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BRANSON — A 5’8 2018 guard, Branson’s Lauren Garrison is putting together a solid senior season for the Lady Pirates and has helped lead the team to a 4-0 start.
A year ago, she averaged 10.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.6 steals per game and was an ALl-COC performer for her efforts.
Already this season, Branson is off to a 4-0 with wins over Central, Union, Bolivar and Lake Hamilton (Ark.).
SWMO — How would you describe your game to people who haven’t seen you play?
Lauren — I am a guard that loves to drive the paint and finish at the rim. I have a great elbow and short corner pull-up jumper. This year I’m determined to shoot more beyond the three-point line. Defensively I love to anticipate passes and make steals for fast break layups.
SWMO —Tell us about your summer experience and how you grew as a player.
Lauren — Over this last summer I had to step up my game not only as a player but as a team leader. I had to pick up the role of ball handing and become a more dominant force on the offensive end.
SWMO — Tell about the upcoming high school season, a little about your team and expectations.
Lauren — I’m excited about my team for the upcoming season. Many of our seniors have been playing together since second grade and had a tremendous 8th grade season. With the addition of a couple players in the classes below, this year is going to be about playing together and finding success as a team. As Coach Bough says, our expectations are to get better as a teammate and a player everyday and the wins and losses will take care of themselves.
SWMO — Who is the team or player that you look forward to playing this next season the most and why?
Lauren — It is difficult to pick out one team while playing in the large division of the COC because each game is a high level of competition.
SWMO — Who has been the biggest influence on your basketball career and tell us why?
Lauren — One of the biggest influences in my basketball career is my older brother Nathan Garrison. Although his highschool coach did not see his potential, he played with the upmost heart and tenacity. I strive to work as hard as he did on the court everyday.
SWMO — Who do you enjoy watching play basketball (professional, college, whoever) and why?
Lauren — College of the Ozarks Lady Bobcats, my dad and I have gone to games for the past 17 years.
SWMO — Have you been able to take anything they do well and implement it in your own game?
Lauren — I love the speed that the game is played at at the college level. I work to match that intensity in my game when I play.
SWMO — What are some things in your game you are working on?
Lauren — I am working everyday to become more consistent on my 3 point shot.