The New Madrid County Central got a taste of success last season, winning their first district title since 2012 and now the Lady Eagles are looking for more. With three starters returning and others that played roles on last year’s 19-6 squad, new head coach Toby Heeb has plenty of experience to work with. “I expect a lot out of all our returning players,” Heeb said. “They had a very successful season last year, winning districts, and we return all but two of the players that played on that team. I think that experience will be very beneficial.” The Lady Eagles lost Aaliyah Phillips to graduation and leading scorer and all-stater Tylei Wofford-Byrd transferred to Arkansas, but return starters Alexis Phillips, Alivia Hartman and Ayannah Ruff. The Lady Eagles lost Aaliyah Phillips to graduation and leading scorer and all-stater Tylei Wofford-Byrd transferred to Arkansas, but return starters Alexis Phillips, Alivia Hartman and Ayannah Ruff. Heeb said seniors Madezin Jones and Kiara Brown are also out this season and believes they can be contributors. NMCC has plenty of speed of Heeb intends to use that on both ends of the court. “We have some really quick guards. That’s going to allow us to get out and run on offense and pressure people on defense,” Heeb said. “I could see our size being a weakness. We’re not very big up front, but we have some girls that will play big.” The first-year coach said the girls have been working hard and have their eyes on repeating as district champs. “The girls have been adjusting to one another and we will continue to get better as the season goes on,” Heeb said. “I know that the girls really want to repeat as district champs and go even further this year. We have a long way to go to get there and it will not be an easy task, but we are all up for the challenge.” DISTRICT — NMCC will compete in Class 3, District 1 along with Caruthersville, Charleston, East Prairie, Kelly, Kennett, Malden and Twin Rivers. Roster Alexis Phillips Sr. Madezin Jones Sr. Kiara Brown Sr. Shania Word Jr. Alivia Hartman So. Ayannah Ruff So. Allisia Hester So. Mastajah Walker So. Shakyra Wright So. Amari Robinson So. Schedule