2015 High School Basketball Preview by Messenger-Inquirer

A Special Publication of the Messenger-Inquirer â&#x20AC;˘ Friday, November 27, 2015

2015-2016 High School

Apollo Eagles regroup after key departures see page 2

Apollo High School coach Steve Barker watches his players during practice on Nov. 18 at the school. Photo by Jenny Sevcik, Messenger-Inquirer

MI Basketball2 2 Basketball

Friday, November 27, 2015 Messenger-Inquirer

Eagle Exodus

Apollo loses major talent, possible shot at state title BY MARK MATHIS

Messenger-Inquirer

li Wright’s name was all over social media on a Friday and Saturday night in mid-November. Several college recr uiting ser vices were impressed with Wright’s performances at an event called the Phenom Showcase. “After his play this weekend there aren’t 50 guys better nationally than Miss. State signee Eli Wright,” wrote Jamie Shaw, who is with Phenom Hoop Report. None of this attention was new for Wright, who would have been a senior at Apollo High School and a clear top candidate for Mr. Basketball this coming season. Except that Wright was making this splash for a prep school team called 22-feet Academy in South Carolina. Wright, a 6-foot-5 swing player, was one of the top juniors in the South last season and is indeed one of the top 50 players nationally heading into his senior season. Wright and Trace Young, an athletic 6-8 slashing forward, were supposed to have teamed up to make Apollo one of the top five high school teams in Kentucky this season. With them, the Eagles would have been a strong choice to bring the KHSAA state tournament championship trophy back to the 3rd Region, and Owensboro-Daviess County, for a second straight year. Owensboro High School fulfilled its long-held destiny by doing just that, winning the state championship, last March. Instead, Wright and former Apollo teammate Ben Moss ended up at 22-feet Academy, along with graduated OHS star Justin Miller, who originally signed with Kentucky Wesleyan. Wright had originally gone to IMG Academy in Florida.

File photo

Apollo’s former basketball player Eli Wright looks to make a pass in this file photo from February 2015. Young also left Apollo after playing there one year, following a transfer from Ohio County, and is at Huntington Prep in West Virginia. Losing Wright and Young in particular was a major talking point of high school basketball followers throughout the region and western Kentucky. Wright said he loved being at Apollo and his teammates, but he felt like he had to make a move to get himself ready for his freshman year at Mississippi State. Wright said at the time that some-

times a player has to do what’s best for him, even if it’s viewed as being selfish. Young couldn’t be reached for comment when he decided to transfer. The moves by Wright and Young, and to a lesser degree Moss, took the Eagles from state championship contender to a team that could have trouble getting out of the 9th District. It was the first time that such a large exodus had effected one team in the 3rd Region so significantly. “I had heard it happened at other places and never thought it would hap-

pen in Owensboro,” Apollo coach Steve Barker said. “Not that I thought kids weren’t good enough to leave here, but it never happened, it wasn’t customary. When I heard rumors, I really didn’t believe it. Then when we heard about some visits taking place, we knew they were more serious than what we thought they were.” Barker said during the summer he was deeply disappointed in the players leaving, but with time he has figured that it was just part of the basketball world for high-level players in 2015. Summer basketball, AAU teams and prep schools have drastically changed the landscape of how those players see themselves and what they need to do to flourish beyond high school. “It’s an all-out recruiting war,” Barker said of how prep schools get involved with top high school players. “NCAA Division I has trickled into the AAU circuit. For those AAU teams to compete, they have to recruit, then what stems off the AAU circuit is the prep schools. They’ve got players from all over the country on their teams. “It’s not like it used to be.” Barker and Apollo athletics director Jon Boultinghouse both talked with Wright and Young about why they wanted to leave Apollo, but they didn’t try to interfere with their decisions. “We talked to them once and said you’re getting really bad advice,” Barker said. “This is home, this is where all your friends are, where you had success last year. We’re touted to be one of the best teams in the state, why would you ever think about wanting to leave? “That was it. Then we left it alone.” And then the players were gone. Apollo treated it as if they’d graduated, and it has gone about getting ready for this season without its former star players. “I think from Oct. 15, first day of practice, they’ve come every day prepared with a chip on their shoulders,” Barker said. “They think everyone has counted them out already. By them knowing that, hearing that, thinking that, they’ve really had a great attitude. “These guys we’re looking to now are guys who in June did not think they were going to get a lot of minutes, they’ve been thrown to the forefront, and they love it.”

MI Basketball3 Friday, November 27, 2015 Messenger-Inquirer

Apollo Boys

Basketball

Eagles regrouping after multiple departures BY MARK MATHIS Messenger-Inquirer

pollo High School is star ting over with its roster this basketball season, and it’s a challenge that both the Eagles and coach Steve Barker seem to relish. “I think it has been great, the practices have been pleasing to me,” Barker said. “I haven’t had to show a lot of emotion to get them going. There are going to be days where the intensity is just not there. But, their work ethic has been above board on everything. They think we have an opportunity to do some special things. “What I’ve seen from them, the phone calls on Saturdays, Sunday afternoon, ‘Hey coach, can I get in the gym?’ They know if we’re going to be successful, they are the ones responsible for getting that done.”

2015-16 SCHEDULE 11/30 at Hancock County 7 12/4 at Southwestern (Legacy Nissan Classic) n/a 12/5 at North Laurel n/a 12/7 at Whitesville Trinity 7:30 12/11 Daviess County 7:15 12/18 Owensboro Catholic 7:15 12/21 Christian County (OIT) 12:45 12/22-12/23 OIT n/a 12/29 Kenwood (TN) (1st Southern Christmas Classic) 11:30 am 12/30 1st Southern Christmas Classic n/a 1/2 Louisville Trinity (1st Security New Year’s Bash) 1/5 at Grayson County 7:30 1/8 at Daviess County 7:15 1/12 at Owensboro 7 1/14 at Owensboro Catholic 7 1/15 Christian County 7 1/19 Breckinridge County 7 1/23 Evansville Central 7 1/26 McLean County 7 1/29 Muhlenberg County 7 2/2 Ohio County 7 2/5 Owensboro 7 2/9 at Henderson County 7:30 2/13 Lincoln County (at Pulaski County) n/a 2/16 at Madisonville-NH 7 2/19 at McLean County 7:30

