The Young Lady Tiger basketball team is hoping to grow up fast

"I think we have some talented freshmen and some kids that can contribute," Cowley head coach Todd Clark said.

Clark, the all-time winningest coach in the program's history, returns for his 22^nd season. Clark will be joined again by assistant coach Vance Lee, who will enter his second year in the program.

"Having Vance back is good for us to have continuity," Clark said. "He did a good job last year, and we are excited to work together again.

Cowley returns only sophomore Mallory Jackson from last year's team. Jackson came on strong in the second half of her freshman season, averaging 8.7 points per game over the season's final 10 games.

"Mallory really improved as the year went along and worked hard to make huge leaps," Clark said.

Zuzanna Komor returns to the team after missing last season due to injury. She averaged 7.2 points per game during the 2023-24 season.

"Zuzanna really got going for us before the injury," Clark said. "We hope she can shake off the rust and get enough basketball reps. We will rely on Mallory and Zuzanna to lead us and point us in the right direction."

Among the freshmen on the team expected to make an immediate impact are Amina Allen, a 5'8 freshman who was a three-time all-conference performer in Minnesota.

"We expect big things out of Amina," Clark said. "She can really score the ball."

Naya Burleson, a 6'0 forward from Buda, TX, is a talented athlete with tremendous leaping ability. She had an incredible 23 blocked shots in one game while in high school.

"Naya has a huge upside and is very athletic," Clark said.

Megan Simon, an all-state basketball player from Bishop Carroll Catholic High School, is another solid addition to the squad.

"Megan is kind of a thinner post player, but can really finish around the basket," Clark said.

Braylee Reed from Prue, OK, and Makenna Justus from Ripley, OK, will give the Tigers a pair of solid offensive threats.

A trio of Arkansas City High School players, who led the Bulldogs to a school record for wins in a season, hope to have the same success at Cowley.

Kierslynn Waggoner was one of the top three-point shooters in the state of Kansas, while Savannah Phillips and guard Saliyah Henderson-Johnson were First Team all-conference selections.

"Those three continue to improve," Clark said.

Other freshmen guards on the team are Ty'Reunae Taylor, Kallie Rickords, Kalli Harbeson, Aniyah Burney, and Callie Wilson.

Freshmen forwards are Abigail Pedruzzi, Zari Walker, and Yatzel Renteria. Katzy Buffalohead and Paige Corter.

"With so many new players, we will try to figure out what fits us early in the season," Clark said.

Cowley will play six non-conference opponents before opening the 24-game conference schedule.

"The conference is always good, and with 24 conference games, it makes it really hard," Clark said. "The league is so good, so we don't know where we are talent-wise until we see these other teams. We will need to grind it out. We hope to improve defensively and be competitive each night out."