The number three story in this years countdown is the 2016-2017 season of Branson Lady Pirate Basketball.
We knew that Kip Bough’s bunch and a chance to be good with everything they had returning. But, not many outside of this area knew just how good they would end up being.
Led by the most prolific scorer in school history, Amanda Kearney, and getting key contributions from different players stepping up time and time again, the Lady Pirates exceeded expectations and picked up victory after victory. They would win 25 games in the historic season.
Along the way Branson would silence their critics. They beat Republic three times, Ozark twice, and dispatched of powerhouse Kickapoo to win the district championship. It was a year that would see them advance all the way to the State quarterfinals.
All season, they backed up the confidence, this guy, had in them.
This team will be long remembered for their success. But, to me they will also be known for the exuberance of Kearney, the toughness of Tara Utz-Deprist, the athleticism of Lauren Garrison and Gracie Jaeger. Plus the huge minutes that others would always find a way to shine in.
Their defense always set the tone.
