By Anvil Welch
awelch@joplinglobe.com
Ozark Christian College tips off its women’s basketball schedule tonight with a tough assignment.
Labette, coming off two wins last weekend in the Crowder Classic at Neosho, visits OCC for the 6 p.m. game in the Multi-Purpose Building.
The NCCAA Division II Ambassadors, coached by Darrell Doss, also will be without four mainstays because of their participation in volleyball nationals in Florida.
Doss, naturally hoping for a lofty finish by Tony Allmoslecher’s spikers, will use the players’ absence as an opportunity to see other players under fire.
“Obviously, those four players will immediately help,” Doss said. “Their athleticism wlll fit in with our plans of pressure defense and getting up and down the floor.”
The volleyball quartet consists of 5-foot-10 junior Reilly Allmoslecher, 5-8 sophomore Melea Cook, 5-3 freshman Kori Gregory and 5-11 sophomore Brittany Owen.
Doss said the probable starters tonight are 5-5 junior Lacy Bounds, 5-7 freshman Jessica Moore, 5-8 freshman Chelsea Sneed, 5-7 freshman Darby Todd and 5-11 freshman Morgan Bloss.
Shannon Baker (5-6 freshman), Courtney Shrum (5-5 freshman), Somer Soard (5-7 freshman) and Morgan Weece (5-4 junior) will come off the bench, Doss said.
“Early, because of eight freshmen, we’ll be getting them experience,” Doss said.
“We’ll be quicker and more athletic than last season,” Doss said. “We’ll be young overall, of course, and our experience is young. But that’s OK. Those girls are coming from quality programs.”
Cook, an ACCA All-American last season, paced the team (16-19 overall) with averages of 16 points and 9.3 rebounds. She shot 70 percent from the foul line.
“Melea, who also was an all-regional (NCCAA Division II) and all-conference (Midwest Christian College) selection, has improved her quickness and agility,” Doss said.
Owen (all-conference and honorable mention all-region) averaged 11 points and 8.5 rebounds. She shot 41 percent from the floor and led the team in blocked shots with 27.
Bounds, honorable mention all-region, averaged three assists. Allmoslecher had 14 blocked shots.
“Lacy and Kori (Gregory) will share duty at point guard and both will be on the floor together at times,” Doss said.
Doss is assisted by his wife, Sarah (former standout athlete at Lamar), and Cody Fears.
