It should be a fun basketball season

Football season is coming to an end, and basketball season is right around the corner.

DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Basketball teams around the county were able to begin practice last week on Monday, Oct. 17. I have been on my honeymoon, so that’s why there hasn’t been any practice or preseason stories.

But I am scheduled to come back on the day this column comes out, so I wrote this column ahead of time. None of you probably care, but here’s my pre-season thoughts on each team around the county.

Wetumpka

Wetumpka enters this basketball season with some questions on both the boys and the girls teams. Both teams have a new head coach and lost some key players from last year’s team. The only solid for each team, however, is that they both return an extremely talented guard.

Nate Rogers returns for the boys after averaging over 20 points per game this year, but the Indians will need a big to step in and take the place of PJ Merkerson, who averaged 20+ last year but graduated.

One high scoring point guard can’t carry you in 6A. Have to find someone else.

On the girls side of things, do-it-all Zariah Fannin returns after averaging 14 points, 5 the coaching staff has shown him nothing but love since he began talks with them.

After every game, the Troy staff reaches out and sends a letter and just keeps in contact. At the last camp Jackson attended, coach asked for some film of him making tackles and making plays on the defensive side of the ball.

So when Sumrall offered him, he committed the same day. Not only did he appreciate all the constant support from the staff, but he thinks he can make a real difference on the Troy defense.

“I think I bring great ball skills to their defense and I can tackle,” Jackson said. “I don’t shy away from contact. There aren’t many tall safeties like me that can move like I can.”

Jackson could never have imagined signing to play college to be a safety even two years ago. During the COVID-19 season in 2020, he was forced to play in the defensive secondary because of players sitting out.

He played well, but moved right back over to offense after the regular starters came back from sitting out. During his junior season in 2021, Jackson played strictly offense and recorded nine catches and over 100 yards.

When Bear Woods took over as head coach, he expected it to happen because of how defensive-minded Woods is. He was still shocked, but he’s now happier than he could ever be on offense.

“I’m thankful for the position change,” Jackson said. “It makes the game fun. Every play, you get to come up and demolish someone. There’s just a great energy you get from defense in general. You get to violently take the ball away from people all the time.”

Basketball

Continued from B1 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 assists. She’ll be even better after learning from coach Harriett Winchester, and she has fellow senior Khloe Harris there to complement her as well.

Stanhope Elmore

Stanhope Elmore doesn’t have as many questions as Wetumpka does, but they have some key players to replace.

On the girls side of things, Kelbi Johnson is gone and so is Player of the Year Jacey Haynes. While those are two massive roles to fill, there are some good players returning such as senior big Summer

Continued from B1 points on Friday were good for the team’s best all season. Stephenson’s scoring total alone, 42 points, is good for the team’s third highest scoring output all season. The victory gave Elmore County fourth place in its region, earning the Panthers a playoff date at Demopolis.

AUSTIN CHAMPION, FOOTBALL School: Edgewood Academy

Last week: Edgewood seems to be peaking at the right time, and it is due in large part by excellent quarterback play. Much like Stephenson, Champion exploded on Thursday with 159 yards passing and three touchdowns, adding a team-high 67 yards on the ground and a score. Champion did miss four of his

Hicks and junior guard Ariel Gilchrist.

They’re coming off their best year under head coach Kelvin Stokes. We’ll see if they can keep improving.

On the boy’s team, Stanhope was easily the most diverse and spread out team last season with nearly six players averaging double digits. About half of those kids return this year, and the team will be highlighted by Josiah Scott and Dillon Barnes.

Holtville

Holtville’s boys team easily has the biggest question mark entering the season. The Bulldogs have a brand new coach this year and they lost their top six leading scorers. Every player that played prominent extra point attempts, but still managed to outscore Lakeside on his own through just the first quarter. The win gives Edgewood second place in its region, and a home playoff game against Banks Academy. minutes for them last year has graduated. Only time will tell.

The girls team should be better. The Lady Bulldogs set the record for the most wins in a single season in school history last year, and they return nearly every single player on the roster. If Holly Smith, Ana Brown and others can keep improving, they can be a force.

ELMORE COUNTY Both of Elmore County’s teams will be good again this year, especially from the guard po sition. The boys lost two bigs in Cole Downey and Zion Reed, but Player of the Year Payton Stephenson can score at will and fellow point guard Garrett Allen will be with him. They’ll make some noise.

The girls lost three really good seniors in CK Bolton, Bri Autrey and Seanna O’Daniel, but they return some talent. Junior guard Kyasia Brown started to make a name for herself midway through the season, and the Lady Panthers had a plethora of young talent.