Lex Smith

Nathan Boyle

Austin Tyler

Apollo’s lineup, style and ever ything changed with the depar tures of Eli Wright, Trace Young and Ben Moss for prep school. The Eagles had also graduated six seniors. The way the Eagles are looking at it after going 18-13 is those departures will give younger players opportunities. Apollo’s top retur nee is Zach Hopewell, a 6-foot-3 junior who is a good shooter from outside and is also athletic enough to get to the rim. “When those DI recr uiters were coming thr ough her e last year, almost 90 percent of them asked me who Zach was,” Barker said. “So they all on different days, different occasions, asked about Zach. The greatest thing that he has done for us, he wins ever y drill, he wins ever y sprint. He’s not some loud leader, he’s kind of a silent type, leads by example. He’s taken that on himself; it’s been a blessing in disguise. We didn’t know who we had as leaders.” Austin Tyler is another junior who is a good defender and should make hustle plays. Nathan Boyle is a 6-3 sophomore who can play either for ward spot and is a good shooter with some range. Tabor Shadowen was a backup point guard last season who has been r unning that spot along with Lex Smith, who moved back to Apollo from New Albany, Indiana. Smith is a quick, good defender who can also get to the rim. “We are loaded with guar ds,” Barker said. Alex Gray is another sophomore with the ability to score. see departures/page 15

Apollo High School’s Zach Hopewell controls the ball during practice on Nov. 11 at the school. Photo by Greg Eans

SUPPORTING LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS 3329 Wathens Crossing Owensboro, KY 42301 Phone: (270) 683-1715, DAVIESS COUNTY Ext. 214 Text or Call 270-316-3166 Email: David.Boswell@Kyfb.com

Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance

DAVID W. BOSWELL Agent

Auto • Home • Farm Life • Health • Business

MI Basketball4 4 Basketball

Friday, November 27, 2015 Messenger-Inquirer

Apollo Girls

Young E-Gals rebuilding, but unyielding By Jim Pickens

Messenger-Inquirer

or the second season in a row in 2014-15, Apollo High School’s girls’ basketball team was at its best when the lights were brightest. Despite a sub-.500 regular season, the E-Gals upset Daviess County in the 9th District Tournament for the second year in a row, came close to stunning Owensboro Catholic in the district finale and upset 12th District champion Grayson County in the opening round of the 3rd Region Tournament at the Sportscenter. Now, the E-Gals are hoping to take the momentum gained and the confidence gleaned from such a

2015-16 SCHEDULE 12/1 at Hopkins County Central 7:30 12/4 at Henderson County 7:30 12/5 at Ohio County 7:30 12/7 Meade County 7 12/11 Daviess County 5:30 12/14 at Union County 7:30 12/17 at McLean County 7:30 12/18 Owensboro Catholic 5:30 12/21-23 at Owensboro Invitational Tournament 12/27-30 at Mercer County Titan Holiday Classic 1/2 at Owensboro 7 1/4 Evansville Central 7 1/8 at Daviess County 5:30 1/12 at Butler County 5:30 1/14 at Owensboro Catholic 5:30 1/18 at Breckinridge County 7 1/23 at Marshall County (Gunner’s Magic Train Shootout) 7:30 1/25 Grayson County 7 1/28 Hancock County 7 1/30 Logan County 4:30 2/5 Owensboro 5:30 2/8 at Muhlenberg County 7:30 2/13 Warren Central 4:30 2/18 Madisonville-North Hopkins 7 2/19 at Christian County 7:30

Kylah Bradley

Jada Hall

Maggie Wilhoite

rich experience and apply it to their immense rebuilding ef for t in 201516. AHS coach Arlando Johnson knows his team will play hard. “The one thing I’m sure of is that we will compete ever y game,” said Johnson, whose E-Gals finished 13-19 last season. “We will have nine new faces, and we are young, but I like this group.” The E-Gals will be hoping to overcome the loss of several quality players, including Austin Peay State University-signee J’Nayah Hall, a first-team Messenger-Inquirer All3rd Region pick, along with Alexis Hodges, Asia Moss and Brealyn Rhodes. Hall, for instance, averaged 18 points and nine rebounds per game and was capable of dominating big games. Thus, several players must step for ward in the attempt to replace her production. Such roster losses, however, will ser ve to open up oppor tunities for the likes of senior for ward Tar yn Ferguson and junior guard-for ward Jada Hall. Last season, Ferguson was solid around the paint, averaging six points and five rebounds per outing. “Tar yn finished last season strong in the regional tournament,” Johnson said. “We will look for her leadership this season.” Hall, meanwhile, averaged 7 points per game as a sophomore, and Johnson believes she only scratched the surface of her talent. “I think (Jada) will have a breakout season and get out of the shadow of her sister, J’Nayah,” Johnson said. “Jada is one of the top defend-

Apollo’s Taryn Ferguson practices with the team Nov. 11 at the school. ers in the region, and we will be asking her to do a lot for us.” In addition to Ferguson, senior leaders will be guard Nicole Yamada and for ward Hadley Humphrey. Juniors joining Hall will be for ward Kylah Bradley, for ward Ally Kirk, guard Maggie Wilhoite and for ward Ambria Patel. Sophomores hoping to make an impact include Keisha Mattingly, Kassidy Clark, Lacie Mills and Tomarah Young. Johnson, in fact, believes depth will be one of the E-Gals’ strong suits. “We have 10 solid players, so this depth is the best we’ve had, and it’s great for practice,” Johnson said. “The team chemistr y is great because of how we have shared and played as a team the past several years.” The Apollo coach believes his team’s per for mance in the early

Photo by Greg Eans

going could set the tone for the entire season. “We need to get of f to a good start,” Johnson said. “We have nine games in 18 days, and if we could have some success and build some confidence in that time it would be huge for our program.” Johnson anticipates Apollo’s style of play transforming — to a point. “We can’t play the way we have in the past,” he said. “We must play more in the half-cour t to get shots for our best players. “But we will still play with pace.” More than anything, perhaps, Johnson is hunting for an I-wantthe-ball player who will deliver at crunch time, similar to the departed Hall. “ We n e e d t o h a v e a n A l p h a Female,” he said. “We need to find someone who is the go-to player at winning time.”

