Joplin, Mo.- The Missouri Southern women's basketball team travels to Washburn tomorrow to begin the final week of the regular season. The Lions beat the Ichabods in their first match up of the season 69-50 in Joplin on January 13th and are coming into the game on a 13 game winning streak tied for the longest in the Central Region (GAC, NSIC, MIAA). Tip off from Lee Arena is set for 5:30 pm with Washburn honoring their six seniors on Senior Night as well.
Game Information
Teams: Missouri Southern (20-5, 17-3 MIAA) vs. Washburn (13-13, 11-9 MIAA)
Dates: Feb. 24, 2021
Tip-Off: 5:30 PM
Location: Topeka, Kan.
Site: Lee Arena
Series Record: Ichabods lead 52-30 Overall, 30-10 in Topeka
Coaches
MSSU: Ronnie Ressel, 76-87 (6th Season Overall / at MSSU)
WU: Ron
McHenry , 487-176 (22nd Season Overall / at WU)
Media Coverage
MSSU Radio: Mike McClure - Play by play - SOMO Sports Joplin - 101.3, AM 1560
Audio/Video/Stats - https://www.mssulions.com/coverage
Lions on Facebook: Facebook.com/mososports
Lions on Twitter: @mososports; @MssuWbb
Ichabods' Scout
Washburn was picked to finish sixth in the MIAA preseason polls after going 12-13 last season finishing 7th in the final MIAA standings. Coming into the match up with the Lions, Washburn has a 13-13, 11-9 MIAA record. Hunter Bentley and Nuria Barrientos returned after being named All-MIAA a season ago and this season Bentley is averaging 14.4 points and 4.6 rebounds a game. Barrientos averages 6.6 points and 5.2 rebounds a game while coming away with 25 blocks. Abby Oliver averages 8.7 points and 4.6 rebounds a game while blocking 28 shots. Bentley is the leader in three point shooting going 47-129 .364 from deep and has dished out a team--high 67 assists as well.
They Have To Know Who The Lions Are Now Surely
Following their first appearance in the D2SIDA Regional Poll in the 2021-22 season after a 3-0 week that saw Lacy Stokes named MIAA WBB Athlete of the Week for the first time this season, the Lions went on the road and took down #2 Fort Hays State and #14 Nebraska-Kearney. The Lions were receiving votes in the WBCA poll four weeks ago now and beat ranked opponents back-to-back for the first time since taking out #4 Emporia State and #9 Washburn at home during the 2003-04 season. Riding an 13 game winning streak the Lions are looking to be ranked in the top-25 for the first time since Dec. 16, 2014 where the Lions were ranked #22. With the announcement of the latest WBCA Division II Coaches Poll the Lions have not received enough votes to be listed for a fourth straight week despite beating a third ranked opponent of the season and are on an 13 game winning streak tied for the longest current winning streak in the Central Region (MIAA, NSIC, GAC), along with Wayne Cavadi listing the Lions as a under-the-radar team to watch in the postseason.
Wayne Cavadi Said Who!
Known as the DII guy Wayne Cavadi listed five under-the-radar teams that could make a run in the DII Women's Basketball Tournament, and Missouri Southern was the first school mentioned. The Lions are currently on a 13 game winning streak have taken out two ranked teams in back-to-back games on the road, beat a third ranked team at home and have established themselves in the hunt for the MIAA regular season championship during the streak.
2021-22 Preseason MIAA Polls Were Just A Bit Off
The Lions were picked to finish 9th in the MIAA Coaches Poll and 10th in the Media Poll after going 9-14 overall and 9-13 in MIAA play during the 2020-21 campaign. The defending MIAA regular season champions Fort Hays State was picked to win the conference in both the media and coaches poll this season. Central Missouri who made it to the Final Four this past season was picked second in the coaches and tied with Fort Hays for first in the media poll. Picked third and fourth in both polls were Nebraska-Kearney and Emporia State. Each of the top-four teams made it to the Central Regional Tournament this past season. Rounding out the top eight teams were Central Oklahoma, Washburn, Pittsburg State and Missouri Western in both polls.
Wins Have Been A Plenty
Coming into the game on an 13 game winning streak in conference play the Lions are on a run that no other team in school history has even achieved in MIAA play, passing the nine game winning streak in MIAA play during the 1993-94 and 1994-95 seasons. The 13 game winning streak overall is the second longest streak in school history and the longest in Ronnie Ressel's tenure. This is the first time the Lions have won more than ten games in a row since setting the school record of 16 straight wins in 1992-93 that also saw the school record for wins (27) set as well.
Stacking The Wins Up
The Lions' 17 MIAA wins so far this season is a school record in MIAA play moving ahead of the previous record set in the 2010-11 season that saw the Lions go 15-7 and finish tied for third that season. With 20 wins this season which is tied for the eighth most wins in a single season at Southern and is the most wins since the 2014-15 season that saw the Lions win 20 games.
