Drury Panthers

[crazznewt]

In talking about past Drury women's players I was thinking about one recruit that never played but maybe she would have come to Drury if Molly Miller stayed? Her name was Katie Scott. Molly got her to play at Grand Canyon one year and she had a great freshman season in the WAC. Then for whatever reason she transferred to Oral Roberts her sophomore year and had success there. Then for whatever reason she ended up at D2 Point Loma in California and flamed out after playing one season. She didn't even start there. She never even played 4 years in college. I know her sister was also committed to Oral Roberts a couple years ago and for whatever reason she dropped off the basketball earth too.

I know Katie was Missouri Player of the Year but what was her story? With Molly she was great. After that it was all downhill. Grew up less than an hour from Springfield right?

Katie played for Carl Juction High School and coach Brad Shorter. Brad, his brother Chris, and their dad Mike, were all state champions at Lockwood, Mo. The next generation of Shorters are recent graduates from Springfield Kickapoo High. One is at Missouri Southern, one at Washburn (I hated Drury missed on these two). I was teammates with Mike in open leagues in Carthage, Mo.

I don't know the full story on Katie. She was mobile for her size, size being the key word. Her numbers went down after she transferred to Oral Roberts. Then like you said, disappeared to the left coast. Ive always wondered if her weight eventually caused knee issues.

[Bballfan]

Seems like Drury would have been a good landing spot for those guys versus where they went.

Agreed about her size. Even toned athletes talk about the wear and tear on their bodies after a few years in college ball.

Any idea about the sister? Would seem like a player Drury would have tried to recruit. Local, lower level D1 offers. I don't think she was as good as her sister but had committed to ORU and never showed on the roster. Thought maybe redshirt but not on the roster this year either.

[crazznewt]

Seems like Drury would have been a good landing spot for those guys versus where they went.

Agreed about her size. Even toned athletes talk about the wear and tear on their bodies after a few years in college ball.

Any idea about the sister? Would seem like a player Drury would have tried to recruit. Local, lower level D1 offers. I don't think she was as good as her sister but had committed to ORU and never showed on the roster. Thought maybe redshirt but not on the roster this year either.

I dont know for sure what happened with the Scotts. I can speculate based on what I've read on social media, but will refrain.

Maryville women beating Mizzou is further proof the GLVC isnt complete dog meat. There have been a handful of these D1 upsets the last few years, even though the league is down.

[Bballfan]

You should speculate. This is a forum full of rumors, speculation, and what ifs!

Marysville coach is the one that went down last year wasn't it? Then was coaching on a stool?

[crazznewt]

You should speculate. This is a forum full of rumors, speculation, and what ifs!

Marysville coach is the one that went down last year wasn't it? Then was coaching on a stool?

It's tempting, but it will sound too much like gossip.

Yes, the Maryville coach went down during a game. I never did hear what the cause was. I remember at that time thinking that was becoming too common of an occurrence among young, healthy people.

[Bballfan]

I believe it was heart related if I am not mistaken.

Good for Maryville. A number of D2 schools can beat lower level D1 programs. But a D2 should not be beating Power 4 schools. That is an embarrassment for Missouri.

Saw another exhibition score. Tennessee women beat a D2 school (Columbus State University) 148 - 48. Kim Caldwell don't mess around. She can coach for sure. Hard to believe just a few years ago she was coaching at Glenville State.

[crazznewt]

This is out of left field, but I will try to tie this together in the time I have.
Caldwell would have never been allowed to coach at Missouri State. There is a mindset among many in that community that a former D2 coach or player could never succeed in a D1 program. That segment can, and has created tremendous division over the hiring of a D2 coach.

Here is an opportunity for me to vent, and it may be out of context: When Paige Robinson returned to Springfield as a player for Illinois State, she received intense (even personal) verbal abuse from several Missouri State fans who knew who she was. It got worse as Paige proceeded to dominate the game. They expected the former Drury player to be shut down. Its that same segment of fans.

On local sports radio the next morning, the play by play guy for the Lady Bears wouldn't mention that Paige played for Drury. A co-host noticed the intentional omission and asked him to tell the radio audience who Paige played for before she became a Redbird. The reluctance in his voice was obvious. This guy's influence through local radio has contributed to animosity toward Drury over the years. This includes a disrespectful interview with a big time Drury recruit maybe 20 years ago. Childish behavior.

Thank God, there are actual basketball fans who support the Lady Bears and the Lady Panthers.