MI Basketball5 Friday, November 27, 2015 Messenger-Inquirer

Daviess County Boys

Basketball

Veteran Currie leads youthful Panthers By Jim Pickens

2015-16 SCHEDULE

fter one season as head coach at Owensboro Catholic High School, Neil Hayden moved on to Daviess County High School to replace Pat Hume, who accepted a guidance counselor position at Owensboro High School. And, despite the loss of four starters, the DC cupboard is not bare for Hayden. “I am ver y optimistic about the upcoming season,” Hayden said. “We had a good summer, and the players have worked hard in the preseason workouts. The players have a strong relationship, especially between our four seniors, who provide a positive culture around our program. I am excited to see how this team grows and improves throughout the season.” The Panthers will be led by 6-foot6 senior for ward Stewar t Currie, a University of Louisville baseball signee, who has three seasons of varsity experience. Currie averaged 18 points and nine rebounds per game as a junior and is considered one of the top returnees in the 3rd Region. “He is a player with the capability of playing both inside and out,” Hayden said of Currie. “Stewar t is also a player who can create his own shot, but he is also a valuable defender as well.” Guard Andrew Hayden, a Murray State baseball signee, returns to the basketball program after playing as a sophomore and sitting out as a junior. “I expect Andrew to be a strong outside threat,” Hayden said, “and also a strong leader for our team.” Daviess County will also be counting on a pair of junior forwards, Tyler Boling and Hassan Green. “They played limited minutes as sophomores,” Hayden said of Green and Boling, “but a lot will be expected from both.” The Panthers will also rely heavily on sophomore Jay Owen and senior Sam Wilkerson at point guard. With a new coach and some new faces contributing varsity minutes, Hayden acknowledges it may take

12/1 at Madisonville-North Hopkins 7:30 12/4 at Owensboro 7:30 12/8 at Edmonson County 7:30 11/12 Holmes 2:30 12/14 Whitesville Trinity 7:30 12/15 Butler County 7:30 12/21-23 at Owensboro Invitational Tournament 12/28-30 at LaRue County National Guard Holiday Classic 1/2 Owensboro Catholic 7:30 1/4 Greenwood 7:30 1/5 McLean County 7:30 1/8 Apollo 7:15 1/12 at Breckinridge County 7:30 1/15 at Ohio County 7:30 1/19 at Warren East 7:30 1/22 Owensboro 7:30 1/26 Henderson County 7:30 2/2 at Hopkinsville 7:30 2/5 at Owensboro Catholic 7:30 2/6 Meade County 5:30 2/9 at McLean County 7:30 2/12 Muhlenberg County 7:30 2/13 Hancock County (Autism Awareness Classic, Sportscenter) 7:45 2/16 Grayson County 7:30 2/18 at South Warren 7:45

Messenger-Inquirer

Photo by Greg Eans

Daviess County High School’s Stewart Currie catches a pass on Nov. 10 during practice at the school.

Tyler Boling

Hassan Green

Andrew Hayden

a little time for the Panthers to fully gel. “The team needs to gain some experience playing together,” Hayden said. “Losing four starters will cause the team to have a learning curve this season. We will have to learn to trust each other as well as a new coaching staf f. We have to identify roles and

make adjustments as the season progresses.” DC hopes to employ a versatile style of play. “We will look to play inside-out on the offensive end,” Hayden said. “We want to utilize our length and tr y to get as many lane shots as possible. I believe we have the guard play to support this style, as we have outside shooters and ball-handlers who can attack the basket and stretch out the defense. “Defensively, we would like to be able to use multiple defenses that emphasize rebounding and protecting the lane.” see youthful/page 15

JONES INSURANCE AGENCY 724 Time Dr. • Owensboro, KY

270-691-9100 www.joneswoolfolkins.com

AUTO-HOME-FARM-BUSINESS-LIFE-HEALTH

MI Basketball6 6 Basketball

Friday, November 27, 2015 Messenger-Inquirer

Daviess County Girls

Lady Panthers seeking to step up By Jim Pickens

2015-16 SCHEDULE

atalie Payne expects the Lady Panthers of Daviess County to be in the championship hunt this season. DC enjoyed a 20-9 campaign last season, but was upset by arch-rival Apollo in the opening round of the 9th District Tournament for the second year in a row. Obviously, Payne — the career scoring leader at Apollo as Natalie Powers — would like to see that change. “We will be very competitive in district and regional play,” Payne said. “Our focus is mental toughness and zeroing in on basic fundamentals. Preparation and team chemistry is key, and our kids are buying into that concept.” Versatile senior guar d Skylar Walden returns after averaging 12.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.7 steals per game as a junior. Walden shot 52 percent from 2-point range and made a team-best 75 percent from the freethrow line. “I have enjoyed coaching Skylar over the past three years because of all the intangibles she brings night in and night out,” Payne said. “She can defend, rebound and score. She is a true leader on and off the court.” The only other seniors on the DC roster are guard Katie Buskill (4.2 ppg) and Abby Montgomery (1 ppg). Another key retur nee is junior guard-for ward Emma Johnson, who averaged 12.7 points, a school-record 2.7 blocks and 6.9 rebounds per game as one of western Kentucky’s top sophomores. She shot 38 percent from the floor and made 67 percent of her foul shots. “Emma is ver y versatile,” Payne said. “She is a threat to score from a variety of positions on the court. She spent this past summer playing AAU basketball for Indiana Swish. Her experience with AAU has given her a lot of confidence going into this season.” Daviess County will also be counting on junior power forward Lauren Trantham, an intimidating presence in the

11/30 Breckinridge County 7 12/4 at Owensboro 5:30 12/8 at Edmonson County 5:30 12/11 at Apollo 5:30 12/15 at Logan County 7:30 12/18 Webster County 7 12/21-23 at Owensboro Invitational Tournament 12/28-30 at Murray Bank Lady Tiger Classic 1/2 Owensboro Catholic 5:30 1/4 at Evansville Bosse 7 1/8 Apollo 5:30 1/9 at Christian County 3:30 1/11 Ohio County 7 1/15 Henderson County 7 1/18 at Bowling Green 5 1/22 Owensboro 5:30 1/23 at McLean County 5 1/26 at Hancock County 7 1/30 Meade County 3:30 2/5 at Owensboro Catholic 5:30 2/8 at Grayson County 7 2/12 at Muhlenberg County 7 2/15 at Union County 7:30 2/18 Warren Central 7:30

Messenger-Inquirer

Abby Montgomery

Photo by Greg Eans

Daviess County High School’s Skylar Walden controlls the ball during practice on Nov. 13 at the high school. paint. Last season, Tranthem averaged 5.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. She shot 41 percent from the field. “As a staff, we are impressed with Lauren’s ability to rebound,” Payne said. “She’s really going to help us on the inside.”

Last season, the Lady Panthers shot 37 percent from the field, including 26 percent from 3-point range, and made 68 percent of its free throws. Payne is hoping the Lady Panthers can build depth as the season goes along — pushing the pace whenever possible.

