Jackson girls basketball tries to reload yet again after quarterfinal run

Jackson's Alexis Allstun is the lone starter back for the 2017-18 season.

Southeast Missourian file

Replacing eight seniors and four starters might be a daunting task for some programs.

For Jackson girls basketball, it's just another year.

For a second straight campaign, the Indians have to reload a good chunk of their team, but after doing it a year ago and making a run to a Class 5 quarterfinal, the program is decidedly undaunted.

"Really, the last couple of years, we've lost quite a few kids but have been able to have kids staying in the program and come up, and honestly, it doesn't seem like we've skipped a beat," coach Tyler Abernathy said. "Our senior group this year has been so good and such great leaders, and a lot of that is because they've been around and understand the expectations."

Gone are four of the team's top five scorers from its 22-7 season in 2016-17, but there are several players who return after being the second wave off the bench a year ago. The coaching staff has faith in those players to carry a bigger load; the challenge will be in rediscovering the balance last year's group had and finding consistent contributers to provide support.

"We're going to have a few kids who have to carry the load early putting the ball in the basket. ... That's just going to take some time," Abernathy said. "It's going to take some games, some experiences. [Balance] has been something that was really good for us last year and even the year before, and that's where we're trying to get to this year."

Alexis Allstun takes the lead for the Indians, now in her second season as a full-time starter after dealing with an injury as a freshman. The 6-foot junior center averaged 11.4 points per game as a sophomore, along with 7.0 rebounds per game.

The key will be still playing within herself now that she is a veteran and will get more touches on the basketball.

"We just expect Alexis to just come out and play her game," Abernathy said. "She's very good around the basket, and she's worked real hard on being able to step out and play a little bit. Defensively, she's phenomenal around the basket. Obviously, we're going to rely on her, but we don't want to her to press. We want her to come out and have fun."

There won't be any other starting experience around Allstun, but she will have familiar teammates who have come through the system with her.

Seniors Grace Pehle and Mah Massey were some of the first players off the bench for Jackson last season, as was now-junior Kalli Mayfield. Expect all three, along with senior Emma Masterson, to be key pieces of this year's squad.

"Grace has worked hard on her game. Mah put in a ton of time in the summer playing, and Emma's really worked hard on becoming a better shooter," Abernathy said. "... Kalli Mayfield played a lot this summer, and I'm interested to see some big things from her and see how she's improved on the floor.

"We've really had a core six or seven kids who have really worked and put in some time."

Joining Allstun inside are 6-0 junior Michala Stone and 5-10 Emily Hermann, forming a trio that provides some length in the paint for the Indians.

Abernathy said there are three or four freshmen who could also potentially make an impact as the team determines roles.

That depth will be critical after the Indians' bench so often provided a jolt of energy last season.

"I think that's what we're trying to find early on -- when we have to sub, who can we go to for that energy and not just hold us where we're at but really [spark] us?" Abernathy said.

However the personnel plays out, Abernathy feels good about the athleticism at his disposal, calling it "one of the biggest and most athletic teams I've had."

That will be a strength. On the flip side, Jackson understands that finding consistent scoring and offensive execution will be a work in progress.

"The last couple years, I think we've done a good job of taking it a day at a time. Don't get too ahead of yourself," Abernathy said. "... Really, at the end of the year, we want to play our best basketball and know, win or lose, we played our best game. Really, that's what high school is about."

CLASS 5 DISTRICT 1

Conference

SEMO Conference

Head coach

Tyler Abernathy

(7th year)

ROSTER

STARTERS GONE

Randa Norman

Nikki Sotak

Rylee Stafford

Abbey Hermann

STARTERS BACK

Alexis Allstun

SCHEDULE

LAST SEASON

RECORD

22-7

LEADERS

Points: Rylee Stafford (13.4 ppg)

Rebounds: Alexis Allstun (7.0 rpg)

Assists: Randa Norman (3.4 apg)