Back to Caldwell. For some coaches, not sticking to their game plan for every practice, and to the end of every game (including blow outs), is viewed as a setback. Its a break in routine and/or intensity that will create the opportunity for mistakes later. If your team can't keep up with my reserves, thats on you, is the mindset. Molly Miller and Nyla Milleson fit that mold.

[crazznewt]

I believe it was heart related if I am not mistaken.

Good for Maryville. A number of D2 schools can beat lower level D1 programs. But a D2 should not be beating Power 4 schools. That is an embarrassment for Missouri.

Saw another exhibition score. Tennessee women beat a D2 school (Columbus State University) 148 - 48. Kim Caldwell don't mess around. She can coach for sure. Hard to believe just a few years ago she was coaching at Glenville State.

Maryville has Multiple wins against D1 schools, as does Illinois Springfield, who beat Bradley in a January game not that long ago. The most impressive win for a GLVC team against a D1, was that Drury win over the University of Illinois, made even more impressive by the fact Drury started two freshmen who impacted that game in a huge way.

I'm reminded of the big win by NAIA member Chaminade, over the number one team in the land, The University of Virginia, led by 7'4" legend Ralph Sampson. Lord have mercy, that was over 40 years ago.

[crazznewt]

Paige Robinson. A little stronger and faster. Same skill level.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQxTa...d1ODM0cWtzY2th

[crazznewt]

The Drury Men are 2-0 to start the season. Freshman KeShaun Thomas has been very impressive so far with his overall game. Junior Avante Nichols had one of the most impressive dunks in Drury history IMO against Ohio Dominican. The alley-oop pass was off the mark, Nichols cuffed the pass with his right arm, and spun at least 300 degrees to finish the dunk. Many in the neutral court crowd were dancing in the stands and the local play by play guy was equally excited. These two, Zach Howell, and All American candidate Colin Hardrick, will be worth the price of admission this season.

The Lady Panther's big loss was not surprising. The handful of Drury fans I have talked to in recent weeks agreed with my pessimism about the 2025 portion of this season's schedule.

Until the freshmen mature, depth will be an issue again. Pre-season Injuries haven't helped. If Josie Storey continues to have injury problems, the starting lineup will continue to include Jazz Gray AND Kaylee King, adding to the overall lack of experienced size on this team.

[Bballfan]

I listened to the first half of the Drury women's. As you said. No surprise. The GLIAC is VERY strong this year. Ferris, Northern Michigan, and of course Grand Valley could most likely beat anyone else in the Midwest Region this year. I mean Northern took down Gannon, and Gannon will be a strong contender for the Elite Eight this year has they have all returning starters from last year's Elite Eight team.

For several years, Ashland, Drury, and Grand Valley dominated the midwest region in women's basketball. Now it has got to the point just Grand Valley's biggest competition for the Elite Eight will be from conference foes this year.

[crazznewt]

I listened to the first half of the Drury women's. As you said. No surprise. The GLIAC is VERY strong this year. Ferris, Northern Michigan, and of course Grand Valley could most likely beat anyone else in the Midwest Region this year. I mean Northern took down Gannon, and Gannon will be a strong contender for the Elite Eight this year has they have all returning starters from last year's Elite Eight team.

For several years, Ashland, Drury, and Grand Valley dominated the midwest region in women's basketball. Now it has got to the point just Grand Valley's biggest competition for the Elite Eight will be from conference foes this year.

Depth: Drury's bench was outscored 46 to 10. Size: They were out rebounded by 28. This game showed the freshman reserves where they need to be by season's end..I still believe they will be good by March. They wont be much older as a team next season as they have already signed 5 top freshmen for 2026-2027.

[Bballfan]

One thing about the GLIAC teams, they grow them big up in Michigan!

A lot of teams are going 10 deep now. Have watched a number of games in this early season and that definitely is the trend now. A few years ago on Glenville State was doing it. Now dozens have mimicked that style of play.

[crazznewt]

The Lady Panthers have plenty of upside. This was the first collegiate game for Drury's freshmen. It was the fourth game for Ferris, who returned four starters and was fresh off almost winning the prestigious D2CCA pre-season tournament. These freshmen will be thrown into the fire, especially if the injury bug continues to bite.

[Bballfan]

Ferris is definitely a good team. They might be as good or better than they were a few years ago when they made the national semis.

Was still voted 3rd in the GLIAC though when they would be the favorites to win the GMAC or GLVC this year. In the end I think Ferris will come in second in the league. And Grand Valley doesn't look quite as deep this year so anything can happen for sure.