Emma Johnson

Lauren Tranthem

“For us to be successful this season,” she said, “we must be a team that can go deeper on the bench. Bench players will be a huge factor for us. “We are at our best when we push the tempo.” Payne believes the Lady Panthers are solid in several crucial areas. “Our major strengths are perimeter shooting, guard play and varsity experience,” she said. “Areas we can improve on are player and team leadership.” see seeking/page 15

MI Basketball7 Friday, November 27, 2015 Messenger-Inquirer

Owensboro Boys

Basketball

Defending champ Devils back for more By Jim Pickens

Messenger-Inquirer

he Red Devils of Owensboro High School put it all together last season, winning the program’s first state championship in 35 years and the 3rd Region’s first in 20 years. Lost from that elite team, among others, were All-State for ward Aric Holman, Sweet 16 Most Valuable Player Justin Miller, along with shooting guards Darion Morrow and Dylan Sanford. The Devils won 31 of 35 games and more or less dominated

the state tournament. Now what? “We’re excited to put together a new team, excited about the challenges that come with that,” said OHS coach Rod Drake, who became the first individual in KHSAA histor y to win a state hoops title as both a player and as a coach at his alma mater. “Last year was obviously a ver y fun season, but we’re working hard to put another quality team on the court this season.” Owensboro’s lone returning starter is 5-foot-11 junior point guard Jacoby

Harris, who starred down the stretch and came up big for the Red Devils at Rupp Arena. For the season, he averaged 9.1 points and five assists per game. “Jacoby got it done for us late in the season, played really well in the state tour nament and gained a lot

of confidence because ot it,” Drake said. “We’re expecting him to be our leader. He’s the only player with a lot of varsity experience, and he’s going to have to lead our young players — especially in the early going. see more/page 15

2015-16 SCHEDULE 11/30 at South Warren 7:30 12/4 Daviess County 7:30 12/8 at Warren Central 7:15 12/11 at Owensboro Catholic 7:15 12/21 vs. Henderson County (Owensboro Invitational Tournament) 5:30 12/22 vs. Owensboro Catholic (Owensboro Invitational Tournament) 5:30 12/30 at Whitefield Academy 2:30 1/8 Owensboro Catholic 7:15 1/12 Apollo 7

1/15 at Muhlenberg County 1/19 Grayson County 1/22 at Daviess County 1/26 Madisonville-North Hopkins 1/30 at McLean County 2/2 at Breckinridge County 2/5 at Apollo 2/9 Bowling Green 2/13 Louisville Trinity 2/16 Hopkinsville 2/18 at Henderson County

Go Go Team! Team!

Sports fans know the power of a good team. Find out how having Shelter on your team can help you keep your eye on the ball. A A A

Photo by Greg Eans

Owensboro High School’s Denote Douglas practices Nov. 17 at the high school.

® AUTO AUTO•••HOME HOME•••LIFE LIFE AUTO HOME LIFE

Jennifer Moorman-Bowlds 227 St. Ann St., Ste. 101 Owensboro, KY 270-683-7771 JBowlds@ShelterInsurance.com

We’re your Shield. We’re your Shelter. ShelterInsurance.com

7:30 7:45 7:30 7:30 3 7:30 7 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30

MI Basketball8 8 Basketball

Friday, November 27, 2015 Messenger-Inquirer

Owensboro Girls

Lady Devils improving in Groves’ 2nd year at helm BY MARK MATHIS Messenger-Inquirer

wensboro High School made some improvement in the win column during Andy Groves’ first year as head coach. Getting ready for his second year in charge, OHS has also shown more improvement overall. “I’ve been pleased, the second year things have gone smoother,” Groves said. “Going through this as many times as I have, I understand that with the process of what we’re doing, being able to add on to what got in place last summer. “I truly believe we will be very competitive. I was impressed with our improvement over the summer and how we seem to be much more comfortable with what we are trying to do offensively and defensively. We have several players with versatility. We have talented sophomore and freshmen classes that should provide depth and will challenge for playing time.” Wesli Washington will be the leader, certainly, early in the season for the Lady Devils, who were 8-20 last year after going 3-22 in 2013-14. Washington is a senior guard who averaged 14.9 points, three assists and 2.5 steals a game. She is within 20 points of scoring 1,000 points in her career. Groves thinks Washington has the potential to be one of the top players in the 3rd Region. “She is aggressive and knows the game,” Groves said. Other seniors who will be expected to make an impact are led by Autriauna Cozee, a 5-foot-9 forward who averaged six points and five rebounds a game. She will be called on to score more for the Lady Devils. Joslyn Cowherd (5-8) and Camille Tinsley (5-7) are good combination players covering spots from shooting guard, both forwards and center. Sophomore guard Jaleah Tutt (5-8) and freshmen Tayonna Greer (5-5) and Tia Shelton (5-5) will also be expected to make an impact. KJ Fountain is another freshman who has some potential, Groves said. Greer might be Owensboro’s best perimeter shooter, and Shelton getting time on the court will allow the team to move Washington to different spots. Tinsley is a senior who has looked good in the preseason, and OHS has been

Joslyn Cowherd

Autriauna Cozee

Camille Tinsley

using the versatile guard in a number of ways. “She’s been settling in to what we want to do and how we want her to play,” Groves said. The Lady Devils do not have much height, but they feel like they can use their athleticism and team quickness to put up even better numbers in the win column. It will be important for OHS to find more scoring help for Washington. “I think we have potential to be extremely competitive in region,” Groves said. “We’re going to look for more from the transition game, and I hope we will be in better physical shape. I feel good about this bunch.”

2015-16 SCHEDULE 12/1 Butler County 7:30 12/4 Daviess County 5:30 12/5 South Spencer 3 12/8 Muhlenberg County 7:30 12/11 at Owensboro Catholic 5:30 12/15 Christian County 6 12/21 Greenwood (OIT) 7:15 12/22 Metcalfe County (OIT) 11:45 a.m. 12/28-29 at FSNB Classic (Russellville) na 1/2 Apollo 7 1/4 at Ohio County 7:30 1/8 Owensboro Catholic 5:30 1/9 Henderson County 5:30 1/14 at Union County 7:30 1/16 John Hardin 3:30 1/19 Grayson County 6 1/22 at Daviess County 5:30 1/25 at McLean County 7:30 1/26 Madisonville-NH 6 1/28 at Meade County 7:30 2/1 Hancock County 7:30 2/5 at Apollo 5:30 2/6 Edmonson County 4:30 2/9 Bowling Green 6 2/13 at Webster County 3:30 2/16 at Breckinridge County 7 2/19 at Butler County 6

Photo by Greg Eans

Owensboro High School senior Wesli Washington dribbles the ball during practice Nov. 12 at the school.

