It’s a tradition at Boone Central for senior players to hand roses to their mothers when honored on Senior/Parents Nights.
The local florists didn’t get a lot of business in 2011.
The Boone Central girls basketball team and wrestling program each had just three seniors competing this winter – and the BC boys basketball squad only one!
This is the lowest number of departing Cardinals I can remember in many, many years. Which should certainly bode well for the continued success of the Lady Cardinals and the resurgence of the Boone Central guys in the years ahead.
Success breeds success
The Boone Central girls basketball program has been on quite a hardcourt roll recently. Seasons of 21, 20 and 18 victories. Consistent C1 Top 10 honors. Two state tournament trips.
Often, in small communities, you see that type success when one or two strong classes reach a peak of talent and experience. Then, it may take a few years to reload and gain experience for the next cycle. In the case of the Lady Cards, that formula may not apply. At least, not in the immediate future.
Although Boone Central will definitely miss departing senior Bobbi Beckwith, who is in any conversation regarding the best Cardinal players in program history, the cupboard is still well stocked for Coach Mike Kennedy.
This year’s stellar junior class will provide one of the deepest and best groups of seniors the program has seen next season, led by all-conference standouts Jaime Kennedy and Jenna Lehmann. Precocious freshman Jade Gottier flashed special talent in a varsity role and helped the Boone Central junior varsity (00-0) and freshman (9-1) teams enjoy successful campaigns.
Program numbers are strong, talent and experience are abundant and confidence high.
Expect the Lady Cardinals to continue their high-flying ways in 2011-12 without missing a beat.
Better times ahead
There are exciting times ahead for Boone Central’s male cagers, as well. Believe it.
Yes, we’ve seen a dip the past several seasons following a long run of unprecedented Cardinal basketball prowess. But all’s in place for the Cards to begin another of those “cycles of success”.
BC will return all but one member of the varsity squad that scrapped to a 9-14 mark this past season. An especially strong sophomore class gained ample varsity experience and was also the foundation of a 00-0 junior varsity season. The Cardinals were unbeaten in 9th/10th grade play.
It’s a daunting task to win in Class C1 and the Mid-State Conference relying almost solely on “young pups”. But, the experience toughens and prepares those youngsters. Coupled with talent, it usually produces positive results in the end.
Remember what they say … every dog has his day.
Cardinal wrestling is counting on a similar blueprint. Long one of the very top programs in the state, Boone Central has been hit with declining numbers in recent seasons, leading to a decline in results.
While numbers may still be an issue the next few seasons, success is likely to trend upward. Much like their basketball counterparts, young Cardinal wrestlers took some lumps in 2010-11, but will benefit with continued experience and maturity.
Boone Central will return all three of its state tournament qualifiers to spearhead its ‘11-12 edition, along with a group of sophomores and frosh who will try to turn this year’s mistakes into next season’s wins and pins.
It all adds up to anticipation. When winter winds brings accompanying chills next year, the Cardinals should be well-prepared to provide plenty of athletic thrills.
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