Woodland GBB working toward 'building on' past success

Then-Woodland High School junior Mallary Barks pulls down a rebound against Oak Ridge High School in the Bollinger Cape Scott Conference Tournament in January at Meadow Heights High School.

Tom Davis ~ Tdavis@semoball.com

The Woodland High School girl’s basketball team recently wrapped up its initial week of “official” practice as it “tries to build off the successes that we’ve had the last few years,” according to veteran Cardinal coach Paul Lynch.

The 2023-24 season was one of mixed emotions for the Cardinal fan base. Woodland won more regular-season games (18) than the program had in over a decade, but for the first time in four seasons, fell in the semifinal round of the MSHSAA Class 3 District 2 Tournament, losing to eventual champion Saxony Lutheran.

“We had a couple of girls who could really score (the ball),” Lynch said of last year’s success. “That really helped us.”

Woodland was better at both ends of the court than in previous seasons.

Offensively, the Cardinals scored eight points more per game (48.6) than the year before, and limited opponents to 45.8 points per game, which was four points better.

“The girls bought into their roles,” Lynch said. “They understood it was about a team aspect. That is the kind of culture that we try to build.

“Hopefully, we can continue that with some incoming freshmen, who I think are going to fit in nicely with our program.”

Woodland will return three seniors Mallary Barks (5-foot-7), Tallie Johnson (5-foot-6), and Maci McIntyre (5-foot-5).

“Mallary has been on our (varsity) roster since she was a freshman,” Lynch said. “She has had some big games for us.

“She has had a great career.”

Woodland High School girl's basketball coach Paul Lynch draws up a play during a timeout against Oak Ridge High School in the Bollinger Cape Scott Conference Tournament in January at Meadow Heights High School. (Tom Davis ~ Tdavis@semoball.com)

Woodland also returns Addyson Massa (5-foot-6), who contributed well as a freshman a year ago.

“Addy supplied a lot of scoring for us last year,” Lynch said.

The Cardinals have five freshmen (Ella Cook, Dezirae Braswell, Elsy Hulvey, Payten Hinkle, and Natalie Rudisill) this winter who will get a look from Lynch for playing time.

“We’ve got some freshmen, who I think will fill in well,” Lynch continued.

The Cardinals will also return sophomore Mollie Long (5-foot-6).

Woodland will open their season on Nov. 19 by hosting a jamboree at 5:30 p.m. The Cardinals will host Fredericktown on Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m. to open the regular season.

The Blackcats dropped a 69-49 beat on the Cardinals in the season opener a year ago, and Lynch said working defensively is first and foremost on his mind this season.

“We always start with defense first,” Lynch said. “That is our backbone. “Hopefully, then, the offense will take care of itself. I think that we’ll be able to do some things a little differently, based on our personnel.

“Hopefully, we will have a little bit different style than what we’ve been able to play the last year or so, which is kind of in line with what I like to do.”