Lady Eagles confront challenges head-on with determination

Imbued with an infectious optimism and a collective commitment to improvement, the New Madrid County Central girls’ basketball team is ready to embark on a new chapter.

Despite facing the challenges of a young roster, the Lady Eagles are embracing the opportunity to learn, develop, and cultivate a positive team culture.

“Their strength is that we have a positive energy and they want to learn and be good,” said second-year NMCC coach Dana Woods. “Our weakness is we are a very young team with minimal experience. I’m excited to see what this brand-new team is going to do and the direction we are headed in. It should be a fun and interesting season. We will have struggles, mainly because of how young and inexperienced we are.”

Comprising the Lady Eagles’ roster is a dynamic blend of youth and enthusiasm. With just two upperclassmen, a senior and a junior, leading the way, the team is poised to embrace a fast-paced, aggressive style of basketball. However, the success of this approach will hinge on the team’s ability to adapt to the physical demands of a high-pressure style of play.

“Our overall expectation is to have a better season than last year and the ultimate goal is to win districts,” Woods said. “I think my freshmen are excited and ready to work hard for the season. Also, my returning sophomore is trying to step up and be a leader. We are trying to turn the program around and get it going in a positive direction. We are slowly making changes and adjustments. It’s a work in progress.”

The Lady Eagles were dealt a significant setback when Emani Summer, an All-SEMO Conference standout last season, opted to transfer to Cape Central. Summer’s departure left a void in the team’s leadership and scoring prowess, forcing NMCC to regroup and adapt its strategies. Despite this challenge, the team remains undeterred, drawing motivation from the opportunity to showcase its resilience and growth.

The Lady Eagles’ top players expected to make contributions this season are senior Makaylin Ranson, junior Destiny Hughes, sophomores Jordan Maltbia and Rozellyn Brooks, and freshmen Aubrey Aycock, Kytstin Gorden, Amya Bills, Aalayah Blair and Ja’Lyric Jennings.

NMCC opens its season with a 7-42 loss to Sikeston in the RiverBend Shootout. The Lady Eagles received the No. 8 seed in the SEMO Conference Tournament and will face ninth-seeded Poplar Bluff (0-2) on Monday, Nov. 27 at 5:30 p.m.