CLEVELAND LADY TIGERS
COACH: Michael Arnold
Record: 8-17
OUTLOOK
After claiming a district championship and reaching the regional finals last season, the Cleveland Lady Tigers are ready to build on that success under head coach Michael Arnold, now in his third year at the helm. With strong senior leadership and a deep supporting cast of experienced returners and promising young talent, the Lady Tigers enter the 2025-26 campaign with high expectations.
“We are excited for the season,” said Arnold. “We were the district champs last year and lost out in the Regional Finals. We are looking to make a further push into the playoffs this year.”
Leading the charge for Cleveland are three seniors who bring experience, toughness, and leadership — Gabby Smith (5-6, Sr.), Emmy Southward (5-10, Sr.), and Faith Watts (5-8, Sr.). “Our three seniors, Gabby, Emmy, and Faith, are going to provide the senior leadership to lead us to having our best season yet,” Arnold said. Smith averaged 3.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.0 steals, while Southward added 6.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game last season.
The junior class provides plenty of balance on both ends of the floor, highlighted by Stevie Gabriel (5-3, Jr.) and Payge Schaefer (5-11, Jr.). “The juniors, Stevie and Payge, had the best summers of their careers and are looking to show off their skills this season,” said Arnold. Schaefer averaged 5.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks, while Gabriel contributed 3.0 points and 2.2 assists per game as the team’s floor general.
Arnold also expects big things from his younger players, including sophomores Paityn McWhirt, Ines Linares Del Rio, Shelby Taylor, and Brylie Buntin, along with a talented freshman group featuring Kylee Logsdon, Elyn Stiger, Jada Whited, Addli Braswell, and McKenna Sloan. “Our sophomores and freshmen are looking to contribute as well,” Arnold said.
With experienced upperclassmen setting the tone and a wave of underclassmen eager to step up, Cleveland’s depth and chemistry could make them a dangerous postseason contender once again.
