2024-25 McClain Lady Tigers Basketball Preview

Having eight returning players from last season, including three starters, the McClain Lady Tigers are looking to build on their second season with Shania Massie as their head coach, as the 2024-25 season is set to begin.

Last season (2023-24), McClain finished with a 12-11 record, with a 7-3 record in the Frontier Athletic Conference, second place in the FAC in Massie’s first season as a varsity head coach. Having an overall winning record last season (including their postseason), McClain is looking to take another step forward in their progression as a program, in pursuit of competing for the top spot in the FAC.

Seniors for McClain are Lindsey Hutchinson (SG), Katie Cook (SG), Brenna Wright (F) and Anna Eikenberry (C).

The juniors for the Lady Tigers are Brie Cummins (PG), Leah Lovett (F) and Karlee McGlone (SG). The sophomores on the varsity roster include Paisley Pryor (SG), Larah Henson (SG/F) and Allie Burgess (SG).

“Our basketball team has been working hard during the offseason,” Massie said. “We’ve been hitting the gym, weight room and team bonding. I can’t wait to see how all this hard work pays off when the season starts.”

Last season as a freshman, Pryor shot 61 percent from the free-throw line, averaging 12.4 points per game with 8.2 rebounds per game and 3.0 steals per game. Pryor finished with 285 points last season (2023-24), as she was an All-FAC, First-Team Coaches All-District, Second-Team OPSWA All-District and Honorable Mention Div. II All-Ohio selection.

Pryor has two games of 20 or more points in a game, with a season-best 26-point game against Chillicothe on Dec. 6, 2023. She totaled 15 games of at least 10 points scored her freshman season.

Eikenberry returns for her senior season, coming off a junior year where she scored 80 points, including games of 15 points and 13 points. Wright scored points in 15 games her junior season, and Hutchinson finished last season scoring points in seven games.

“I’m really excited to see how our returning players step up this year. They have been working hard and getting stronger,” Massie said. “I think their dedication will really show on the court. All of my players have all improved from last year and will continue throughout the season. They all bring something different to the court, and leveraging individual strengths can make us a great basketball team.”

Among the players graduated from last season are starters and All-District selections Lily Barnes (6.3 ppg) and Kaitlyn Jett (5.1 ppg).

This offseason, positives have been off the charts for the Lady Tigers, as Coach Massie has been pleased to see the improvements from players on the roster.

“We’ve seen some great improvements from multiple players in teamwork and communication,” Massie said. “Everyone is stepping up their game and supporting each other, which is nice to see. It's creating a positive atmosphere that's really motivating for all of us.

“We’re aiming to improve our defense and work on our consistency in scoring. We have realized communication on offense and defense can play a huge factor in winning games.”

There are expectations for the Lady Tigers during the 2024-25 season, and Massie says those are “high expectations” as she, along with her coaching staff consisting of assistant coach Shawna Conger and JV coach Drew Hamilton, want to see the best from the varsity team.

“We’re setting high expectations for the team this season. We’re aiming to compete at our best, give it our all in every game and hopefully make a run in the tournament,” Massie said. “It’s all about pushing ourselves to reach our full potential and achieve our goals, all while having fun to create memories.”

The FAC is always competitive, and this season is no different. The defending champion for the past three years is Jackson, as they’ve finished 10-0 in the conference in each of the past two seasons, and in that three-year span JHS is 28-2 in FAC games.

McClain was runner-up last season at 7-3 in the FAC, followed by Hillsboro (5-5), Miami Trace (3-7), Washington (3-7) and Chillicothe (2-8).

“Our conference is looking competitive, and there won’t be an easy game this season,” Massie said. “There are some strong teams that will give us a battle, and it will be tough to come out on top. It’s exciting to see how all the teams will perform and compete against each other.”

McClain’s non-conference schedule for the 2024-25 season will consist of the following games: at Paint Valley, at Fayetteville, at Fairfield, vs. Peebles, vs. Waverly, at Zane Trace, vs. Adena, vs. Logan Elm, at Clinton-Massie, at Piketon, at Eastern Brown Winter Hoops Shootout and vs. Lynchburg-Clay.

“Our non-conference schedule is packed with tough opponents, which will test our team's skills and ability,” Massie said. “I look at it as a great opportunity for us to grow and improve before heading into conference play, as well as the tournament. We are ready to face any challenge that comes our way.”

McClain starts their season with three consecutive non-conference road games, starting with a game against Paint Valley on Friday, Nov. 22 at PVHS.

“I am excited for the season and would like for my team to remember every challenge is an opportunity to grow,” Massie said. “It’s a privilege to coach this team, and I'm looking forward to this year.

“I hope everyone has a great season and has fun while doing so. Play hard, play smart, play together, and we can achieve greatness.”

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