That's A Lot Of Games
The Lions' are on a streak of 631 games of having made at least one made three. The last game where they were shutout was Nov. 20, 1999 in Tahlequah, Okla playing Southern Arkansas losing 68-53.
All-MIAA
Madi Stokes was an All-MIAA honorable and All-Defensive Team selection last season and was the only player to average a double-double along with ended the regular season leading the conference in blocks.
To The Extreme Stokes
This season the Lions will have two student-athletes with the last name Stokes (no relation) and they are the shortest and tallest player on the roster in Madi Stokes (6' 3") and Lacy Stokes (5'4").
Running It Back Again
Mount Vernon high school product Lacy Stokes has a familiar face to play with again as Cameron Call transferred to MSSU from Division I Illinois State. The pair were part of three consecutive district championships at Mount Vernon high school, before Lacy led the Mountaineers to a Class 4 Runners-up finish this past season. Call holds the three-point record with 210 made in her high school career and in her junior season connected on 91 threes a school record. Stokes as a senior averaged 25.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 6.1 steals per game, had over 100 wins in her high school career and over 2,000 points as a point guard.
Madi Is So Stoked To Block You
Sophomore center Madi Stokes had a freshman campaign to remember as a defensive force down low. The Cassville, Missouri native had 33 blocks during the 2019-20 season finishing fifth in the MIAA overall and eighth in Division II for freshman. Last season she had 50 blocks the second most in a single-season at MSSU. She ranked 10th in Division II for blocks (1st among Sophomores) and finished second in the MIAA after the postseason concluded while leading the MIAA in blocks for a majority of the season. Tied the school record of seven at Rogers State (Jan 28, 2021). Has now passed Jenson Maydew (14-18), Caryn Schumaker (87-91) and now Zoe Campbell (17-21) to become the Lions career leader in blocks with 124 presently. Madi set the record against #21 Missouri Western (Feb. 10) at home.
Swatting At A Historic Rate
Madi Stokes has quickly rose up the career blocking list at MSSU having the best blocks per game total at 1.698 per game ahead of Joyce Falls (1986-88) who had a 1.69 blocks per game average.
Lacy Floods The Box Score To Open Season
Freshman point guard Lacy Stokes opened her collegiate career with 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and four steals. Lacy repeated the trick with a 21 point, eight assist, seven rebound, three steal and a block game while playing 42 minutes of an overtime loss to Harding (Nov. 13th).
Freshman Had A Historic Start
Lacy Stokes became the first freshman since Joyce Falls (1986-87) to begin a season with back-to-back 20+ point games. Stokes' 25 points against Henderson State (Nov. 12th) rank seventh among all Missouri Southern players in a season opening game since the 1984-85 season and the first to score 25+ points since Jasmine Lovejoy scored the second most points in a season opener finishing with a double-double of 36 points and 15 rebounds against Arkansas-Fort Smith (Nov. 16, 2010)
Where No Freshman Has Scored Before
Lacy set two freshman school records against Pittsburg State on Feb. 19th scoring 36 points for the freshman single-game record (that Stokes set previously with 33 points against Central Oklahoma on Dec. 2nd, 2021) in the win and breaking the freshman single-season scoring record that was set by Patti Killian (1977-78).
Lacy Named MIAA Athlete of the Week Yet Again
Freshman guard Lacy Stokes has had quite the impressive last six weeks picking up four of the six given MIAA Athlete of the Weeks (Weeks 9, 11, 12, 13). Lacy has established herself as one of the best freshman in not only the MIAA but Division II with her performances of late and has help guide the Lions to an 13 game winning streak and atop the MIAA standings.
Giving And Taking Of The Ball
True freshman Lacy Stokes is adept at passing and stealing the ball highlighted by the fact that she leads the MIAA in steals (85),steals per game (3.40), assists (147) and assist per game (5.9) and assist-turnover ratio (3.97). Across Division II she leads freshman in steals, steals per game, assist-to-turnover ratio, assists per game and assists. Across Division II ranks overall Lacy is first in assist-turnover ratio, second in steals and steals per game, seventh in assists and eighth in assists per game.
School Freshman Records Are Getting Broken
Currently Lacy Stokes has the school freshman record for points scored in a 11 with 36 at Pittsburg State on Feb.19, 2022. The most games with 20 or more points scored by a freshman with 10 games currently. Has the freshman record for single-season steals with 85 currently which is good for the fifth most in school history for a single-season. Has four games of six or more steals the only freshman to ever have more than two such games in school history and her seven steals against Lincoln on February 7, 2022 is the second best tally for a freshman in school history. 2nd in freshman assists with 147 currently and the second best assist per game average for a freshman 5.88. Has the freshman single-season scoring with 470 points scored so far this season passing Patti Killian who set the school record for a freshman scoring 453 points in the 1977-78 season.