MI Basketball9 Friday, November 27, 2015 Messenger-Inquirer

Owensboro Catholic Boys

Basketball

Aces’ Riley will lean on strong guard play By Jim Pickens

Messenger-Inquirer

he Owensboro Catholic High School administration wasn’t thrilled about the prospect of having to fill its boys’ basketball head coach position for the third time in as many years — until Tim Riley came along, that is. Riley enjoyed a legendary 14-season career at Warren Central — winning 307 games, eight 4th Region titles and the 2004 KHSAA state championship. Now, he brings that winning pedigree to Owensboro Catholic, which, ironically, has never won a KHSAA 3rd Region championship. “I’m excited to be at Owensboro Catholic and look forward to seeing what we can accomplish,” said Riley, who replaces Neil Hayden, who accepted the head coach position at Daviess County. “This has been a competitive program through the years, I like the fact that we compete in the All ‘A’ Classic, and we’re going to work hard to make this a very successful program. “A number of things led to the decision (to come to Catholic), and one of them was the opportunity to return to Kentucky and coach.” Riley, who spent the past two seasons coaching at Springfield High School in Tennessee, inherits an Aces program that went 12-15 last season, but returns several key players, including the senior guard tandem of Cameron O’Bryan and Ray Zuberer. Last season, O’Bryan averaged 12.7 points and four assists per game, while Zuberer scored 11.7 points per outing and drained a team-best 68 shots from 3-point range. “We should have ver y good guard play with Cameron and Ray,” Riley said. “Both of those kids have had storybook high school careers. Ray has started since eighth grade and is a great multi-sport athlete, and Cameron is a strong, physical player who is exceptional in two sports.” Also back is sophomore forward Luke Hayden (9.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg) and senior forward Luke Payne (6.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg). “Luke Hayden has a chance to be an outstanding player,” Riley said. “He’s a nice athlete who can score in a number of ways. He scored 19 points versus a strong

Tim Riley

Cameron O’Bryan

Ray Zuberer

2015-16 SCHEDULE

Photo by Greg Eans

Owensboro Catholic’s Luke Hayden looks for an open player during practice on Nov. 12 at the high school. Russellville team in his initial start as a freshman. Luke Payne started a number of games last season, as well.” Riley is also expecting solid contributions from seniors Luke Reid, Paul Reid and Mason Robertson, as well as a strong group of sophomores who comprised an undefeated freshmen team in 2014-15. The Aces should be solid in the backcourt, but Riley says the team must develop a low post presence to make major strides following the loss of Ed Carter, a shot-blocking 6-foot-5 center who averaged 16 points and nine rebounds last

season. Catholic also must replace power forward Bailey Maloney (3.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg). “There is a concern for post scoring and rebounding,” said Riley, who has 12 Sweet 16 coaching victories in his career. “We must rebound the basketball.” Riley says the Aces will mix it up at both ends of the court. “We’ll play multiple defenses, run a motion offense and run when given the opportunity,” he said. “And, we’ll play hard.” Last season, Owensboro Catholic struggled in tournament play, dropping

12/1 South Spencer 7:30 12/4 at Meade County 7 12/8 Muhlenberg County 7:30 12/11 Owensboro 7:15 12/18 at Apollo 7:15 12/21 vs. Henderson County (Owensboro Invitational Tournament) 12:45 12/22 vs. Owensboro (Owensboro Invitational Tournament) 5:30 12/28-30 at Ohio County Holiday Classic 1/2 at Daviess County 7:30 1/8 at Owensboro 7:15 1/9 at Grayson County 7:30 1/12 at Whitesville Trinity 7:30 1/14 Apollo 7 1/16 vs. McLean County (All ‘A’ 3rd Region Tournament) TBD 1/25 Cloverport 7:30 1/30 Breckinridge County 7:30 2/2 Madisonville-North Hopkins 7:30 2/5 Daviess County 7:30 2/6 at Wes Strader Schoolboy Shootout at Bowling Green 2/9 Warren Central 7:30 2/13 at Union County 7:30 2/16 at Ohio County 7:30 2/18 at Muhlenberg County 7:30

a 62-58 decision to Edmonson County in the first round of the All ‘A’ 3rd Region Tournament and falling 90-54 to eventual state champion Owensboro in the opening round of the 9th District Tournament. But it’s a new season, and Riley will be building toward what he hopes will be a bright future for the Aces. “The people around here are really excited about the young kids coming up in the program and the chance to be good enough to make a run at the 3rd Region championship,” Riley said. “I share in that excitement.”

MI Basketball10 10 Basketball

Friday, November 27, 2015 Messenger-Inquirer

Owensboro Catholic Girls

Lady Aces once again in chase for title By Jim Pickens

Messenger-Inquirer

wensboro Catholic High School’s girls’ basketball team enjoyed a highly successful 2014-15 season, but this time around the Lady Aces will be aiming to move matters at least one step forward. Catholic finished 23-10, beat Apollo to win the 9th District Tournament championship and advanced to the 3rd Region Tournament title game against Muhlenberg County at the Sportscenter, where the Lady Aces dropped a 58-56 decision to the the Lady Mustangs. Now, veteran-laden OCHS wants more. “I believe we should be an experienced team with four starters back,” Lady Aces coach Michael Robertson said. “We will rely on them to be strong leaders on and off the court for this team. Hopefully, we will be able to contend for the district and regional championships this season.” Owensboro Catholic is led by 5-foot8 senior guard Mikayla Berr y, who recently signed with Bellarmine University. Last season, Berry averaged 15.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. “This year, she has come into practice with a focus and determination we haven’t seen before,” Robertson said of Berry. “She looks like a player who is determined to lead by example, someone who is determined to push this team to get better each and every day.” Two players from the school’s stellar girls’ soccer program, guard Annabel Moore and post Caroline Hayden, are also key senior returnees. Last season, the 5-9 Moore averaged 11.4 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. “She is one of the motors who helps energize our defense,” Robertson said of the versatile Moore. “She really came into her own at the end of last season shooting the ball very well.” Hayden, also 5-9, is back for her final high school campaign after averaging 9.2 points and 6.1 rebounds last season. “Caroline is another player we will be counting on to help anchor our defense and our inside play,’ Robertson said. “She’s a strong, determined, physical basketball player.” Senior Emily Marshall, a 5-8 guard,

Caroline Hayden

Emily Marshall

Annabel Moore

2015-16 SCHEDULE 11/30 Warren Central 7:30 12/4 at Evansville Central 7 12/11 at Grayson County 7:30 12/12 Riverdale (Tennessee) in Independence Bank Classic 7:45 12/18 at Apollo 5:30 12/21-22 at Owensbor Invitational Tournament 12/28 vs. Brentwood (Beech Holiday Tournament, Nashville) 11:30 1/2 at Daviess County 5:30 1/5 at Muhlenberg County 7:30 1/8 at Owensboro 5:30 1/9 vs. Murray (McCracken County Mustang Madness) TBA 1/14 Apollo 5:30 1/16 vs. McLean County (All ‘A’ 3rd Region Tournament) noon 1/25 at Ohio County 7:30 2/2 at Allen County-Scottsville 7:30 2/5 Daviess County 5:30 2/9 at Franklin-Simpson 7:30 2/11 McLean County 7:30 2/15 Henderson County 7:30 2/18 at Breckinridge County 7

Photo by Greg Eans

Owensboro Catholic High School’s Mikayla Berry drives the ball during practice on Nov. 12 at the Sportscenter. will also be a key component to the Lady Aces’ success. She averaged 5 points and 3 rebounds per game last season. “We’re looking for big things out of Emily this season,” Robertson said. “Last season was her first full season starting. She struggled a little bit at the beginning of the season but was a bright spot at the end. I look for her to really come out of her shell this season and have a great senior year.”

