Following an 11-16 season and a 1-2 record in the Gasconade Valley Conference (GVC), the Steelville Lady Cardinals appear to have the pieces in place for success this year.   

Phillip Gambill took over as Lady Cardinal’s head coach last season and enters his second year with optimism that his team will improve. In his first go around in the postseason, Gambill’s gang defeated Laquey in the Class 3 District 8 quarterfinals before falling to eventual District Champion Dixon 67-37 in the semifinals.

“Last season was a rebuilding season,” Gambill said. “We lost some close games on the road last season that could have gone either way. We lost three games by seven or less points. We played in two tournaments in which we won two games (St. James, Park Hills Central). I was very pleased with our progress throughout the season. I thought we matured and improved in all areas. Our defense was improving towards the end of the season. We were starting to settle in and understand what we were wanting to do.”

Steelville will have to replace Aaleigh Decker, Peyton Brooks and Marley Eilert, who all started numerous games last season, and graduated in May.

The Lady Cardinals will return three starters: seniors Sylvia Davis, Jazmyn Hurd and Emeri Perkins. Hurd and Perkins enter their final go around as two-time All-GVC and All-District selections. Davis, a 5-10 senior forward/center, will anchor the team’s starting lineup in the paint. The senior trio was a part of Steelville’s District Championship win over Belle and victory in Sectionals over Kipp St. Louis Sr. in 2025 during their sophomore season and bring valuable postseason experience to the team.

Perkins returns as the Lady Cardinals leading scorer, after averaging 15.6 points and recording team-high totals of 59 three-pointers, 66 made free throws and 109 deflections on defense during her junior season.

Hurd averaged 11.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.3 assists while tallying team-high totals of 117 assists, 94 steals and 800 minutes played in her third campaign.

Davis registered 3.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game last year and is expected to be Steelville’s top post player after Eilert’s graduation.

“Getting back our two leading scorers, our two leading rebounders and our point guard is huge,” Gambill said. Because you know, your point guard is like your quarterback. Having our point guard back (Hurd) that knows everything that we’re doing and understands the expectations makes for a much smoother transition.”   

“Jazmyn (Hurd) brings energy on both ends of the floor,” Gambill added. “She always gives 100 percent. Jazmyn will be looked upon to run the offense. She was our second leading scorer and second rebounder last season.

“Emeri (Perkins) brings leadership on both ends of the floor. She was our leading scorer last season. She is an explosive scorer who is also a solid defender who anticipates well off the ball. She is a great spot-up shooter and has improved her skills attacking the basket.

“Sylvia (Davis) is a strong post player and a great rebounder. She reads the ball well off the shot. We are looking for her to control the paint this season on both ends of the floor.”

Other varsity lettermen who are probable starters entering this season are 5-5 sophomore guard Adalei Perkins and 5-7 sophomore forward Brooklyn Thomas.

Adalei Perkins showed the ability to knock down three-pointers at a high clip during a limited sample size her freshman year, highlighted by a 22 point performance against Laquey in the Battle in Bourbon Tournament, which garnered her All-Tournament honors. 

“Adalei (Perkins) came on strong last season as a freshman,” Gambill said. “She earned a role mid-season and was a big part of several close games. Adalei is a great shooter with a high basketball IQ. She will be looked upon to play a bigger role this season on both ends of the floor.”

Thomas also ascended throughout her freshman season, gradually earning meaningful varsity minutes by playing with endless tenacity and toughness.

“Brooklyn (Thomas) also came on strong last season as a freshman. She played big roles, especially on the defensive end. She always gives 100 percent on both ends of the floor. She rebounds the ball well and will be looked upon this season on the offensive end as well.

Others back expecting to play big roles include 5-8 junior guard/forward Claire Settles, 5-9 sophomore forward Alex Helms and 5-5 sophomore guard Kaylee Pitts. Gambill gave his expectations for the junior sharp shooter and sophomore duo.

“Claire (Settles) is a solid spot-up shooter who is also a strong rebounder. She has a nose for the ball and reads the ball well off the rim. Claire will be looked upon to play a bigger role this season,” Gambill said.

“Alex (Helms) played a big role last season as a freshman off the bench. She is a physical player who rebounds and finishes around the rim well. Alex will play a big role this season on both ends of the floor.”

“Kaylee is a great on-the-ball defender who can shoot the spot-up jumper. She handles the ball well and has had a great off-season. Kaylee works hard and is always in the gym. She earned a role late in the season and will be looked upon to play a bigger role this season.”

Last season Steelville allowed nearly 50 points per game while scoring an average of 46.2. Gambill said that he hopes that his team can turn those numbers around this time around by playing with ‘a controlled uptempo offense’. He added that he expects his team to play better defense and consistently rebound

“I also believe our defense will be much stronger as well. We know and understand what the expectations are on defense,” Gambill said.

“We will try to get teams to take quick shots. We want to play hard-nose defense, allowing our defense to set the tone each night. We rebounded the ball well last season as a team and expect the same effort this season. Our quickness will also play an important role in our defense success as well.”

The Lady Cardinals will compete in the Nov. 13 preseason Rolla Jamboree before returning to Rolla Nov. 21 to officially start the season with a 10:30 a.m. matchup against Russelville in the Bluefish Shootout at Rolla High School. 

Steelville has a heavy road schedule to start the season and won’t host a game until after the new year, when the Potosi Lady Trojans will come to town Jan. 11 for the Lady Cardinals’ home opener.

After playing in Dixon Nov. 24, in St. James Dec. 7 and in Richland Dec. 10, the Lady Cardinals will compete in three consecutive tournaments, beginning from Dec. 14 to Dec. 18 in the Peoples Bank Holiday Classic in Sullivan. The Red and White will then spend Dec. 25 to Dec. 30 playing in the 70th Annual Bob Sechrest Tournament in Park Hills before competing in the Battle in Bourbon Tournament from Jan. 2 to Jan. 9 at Bourbon High School. All of Steelville’s opponents and game times in these tournaments are currently TBD and will be updated accordingly.

Steelville will play its final two regular season games at home against Salem and West County Feb. 11 and Feb. 16, respectively, with senior night festivities scheduled prior to tip-off against Salem.