A Den Of Thieves
This season Lacy Stokes, Kaitlin Hunnicutt, Layne Skiles and Brooke Stauffer have established themselves as top talents in stealing the ball from the opposition. Stokes leads the MIAA with 3.40 steals a game and 85 total steals while Stauffer (29), Hunnicutt (25) and Skiles (22) have steals. Hunnicutt became the first Lion since Krista Clark (Dec. 30, 2017) to have a game with 5 or more steals in the Lions 84-65 win at Rogers State and Stokes repeated the feat against McKendree (Dec.13).
Historic Thievery
Lacy Stokes in her first season in the Green and Gold is having a season to remember already having a seven steal performance against Lincoln (Feb. 7), posting 6 steals against Lincoln (Dec.18), Missouri Western twice (Jan. 3 and Feb. 10) while having a 5 steal game against McKendree (Dec. 13), Washburn (Jan. 13), #14 Nebraska-Kearney (Jan. 22) and Central Missouri (Feb. 5). Stokes is the first Lion since KaTonya Samuels (1996-97) to have four 6+ steal games in a season and is also the first freshman since Jayme Callahan (1998-99) to have two 6+ steal games in a season. Is the first freshman to ever have four games of 6 or more steals in school history. Is the only freshman in school history to have eight games of five or more steals in a season. Only Jayme Callahan (1998-99) has had a game with more steals as a freshman than Lacy, finishing with eight against Ozark Christian (Nov. 14, 1998).
Who Wants To Get Blocked
This season the lions feature two of the premier shot blockers in the MIAA in redshirt guard/forward Hailey Grant and sophomore center Madi Stokes. Stokes leads the team with 41 and Grant has 20 blocks on the season. The pairing pace the Lions who average 3.8 blocks per game with 96 blocks to lead the MIAA in blocks per game and blocks.
Bench Mob Scores
This season the Lions have averaged 22.9 points per game as a bench unit and are led by junior Amaya Johns who averages 11.5 points and 4.8 rebounds a game. Sophomore guard Cameron Call is second averaging 5.0 points per game and is shooting .338 from three (25-74). Hailey Grant averages 4.6 points a game off the bench while also coming away with 4.6 rebounds and has dished out 23 assists to go with 20 blocks and 13 steals on the season.
Crossing The Century Mark
The Lions secured a 103-58 home victory over Lincoln on December 18th in the last game of 2021 for the program. Reaching the 100 point total for the second time during Ronnie Ressel's tenure with the other coming on December 30, 2017 at home against Graceland in a 100-44 win. This was the most points scored by the Lions inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center since a 104-28 win over Ozark Christian on December 6, 2005.
Three's A Raining
In the 103-58 home win over Lincoln the Lions tied two school records for three point shooting going 14-34 from deep the Lions achieved 14 made threes for the fourth time in school history and the first since January 25, 2003 at Truman State in which they set a school record with 34 attempts from deep as well.
A 30-20 What A Feat
Madi Stokes became the first player to achieve a 30 point - 20 rebound game in Southern's history at Rogers State (Jan. 28, 2021). Putting up a career-high 31 points shooting 13-of-19 from the field and pulling down 21 rebounds and blocking a single-game tying seven blocks in the overtime win. It is the first 30-20 game of the 2020-21 season in Division II, Ritz (Wheeling) and Danielle Norquest (West Florida) also accomplished the feat later on in the season.
20-20 Clubbing
Madi Stokes against Emporia State (Jan. 16, 2021) finishing with 21 points and 22 rebounds (10 offensive) becoming the third member of the 20-20 club at Southern. The most recent since Marie Scott had a 24 point 22 rebound game (Nov. 24, 1995) in a 81-71 win over Missouri Valley. The last time anyone in the MIAA had a 20-20 game was Vivian Essuon who had 20 points and 23 rebounds against Missouri Western Jan. 7, 2012. Stokes was the second player to achieve the feat in Division II as Lilly Ritz did it the same day putting up 22 points and 25 rebounds (10 offensive). For the 2020-21 season only Stokes, Ritz (Wheeling) and Zyaire Ewing (Delta St.) Achieved a 20 points - 20 rebound game.
