The 2014-15 STLCC Lady Archers basketball team looks to finish what the 2013-14 team started
By: CHRISTIAN HARGAS
Staff Writer
The STLCC Lady Archers are back for the 2014-15 basketball season and will kick off the new campaign at home against Rend Lake on Nov 5.
Last season, the Lady Archers’ 2013-14 season ended when they were defeated by the Lady Pirates of North Central Missouri College, 77-64, in the Region XVI Championship Game last year.
“There is nothing more motivating than failure, so this season we are highly motivated and determined to put STLCC’s women’s basketball back on top in Region 16,” Lady Archers’ Head Coach Shelly Ethridge said.
The Lady Archers finished the 2013 season with a 17-8 record and won second place in the Region XVI Tournament, but failed to reach the NJCAA National Tournament for the fourth consecutive year.
“After reaching the National Tournament three of the last four seasons, last season was disappointing,” Ethridge said. “We did not meet our expectations of goals, so although we had a good year with a record of 17-8, we certainly came up short when it comes to our definition of success.”
The Lady Archers were ranked 79th in total points (1586), 64th in points per game (63.4), and 20th in offensive rebounds per game (16.9) in 2013.
Defensively, they were ranked 31st in points allowed per game (54.0), 60th in turnovers per game (16.9), 93rd in blocks per game (1.8), and 92nd in steals per game (8.2).
“We definitely have more depth this year — meaning more potential weapons to use against our opponents,” Ethridge said.
Deborah Holcomb, forward, averaged 16.2 points per game in last season. Kalah Martin, guard, averaged 14.6 points per game.
Martin graduated after last season, but Holcomb will return for another season.
“Our veteran leaders should bring experience and leadership. Our veterans should set the tone each day and establish a high level of competitiveness and effort,” Ethridge said. “When a coaching staff cannot be with the team, 24-7, we need to be sure that we have a leader or leaders on the team who are continuing to set the precedent of positive representation.”
The team’s reputation is also an important factor to Ethridge.
“The other aspect is the reputation you build for your program,” Ethridge said. “Once you have success and student-athletes leave your program and have enjoyed their time, that word spreads and brings in other quality student-athletes who want to be a part of a program that is something special.”
The Lady Archers have six conference games on their 2014-15 schedule. They will play three road and home games against the Raiders from Three Rivers Community College, the Cardinals from Mineral Area College and the Vikings of Jefferson College. The Lady Archers were 2-2 against conference teams in 2013.
