In what was supposed to be a rebuilding season, all the Elsberry Lady Indians did was win 17 games including the district championship last year.

With every starter and most of the contributors off the bench returning in 2024-25, expectations are even higher.

Head Coach Kari Koch-Dowell will have four returning seniors and eight letterwinners to rely on, led by a dynamic guard duo of senior Mya Pflasterer and Junior Gracie White.

Last season, Pflasterer led the team and the entire district as she was named district player of the year in addition to being a unanimous first team all conference selection. The 5’10 guard led the Lady Indians with 13 points and six rebounds, adding three assists and three steals per game while shooting 78 percent from the free throw line.

White meanwhile, an all-district and second team all conference selection, added 12 points and four boards with three assists and three steals as well. Other returning starters and contributors include Jillian Reller, Ella Barker, Kenzie Koch, Kelsi Chapolla and Stevajah Hardwick.

Dowell said she hopes to capitalize on the team’s speed to help generate more offense by playing more aggressive defense.

That approached paid off in last week’s Winfield Invitational where the Lady Indians claimed third place. In their two wins over Lutheran North and Villa Duchesne, Elsberry only allowed a total of 48 points on 30 percent shooting (7-20, 11- 40) as they generated more than twice as many turnovers at 44 (24 and 20) than field goals allowed at 18.