Bench Sparks Turned Starters
Redshirt freshman guard Kaitlin Hunnicutt and junior guard/forward Amaya Johns brought it off the bench this past season and are now in the starting lineup regularly. Hunnicutt was fourth on the team in scoring averaging 6.7 points a game, and connected on 26 threes. Her season-high of 15 was on the road against Pittsburg State (Jan. 9, 2021). Johns led all bench scoring with 7.7 per game in 14 minutes a game. Her season-high of 21 points happened at home against Rogers State (Dec. 5, 2020) shooting 7-of-9 from the field, 1-of-2 from the three point line and a perfect 6-of-6 from the free throw line. This season Hunnicutt is averaging 6.6 points and 2.6 rebounds a game while connecting on 33 threes so far and is shooting 36.3 percent from three. This season Johns is averaging 11.5 points and pulling down 4.8 rebounds a game. Against Lincoln (Feb. 7, 2021) Amaya went off for a career-high 24 points going 7-11 from the field, 3-6 from three and went 7-10 from the free throw line.
Skiles Creates A Historic Quadfecta
It is not every day you set a new standard but against Northeastern State (Jan. 11, 2022) Layne Skiles did that. Skiles who currently has 721 points, 119 three's, 132 free throws and 118 assists in her career becoming the first Lion to have 500+ points, 100+ three's, free throws and assists in a career. Became the 14th Lion to have 100+ three's, the 52nd to have 500+ points and 100+ free throws and the 53rd Lion to have 100+ career assists since 1984-85. Became the 26th Lion to have 700+ points and 300+ rebounds in a career against #21 Missouri Western Feb. 10th and presently has 721 points and 337 rebounds.
Climbing The Three Point Ladder
Layne Skiles in her career is 119-316 (37.7) from three, ranking 11th in percentage with at least 1 make per game, 12th in makes and attempts in MSSU history.
Madi Joins 500 Career Point, Rebounds Club Against #2 Tigers
Currently Madi Stokes has 647 career points and has pulled down 575 rebounds so far in her career, becoming the 13th Lion to have 500+ career points and rebounds and passed Caryn Schumaker (1987-91) in career blocks against #14 Nebraska-Kearney to have the most blocks to go with 500 points and rebounds in a career.
NCAA Stat Rankings (As of Feb. 22)
TEAM: As a team the Lions rank 13th in Division II for fewest turnovers per game (12.4), 18th in assist-turnover ratio (1.14), 20th in fewest turnovers committed (310), 31st in turnover margin (+4.52), 37th in scoring margin (+12.2), 40th in win-loss percentage (80.0), 47th in scoring offense (72.3) and 49th in three's made (183).
Lacy Stokes: Leads Division II in assist-turnover ratio (3.97), is second for steals (85) and steals per game (3.40), third in free throws attempted (184), seventh in assists (147) and free throws made (130), eighth in assists per game (5.9), 18th in field goals attempted (390) and 31st in points per gamer (18.8).
Madi Stokes: In Division II ranks 32nd in blocks per game (1.86) and 45th in blocks (41).
NCAA All Division Stat Rankings (As of Feb. 22)
Lacy Stokes: Amongst the NCAA Divisions, Lacy ranks third in assist-turnover ratio (3.97), 11th in free throws attempted (184), 14th in steals (85), 20th in steals per game (3.40), 24th in free throws made (130), 26th in assists (147) and 28th in assists per game (5.9).
Among Freshman ranks across the NCAA Divisions, Lacy is first in assist-turnover ratio (3.97), second in steals (85) and free throws attempted (184). Third in steals per game (3.40), assists (147) and assists per game (5.9). Fourth in free throws made (130), fifth among freshman guard in points per game (18.8) and 10th overall in points per game among freshman.
MIAA Stat Rankings (As of Feb. 22)
TEAM: Leads the MIAA in blocks (96), blocks per game (3.8) and field goal percentage defense (36.8). Second in defensive rebounds per game (28.0), fewest turnovers committed (310), rebounds per game (39.2), three's made (183), three's made per game (7.3), turnover margin (+4.52) and win-loss percentage (80.0). Third in assist-turnover ratio (1.14), offensive rebounds per game (11.2), scoring margin (+12.2), three's attempted (554) and three point percentage (33.0). Fourth in free throws attempted (467), rebounds (980), three point percentage defense (27.7), turnover forced per game (16.92), soring defense (60.1) and turnovers per game (12.4). Fifth in assists per game (14.1) and free throws made (334).
Lacy Stokes: Leads the MIAA in assist-turnover ratio (3.97), assists (147), assists per game (5.9), free throws attempted (184), steals (85) and steals per game (3.40), second in field goals attempted (390) and free throws made (130), third in points per game (18.8), fifth in field goals made (155), minutes per game (33.89), seventh in total minutes played (847:12), ninth in field goal percentage among qualified shooters (39.7) and defensive rebounds per game (4.9).
Madi Stokes: Leads the MIAA in blocks per game (1.86), second in blocks (41), eighth in defensive rebounds per game (5.5), ninth in rebounds per game (7.4) and tenth in total rebounds (163)