As always, much of Catholic’s success will be predicated by its defensive performance. “The keys to our season will be our half-court defense,” Robertson said. “We’ve got to get better at containing the dribble, and we’ve got to rebound the ball better. We aren’t as big sizewise as most, and we need to do the little things correctly to be successful, like getting good position on defense and making sure we block out when

a shot is taken. We have to be more focused on defense, not try for steals as much and play better position defense. “Offensively, we have to do a good job of taking care of the basketball, and we need to take good shots.” Stylistically, the Lady Aces don’t intend to change much. “We’ll play the same style we have in the past,” Robertson said. “We want to get after you on the defensive end and push the ball on offense — that’s who we are, that’s our game.” Roberston cites Muhlenberg County, Grayson County, Daviess County and Breckinridge County as top contenders for the 3rd Region championship this season.

MI Basketball11 Friday, November 27, 2015 Messenger-Inquirer

10th District Boys

Basketball

McLean County should retain crown, compete in region BY MARK MATHIS

Messenger-Inquirer

cLean County is a darkhorse pick to win the 3rd Region crown after claiming a rare 10th District title in 2014-15. Ohio County will have Steve Sparks as its head coach for the first time. Sparks was the highly successful long-time coach of now-defunct Muhlenberg North. Muhlenberg County will also have a veteran first-year head coach in Kerr y Stovall, who won a state championship at Christian County. McLean County

The Cougars finished 10-16 last season but are looking for big things with experienced star ters back, three of them averaging in double figures. “After ending the season strong last year and having ever yone back, we feel that we are one of the favorites to compete for the 3rd Region title,” McLean County coach Greg Stephens said. “We have three of the top players in the region returning.”

Will Hudson is a 6-foot-2 guard who averaged 16.4 points per game last season. He made 50-of125 3-pointers last season for 40 percent. Jake Logsdon is a 6-7 post player who will be one of the biggest inside players in the region. Logsdon averaged 10 points and eight rebounds per game. Sam Miller is a 6-2 guard who scored 10.4 points per game, can score and is a good leaper. Muhlenberg County

Six experienced players return from a 16-14 squad that was coached by Tony Hopper, who left to become the head boys’ basketball coach at South Warren. Seniors Noah Brown, Kobe Drake and Clayton Stovall will join juniors Noah McElwain and Austin Sailing and sophomore Will Nofsinger. McElwain averaged 13 points per game last season and will be at point guard. “All three seniors will be expected to provide an experienced of fensive and a defensive presence, as well as provide leadership to an expe-

rienced but still somewhat young team,” Stovall said. Stovall, McElwain, Sailing and Nofsinger shot 40 percent from 3-point range. The Mustangs will want to spread the floor, create space and allow for an attack-minded offense. Ohio County

The Eagles are looking to turn things around after going 6-22. Sparks spent a lot of early preseason practice time working on defensive fundamentals. “Hopefully, we will can play solid defense and generate enough of fense to compete at a high level,” Sparks said. T ravis Car ter and Ross T ichenor are each 6-3 seniors who combined for 16 points and 11 rebounds a game. Connor Wilson is a 6-1 junior returning with nine points per game. Jay Newcom, Dylan Decker and Heath Simmons will also be counted on for offensive production.

10th District Girls

Muhlenberg looking to defend regional title BY MARK MATHIS Messenger-Inquirer

uhlenberg County will be one of the favorites to claim the 3rd Region championship with five starters returning from last season’s championship squad. Both Ohio County and McLean County will look to improve from their 2014-15 seasons. Muhlenberg County

Sophomore Bailee Harney will be leading the Lady Mustangs after scoring 16 points a game and averaging five rebounds and five assists. Muhlenberg County was 20-11 last season and beat Owensboro Catholic for the regional championship. Senior Makayla Sampson was good for 12 points and seven rebounds a game. Sophomore Raegan Blackburn

also scored 12 points and pulled down four rebounds a game. Seniors Kerra Vincent and Katey Porter each scored 10 points a game, while Porter also pulled down seven rebounds a game. “I think our bench will be stronger due to some of our younger players getting stronger and more experienced,” Muhlenberg County coach Mike Harper said. “I like our kids’ attitude and approach to things.” Juniors Baylee Russell and Ava Weikel, sophomores Erica Car y and Sheridan Piper and freshman Alaira Drake all are capable of making strong contributions for the Mustangs. Ohio County

Ed McCarraher brings 25 years of coaching experience back to the Lady Eagles, who will try to recover from an 8-20 season. Allison Druin is a 5-foot-10 senior

who was the leading scorer (18.9 points a game) and rebounder (eight) for the Lady Eagles last season. “She’s a great passer, has good touch around the basket and might be the best center in the region,” McCarraher said. Kiana Barrett is another senior who scored 12 points and pulled down 4.9 rebounds a game. She is recovering from a torn ACL but will be back in mid-to-late December, according to McCarraher. Morgan Marksberry, Cristen Scoggins and Annie Dockery also return. McLean County

The Lady Cougars graduated six players from last year’s 17-14 team. McLean County will have one returning senior in forward Kirstin Ayer, one returning junior in guard Sarah King, and Whitley Patterson is a sophomeore guard who is expected to contribute. “We have been extremely excited with the amount of talent that this young

squad possesses,” said Mary Howard, in her first season as McLean County’s head coach. “Even though we are starting with a very young squad this season, their talent and work ethic has been impressive.”

TIRE & SERVICE CENTER

We keep you rolling!

813 E. 18th Street • 685-4444 Mon.-Fri. 7am-6:00pm, Sat. 7am-3pm

MI Basketball12 12 Basketball

Friday, November 27, 2015 Messenger-Inquirer

11th District Boys

Hornets hope to build on recent success By Joseph Russell

Region Tournament. Breckinridge County will rely heavily on senior guard Cody Mingus, who scored 14.3 points per game and also thrived at the freethrow line, making 116-of-150 attempts last season. They’ll also get contributions from senior for ward T yler Haycraft (7.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg), senior guard Matthew Rhodes (7.1 ppg), senior center Cody Critchelow (6.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg) and senior for ward Luke Loughran (4.9 ppg).

