Drury Panthers

[crazznewt]

We have discussed how the pandora's box has opened. Here are a couple more items:
Our old buddy Coach Marc Mitchell X'ed this back in April:
"Starting tomorrow, it will be a clear understanding of the "HAVE" and ""HAVE NOT". I've received a number of texted in the past 24hrs asking how much $$ we got. I haven't heard one word about fit or style of play."

Also, Louisiana State has signed a basketball player who was under contract with two different NBA teams. They will find a judge to uphold this.

There is a segment in our society who believe that throwing more money at a problem will fix the issue. If someone comes to me asking for money, and they have been wasteful, and unapologetically repeating poor decision making, they can be assured I will strongly resist. Thought I would throw this out there, it applies.

[Bballfan]

Given Coach Mitchell's reputation, there is a reason why they are asking how much money. Sadly money is a factor, but that might be the only reason a transfer would want to be a Sycamore.

[crazznewt]

I post these videos of young athletes because they seem to be a dying breed. As a kid, I remember walking in the freezing weather to our local O'Reilly Gym (not at Drury) to play basketball. Other times, like so many others, we shoveled snow off of the basketball court and wore jersey gloves to get our bball fix. We would play until our fingers bled. I love to see parents limit their kids time facing a screen so they can pursue a worthwhile goal.

https://youtu.be/o4U-nn7GUPk?si=AdkxFOJ0rX_Ul32e

I've always admired this Drury player's work ethic:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXZ3_...UyYWs0bTFnOGs=

[crazznewt]

Looks like yet another venue that hosted the local pro-am has closed their doors. There is reason for optimism for the men and also for the women with their recent additions announced this week and it would be nice to get an early look at some of the new players. Question: Will there be any summer league or scrimmages involving Drury that are open to the public in June?

[crazznewt]

Sometimes finding information on junior college players can be hard due to a lack of media coverage. Incoming junior Candela Roy Ibaibarriaga appears to be an immediate impact player for the Lady Panthers. One big game for her last season was against then number 20 State Fair where she scored 10 points, 16 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 blocks. The numbers suggest she is athletic as she is listed at 5'9". Was also an All Region IX selection.

Hopefully this will be a breakout season for Drury's 6'2" sophomore Talia Norman. Her contributions would be huge for Drury's post season success.

[crazznewt]

Flora Lukow has commited to Colorado Chtistian

Avante Nichols commited to New Mexico Highlands

Isaiah Otyaluk commited to Queens University

Brenley Hagewood isn't on the 2026-2027 roster but there is no information online indicating if he transfered

Molly Miller has become a household name in Phoenix sports. She continues to get a ton of media coverage and even appears on Mercury WNBA broadcasts as an analyst. Her incoming recruiting class at ASU is rated as one of the best in the nation.

I'm looking forward to watching some off season scrimages this summer!

[crazznewt]

More:
Former Drury then Arizona assistant Jenna Knudson is now at Northern Colorado University as an assistant.

Brenley Hagewood is on the roster at NAIA College of the Ozarks.

[crazznewt]

The Lady Panthers are scrimmaging a very good Evangel team every Sunday this month. No referees, no coaches, just players and a decent crowd. I like what I see so far! I know my starting lineups for both Drury teams. I think they will both be fun to watch.

[crazznewt]

The Lady Panthers got their first commit for next season. Millison Sapp was an all state pick, district player of the year, and widely regarded as one of the best guards in the state. Drury will benefit as fans from Ash Grove will follow her college career.

[crazznewt]

Lockwood High school Junior to be, Asa Lasiter, received a scholarship offer from Southwest Baptist University. Asa scored her 1000th point late in her sophomore season.

Asa is the Daughter of Kara Rutledge Lasiter, who is one of the top guards in Drury Lady Panther history. Kara is 7th in Drury career points, 9th in rebounds, 2nd in assists, and yes, first in career steals over Daejah Benard.

Kara played in an era when the Lady Panthers were fighting for regional respect. They finally broke through in the fourth season (2004) of the program's existence after earning the right to host the regional. If I remember right, Drury won every regional game and the first two elite 8 games by double figures, eventually losing the championship game by 3 after holding the lead in the last 90 seconds.

All that to say this: There were some great individual performances for Drury during that post season, but the one that stood out to me was Kara's in the second game of the Elite 8 against Seattle Pacific. Drury was the underdog despite being 35 -1 coming into this game. The local media in St Joseph, Missouri the site of the tournament was brutal against Drury. This was because Drury beat Missouri Western like a drum in the opening round of the regional. The beat writer for the St Joseph News Press stated in print that Seattle Pacific was going to crush Drury. Kara put on one of the greatest performances in Drury history in that game, 26 points on 8 of 10 from the field, 9 of 11 from the line and had 8 steals while completely dominating the backcourt. "Lightning Quick" was used to describe Kara in the opening sentence describing the game in the papers the next day.

Maybe Asa Lasiter will be the third generation player after her mom and grandfather Steve Rutledge to suit up for Drury.

[Bballfan]

Southwest Baptist is definitely out there trying to grab some elite recruits. The new coach is wanting to make a splash.

Might be hard to get a Drury legacy though if they are interested in her.

[crazznewt]

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZtWc...hxcmEycDFocQ==

Molly Miller continues to take Phoenix by storm!

[Bballfan]

Looks like the rosters are posted. If I read them right, the men got nine transfers. The women one.

It seems like D2 men's programs have a lot more churn than the women's, although I know the portal is crazy for both men's and women's basketball.

[crazznewt]

Looks like the rosters are posted. If I read them right, the men got nine transfers. The women one.

It seems like D2 men's programs have a lot more churn than the women's, although I know the portal is crazy for both men's and women's basketball.

I'm not sure what is different about the men's and women's portals, specifically inside players, but if Sara Mendel suffers an injury, the Lady Panthers will be up crap creek without a trolling motor. That being said, I think there is enough talent on each squad to challenge for a conference championship.

Also, Sophie Hessler will play for Coker University in South Carolina, another D2 school.

[Bballfan]

Coker is another one of those schools now in "rebuilding" mode after the departure of their coach.

I had mentioned it earlier I believe, but in the GMAC, 5 schools will have new women's basketball coaches. Two of those schools (Tiffin and Malone) don't even have a coach yet, and it is almost July! Pretty crazy.