A Special Publication of the Messenger-Inquirer • Friday, November 25, 2016
2016-17 HIGH SCHOOL
Apollo High School girls’ basketball co-head coaches Willis McClure and Natalie Payne inside Eagle Arena. Photo by Alan Warren, Messenger-Inquirer
2 Basketball
Friday, November 25, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
Back to the Future
Fate, opportunity return McClure, Payne to Apollo
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BY JIM PICKENS
MESSENGER-INQUIRER
wo decades after teaming to provide Apollo High School’s girls’ basketball program some of its greatest moments on the hardwood, Willis McClure and Natalie Payne have returned to where it all happened. McClure, who calls this latest collaboration with Payne a “perfect storm,” was named to replace outgoing E-Gals head coach Arlando Johnson in March. Then, in May, when a guidance counselor job came open at her alma mater, Payne seized the opportunity to join McClure as co-head coach at Apollo. Ironically, McClure served as an assistant girls’ coach for Payne at his alma mater, Daviess County, for the previous four seasons; three of them full time. Now, however, they both feel they are back where they belong. “Apollo is the only place I would go back as a head coach,” McClure said. “I’ve had my accolades, and I’m certainly not doing it for that. “But, that’s the program I fostered, the program I built, and I just couldn’t resist going back and trying to re-establish a winning tradition at a program that has struggled to win for a while. “It’s a godsend — I just followed my heart.” As did Payne, who, as the former Natalie Powers, became the all-time scoring leader (2,497 points) at Apollo as an All-State performer in the 1990s, when she helped the E-Gals win three consecutive 3rd Region championships. “I really enjoyed my four seasons at Daviess County, but it’s great to be back with Coach McClure at Apollo,” said Payne, who spent eight seasons on the sidelines as an E-Gals assistant for her brother, Jason Powers. “He has been a great mentor for me through the years, and we have the same goal on mind in this venture — to help get the Apollo program turned around. “We know what it takes to be successful at Apollo, and we’re looking forward to getting the job done —
Photo by Alan Warren, Messenger-Inquirer/awarren@messenger-inquirer.com
Apollo High School girls’ basketball co-head coaches Willis McClure and Natalie Payne inside Eagle Arena. making Apollo girls basketball a consistent, winning program again.” McClure gave Apollo fans their first taste of 3rd Region glory back in 1980, when Apollo snapped a run of five consecutive championships by Owensboro after girls’ basketball was sanctioned by the KHSAA beginning with the 1974-75 season. Despite some good teams over the next decade, Apollo didn’t win region again until 1991, when MessengerInquirer Player of the Year Kim Baughn led the way. Two years later, junior All-Stater Laurie Townsend — who would become Kentucky’s Miss Basketball recipient as a senior in 1994 — was the key force in a regional championship. Then, Payne, an exquisite 5-foot-9 all-purpose guard, and McClure teamed up for three consecutive regional championships between 1995-97 —
reaching the Sweet 16 and Payne will “We know what it takes McClure semifinals in Payne’s make it happen together. to be successful at senior season. “The days Natalie Apollo, and we’re “It’s really hard to played for me, she was believe that 20 years have looking forward to like a coach on the floor,” passed since that time,” McClure, whose getting the job done — recalled Payne said. “I know that, Apollo teams won 11 making Apollo girls’ originally, I looked up to 9th District titles and Kim Baughn, and later, basketball a consistent, 20 or more games in of course, I looked up winning program again.” 11 consecutive seasons to Laurie (Townsend) (1989-2000). because I was following “It’s just one of those her through the program. — Natalie Payne strange things, in a way,” “In those days, Apollo Apollo High School girls’ McClure said. “We were didn’t settle. Apollo just basketball co-head coach always on the same won, and you knew that wavelength in basketball. you were expected to We saw the game the win when you put on that uniform. That’s same way, analyzed the game in the same the type of confidence and pride and way, and we still have that little intangible expectation we’re trying to re-establish you can’t explain. We just think alike. It’s within the program.” a perfect fit.” One thing is for certain: If it happens, In Apollo’s perfect storm.
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Basketball
Friday, November 25, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
Apollo Boys
Eagles looking at a run for the regional championship BY MARK MATHIS
2016-17 SCHEDULE
MESSENGER-INQUIRER
A
12/2 at Owensboro Catholic
7:30
12/9 at Daviess County
7
12/10 Madisonville-NH (at Webster Co) 5:30 12/13 Grayson County
7
12/16 Owensboro
7
12/21 Ohio County (OIT)
6
12/22 Owensboro (OIT)
8:30
12/23 Greenwoos (OIT)
11 am
12/27-29
Apollo Holiday Classic
1/6
Daviess County
7
1/7
at Central Hardin
5:15
1/13 Owensboro Catholic
7
1/21 at Evansville Central
7
1/23 McLean County
7
1/27 at Muhlenberg County
7
1/28 Bardstown (at John Hardin)
7
2/3 Owensboro
7
2/4
Paducah Tilghman
2:30
2/6
at Hancock County
7
2/7
at Henderson County
7:30
2/11 John Hardin
7:30
2/14 Madisonville-NH
7
2/17 at McLean County
7
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fer, coming in from Owensboro High School. “He will bring athleticism, with pressure defense and his ability to finish at the rim,� Barker said. Hayden Shelton left Apollo to go to prep school for his junior season. “We have ever yone returning that Zach Tabor Corey gained significant minutes from last Hopewell Shadowen Wilson season,� Barker said. “Our biggest Austin Tyler is a senior guard who strength this season will be our ability plays hard and got a lot of minutes a to score the ball. Hopewell and Boyle could be the two best guards in the year ago. Alex Gray is being looked at as hav- region.� ing the potential to put up a doubledouble regularly this season. Gray averaged 9.5 points and 6.2 rebounds a game last season. “Gray had several big nights in points and rebounds and will be much TIRE & SERVICE CENTER more consistent after star ting ever y game last season as a sophomore,� Barker said. Corey Wilson is a 6-4 transfer from Daviess County. “Corey Wilson will add depth at our post position,� Barker said. “He is big and strong and has an excellent work ethic.� Meechi Chambers is another trans-
1/17 at Breckinridge County
READ sse E
Photo by Alan Warren, Messenger-Inquirer/awarren@messenger-inquirer.com
Apollo’s Nathan Boyle works the ball up the court against Alex Gray during practice at Apollo High School.
7:30
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pollo High School is looking for some big things after having to patchwork lineups together last season. The Eagles had to deal with two top players and a third starter going to prep schools in 2015-16, which took them from being a possible state championship contender to a team that was fortunate to reach the 3rd Region Tournament. Those depar tures, however, left opportunities for other Apollo players to step in and contribute. Many of those players return, which makes Apollo a 3rd Region favorite this season. “We gained a lot of experience last year,� Apollo coach Steve Barker said. “We have ever yone back that played significant minutes from last year. We had a great run at the end of the season because we had players with no experience gain valuable experience throughout the year.� Most of what Apollo can be starts with Zach Hopewell, a 6-foot-3 senior who plays on the wing and can handle the ball. “Zach Hopewell will be considered one of the best guards in the region,� Barker said. Hopewell scored 17.7 points a game, hitting 45.5 percent from the floor (165-of-363) after leading the team in both made field goals and field goal attempts. Hopewell was a solid 3-point shooter, hitting 59-of-168 for 35 percent. Hopewell also pulled down 4.5 rebounds a game, and was one of two Eagles to grab more than 100 rebounds last season. Nathan Boyle is also back after scoring 9.7 points a game. Apollo can expect that scoring average to climb into double figures. Boyle shot well from 3-point range, hitting 41 percent (71-of-173) to lead Apollo players who took more than 100 3-pointers. “Nathan can shoot the ball ver y well,� Barker said. Tabor Shadowen is back at point guard. “He has gained valuable experience at that position,� Barker said.