Messenger-Inquirer

fter a season last year in which Hancock County surpassed most expectations, Dar ren L ynam expects even bigger and better things in his second year as the Hornets’ head coach. Hancock County finished with a 16-12 record and won the 3rd Region All ‘A’ Classic before eventually falling to Meade County in the 11th District Tournament. This season, with senior guards Ty Ogle and Garrett Pate leading the way, Lynam sees the potential for a successful postseason run, as well. Ogle paced the team with 13.1 points per game last year, while Pate was second with 10.8 points per contest. Both made at least 35 3-pointers, while Ogle converted on a team-high 102-of-132 free throws. “Obviously, we got a taste of the All ‘A’ last year after winning the region championship, and we’d like to do that again,” L ynam said. “And we’d like to make a berth in the 3rd Region Tournament at the end of the year. We’ve got a couple of tough opponents in our district, but we’re hoping we can make some strides to qualify for the region.” Other contributions are expected from sophomore guard Jacob White (4.5 ppg), who started last season as a freshman, while juniors Brendan Lewis (6.2 ppg) and Kane Logston (5.3 ppg, 57-percent shooting) will slide into the starting lineup. Junior guard Cameron Buck will serve as the team’s sixth man while L ynam waits to see who will emerge as a difference maker from the bench. After a prosperous season in 201415, Lynam added, his team’s belief in itself has only increased as the Hornets seek their third consecutive winning season. “Last year proved to be a really fun year,” he said. “Nobody was really expecting anything from us. We won 16 games and won the All ‘A’ region, and I think that has helped us gain confidence as a program, from the top on down.”

Meade County

The Green Wave feature perhaps the most continuity within the district, returning their top four scorers from last season. A pair of senior for wards lead the way in Josh Durbin (12.4 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 53-percent shooting) and Kase Mattingly (12.0 ppg, 4.3 rpg), while junior guard Calvin Hacker t (11.4 ppg, 41 percent from 3) and senior guard Jacob Bewley (10.3 ppg) round out the talented foursome. Meade County finished 17-11 last season and saw success throughout the year, but the Green Wave will look to finally break through in 2015-16. They lost to Breck in last year’s 11th District title game before later falling to Owensboro in the 3rd Region Tour nament championship game. Cloverport

File photo

Hancock County’s Ty Ogle shoots during the opening round of the Touchstone Energy All ‘A’ Classic on Jan. 29 in Frankfort. Breckinridge County

With 10 seniors and three juniors on the roster, the Fighting Tigers return the most experienced team in the 11th District. Leading scorer Benjamin Miller

graduated, but Breckinridge County returns the majority of its production from a season ago when the Fighting Tigers finished 18-10 and won the 11th District title before falling to Owensboro in the 3r d

The Aces will tr y to move on after the graduation of former star Nick Smith and five others, and they’ll attempt to do so under the tutelage of first-year coach Jeff LaGrange. Cloverpor t went 8-15 last season and saw its season end with a loss to Breckinridge County in the 11th District Tournament. The Aces retur n senior guard Christian Lamar (6.0 ppg), junior guard Max Dubree (5.0 ppg) and junior center Steven Jennings (4.6 ppg), while they look for increased production from Hunter Hawley, Seth Harness, John Fetch, Chris Houtchen and Joey Willoughby — who saw limited action last year.

MI Basketball13 Friday, November 27, 2015 Messenger-Inquirer

11th District Girls

Basketball

Expectations are high for Lady Hornets By Joseph Russell

Owensboro Catholic in the 3rd Region Tournament semifinals, and the Lady Waves enter 2015-16 after losing three of their top four scorers to graduation. Second-year coach Whitney Hooper will rely on senior guard Katie Wilson — who averaged 7.6 points per game last year — to step up, as well as junior for ward Tara Lewis (5.3 ppg), senior for ward Lauren Claycomb (4.3 ppg), junior for ward Maggie Millay (3.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg) and senior center Karissa Reader (2.5 ppg).

Messenger-Inquirer

ith the full squad retur ning from last year’s Hancock County team, coach Mike Orr has high hopes for the Lady Hornets this season. After losing no seniors to graduation during the of fseason and the experience that the team retur ns, Or r sees no reason why Hancock County can’t compete for an 11th District title in 2015-16. The Lady Hornets feature a pair of talented seniors in leading scorer Kelsey Brown and top 3-point shooter Lindsey Hagman — who have both star ted since their sophomore campaigns. The two will be joined by senior point guard Ashlee Orr, who missed the last two seasons after undergoing separate ankle surgeries. Last season, Brown averaged 14.8 points and 7.8 rebounds in the post, while Hagman scored 5.9 points per game and led the team with 35 made 3-pointers. Hancock County will also retur n sophomore guar d Kassie Keown (7.2 ppg) and junior for ward McKenna Duncan (5.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg), as the Lady Hornets look to improve on last year’s 40.5-percent shooting from the floor and 24.3 percent from long range. “We have ever yone back from last year, so experience should be a strength,” Orr said. “We need to shoot the ball better as a team.” Hancock County will also seek contributions from junior guards Ameria Thomas (4.2 ppg) and Emma Robinson (3.4 ppg), junior for ward Olivia Potts (2.2 ppg) and sophomore for ward Aver y Morris. Rounding out the roster will be freshmen Bailee Boling, Rylee Emmick, Jayda Garison, Halley Stewart and eighthgrader Kiera Duncan. Hancock County finished last season with a record of 14-13, including 4-4 in district play. The Lady Hornets opened the season 2-4 before winning six in a row and nine of their next 12 games. However, they closed the season just 3-5 before falling to

Breckinridge County

Junior point guard Lily Grimes returns to lead a Lady Tigers squad that went 17-11 and 5-1 in district play last season. Midway through last season, Breck County won 13 of 15 games, which included an eight-game win streak, before falling to Meade County in the district tour nament championship game and later Muhlenberg County in the opening round of the 3rd Region Tournament. Grimes averaged 18.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game last year, and she will be joined by senior forward Mary Hinton, who scored 9.0 points and grabbed 5.2 boards per contest. Contributions are also expected from freshman center Kayla Young (7.0 ppg, 6.8 rpg) and junior guard Sarah Shrewsberry (5.8 ppg), as well as juniors Jennay Jeffries, Tori Lucas, Morgan Marple and sophomore Rily Collins. Cloverport

File photo

Hancock County High School’s Lindsey Hagman looks for an open teammate during the Lady Hornets’ game against Meade County on Jan. 15 in Hawesville. Meade County in the 11th District Tournament. Or r said he’s counting on the team’s returned experience to carr y the Lady Hor nets, and he doesn’t plan to change the team’s approach after finding a playing style that yielded positive results last year. “We hope to tr y and push it and get easy transition baskets and open

3s,” Orr said. “If not, we will tr y to work inside-out with Kelsey Brown inside.” Meade County

The Lady Waves finished 20-9 last season, including a 5-1 mark in district play on their way to an 11th District Tournament championship. Meade County’s season came to an end in a 48-46 double-overtime loss to

The Lady Aces will seek a bounceback year in Drew Hawley’s first season as head coach. Cloverport finished last season 0-25 and 0-6 in district competition, and the Lady Aces enter 2015-16 without their top two leading scorers from a year ago. Cloverpor t will be led by senior forward Shelby Fetch, with other contributions expected from freshman guard Jenna Nottingham and junior forward Savannah Ray. Rounding out the roster will be sophomore center Gracie Owens, freshman guard Novalee Brockway and seventh-grader Kaitlyn White.

