MCCURTAIN LADY BULLDOGS
GIRLS
Coach: Bryan Schlekeway
23-24 Record: 19-8
The McCurtain Lady Bulldogs enter the 2024 season facing a significant transition after losing seven of their top eight players since July. Despite the challenges, head coach Bryan Schlekeway remains focused on building a competitive team from a young and inexperienced roster.
“We’ve lost a lot of our experienced players, but that gives our younger athletes a chance to step up and grow,” said Schlekeway. “We only have eight players, with two juniors and six freshmen. Kaylee Culwell is our lone returning starter. Elizabeth Smith was hurt most of last year, but has some high school experience. We will be young, inexperienced and not very deep.”
The lone returning starter, Kaylee Culwell (5-9, Jr.), will be the cornerstone of the Lady Bulldogs’ effort this season. Culwell averaged 10.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game last year and has been the team’s leading rebounder for the past two seasons. A dedicated athlete, Culwell plays with determination and resilience despite living with cystic fibrosis—a condition that hasn’t slowed her impact on the court. “She is a great student and kid,” said Schlekeway. Elizabeth Smith (5-5, Jr.) is the only other player with high school experience. After battling injuries last season, Smith brings her competitive spirit and averages 2.0 points per game. Among the freshmen, Dez Baker (5-6, Fr.) and Abby Bales (5-4, Fr.) will take on roles in the backcourt, while Alli Culwell (5-10, Fr.) will be a presence in the forward position. Libby Carlile (5-0, Fr.) and Alyona Worsham (5-3, Fr.) round out the roster as versatile options, with Addison Clements (5-8, Fr.) providing additional depth.
The Lady Bulldogs’ lack of experience will undoubtedly present challenges, but the team’s commitment to improvement and teamwork could lay a solid foundation for future success. Coach Schlekeway emphasizes the importance of patience, hard work, and a positive attitude as the young squad navigates their season. The Lady Bulldogs aim to maximize their potential this season while setting the stage for a bright future.
Roster
Kaylee Culwell (5-9, Jr., Forward)
Elizabeth Smith (5-5, Jr., Guard)
Dez Baker (5-6, Fr., Guard)
Abby Bales (5-4, Fr., Guard)
Alli Culwell (5-10, Fr., Forward)
Libby Carlile (5-0, Fr., Guard)
Alyona Worsham (5-3, Fr., Forward)
Addison Clements (5-8, Fr.)