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4 Basketball
Friday, November 25, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
Apollo Girls
E-Gals begin new era with familiar names McClure led Apollo to much success in 1990s
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2016-17 SCHEDULE
BY JIM PICKENS
MESSENGER-INQUIRER
t’s a new era for the Apollo High School girls’ basketball program, which will call on two its all-time greats — Willis McClure and Natalie Payne — to lead the renaissance. The E-Gals, a 3rd Region powerhouse under McClure in the 1990s, have struggled for success the past two decades. “It’s been a real long dry spell for this program,” said McClure, who will serve as co-head coach with Payne. “I think we can get them back on the right track. “We know what it takes to be a winning program, and we really believe the talent is there to make it happen. Winning teams find a way to overcome adversity, and we’re trying to create that culture again at Apollo.” Leading the way for the E-Gals will be Lexi Payne, a 5-foot-8 senior shooting guard and the team’s top returning scorer (10.8 ppg). “She’s talented,” McClure said of Payne. “She shoots well, plays defense, and she’s a good rebounder. We need for Lexi to continue to provide solid allaround production.” Running the point will be 5-10 junior Braelyn Rhodes, who played a key role on Apollo’s regional championship volleyball team in the fall. “Braelyn is a very talented player,” McClure said. “She’s multidimensional, and she’ll be able to help us in a number of ways. She’s long, deceptively quick, and she makes good decisions with the basketball. She has great instincts.” Other key returnees to the backcourt include 5-7 senior Jada Hall, who is battling a stress fracture to open the season, and 5-7 sophomore Lexi Shadowen. “Lexi is very quick and can shoot the 3,” McClure said. “She’s a heady, highenergy player who will be important to our success. “Jada, when healthy, will really help us. She plays hard, and she’s developed an outside shot.” Apollo’s interior game will be built
Messenger-Inquirer
Apollo’s Jada Hall drives the lane for a shot during practice at Apollo High School.
Ally Paige Kirk
Lexi Payne
Braelyn Rhodes
around 5-11 senior Ally Paige Kirk, who came on strong for the E-Gals at the end of last season. “She’s had a good summer and fall,” McClure said of Kirk. “She’s skilled, and she’s got a big, strong body. We feel very confident about what she can give us on the inside.” A pair of 5-8 juniors — Keisha Mattingly and Mycha Lindsey — are also
poised to be major contributors. “Keisha has good moves inside, and she can step out and shoot it,” McClure said. “Mycah is a very athletic player who can jump and block shots. She is ver y fast, and she can really run the floor.” Also in the mix for Apollo are 5-3 senior guard Maggie Wilhoite, 5-7 junior Kassidy Clark, 5-3 senior Kyra Tapp, a transfer from Owensboro, along with 5-5 senior guard-forward Karli Girvin. Coach Payne believes mental toughness will be of vital importance. “We have to be mentally strong day in and day out, to the point where that’s just who we are,” Payne said. “We have kids who have a lot of athleticism. We have four or five players who can score off the dribble.
11/28 Henderson County 7 12/2 at Owensboro Catholic 5:30 12/3 Ohio County 7 12/5 at Meade County 7 12/9 at Daviess County 5:30 12/13 at Union County 7:30 12/16 Owensboro 5:30 12/21 vs. Henderson County (OIT) 7:30 12/22 vs. Owensboro (OIT) 3 12/23 vs. John Hardin (OIT) 12:30 12/28 vs. Clarksville Northwest (Murray Bank/Lady Tiger Classic) 3 12/29 vs. Hopkinsville (Murray Bank/Lady Tiger Classic) 11:30 12/29 vs. Bowling Green (Murray Bank/Lady Tiger Classic) 5:30 1/2 at Evansville Central 7 1/6 Daviess County 5:30 1/10 Butler County 7 1/13 Owensboro Catholic 5:30 1/17 Breckinridge County 7 1/20 Russellville 7 1/21 Warren East 2:30 1/23 at Grayson County 7 1/26 at Hancock County 7 1/31 at Logan County 7 2/3 at Owensboro 5:30 2/6 Muhlenberg County 7 2/11 at Warren Central 1:30 2/13 McLean County 7 2/16 at Madisonville-North Hopkins 7 2/17 Christian County 7
“I believe a lot of our scoring will come out of our defense, but I also think we can be very effective in a half-court setting, with Ally Paige Kirk on the inside. She’s probably been our most consistent player in terms of leadership and toughness — she’s ready to go.” McClure, meanwhile, hopes the foundation will be set early in the season. “We want the kids to compete right out of the gate,” he said. “We want to establish a good foundation early, build some confidence as the season goes along and then have the right combination of talent and chemistry on the floor at the end of the season. “It starts and ends with competing — we just need to bring it every day.”
Friday, November 25, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
Basketball
5
Daviess County Boys
Panthers will have new look this season Dynamic to change after loss of Currie
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2016-17 SCHEDULE 11/29 Madisonville-North Hopkins 7:30 12/2 Owensboro 7:30 12/5 at Trinity (Whitesville) 12/6 Edmonson County 7:30 12/9 Apollo 7 12/13 at Butler County 7:30 12/16 at Owensboro Catholic 7:30 12/17 vs. Marshall County (Murray Bank Christmas Classic) 4:45 12/21 vs. Hopkins County Central (Owensboro Invitational Tournament) 7:30 1/3 at Greenwood 7:30 1/6 at Apollo 7 1/10 Breckinridge County 7 1/13 Ohio County 7:30 1/17 Warren East 7:30 1/20 at Owensboro 7:30 1/24 vs. Hancock County, location TBD 7:30 1/31 at Hopkinsville 7:30 2/3 at Owensboro Catholic 7:30 2/4 at Meade County 6:30 2/7 at McLean County 7:30 2/10 at Muhlenberg County 7:30 2/14 Grayson County 7:30 2/16 South Warren 7:30
BY MADDIE LEE
MESSENGER-INQUIRER
aviess County is going to be practically unrecognizable from what it was last year. “Completely different,” coach Neil Hayden said. “I don’t know that there’s a whole lot that’s the same.” Even with the loss of three starters, including the Panthers’ star player, that’s not a value judgment. It’s an evaluation of their new style built around a new set of players. Running an offense through Stewart Currie, who led the team in points (23.6 per game) and rebounds (13.3 per game) last year, got DC to an impressive 21-7 record before an upset to Apollo in districts cut its season short. Now that the majority of last year’s starting lineup has graduated, Daviess County has a fresh new face. “Last year we were so half-court oriented,” Hayden said. “We had one of the best players in the state, and we were going to go through him, and then he was sometimes even our second option after being the first option. It went through somebody who was getting 20 shots a game, and now we’re really doing it by more committee.” Along with Currie, the 3rd Region Player of the Year and a candidate for Kentucky’s Mr. Basketball, the Panthers graduated starting point guard Sam Wilkerson, team-leading 3-point shooter Andrew Hayden (68 treys) and guard Brady Stein. Last year’s team played the same seven guys almost every game, Hayden said. This summer, DC put 10 or 12 players on the floor any given night. Yes, the Panthers are rebuilding, but Hayden is adamant that they aren’t just throwing together a bunch of inexperienced kids. “We lost a lot, but we’re bringing back a lot, essentially,” he said. Senior Tyler Boling, DC’s third-leading scorer and rebounder last year, will take on a larger role with Currie and Andrew Hayden gone. Shooting 58 percent from the floor last season, Boling had the high-
Photo by Greg Eans, Messenger-Inquirer.com
Daviess County’s Hassan Green runs a workout during after-school practice on Nov. 2.
Caden Coomes
Nick Driskill
Jay Owen
est shooting percentage of any player with at least five attempts. Junior Jay Owen is penciled in as the starting point guard. In a supporting role last year, Owen appeared in 14 games, scored 22 points and grabbed nine boards. The Panthers return three other juniors, in addition to Owen, who they will lean on for points. Caden Coomes, Nick Driskill and Blake Boswell all got valuable minutes last year, each playing in 22 games or more.
“These guys have been playing together since they were kids,” Hayden said, “so we’re not asking them to do anything that they haven’t done. And honestly, with basketball being year round, they’ve already had a whole season under their belt in the summer. “So I don’t feel like we’re just going to be in awe when we get to our first game that really counts. The difference is that they’re going to really have to own what they’re doing and can’t just depend on kids who are gone, those seniors that are gone.” The ghost of what could have been last season still haunts Hayden. The Panthers were projected to compete for the region title before a 58-51 loss to fourth-seeded Apollo in the first round of the district tournament kept DC from even vying for the district championship. Even so, Hayden won’t set any specific
season goals this year. “Did we get better today?” he said. “We ask the guys that each day. We’re hoping that our intensity, our effort, our enthusiasm are really big. That’s what we’re stressing because we think we’re going to play at a pace that requires a lot of energy.”
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6 Basketball
Friday, November 25, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
Daviess County Girls
Lady Panthers look to make lasting impact Squad focused on winning regional title
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2016-17 SCHEDULE
BY MADDIE LEE
MESSENGER-INQUIRER
hat is team 43 going to be remembered for? That’s the slogan first-time head coach Jordan Ferguson developed for the Lady Panthers. In 42 years of girls’ basketball, DC has never won a 3rd Region title. This team wants to be the first. The Lady Panthers return from a 22-8 season — in which they lost in the first round of the region tournament — with most of the pieces still in place. “And it’s not just the regional title,” Ferguson said. “It’s what goes along with (it) throughout the course of a season. So the thing I’ve been telling them is, ‘What’s team 43 going to be remembered for? What’s their legacy?’ ” As a 2009 Apollo graduate, Ferguson knows something about region championships. He played in three regional title games. In 2006, the Eagles won the 3rd Region title and finished as state runner-up. In 2007 and 2008 they lost in the region championship game. “We’re going to have to be tough about what we’re doing and persistent and resilient,” Ferguson said. “And another word that we bought into, that we use as a team word, is ‘grit.’ We’re gonna have to have grit about what we’re doing.” It also helps to have last year’s teamleading scorer, Emma Johnson, returning. The senior averaged 18 points and 7.6 rebounds per game as a junior. “She’s even better than what I thought she was,” Ferguson said. “She’s ver y aggressive. She shoots it at a rate that I wasn’t anticipating. Makes my job a little bit easier. And she’s going to attract a lot of attention, and its worthwhile, and I think it’s going to increase everybody else’s production by the attention she’s going to get. It’ll open up opportunities for everybody else.” The Lady Panthers will only have to fill holes left by two graduating seniors, point guard Skylar Walden and forward Abby Montgomery.
Photo by Greg Eans, Messenger-Inquirer.com
Daviess County’s Emma Johnson runs through plays during after-school practice on Nov. 2 at the high school.
Kaliey Bowers
Emma Johnson
Lauren Tranthem
Ferguson refereed to Walden as “one of the greatest players to ever play here.” She averaged 15.6 points and 5.7 rebounds per game last year. Sophomore Kailey Bowers is positioned to take over for Walden at point guard. Her workload will greatly increase from last year, when she played in nine games and scored 12 points and grabbed two boards. Also returning are third-leading scorer Mikayla Hamilton (215 points) and third-leading rebounder Lauren Tranthem (170). The Panthers get senior guard Shelby Cecil back from an ACL tear, Ferguson said. The injury limited
her to just four games last season. The Lady Panthers add two freshmen to their roster, guards Emma Anderson and Shealyn Mason. “They’re both very aggressive in what they’re doing, offensive minded; I like that,” Ferguson said. “You don’t see too many freshmen come in with that kind of attitude.” But it’s not just about numbers or statistics. “It’s going to be a total team effort to fill those two seniors’ leadership and their personality and that gap that they left,” Ferguson said. With a relatively stable roster, the biggest change for DC this year is it’s new head coach. Daviess County hired Ferguson in June. He has been working with the team since July. Ferguson was an assistant coach for the DC boys last season, so he came in familiar with the program. He said his style is similar to former coach Natalie Powers’, which has smoothed the transition.
11/28 at Breckinridge County 7 12/2 Owensboro 5:30 12/6 Edmonson County 6 12/9 Apollo 5:30 12/13 Logan County 7:30 12/16 Owensboro Catholic 5:30 12/21 vs. McLean County (Owensboro Invitational Tournament) 6 12/21 vs. TBA (Owensboro Invitational Tournament) TBA 12/22 vs. Owensboro Catholic (Owensboro Invitational Tournament) 4:30 12/23 vs. Allen County-Scottsville (Owensboro Invitational Tournament) 11 12/28 at Murray (Murray Bank Lady Tiger Classic) 7:30 12/29 vs. North Hardin (Murray Bank Lady Tiger Classic) 7 1/2 Evansville Bosse 7 1/6 at Apollo 5:30 1/7 Christian County 3:30 1/9 Ohio County 7 1/12 at Webster County 7 1/14 at Henderson County 3:30 1/16 Bowling Green 7:30 1/20 at Owensboro 5:30 1/24 Hancock County 7 1/28 at Meade County 3:30 1/30 McLean County 7 2/3 at Owensboro Catholic 5:30 2/6 at Grayson County 7:00
“I think we’re going to change some things up defensively more than last year,” he said. “But offensively, we’re getting out and going as fast as possible, which is similar to the style they played last year. But there will be times when we’ll stop, slow down and say ‘OK lets figure out the easiest way we can score here.’ ” The girls have caught on to the changes quickly, Ferguson said. He attributed their adaptability to their intelligence, a quality he praised several times. “They’re very talented,” he said. “But they’re a great group of girls. They’re great kids, they’re very smart, they have a high GPA, they’re involved in clubs and school activities, and they’re involved in their community as well. And that was the No. 1 reason why I took (the job).”
Friday, November 25, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
Basketball
7
Owensboro Boys
Red Devils looking for bounce-back season OHS went 9-14 after winning 2015 state title
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BY MARK MATHIS MESSENGER-INQUIRER
wensboro High School had a lot to learn in its first season after winning the 2015 KHSAA state championship. The primary lesson for the young Red Devils last season was that they needed to stop celebrating the state championship and try to figure out a way to become a better basketball team. “To be realistic, the team we had last year, they were still celebrating the state championship,” OHS coach Rod Drake said. “To be fair, we played with six guys who had no varsity experience, it was mostly guys who were JV or freshmen. But we didn’t get better after Christmas. “Now, we are returning several players who either started at one time or played significant minutes for us. We will definitely rely on our speed and quickness this year.” The Red Devils finished 9-14 and were ousted in the first round of the 9th District Tournament by eventual 3rd Region champion Owensboro Catholic, 73-54. Owensboro did beat Catholic in two out of three regular-season meetings last season. OHS took some serious lumps, including big losses to Evansville Bosse and Trinity (Louisville), which showed the young team how far it had to climb. Jacoby Harris was the lone returning starter from the state championship team. The 5-foot-11 senior was the only Devil who really had much experience in getting ready for varsity games. Harris brings back 14.4 points a game and the ability to run the point guard position. Cory Gardner was the only other OHS player to score in double figures, hitting for 10.7 points a game. Deonte Douglas, a 6-foot junior, didn’t score much last season, but he could have a much larger offensive role this time around. Douglas may be Owensboro’s most improved player from a year ago. Jeron Tinsley is a 6-2 power forward who started 14 games last season. Drake believes all four of the key returnees should have breakout seasons.
Deonte Douglas
Cory Gardner
I’Shawn Murphy
2016-17 SCHEDULE
Photo by Alan Warren, Messenger-Inquirer
Owensboro head coach Rod Drake leads practice at Owensboro High School.
One area OHS sorely lacked was any “Those guys dug in and took the suminside height. There are three Devils on mer and preseason serious. I’m excited. this roster at least 6-3, so that should help Last year was humbling to all of us, but with rebounding and inside scoring. we’ve turned the corner.” Sophomore Brennon Williams, senior Tyreke Mimms and junior Taeron Hogg should provide some inside presence for OHS. “Overall, we’ll be better in all areas, we will be better overall,” Drake said. “Everything we did last year was new to these guys; we didn’t play defense. “Now they know how to prepare to play a high school basketball game. Defensively it’s going to take some time. We don’t want to get these guys too far ahead of themselves. We had a nice summer. As soon as summer ball was over they went to the weight room, they’re doing things on their own. It’s not hard to get these guys to work now.
11/28 South Warren 12/2 at Daviess County 12/6 Warren Central 12/9 Owensboro Catholic 12/13 at Christian County 12/16 at Apollo 12/21 Greenwood (OIT) 12/22 Apollo (OIT) 12/23 Ohio County (OIT) 1/6 at Owensboro Catholic 1/13 Muhlenberg County 1/14 at Taylor County 1/17 at Grayson County 1/20 Daviess County 1/24 at Madisonville-NH 1/28 at McLean County 1/31 at Breckinridge County 2/3 at Apollo 2/7 at Bowling Green 2/10 Trinity (Whitesville) 2/14 Hopkinsville 2/16 Henderson County
7:30 7:30 7:15 7:30 7:30 7 7:30 8:30 11 am 7:30 7:30 5:30 7:45 7:30 7:30 7:30 7 7 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30
8 Basketball
Friday, November 25, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
Owensboro Girls
Lady Devils have a lot of experience to replace Owensboro coming off a 13-18 season BY MARK MATHIS
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MESSENGER-INQUIRER
wensboro High School lost five seniors and a lot of star ting experience with that group. The Lady Devils will be star ting over in many regards this season, but coach Andy Groves is optimistic about this season. “It’s cliche, but we can be as good as we want to be,” Groves said. “I have been extremely impressed with our potential. For the most part our girls are working hard in practice; several really practice well everyday.” The Lady Devils were 13-18 and struggled down the stretch last season, falling to Daviess County 54-43 in the first round of the 9th District Tournament. Being a more athletic and better offensive team should help Owensboro improve as this season goes along. “We will be athletic and much improved in our shooting,” Groves said. “Hope to pressure, pressure, pressure.” The Lady Devils will have to figure out who can score consistently because most of the points left with the graduated players. Senior guard Jaleah Tutt (5-foot-8) is a tremendous athlete who has greatly improved her fundamentals and shooting, according to Groves. Tutt is the leading returning scorer with 7.3 points a game, and she also is the top returning rebounder, assists producer and one of the best defenders (38 steals) Senior center-forward Brooklyn Hinton (5-8) worked hard this summer to improve her medium range shooting. “She has a high basketball IQ on the floor,” Groves said. “We’re looking for leadership from her.” Junior guard Kya Collier (5-5) is another ver y athletic player who is aggressive, a nice shooter and has improved her handle and basketball knowledge. Groves called Collier “a sleeper.”
Kya Collier
Kejairia Fountain
Brooklyn Hinton
2016-17 SCHEDULE
Messenger-Inquirer
Owensboro’s Jaleah Tutt brings ball up court during practice at Owensboro High School. Two sophomores will also get substantial time early. Kejairia Fountain is a 5-10 forward who is an athletic, strong player who can be a small or power forward. She works well around the basket. Tayonna Greer is a 5-5 guard who could provide some offense. “She’s a tremendous shooter with great range,” said Groves of Greer. A couple of other players who could have impact for the Lady Devils include Victoria Whitlock and Lemiya Greer.
Whitlock is a 5-11 sophomore center who has good instincts around the basket and is a strong rebounder. Greer is a 5-4 sophomore guard who has improved and is looking to get what she does in practice moved to games, according to Groves. Groves thinks athleticism will be the Lady Devils’ strength, while lack of varsity experience will take some time to sort out. “We’ve got a lot of stats to replace,” Groves said.
11/29 at Butler County 7:30 12/2 at Daviess County 5:30 12/6 at Muhlenberg County 7:30 12/9 Owensboro Catholic 5:30 12/10 LaRue County (at Glasgow) 12/13 at Christian County 6 12/15 Warren East 7:30 12/16 at Apollo 5:30 12/21 John Hardin (OIT) 6 12/22 Apollo 3 12/23 Henderson County 11 am 12/30 Union County 4:30 1/3 Ohio County 7:30 1/6 at Owensboro Catholic 5:30 1/9 Logan County 7:30 1/14 at Warren East 3:30 1/17 at Grayson County 6 1/20 Daviess County 5:30 1/23 McLean County 7 1/24 at Madisonville-NH 6 1/26 Meade County 7:30 1/28 at Logan County 3:30 1/30 at Hancock County 7:30 1/31 Trinity (Whitesville) 6 2/3 Apollo 5:30 2/4 at Edmonson County 4:30 2/7 University Heights 7:30 2/11 at Webster County 3:15 2/14 Breckinridge County 7 2/17 Butler County 7:30
Still, Owensboro could be a team that can get above .500 this season. “If we work and play hard and play together, we will be tough to handle,” Groves said. “Although young, we should be ver y competitive. We will have growing pains as so many don’t have varsity experience, and ever y time you take another step up that ladder it’s more difficult.”
Friday, November 25, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
Basketball
9
Owensboro Catholic Boys
Aces have designs on repeating as champs Catholic made its first Sweet 16 trip last season
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2016-17 SCHEDULE 11/29 at South Spencer 7:30 12/2 Apollo 7:30 12/3 Meade County 7 12/6 Muhlenberg County 7:30 12/9 at Owensboro 7:30 12/16 Daviess County 7:30 12/23 vs. Hopkins County Central (OIT) 11 12/27 vs. Boyd County (Ashland Invitational) 7 1/6 Owensboro 7:30 1/7 Grayson County 7 1/10 Trinity (Whitesville) 7:30 1/13 at Apollo 7:30 1/14 State Farm Shootout (South Warren) 1/28 at Breckinridge County 7:30 1/31 Madisonville-North Hopkins 7:30 2/3 at Daviess County 7:30 2/7 at Warren Central 7:15 2/10 at Webster County 7:30 2/11 Wes Strader Schoolboy Shootout (Bowling Green) 2/14 Ohio County 7:30 2/16 at Muhlenberg County 7:30
BY JIM PICKENS
MESSENGER-INQUIRER
wensboro Catholic High School’s boys’ basketball team pulled off a shocker of gargantuan proportions in 2015-16 — winning the 3rd Region Tour nament championship for the first time in program histor y under first-year head coach Tim Riley. And, rest assured, the Aces enjoyed the experience so much, they have designs on a repeat this season. “Being able to win the regional championship has done so much for this program,” said Riley, whose first Aces team finished 22-10. “It’s lit a fire under the program is what it’s done. These kids are working hard every day in practice, and they want to experience more of that kind of success this season. “What it’s going to take is us getting better every day. If we can do that as the season rolls along, we’ve got a shot.” Catholic must offset the graduation losses of three full-time starters during the regular season — guards Ray Zuberer and Cameron O’Bryan, along with power forward Luke Payne. Returning for the Aces, however, are three players who were starters in the regional championship game (O’Bryan was injured) — junior guard Hayden Riney, junior guard Max Reid, and 6-4 junior forward Luke Hayden, who averaged 16 points per game and was a first-team selection on the 2016 Messenger-Inquirer All-3rd Region Team. “Luke is an excellent scorer, and we will be counting on production from him in a lot of areas,” Riley said. “He’s got to rebound for us; he’s got to defend for us in order for us to be the best basketball team we can be. He’s an outstanding athlete who will lead the way for us. “Max is just a great competitor with all the intangibles it takes to win big basketball games — he makes all the
Photo by Greg Eans, Messenger-Inquirer.com
Owensboro Catholic’s Max Reid dribbles down the court during after-school practice Nov. 15 at the high school.
Luke Hayden
J.D. Marshall
Hayden Riney
hustle plays, gives you everything he’s got at all times. He’s a terrific defender who played a key role for us in the postseason. “Hayden (Riney) is like a coach on the floor. He makes shots, and he’s long and lean and a better defender
than he’s given credit for being.” Riley, who directed Warren Central to the 2004 KHSAA state championship, said Hayden will need others to pitch in when it comes to scoring. “We need other people to step up and score, because defenses will key on stopping Luke,” Riley noted. “We’ve got to find a little balance.” It could come from 6-6 junior center J.D. Marshall, who could be on the verge of a breakout season, “He’s really improved,” said Riley of Marshall. “He’s been solid for us in the preseason, and if he keeps working hard, keeps improving, he’s going to be a big factor for us. He’s got the
combination of size and ability to make a major impact if he keeps working.” Riley is also delighted to have Aces senior baseball star Jacob Mulcahy on board. “He’s a great shooter, and I love his game,” Riley said. “He’s physical and tough, and I’m tickled to death that he’s playing for us. He’s a very good basketball player.” Others expected to be in the Aces’ mix include 6-4 junior forward Bailey Ballard, 5-10 senior guard Tez Gray and 5-9 sophomore guard Peyton Survant. “We’ve got some length, we’ve got some depth,” Riley said. “These guys buy in to what we’re tr ying to teach them, and they take what they learn and run with it. “I like our team, and we’re excited about the season ahead. It all comes down to the first game in the 9th District Tournament. If you win that one, you’ve got a chance to win the regional tournament — and that’s what we’re playing for.”
10 Basketball
Friday, November 25, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
Owensboro Catholic Girls
Goals remain high for rebuilding Lady Aces Catholic went 31-6 last year, won regional title
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2016-17 SCHEDULE
BY JIM PICKENS
MESSENGER-INQUIRER
wensboro Catholic’s girls’ basketball team lost a ton of talent and loads of production from last year’s team that finished 31-6 and reached the quarterfinals of the KHSAA girls’ Sweet 16 in Highland Heights. But, Lady Aces veteran coach Michael Robertson insists the cupboard isn’t bare. “We lost probably 85 to 90 percent in every area, scoring, rebounds, assists, and that’s definitely a lot of production to replace,” said Robertson, who will be without graduated starters Mikayla Berr y, Annabel Moore, Caroline Hayden and Emily Marshall. “But we have skilled players on this team who just need to gain some varsity experience and learn what it’s like to compete at his level. It may take a while, but I think we have a chance to be competitive again this season.” The Lady Aces will build around 5-foot-10 junior Ellie Mitchell, who will play wherever she is needed most. “We’ll play Ellie inside, on the wing, at the point at times,” Robertson said. “She’s improved her ball-handling and her outside shooting, and she has experience playing on the inside.” Running the point for Catholic will be 5-8 senior Katelin Maggard. “She was steady off the bench for us last year, and we’re going to need her to bump up her scoring a little bit for us,” Robertson said of Maggard. “She has some varsity experience, and we’ll be counting on her for leadership.” Rober tson also likes a pair of 6-1 sophomores — MacKenzie Keelin and Sarah Beth Clemens — who showed flashes off the bench late last season. “We’ll utilize MacKenzie of f the wing,” Robertson said. “She’s a good 3-point shooter, a slasher, and she’s going to be one of our primary rebounders. “Sarah Beth can jump and is ver y athletic. She could blossom into one of the best post players in the region. She needs to be more aggressive, but I
Photo by Greg Eans, Messenger-Inquirer.com
Owensboro Catholic High School’s Katelin Maggard passes to a teammate during practice on Nov. 4 at the high school.
Sarah Beth Clemens
MacKenzie Keelin
Katelin Maggard
believe that will come with more experience. She’ll play a big role for us.” Otherwise, in the backcourt Catholic will be counting on 5-8 junior Brynnan Booth and 5-7 sophomore Caroline Head. Frontcourt strength will come from 6-foot sophomore Madelyn Lyon and 6-2 senior Emily Foreman.
The Lady Aces, who face a formidable schedule, need confidence more than anything else, Robertson believes. “We’ve got to believe in ourselves and in each other,” he said. “We’re young and certainly inexperienced in spots, but we just need to go out and play the game to the best of our ability as a team. “We’re going to be a work in progress all season, but we’ve got talent. We’re long, and we’re tall, and we could present problems to the opposition if we develop the way I believe we can.” Much of Catholic’s success could hinge on whether this year’s team inherits the toughness last year’s team possessed, “The players we lost to graduation all had that toughness and grit that it takes
11/29 at Ohio County 7:30 12/2 Apollo 5:30 12/3 Evansville Mater Dei 2:30 12/6 at Warren Central 7:30 12/9 at Owensboro 5:30 12/10 Logan County 1 p.m. 12/16 at Daviess County 5:30 12/21vs. Allen County-Scottsville (OIT), 7:30 12/22 vs. Daviess County (OIT) 4:30 12/23 vs. McLean County (OIT) 12:30 12/28 at South Warren (FNB Holiday Bash) noon 12/28 vs. Monroe County (FNB Holiday Bash) 5 12/29 vs. Webster County (FNB Holiday Bash) 3 1/3 Muhlenberg County 7:30 1/6 Owensboro 5:30 1/7 at Marshall County 6 1/10 at Sacred Heart 6 1/13 at Apollo 5:30 1/145 vs. Boyle County (at Marion County Autism Awareness Classic) 3:30 1/31 at Allen County-Scottsville 7:30 2/3 Daviess County 5:30 2/9 Grayson County 7:30 2/11 vs. Graves County (at Murray Independence Bank Valentine’s Shootout) 2:15 2/13 Henderson County 7:30 2/16 Breckinridge County 7 2/17 at Murray 6
to win the important games,” Robertson said. “They had that warrior mentality and the intangibles that go with it. That’s what we, as coaches, are trying to instill in this year’s group.” All things considered, Rober tson likes his roster. “I am happy with the players we have,” he said. “We play a ver y challenging schedule, and we just need to survive it. We need to learn something from every game we play, and we need to build confidence every time we win. “We have three or four freshman we will be keeping a close eye on. They could be factors for us by the end of the season, and, if they are, we could make a (postseason) run.”
Friday, November 25, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
Basketball
11
10th Distrct Boys
Interesting race shaping up for district crown BY MARK MATHIS MESSENGER-INQUIRER
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hio County returns one of the most experienced lineups in the 10th District. But the Eagles will be working with their fourth head coach in four years. Muhlenberg County has one of the top point guards in the region coming back for his senior season. McLean County has a top two-year starter returning in the backcourt.
MCLEAN COUNTY
The Cougars lost seven seniors off a team that underachieved with an 8-17 record. Still, coach Greg Stephens thinks the Cougars will be good this season. “After having a great summer the expectations are high, and we should be competitive in the region,” Stephens said. Guard Sam Miller is the two-year starter, and the senior will be one of the top players coming back in the region. The 6-foot-3 Miller averaged 17 points a game and made 79 percent of his free throws (94-of-119). He is the only returning Cougar who scored in double figures last season. “He will receive help from other seniors who saw plenty of playing time last season,” Stephens said. Landon Adleman, Tyler Lovell, Tyler Little and Trevor Turley “all should be able to contribute and showed ability last season,” Stephens said. Stephens listed being quicker, showing more versatility down low and chemistry as team strengths. Height inside, consistent scoring and rebounding were considered weaknesses by the Cougars’ coach. “We lost all of our height and a lot of scoring,” Stephens said.
MUHLENBERG COUNTY
Muhlenberg County coach Kerr y Stovall has simple and constant goals for Muhlenberg County, which reached the 3rd Region semifinals last season. “We want to be a better team at the end than we were at the beginning of the year and be playing our best basketball during the postseason,” Stovall said Noah McElwain is one of the top 3-point shooters in the region (43 percent,
70-of-163) and averaged 17 points a game for the Mustangs (16-14). McElwain was an all-district and all-region player. Junior Will Nofsinger scored 10 points a game and hit 81 percent of his free throws (65-of-80). Austin Sailing is a senior who averaged nine points a game. Senior guard Michael Walker was injured at the end of last season but has fully recovered. Ty Vincent, Jordan Terr y, Dondre Mitchell and Alex VanHook should all contribute this season. “Our strength again this year will be our perimeter,” Stovall said. “We feel like we have four very good perimeter players in Noah McElwain, Will Nofsinger, Austin Sailing, and Michael Walker. We could also have some descent size if Ty, Jordan and Alex progress as expected. Our weakness will be our inexperience in that other than the four returning perimeter players, all other players have limited varsity experience.”
OHIO COUNTY
Steve Sparks only spent one season coaching at Ohio County, and after he left in the summer he was replaced by another Muhlenberg County standout coach in Tony Hopper. “Coach Sparks did a great job of coaching them,” Hopper said. “They were the No. 1 seed in the district and district runner up, and went to the regional tourney where they were beaten by regional champion Owensboro Catholic.” Photo by Greg Eans, Messenger-Inquirer.com Four starters return, but it will take Muhlenberg County’ High School’s Michael Walker, left, makes his way down the time for the Eagles to get used to a new court with teammate Will Nofsinger during practice Nov. 16 at the high school. coach. Ohio County was 12-17 last season. “No matter how you look at it I’m the fourth coach in four years, and that is always very difficult on kids,” Hopper said. “We hope to get better on a daily basis and be playing our best basketball at the end of the year when it really counts. I know for us to contend for championships we have to be a very good defensive team and a very good rebounding team. I expect to be both of those by the end of the year.” Jay Newcom, Ross Tichenor, Conner Wilson are the returning senior starters 3329 Wathens Crossing DAVIESS COUNTY Agent from last year. Dylan Decker, a junior, and Owensboro, KY 42301 John Parker, a sophomore, both played a Text or Call 270-316-3166 lot last year, as did Heath Simmons and Email: David.Boswell@Kyfb.com Logan Sandefur.
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12 Basketball
Friday, November 25, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
10th Distrct Girls
McLean County could be best team in district M
BY MARK MATHIS MESSENGER-INQUIRER
cLean County has a new coach with a vast amount of 3rd Region experience and a team with some promise. Muhlenberg County will be looking to compete with the top teams in the region. Ohio County will also be working with a new coach.
MCLEAN COUNTY
Arlando Johnson is the new head coach at McLean County after having the same job at Apollo. He takes over a team that was 18-12 and a 3rd Region semifinalist last year and has some of its top players coming back. “It will be tough to repeat last season’s success, but we set high goals and have worked hard during preseason,” Johnson said. “The outlook is bright, but we must work daily to reach our goals for 201617.” Senior Sarah King (5-6) is one of the top point guards in the region, and junior Whitley Patterson is one of the best power forwards in region. King is a senior who scored 15 points and passed for eight assists a game. Patterson had 10 double-doubles, scored 12 points and pulled down eight rebounds a game while shooting 47 percent from the floor. Junior Maddie Miller is a top-level defensive player and has worked hard to improve her offense, according to Johnson. Junior Hadley Rice could be the best 3-point shooter in school history, after making 61 from long range last season. “Team defense will be one of our strengths; we can create scoring opportunities with a great defense, shooting and team chemistry,” Johnson said. “Having a top-level point guard is always a key to team success.”
MUHLENBERG COUNTY
Veteran coach Mike Harper is looking for season-long development out of his team that went 11-21 last year. “We hope to improve as the season develops and be able to compete with the top teams in our region when the postseason rolls around,” Harper said. Raegan Blackburn, a 5-9 junior, is the Lady Mustangs’ top returning scorer
Photo by Greg Eans, Messenger-Inquirer.com/geans@messenger-inquirer.com
Muhlenberg County’s Sheridan Piper, left, defends teammate Alle Short during practice on Nov. 16 in Greenville, at 10.1 points a game. She will handle the basketball most of the time and is a strong outside shooter. Ava Weikel is a 5-4 senior who scored seven points a game and will be a defensive stopper, and Baylee Russell is 5-9 and one of the best athletes on the team. “We have several good shooters from the outside,” Harper said. “We have
emphasized being more aggressive in taking it to the basket with this group. We hope to be a better rebounding team. We need to step it up defensively if we hope to compete with the top teams in our region.”
at Ohio County, which went 5-22 last year. “Essentially, time has been spent getting to know each other and to lay a foundation for improvement,” Moeller said. “Our expectations will be measured and realistic.” The team will rely heavily on returning seniors Adrianna Dockery, Morgan OHIO COUNTY Terry Moeller is the new head coach Marksberry and Cristen Scoggins.
Friday, November 25, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
Basketball
13
11th Distrct Boys
Hancock County building on recent success BY JOSEPH RUSSELL
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MESSENGER-INQUIRER
fter three consecutive seasons of achieving a winning record, Hancock County is in prime position to make it four in a row. And, with seven of their top nine players returning, the Hornets have the potential for even more than that. Hancock County, which has gone 16-12 each of the last two years under coach Darren Lynam, is looking for its program to turn the corner in 2016-17. “We’re hoping this will be the fourth straight winning season for us, which hasn’t been done at Hancock County since the 1970s,” Lynam said. “We’re all excited about that. The community is really excited about basketball, and things are really going well for the program. We’re just hoping to build on that.” The Hornets, which fell to Breckinridge County in last year’s 11th District Tournament first round, lost Ty Ogle and
Garret Pate — who combined to average nearly 26 points per game a season ago — to graduation, but Lynam is confident he has the players to help fill that gap. “We did lose some scoring, but we’ve only had two seniors each of the last two years,” he said. “That meant playing a lot of young guys, and we were still pretty successful. Now those guys are ready to step up even more.” The Hornets’ leading returner is senior forward Brenden Lewis, who ranked second on the team with 11 points per outing last year. According to Lynam, Lewis has the potential to be one of the better players in the 3rd Region. Other key players include 6-foot-3 senior center Kane Logsdon, who averaged seven points and a team-high 6.4 rebounds per game last year, as well as junior guard Jacob White (7.8 points), a three-year starter. Senior guard Cameron Buck also returns after primarily play-
ing the role of sixth man last season, and sophomore guard Jaxson Gray will also likely start after playing spot minutes as a freshman. Lynam said he also expects contributions from senior guard BP Roberts, junior center Nathan Lamar and senior guard Austin Daugherty. “This year we’ve got a number of returnees, so we’re expecting an even better year,” Lynam said. The key, he added, will be sticking to what has helped make Hancock County a successful team over the last several seasons. “We’ll do what we’ve done in the past,” Lynam said. “If we can get up and trap you, that’s what we’ll do if we feel like we have the upper hand talent wise. If not, we feel like we can also slow the game down and stay in it — be smart and give ourselves a chance — like we have the last few years.”
And, with no over whelming teams in the 11th District or the 3rd Region, Lynam feels this year could be the perfect opportunity for his squad. “We’ve been playing in a tough district the last couple of years,” he said. “Meade and Breck are always solid, and we expect them to be solid this year, as well. “I don’t think there’s any clear-cut favorites this year, though, not like there has been. I think the region is wide open. I think there’s a number of teams that have a shot to win the region this year, and I feel like we’re one of them.”
MEADE COUNTY
The district champion Green Wave were one of the top teams in the region last season, finishing 22-11 with a loss to Owensboro Catholic in the 3rd Region Tournament championship game. SEE SUCCESS/PAGE 16
11th Distrct Girls
Lady Hornets in transition BY JOSEPH RUSSELL
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MESSENGER-INQUIRER
ancock County will have to do some rebuilding of sorts, but coach Steve Beck is confident that his first year with the Lady Hornets will ultimately be a success. The task at hand for Hancock County involves replacing three of its top four scorers from last year’s 17-12 squad, as well as longtime coach Mike Orr, but the Lady Hornets have an experienced and talented crop of upperclassmen to help make the transition an easy one. “We have a great group of young ladies that have made me feel welcome,” said Beck, who took over at Hancock County after several years of assistant coaching at the college level. “The team as a whole has been doing a great job adjusting to me as their new coach. We are getting more and more comfortable with each other every practice.” Beck said he will rely heavily on the team’s four seniors and two juniors, who
will make up most of the Lady Hornets’ production this season. Junior guard Kassie Keown returns as the team’s leading scorer after averaging 7.4 points per game last season, and senior forward McKenna Duncan is the team’s top post presence. Duncan scored 5.2 points on 54.5-percent shooting with 4.3 rebounds per game last year. “We are looking for big things out of my seniors,” Beck said. “Emma Robinson is a versatile point guard who provides a lot of leadership, Olivia Potts is a very good 3-point shooter, McKenna Duncan can score in the post and has developed a nice jump shot, and America Thomas can shoot the 3 and attack the basket.” Junior forward Avery Morris will also provide energy and an ability to attack the basket, Beck added. The Lady Hornets will primarily run a lot of motion offenses, along with some SEE EXPECT/PAGE 16
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14 Basketball
Friday, November 25, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
12th Distrct Boys
Inexperienced Raiders seek improvement BY JOSEPH RUSSELL
E
MESSENGER-INQUIRER
ntering as a first-year coach, Nathan West knows he’s inheriting an inexperienced basketball team at Trinity (Whitesville) High School. However, after what he’s seen from the Raiders in early practices, the former Owensboro Catholic and Hancock County assistant isn’t worried. “We lost seven players to graduation,” said West, who also took over as Trinity’s athletic director, “and my point guard, senior Eric Howard, is the only player who logged significant varsity minutes last season. We are going to have to work hard to make the pieces mesh together, but — with the kids I have — I don’t think that is going to be a problem. “They have been excited to practice and have been working extremely hard.” The 5-foot-10 Howard played a key role in helping the Raiders to a 14-16 finish last year, including a loss to Grayson County in the 12th District Tournament. Now, West said, Howard is the team’s unques-
tioned leader among a group of up-and-comers. “He is an explosive athlete, a great defender and an excellent ball-handler,” West said. “While he is our only returning player who played a lot, the majority of our juniors and sophomore dressed varsity last season and most played spot minutes for Coach (John) Kirkpatrick.” Joining Howard will be sophomore big man Cameron Wright, who will be the Raiders’ primary post presence, along with seniors Jack Goetz and Dylan Wright providing shooting, rebounding and strength on the wings. Senior guard Colton Lanham will also be counted on for outside shooting. Bench players West expects to contribute include juniors Dalton Crisp, Zach McDowell, Zach Roberts and Zeke Roberts, and sophomores Joe Brown and Trenton Morris. Sophomore big man Devin Rhinerson will help with depth in the post, as well. With so many players available, Trinity will look to employ an up-tempo style offensively based on spacing and movement. Defensively, West said the Raiders
will play “good, hard-nosed” man-to-man defense with some other wrinkles thrown in on occasion. Even with an inexperienced crew, West has high hopes for the upcoming year. “With the losses we sustained, most people think I may be crazy, but I expect to have a winning season,” he said. “We have not had one since the 2003-04 season. While we were very close last year, that’s simply too long. “We will certainly have our share of growing pains, but I truly believe we have the personnel to be successful this season. I have high expectations, and I know my players do, too.”
BUTLER COUNTY
The Bears finished just 12-15 last season but caught fire to capture the 12th District Tournament title with wins over Edmonson County and Grayson County. Butler County lost just one senior from last SEE IMPROVE/PAGE 15
12th Distrct Girls
Lady Raiders hope to contend in district
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BY JOSEPH RUSSELL MESSENGER-INQUIRER
y all accounts, the Trinity (Whitesville) girls’ basketball program is headed in the right direction. They’re youthful and somewhat inexperienced, but the Lady Raiders are entering the third season under coach Jim Little, and expectations have risen each of the last few years. Little has just eight players at his disposal — four in high school and four in middle school — but he’s been encouraged by the attitude they’ve shown over the last several weeks. “These are eight kids who want to play basketball, and they show up every day and work hard,” Little said. “We’ve got young high school kids and young kids in general.” The Lady Raiders, who finished 12-18 last season after compiling a 7-20 mark in 2014-15, are led by a trio of
returning starters in sophomore guard Nina Wathen, junior guard Erin Kinsey and freshman center Morgan Kinsey. Wathen led Trinity with 14.8 points and 6.9 rebounds per game last season, while Erin Kinsey added 11.7 points per game and 51 made 3-pointers. Morgan Kinsey, meanwhile, scored 6.2 points and grabbed 6.2 rebounds per outing. With the program entering the final stage of what Little called his “three-year plan,” he believes the rapport that his players have built up over the last couple of seasons will pay huge dividends. “They just know each other,” he said. “They click a little more. Nina knows when Erin will backdoor cut. They all know when Morgan is posted up. And we’ve got some other players who will come and fit right in.” Other such players include sophomore center Mar y Hardesty
and four seventh-graders in Hadley Hatfield, Cassidy Mor ris, Natalie Rinerson and Nicole Rhinerson. With such a young team, Little acknowledged the difficulties that he faces, but overall he’s been more than pleased. “There are always times as a coach where you leave practice mad, but I haven’t left a practice mad this year,” he said. “I’d love to have more kids and some senior leadership, but I’ve got Erin and Nina who will lead the show out there. These are kids who love to play basketball, and that always makes it fun.” The eventual hope for the Lady Raiders program is to become one of the teams that no school wants to face, whether it’s a bigger, more talented team that gets outworked, or a smaller school — like Trinity — that gets outmatched. But in the meantime, progress has
been made, and the hope for Little is that it simply continues. “Last year, we won 12 games,” he said. “We won more games than we have in a long time. If we can knock of f one of the district teams, that’s always been a goal. It would be great if we could win the district one of these days.”
GRAYSON COUNTY
The 12th District Tour nament champion Lady Cougars finished 19-12 last season and will look to Grace White to carr y them even further in 2016-17. White, an ultra-talented senior guard, led Grayson County with 17.4 points and 8.8 rebounds per game last season while shooting 47.6 percent from the field. The Lady Cougars will also return SEE CONTEND/PAGE 15
Friday, November 25, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
IMPROVE FROM PAGE 14
year’s team and will be led be a host of experienced upperclassmen. Senior guar d Rex Henderson retur ns after scoring a team-high 17.3 points per game last season on 47.6 percent shooting. Senior guard Baylee Anderson is also back after averaging 15 points per outing last year, and they’ll be joined by junior guard Will Moore (10 points) as the team’s three double-figure scorers. Others that will be counted on for production include senior for ward/ center Blake Graham (6.3 points), junior guard Brennan Gr ubb (4.6 points), junior guard/for ward Caleb Beasley (3.2 points) and senior forward/center Kenton Flener.
GRAYSON COUNTY
The 12th District runner-up Cougars finished 11-17 last season and bring back their top two scorers in an effort to return to the 3rd Region Tournament. Senior guard Trey Goff averaged
14.3 points while junior guard Bailey Logsdon scored 10.5 points and grabbed a team-high 4.1 rebounds per matchup last year. Though Grayson County lost a good por tion of its role players to graduation, the Cougars will also rely on senior guard Conner Schultz (6.2 points), senior for ward Dustin Woosley, junior for ward Jack Davis and sophomore guard Spencer Sharp, among others.
EDMONSON COUNTY
The Wildcats finished last season 17-10 and were primed for a postseason push before they were upset by Butler County in the first round of the 12th District Tournament. After losing its top two scorers and rebounders to graduation, Edmonson County will look for improvements from seniors Bailey Board (12.6 points) and Caleb Skaggs (11.7 points) to car r y the team this season. Senior Iszic Blankenship (9.1 points, 7.5 rebounds) will also be counted on to provide a lift for the Wildcats.
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added 13.1 points per matchup. The Lady Cats lost four seniors from a season ago, but other key contributors include junior center FROM PAGE 14 Katlin Collins, junior for ward Skyj u n i o r f o r w a r d H a n n a h S a l t s - lar Lewis, sophomore guard Chanman, the team’s second-leading ley Logsdon and junior guard Abby scorer with 10.7 points per out- Alexander. ing last year. She also hauled in BUTLER COUNTY 5.6 rebounds per game. Senior T h e L ady Bears ended last guard Allie Horton (7.8 points, 4.2 rebounds) is also expected to play year’s 9-16 season on a sour note, dropping their final six games in a a key role for Grayson County. Other players who will be count- row. Butler County lost just one ed on include senior for ward Shannon Smith, junior guard Brandi senior from the 2015-16 squad, Minton, junior wing Mackenzie but the Lady Bears return leading Edwards and freshman guard Ken- scorer Chloe Flener. The senior post scored 12 points per game. zie Renfrow, among others. She’ll be joined by junior for ward Maddy Murphy, who averaged EDMONSON COUNTY The Lady Cats finished 17-13 in 8.4 points with a team-high 9.4 2015-16 and fell to Grayson County rebounds per outing last year. Featuring a more experienced in the district tour nament chamgroup this time around, the Lady pionship game, but they return a Bears will also count on a bevy of pair of junior guards that could help get them over the hump this seniors such as guard Allie Easley (6.2 points), for ward Addison Hall season. Caitlin Simon led Edmonson (5.6 points), for ward Cheyenne County with 15.6 points and 6.5 White (four points) and Karson rebounds, while Peyton Mar tin Inscoe (two points) for production.
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thews, senior guard Case Medley, sopho- Miller, junior guard Mason Chandler and more forward Chesney Weick and junior senior center Clayton Burks. Noah Schwartz. Sophomore Tanner Whitworth will also contribute.
Meade County lost four of its top five scorers from its 2015-16 squad, but 6-foot-6 senior center James Baker returns after scoring 12.1 points and grabbing a team-high 9.2 points per game last year. He also shot 50.6 percent from the field. The Green Wave will be a relatively inexperienced team this season, with other contributions expected from junior guard Steven Benock, junior center Aiden Mat-
The Fighting Tigers went 21-9 last seaCLOVERPORT son and finished as the 11th District TourThe Aces went 7-21 last year in coach nament runner-up, but the loss of nine Jeff LaGrange’s first year at the helm, and seniors will have Breckinridge County he returns an experienced group that lost counting on a more inexperienced squad just one senior from a year ago. this year. Cloverport will be led by senior forward Sophomore guard Kobe Poole returns as the Fighting Tigers’ leading scorer (5.2 points per game), while other scoring responsibilities will also fall on senior guard Grayson Sosh, senior guard Korey
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(5.8 points, 5.3 rebounds) and seniors Riley Collins (5.8 points) and Morgan Marple (5.2 points). Breckinridge County will also rely on FROM PAGE 13 senior guard Tori Lucas, junior center Tifset plays designed to play to each player’s fany Chaney, junior guard Taylor Hines, strengths. Defensively, the team will dis- sophomore forward Hannah Kennedy and play a mix of zone and man-to-man strate- freshman guard Natalee Tabor. gies. MEADE COUNTY Though he knows it’s a transition, Beck The 11th District Tournament runneris pleased with what he’s seen so far. “Their energy and work ethic has been up Lady Waves went 12-19 last season and more than I could ask for,” he said, “and struggled to put together much consistenthat has helped them overcome some of cy — never winning more than two games the issues in adjusting to my coaching in a row — but first-year coach Dina Hackert will look for improvements in 2016-17. style and what I’m wanting from them.” Though Meade County lost leading And though there’s no way to know how the Lady Hornets will respond once scorer Katie Wilson, who averaged 13 the regular season begins, expectations for points per game last year, the Lady Waves will rely on senior forward Maggie Milimprovement are high. “We are looking for this team to grow lay and freshman guard Kendall Wingand get better as the season progresses,” ler to shoulder much of the load. Millay Beck said. “We have been working very scored 7.9 points on 45-percent shooting hard and have improved every day since and grabbed a team-best 7.2 rebounds per game last season, while Wingler averaged our first practice. “I’m not sure how that will translate into 7.6 points and 3.6 rebounds in 18 appearwins or losses, but I think we will compete ances. Hackert will also depend on junior in every game and give ourselves a chance to win. We want to be hitting our stride the guard Ryleigh Board (4.9 points), senior guard Ally Lancaster (3.2 points), senior second half of the season.” forward Tara Lewis, sophomore guard Abby Nelson, junior forward Elizabeth BRECKINRIDGE COUNTY The defending 11th District Tourna- Youart and sophomore guard Lauren ment champions reached last year’s 3rd Laslie, among others. Region championship game before fallCLOVERPORT ing to Owensboro Catholic, and the Lady After going 7-20 last year in coach Drew Tigers will look to take it one step further Hawley’s first season with a very inexperiin 2016-17. Breckinridge County, which finished enced squad, the Lady Aces return a bal20-11 last season, is led by senior guard anced team led by sophomore point guard Lily Grimes, who scored a blistering 21.3 Jenna Nottingham. Nottingham scored a team-high 6.1 points and grabbed 5.6 rebounds per game points per game last year, while Cloverport last year. Grimes is joined by fellow senior guard shot just 24.6 percent from the field as a Sarah Shrewsberry, who scored 9.7 points team. All-around improvements are expected per game last season. The Lady Tigers lost leading rebounder Mary Hinton — last from sophomore guard Novalee Brockway year’s sole senior — to graduation, but (4.8 points), senior center Shyanna Lowe others expected to step up in her place (4.6 points, 8.8 rebounds) and eighth-grade include sophomore center Kayla Young guard Olivia Weathholt (four points).
Max Dubree and senior center Steven Jennings. Dubree averaged team highs with 11.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game last year, while Jennings added 10.2 points and 4.8 rebounds. The Aces will also rely on senior guard Seth Harness (8.2 points), junior guard Dylan Simmons (3.5 points), senior guard Hunter Hawley (3.6 points) and junior forward Brett McCoy (3.0 points), among others.
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