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Blue Springs, MO —
Lizzy Wendell, Karyla Middlebrook and Tyra Bickham spent most of the time on the bench Wednesday afternoon at the final session of the Blue Springs South Summer Basketball League as some talented newcomers and returning reserves put on a show in a 49-31 victory over Lee’s Summit West.
Wildcats coach Mark Spigarelli, who has led Blue Springs to the past four Class 4 final fours, knows what that talented trio of senior returnees can do.
So he let some of the new kids on the block step into the spotlight, and they looked like seasoned veterans.
“It’s kind of funny,” Spigarelli said, “we’ve lost more games this summer than we ever have since I’ve been at Blue Springs, but I think it’s been the most productive and fun summer we’ve had.
“We’ve missed some girls because of different things they had going on in their lives, and that’s fine, because it’s given us the chance to see what all the new girls can do.”
Freshmen, sophomores and juniors who were on the junior varsity squad last year ran the Wildcat offense, shut down the Titans’ offense and played a solid overall game.
The one consistent thing about high school sports is roster turnover.
For the first time since he arrived four years ago, Spigarelli is coaching a team without 2011-12 Examiner Player of the Year Tyonna Snow.
“It’s strange without her,” Spigarelli said of the only player in Blue Springs history to appear in four consecutive final fours. “You know, teams change – players change – but it’s different looking out on the floor or down the bench and not seeing Tyonna.”
As Wendell and Middlebrook watched the action on the court, they talked about the added responsibility that will come their way this season.
“We’re ready to be the team leaders this year,” Wendell said. “Tyonna was our leader last year. This year, with have four seniors who will all be team leaders.”
She was referring to Tara Sheehy, who has been drawing rave reviews this summer from Spigarelli.
“We used to see Tyonna all the time and it’s weird not seeing her,” Middlebrook said. “And it’s really weird not playing with her, but that’s high school basketball. It’s going to be exciting to see how we all do this season without her and with all the new girls.”
Lizzy Wendell, Karyla Middlebrook and Tyra Bickham spent most of the time on the bench Wednesday afternoon at the final session of the Blue Springs South Summer Basketball League as some talented newcomers and returning reserves put on a show in a 49-31 victory over Lee’s Summit West.
Wildcats coach Mark Spigarelli, who has led Blue Springs to the past four Class 4 final fours, knows what that talented trio of senior returnees can do.
So he let some of the new kids on the block step into the spotlight, and they looked like seasoned veterans.
“It’s kind of funny,” Spigarelli said, “we’ve lost more games this summer than we ever have since I’ve been at Blue Springs, but I think it’s been the most productive and fun summer we’ve had.
“We’ve missed some girls because of different things they had going on in their lives, and that’s fine, because it’s given us the chance to see what all the new girls can do.”
Freshmen, sophomores and juniors who were on the junior varsity squad last year ran the Wildcat offense, shut down the Titans’ offense and played a solid overall game.
The one consistent thing about high school sports is roster turnover.
For the first time since he arrived four years ago, Spigarelli is coaching a team without 2011-12 Examiner Player of the Year Tyonna Snow.
“It’s strange without her,” Spigarelli said of the only player in Blue Springs history to appear in four consecutive final fours. “You know, teams change – players change – but it’s different looking out on the floor or down the bench and not seeing Tyonna.”
As Wendell and Middlebrook watched the action on the court, they talked about the added responsibility that will come their way this season.
“We’re ready to be the team leaders this year,” Wendell said. “Tyonna was our leader last year. This year, with have four seniors who will all be team leaders.”
She was referring to Tara Sheehy, who has been drawing rave reviews this summer from Spigarelli.
“We used to see Tyonna all the time and it’s weird not seeing her,” Middlebrook said. “And it’s really weird not playing with her, but that’s high school basketball. It’s going to be exciting to see how we all do this season without her and with all the new girls.”
One exciting newcomer is move-in sophomore Ayliah Lee, who started last year for Oak Park.
“Ayliah is as athletic as Tyonna, but she’s not a seasoned, veteran player,” Spigarelli said. “But oh my goodness, what an amazing young talent. She is going to be so much fun to watch.”
Spigarelli likes everything he has seen from his team this season.
“We went to a camp at Pitt State – with all our players – and we were undefeated,” he said. “Now, that we’re missing a few girls, we’re not having the success we had at Pitt State, but we’re getting to see different combinations of players and the girls are getting a good chemistry, and that’s what the summer leagues are all about.”
PATS EXCEL IN CHEMISTRY CLASS: Steve Cassity isn’t necessarily looking for wins this summer, but the Truman basketball coach is quick to point out that even though his Patriots are playing in a summer league, everyone looks at the scoreboard.
“Even if they weren’t keeping score, you’d know who won the game,” Cassity said. “What I’m looking for this summer is chemistry between the girls, because that will carry over into the season.”
He’s also looking at a variety of players, especially centers Ashley Guenther and Darci Kern, who are getting a lot of playing time as starter Rebecca Jonas attends summer basketball camps.
“With Becca away at camps, Ashley and Darci are getting a lot of playing time and they are developing leadership qualities,” Cassity said. “I really like what I’ve seen from the post position.”
Sydney Paialii is a freshman guard who Cassity singled out as Ashley McKinney is another guard who is rebounding nicely from an offseason back injury.
“I really like what I’ve seen from Syd and Ashley,” Cassity said. “Chemistry is so vital for the success of a team, and we’re really developing some great chemistry this summer.
“We’ll get our set game rotation down the road. Now, we’re just working on developing our individual and team skills and developing chemistry.”
