BY KYLE TROUTMAN ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com

Losing four starters to graduation in May, the Cassville girls basketball team spent a month in the summer beginning the process of putting a nearly new five on the floor.

Clayton Bagby, Lady Wildcats hoops coach, said the team began summer workouts on May 26, spending five days in their own gym before taking nearly 20 players to the Tri-Lakes Shootout in the Branson area. After another week of home gym work, the Lady Wildcats played freshmen, junior varsity and varsity contests against Carl Junction, then wrapped up the month at the two-day Branson High School Shootout.

“Branson is fun because we get to play games and go eat,” Bagby said. “We played three games a day for two days, junior varsity and varsity, so 12 games total. And total this summer, we saw about 22 girls come out and play. That’s pretty similar to last year, and you always lose or gain one or two before the season starts.”

Bagby said much of the focus over the four weeks was on defensive schemes.

“We’re looking to change up what we do on defense, and at this point, losing four girls to graduation, we’re also trying to find the next couple of starters and our depth on the bench.”

Kyler Hayward, Elly Ramaeker, Kyla Bowling and Hailey Gautney departed the squad, but Bagby said he’s excited to see the younger Lady Wildcats step into their roles.

“Brylee Gross ended her year unable to play in the district tournament, but she back now and healthy, and benefitted from the experience this summer,” Bagby said. “Alex Holycross will be one that should step up pretty big for us, and Aubrey and Taylor Kennedy will be coming back. Taylor is definitely ready to build on what she did in the district tournament.”

Cassville will be on the younger side next season, with only two seniors — Aubrey Stoufer and Joei Blankenship. Bagby said the youth will provide the team some depth.

“Tomi Blankenship, Brynn Whittenburg and Samantha Stockton all got some varsity minutes this summer, and we have eight incoming freshmen, some of whom can make an impact immediately, like Briley Artherton and Kynzleigh Scott.”

Bagby said time in the summer is crucial for the Lady Wildcats, as nearly all players will be on the fall softball or volleyball squads.

“Almost all the girls play more than one sport, so our summer workouts, and the weights sessions in July, are very important,” he said. “Being able to get 15-20 days in during the summer will help us not have to start from square one when regular practice begins. They’ll retain a lot of what we did this summer.”

Cassville went 20-8 last season, taking second place in the Class 4, District 12 Tournament after losing in the championship to Aurora, 40-21. The 2025-2026 regular season begins on Nov. 25 at home against Branson.