Headed to the Courts (Strafford)

Winter Sports is fast approaching and with that comes perhaps one of the most anticipated Basketball. That said, we reached out to the coaches in the Webster County area and asked them about the upcoming season.

Speaking for the Strafford Boys' Basketball  is Coach Tyler Ryerson and Girls' Basketball is Coach Dustin Larsen

What are your goals for the season?

Ryerson: Last year's group had lost three consecutive district titles. They were able to win district and sectional games last year. This group is hungry for another district championship. It's not easy, but this group can get back there. 

Larsen: We will work to get better every day. With a mix of returners and newcomers, we will need time to grow as a team.

What are you looking forward to during the season? 

Ryerson: We constantly challenge our kids with a strict schedule, we're playing in the Norm Stewart Classic this year, Blue and Gold, and we've added the Bolivar Tournament to our schedule. We also have significant rivalries with Fair Grove and Springfield Catholic. So our conference could also be challenging, with many teams that can challenge us every night. 

Larsen: We look forward to the development of this group of young ladies throughout the season.

What do you enjoy most about coaching?

Ryerson: There is a lot to enjoy about Coaching basketball at Strafford. The kids are hard-working and selfless, and the community support has been second to none. Our entire coaching staff is teachers, and we try to teach the game how the kids should play it. 

Larsen: I love seeing kids get better and develop!

Who are some players to look out for, and why? 

Ryerson: AK Rael- 6'5 Sr. 2 time all state. He's an above-the-rim athlete that can defend for us. He can score at all three levels. He's a highlight film waiting to happen.

Elliott Goings- 6'7 Sr. Elliott came off the bench for us last year, but he had an excellent summer. He's big, can run the floor, and control the paint on both ends.

Cody Voysey- 5'11 So. Cody battled injuries last year and missed 7 games, but when he got back to us, he changed the dynamic of our team. He's a big-time shotmaker that isn't afraid to guard. He will be our point guard and run the show for us.

Brody McNew- 6'5 Sr.- Brody can score inside or out. He can rebound well and play above the rim. 

Larsen: Returning starters Laney Humble and Lauren Jones are both strong guards that will be looked upon this coming season. Both can score in several ways and will need to be great defensively for us to be successful. Sophia Frerking is a senior returning letterman with great length and potential to affect a game on both ends. We will need high energy from her.   

We, citizens of Webster County, look forward to what the season brings to these teams.