Dora freshman makes state record books after breakout season

Ozark County’s basketball courts have been ablaze with talent this season, and freshman Dora Lady Falcon standout Kinley Luna is right at the top of the list of players making a splash.

Kinley, daughter of Michael and Niki Luna of Dora, has blazed her way into the Missouri state record books in her breakout season, putting up an impressive 442 total points this year, earning her the #27 spot on the Missouri State High School Sports Association’s  record for total points made in a freshman season.

Her name also appears on the MSHSAA record for average number of points made by a freshman per game. For that honor, Kinley racked up 18 points in a game, coming in #27 in state history. 

“I have had the privilege of coaching Kinley since she was in sixth grade. Back then, she was already showing excellent ability, talent and work ethic. That’s when I knew that one day she would be a special type of player,” said Lady Falcon Head Coach Cole Garnette. 

“She puts in more time in the gym than anyone else and is constantly seeking to improve. She has earned every point, assist, rebound, steal and recognition that she has received. She is an outstanding player, and it is truly remarkable what she was able to accomplish in her freshman season. We are certainly thrilled to see what she can do throughout her career,” Garnette said.

Kinley’s name isn’t the only one on the record list from Dora High School’s Lady Falcons history. 

Cassidy Hambelton made the list in 2018-19, currently ranking at #23 for total points made by a freshman player (563). She also is listed in the #23 spot for the average points per game as a freshman (20.11). Cassidy continued to break records during her high school career with MSHSAA showing her to be listed in 22 different record areas. She’s currently playing basketball at Mission University, a private Baptist college in Springfield. 

In Dora’s boys basketball history, Isaac Haney is listed on the record books for Dora for total points scored in a freshman season in 2017 (675 points) and average points scored per game as a freshman (22.50). He transferred to Kickapoo High School in Springfield later in his HS career, where he finished with 3,141-career points, which secured him the fourth spot in state history books for total points per high school career. He is currently playing basketball for Austen Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee.