It’s another season of change for the Caldwell County Lady Tiger basketball program, which will see its third different head coach in three years.
However, there’s a familiar face back in charge of Caldwell’s girls.
Malissa Thomas, a former star player with the Lady Tigers and a former head coach, has returned to the sideline.
Thomas has some experienced players with which to work, but finding the right combination may be the key to a successful season.
“Our No. 1 goal will be to get better every time we step onto the floor, whether it be a practice or a game,” said Thomas, who was head coach at Caldwell from 2010-19, guiding the Lady Tigers to 7th District championships in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2018.
Caldwell went just 8-22 last season under David Brown, who took over after Chuck Mitchell left the Lady Tiger program to coach the boys’ team at Caldwell.
“Brylee Butts is our leading returning scorer and all-region performer, so we will rely heavily on her on both ends of the floor,” said Thomas. “We have all but one returning player from last year’s squad, so we are looking to improve upon our 8-22 record a year ago.
“We have two all-district performers returning in sophomores Med Thomas and KaMyiah Clark to accompany senior Nyla Sykes,” Thomas added. “Nyla Sykes has really impressed during our preseason workouts. She is extremely athletic and could be one of the most underrated players in our region. Look out for her this season.
“We have two juniors returning with considerable varsity experience in Ke’Darriah Thompson and Davani Williams. Those two young ladies give us size and strength in the middle.”
Butts, a senior, was the only player to score in double figures at 11.8 point game. Clark was next at 9.2 while Med Thomas averaged 8.2 points a game.
Senior guard Morgan Aikins is another returner with starting experience while Benashka Thomas, another senior, will add depth.
The Caldwell roster has gotten an added boost this season.
“Audrey McCoy is a freshman transfer from Dawson Springs,” said Thomas. “Audrey is a talented freshman who could contribute on the varsity level once she learns the system and gets comfortable with team concepts.
“Grace Watson has come back to the program,” added the Lady Tiger head coach. “Grace is another three-sport athlete who brings a great deal of athleticism to the team. I see her being able to contribute, especially on the defensive end of the floor.
“Lilly Gobin is a very skilled eighth grader who could earn playing time at the guard spot once she adjusts to the pace of the game at the varsity level. Lilly is a great passer and handles the ball with poise. Her size could really be an advantage for us as well.”
Caldwell, which opens the new campaign at home Dec. 2 against Crittenden County, will need increased performances across the board to take a big leap forward this season.
But Thomas said it will likely be a work in progress for the Lady Tigers.
“We have a completely new coaching staff and most of our top 10 players are volleyball players, meaning we have only had about three weeks to put in a completely new system. We are still trying to get to know one another.
“One thing that has made the transition rather smooth has been our leadership. All of our juniors and seniors have come in willing to put the team above themselves. These girls want to be successful. They are willing to be pushed, and that’s going to make all the difference.”
PLAYERS UNDER THE RADAR
Two seniors could be poised to make noise this season. “Nyla Sykes and Ke’Darriah Thompson have impressed me in practice,” Thomas noted.
“Nyla is a ‘do it all’ kind of player. Her leadership in practice has been top notch, and her ability to play any position on the floor makes her unique. If we can keep her healthy, I think she could be one of the best players in the region.
“Ke’Darriah has always been a great rebounder and defender, but she has worked extremely hard to become a scorer. I expect this to be a breakout year for both of these young ladies.”
BIG GAMES
Caldwell County will play two games in the West Kentucky Hoops Classic Dec. 27-28 with an interesting matchup against South Panola, Mississippi, on the first day. The Lady Tigers will play Mayfield on the second day.
Caldwell will also look to make some noise in the 2nd Region All A Classic the week of Jan. 6, starting with a first-round matchup at Fort Campbell.
OUTLOOK
Caldwell’s girls are hoping to be in position to challenge for the 7th District championship by the time postseason play rolls around.
“We have several returning players with varsity experience to go along with some newcomers who will be able to contribute. Our depth will be our strength, but it may take us a bit to get things figured out due to the late start. I expect big things from our team around the end of January or early February,” said Thomas.
“Our hopes this season are to be competitive in the 7th District and get back in the 2nd Region tournament. We have our work cut out for us, but we expect to climb back up into the top half of the region by the end of the season.”
