an impact on our endurance and strength on the court. I have been lucky enough to have been with the team for the last two years as an assistant coach and get to know the players. I look forward to helping to grow the program and put in the work to make this team shine.”

The Lady Bears lost three starters to graduation, but have returning Missouri Class 2 All-Stater back in 5-7 junior guard Mallory Moss as well as 5-11 senior post Kamryn Kardosz to build around.

Moss averaged 17.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.4 assists per game last season while Kardosz averaged 7.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, 1.4 steals and 3.0 assists.

“Mallory is fast and is also a great ball handler,” Tolbert said. “She has a great shot and plays defense well. Kamryn is a great post player who can also handle the ball well. She blocks a lot of shots and can also shoot inside and outside.”

Others back from last season include 5-7 senior post Jimmie Jo Sufficool, 5-9 junior guard Brooklyn Moore and 5-7 junior guard Aletheia Cambier.

Newcomers expected to contribute at the varsity level include 5-6 sophomore guard Bernadette Kincaid, 5-8 sophomore guard Chesni Braithwait, 5-7 sophomore post Eva Alexander and 5-7 junior post Ashlyn Ogle.

Tolbert said a key to the Lady Bears this season will be a balanced attack.

“Our offense will succeed when all five players on the court are threats,” she said. “When we trust one another, communicate and make quick and confident decisions, we will accomplish this. Discipline, teamwork and execution will define our identity on the offensive end.

“Our goal on the defensive side is to make every possession difficult for our opponent. When we defend with pride, communicate and play together, we create opportunities to run, build momentum and win games.”

Key losses to graduation are All-Frisco League and all-district player Lexi Burns, Andelyn Wans and Monica Smith. Last season the Lady Bears averaged 54.6 points per game and allowed 42.9.