MI Basketball14 14 Basketball

Friday, November 27, 2015 Messenger-Inquirer

12th District Boys

Continuity expected to be the key for Raiders By Joseph Russell

Messenger-Inquirer

ith nearly all of its playmakers back from last season, Whitesville Trinity is confident it has the experience and chemistry for a successful season in 2015-16. The Raiders return all but one player from last year’s team, and coach John Kirkpatrick considers his squad more than capable of making a push within the 12th District — and perhaps even the 3rd Region — this time around. “The goal every year is to be playing in the Sportscenter come tournament time,” Kirkpatrick said. “With that being said, we look to be highly competitive in our district and compile a winning season.” Trinity finished 10-19 last season and 1-5 in district play before falling 59-52 to Grayson County in the 12th District Tournament, but Kirkpatrick has faith that his players are ready to take the next step forward. “We strive to be a fundamentally-sound team that takes pride in our half-court defense,” he said. “Offen-

sively, we will place a lot of value on shot selection and allowing the kids to make the plays. “We will definitely look to take advantage of the 3-point line, as we have several shooters on this year’s team. Our ball security and decision making needs to continue to improve.” Daniel Morris returns as the team’s leading scorer at 16.2 points per game, including 45-percent from 3-point range. The 5-foot-10 senior guard holds the school record with 10 made 3-pointers in a single game, which he set last season. Joining him will be 6-2 senior Dakota Wathen (14.4 ppg), last year’s season-leading scorer who can play just about anywhere on the floor. Other contributions will come from 5-10 junior point guard Eric Howard (6.1 ppg), 6-2 senior guard Allen Howe (5.4 ppg) and 6-1 guard Blake Midkiff (3.3 ppg). Kirkpatrick also expects big things from 6-5 senior center Blake Booker, who returns after playing in just 11 games last year due to injury, as well as 6-5 senior center Daniel Hardesty, 6-1 freshman guard Cameron Wright and 6-3 senior forward Brent Graham.

And as always, Kirkpatrick added, the Raiders will have a tremendous home-court advantage all year. “We play in an unbelievable high school basketball environment, one that the team and myself definitely cherish,” he said. “The Barn has served as a great equalizer for many seasons, and we have our fans, our students and our community to thank for that.” Grayson County

The defending 12th District champion Cougars will look to reload in 2015-16 following the graduation of top leading scorers Talon Gary and Alex Shelhart. Grayson County went 18-11 and 5-1 in district play last season before falling to Muhlenberg County in the 3rd Region Tournament. The Cougars will rely primarily on senior Cole Akridge (8.8 ppg), senior Tanner Tyra (6.4 ppg), sophomore Bailey Logsdon (3.2 ppg) and junior Trey Goff (3.0 ppg). see key/page 15

12th District Girls

Lady Raiders are looking to overcome youth By Joseph Russell Messenger-Inquirer

ntering his second year coaching Whitesville T rinity, Jim Little knows the road ahead won’t be easy. With just eight players — four in high school and four in junior high — on the Lady Raiders’ roster, Little has had to adjust everything from practice drills to team philosophy in order to make sure his squad is ready for the 2015-16 season. However, Little said he’s up to the challenge, and, more importantly, so are his players. “We’re always going to have one or two junior-high kids in there,” Little said. “It’s going to be interesting, but this group works hard. “I’ve been pleased with their effort in practice. The kids want to practice, and you love that as a coach. I’ve done this for 33 years, coaching basketball, and I’m just tickled to have kids that want to be at practice.”

Leading scorer Nina Wathen returns after putting up 11.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game last year, and she’ll be a freshman this season. Also returning is sophomore Erin Kinsey (5.6 ppg), while newcomers — freshman Lydia Lambert and sophomore Breanna Hamilton — will also start. Eighth-graders Harley Keener, Emma Mills, Morgan Kinsey and Madi Edge round out the roster. Breana Murphy, who suffered an injury during volleyball season, will sit out the year and return next season as a junior. Despite his team’s youth and limited roster, Little said he’s been encouraged by what he’s seen so far. “They have the right attitude, the parents are good people, the kids get good grades — it’s the perfect situation for a coach,” he said. “We’re all young. If we have some success this year, it can only get better, and we have some younger players coming up in the next few years as well.” But still, Little added, he has plans for the Raiders to improve on their 7-20 over-

all record and 0-6 mark in district play from a season ago. “The primary thing for me is that we need to get somebody in the district,” he said. “We need to knock off one of the district teams so the girls know they can do it. “We’re going to be in shape. We have to be in better shape than we’ve ever been before, that’s obvious. We’re doing running drills and conditioning to get up and the down the court. It seems like when you’re winning, you don’t realize you’re tired. I’ve got to get the girls into the right attitude, and that’s been easy at this point.” Grayson County

Junior guard Grace White returns to lead the defending 12th District champion Lady Cougars who went 23-7 overall and rolled through district competition last season. White averaged 12.8 points and 8.0 rebounds per game for Grayson County, which lost to Apollo in the 3rd Region Tournament.

Other production is expected from sophomore guard Hannah Salsman (7.1 ppg), junior guard Allie Horton (6.4 ppg) and senior guard Sarah Pierce (5.2 ppg). Edmonson County

Kevin Jackson enters his first year as head coach of the Lady Cats, who went 12-16 overall and 3-3 in 12th District play before falling to Owensboro Catholic in the 3rd Region Tournament last year. Leading scorer Caitlin Simon returns to lead an experienced and deep roster. The sophomore forward averaged 14.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game in 2014-15. Simon will be joined by senior guard Jhonna Basil (6.6 ppg), sophomore guard Peyton Martin (8.0 ppg, 51 percent from the field), senior for ward Rachael Duncan (5.7 ppg) and senior forward Madelyne Taylor (4.0 ppg), with plenty of production expected from the bench. see overcome/page 15

MI Basketball15 Friday, November 27, 2015 Messenger-Inquirer