Wilson inherits young squad following 18-win season

By Jared Lankford [email protected]

A new coach and a nearly complete overhaul of the starting lineup will greet the Monett Lady Cubs when the 2026-2027 basketball season tips off.

First-year Monett head coach Justin Wilson inherits a program coming off an 18-9 campaign, but the Lady Cubs must replace four starters and six letterwinners, including two of the team’s most productive offensive players.

“With a younger team this year and some big shoes to fill, our focus is on growing together and improving each time we take the floor,” Wilson said. “We’re going to approach our schedule one game at a time, giving every opponent our full attention and focusing on what we can do to become a stronger team.”

Wilson enters his first season at Monett with three previous years of head coaching experience and five seasons as an assistant. Candy Gish will serve as his assistant coach.

The Lady Cubs finished 3-6 in Big 8 Conference action last season before falling to East Newton, 46-39, in the opening round of the Class 4 District 12 tournament.

The biggest challenge facing Wilson will be replacing the production of graduated standouts Kilee Wilson and Meredith Merriman, who combined to average 32.2 points per game.

Kilee Wilson paced the Lady Cubs with 18.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, nearly three assists and 3.5 steals per contest. She connected on 47 percent of her two-point attempts, 32 percent from beyond the arc and 74 percent from the free-throw line.

Her performance earned all-district and second-team all-conference honors.

Merriman provided another consistent offensive threat, averaging 14 points, 8.5 rebounds and nearly two steals per contest. She shot 45 percent from two-point range and 31 percent from beyond the three-point arc, earning all-district and honorable mention all-conference recognition.

The graduation of Kalli Hohensee and other seniors leaves additional holes in the lineup, with the departing players accounting for considerable scoring, rebounding and defensive production.

Returning to anchor the Lady Cubs is 6-foot senior Avery Stokes, who will be counted on to shoulder a larger offensive load.

Stokes averaged 8.5 points and 8.1 rebounds per contest last season while shooting 51 percent from the field. She also averaged nearly two blocked shots per game and earned all-conference defensive recognition.

A dependable presence in the post, Stokes combines reliable hands and strong basketball intelligence with a solid mid-range shooting touch and passing ability.

Wilson believes her experience and versatility will be critical to Monett’s success.

“With her reliable hands, ability to protect the ball and strong Basketball IQ she brings consistency to the lineup,” Wilson said.

The Lady Cubs coach expects Stokes to become a more prominent scoring option while continuing to provide a strong defensive presence around the basket.

Junior McKenzie Waterman is another player expected to assume additional responsibility.

The 5-foot-11 Waterman gained valuable experience as a sophomore, appearing in 23 varsity contests while averaging 1.1 points and 2.5 rebounds per game.

Wilson said Waterman’s offseason development has created optimism about what she can contribute.

“She gained valuable varsity experience as a sophomore last season, and we expect to see a significant jump in her production this year,” Wilson said. “She brings energy to the floor and the growth she showed throughout the summer has us excited about the impact she can make on both ends of the court.”

With several varsity positions available, a pair of newcomers could make immediate contributions.

Junior Brycelynn Courtios, a 5-foot-10 prospect, brings scoring ability and defensive versatility to the lineup.

Wilson believes Courtios has the potential to become an important contributor after an impressive offseason.

“Her ability to score and defend will make an immediate impact and we are excited to see what she can accomplish,” Wilson said.

Sophomore Jennna Hernandez is another newcomer the Lady Cubs coach expects to contribute.

The 5-foot-5 guard enjoyed a strong summer and should provide additional quickness and defensive intensity.

Wilson believes Hernandez’s offensive development could also make her a valuable addition to Monett’s rotation.

“She will bring intensity to the Defense and be able to surprise you on the offensive side,” Wilson said.

While replacing the production of last year’s senior class will be difficult, the Lady Cubs have an experienced post presence in Stokes and several younger players eager to establish themselves at the varsity level.

The challenge for Monett will be developing offensive consistency and team chemistry while competing against a demanding Big 8 Conference schedule.

For Wilson, the priority is not attempting to replace last year’s team overnight, but developing a new group capable of establishing its own identity.