Tallassee

Tallassee’s girls can’t be much worse than they were last year, no offense. They graduated a few seniors, but they return the bulk of their team and they welcome in a new head coach in LD Bell. Everything I’ve heard of Bell is positive and my interactions have been positive, plus I see them putting in work on social media a lot. Should be an improved year.

The Tallassee boys lost the area’s leading scorer last year when guard Jalyn Daniels graduated. He was the heart and soul of the team last year, but the Tigers seem to always replenish great guards a nd scorers every season. A lot of multi-sport athletes return this season when football season ends, so be on the lookout for them.

Edgewood Academy

Edgewood’s girls had the best season around the county last year and they had the best season in school history as they claimed the first girls basketball state championship. They lost three players and their head coach from last year, but the bulk of the team returns.

Darryl Free takes over the girls program as well as the boys, and as long as Lindsey Brown and Jaylyn Str ength are there, the girls basketball team should be the favorite to win again.

I would also not be surprised to see the Edgewood boys be one of the favorites to win the championship this year as well. Free has done a fantastic job coaching them, and they came pretty close last year when they lost in the semifinals by less than 10 points.

Guards Austin Champion and Cooper Hall, both all-county selections last year, are back to lead the Wildcats while they return every single player.

The team started three juniors and two eighth graders last year. Keep an eye on them.

This is a great day for any kind of mental work because Mercury is in your sign dancing with Mars. You won’t hesitate to speak up, and you will defend your point of view. It’s an excellent day for public speaking and sharing your ideas with others because you are condent about your beliefs. Tonight: Share your ideas.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Research of any kind will go well because your mind wants to burrow deep into the subtext of things until it comes up with a shining answer. Nothing will escape your penetrative perseverance. You’re also in touch with your creative vibes today. Quite a blessing! Tonight: You won’t give up.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Discussions with friends and groups will be clear, bold and daring because you won’t hesitate to share your opinions and ideas. You won’t back down either, because you believe in what you’re saying. You might be able to advance a notion you were previously shy to suggest. Tonight: Be friendly.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Today you make a fabulous impression on bosses, parents, teachers and the police because you are clear, vocal and condent in expressing what you want. You’ll have no trouble showing them your side of things. Furthermore, because of your clarity in communications, they will listen. Tonight: Pay attention.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) This is a wonderful day to study and explore new ideas related to politics, religion, philosophy or any subject that interests you. Explore avenues in publishing and the media, because you will clearly state what you want to say. Tonight: Investigate. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) This is an excellent day to discuss shared property, taxes, debt and inheritances.

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GENERAC

Public Notices

gp ners, Limited Partnership, dated 12/11/2002, recorded 12/13/2002 in the original principal amount of $96,000.00, recorded in RLPY 2002, Page 76364, Elmore County, Alabama records. Property street address for informational purposes: 65 Mulberry Court, Wetumpka, AL 36092 THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE EASEMENTS, ENCUMBRANCES, AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND THOSE CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF OF PROBATE OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY IS SITUATED. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR EN-

REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tenpayable to Aldridge Pite, LLP at the time and place of the sale. Aldridge Pite, LLP reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. U.S. Bank National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as trustee of NRZ Pass-Through Trust XVIII, Mortgagee/Transferee ALDRIDGE PITE, LLP 15 Piedmont Center 3575 Piedmont Rd. N.E., Suite 500 Atlanta, GA 30305. Attorney for Mortgagee/Transferee. Newspaper: The Wetumpka Herald Publication Dates: 9/14/2022, 9/21/2022, 9/28/2022

AMENDMENT TO NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

Public Notices

Husband And Wife, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Homecomings Financial Network, Inc., its successors and assigns dated January 6, 2003; said mortgage being recorded on January 24, 2003, in Book 2003, Page 7035, agreement recorded on and recorded in Book 2022, Page of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama. Said Mortgage was last sold, assigned and transferred to LNV Corporation by assignment recorded in Deed Book 2008, Page 37017 in the of Elmore County, Alabama. The undersigned, LNV Corporation, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash before the main entrance of the Court House in Elmore County, Alabama during the legal hours of sale (between 11am and 4pm), on the 29th day of November, 2022 the following property, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Commence at the NE corner of the NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 11, Township 18 North, Range 19 East, Elmore County, Alabama; thence South 88 degrees 13 minutes 26 seconds West along the North line of Section 11, 1190.55 feet to an iron pin, said point being the Point of Beginning; thence South 08 degrees 32 minutes 31 seconds East, 141.53 feet to an iron pin on the North margin of Dorothy Lane, gravel; thence South 88 degrees 13 minutes 46 seconds West, along the North margin of said road, 121.05 feet to an iron pin on the East margin of Old Georgia Plank Spur; thence North 08 degrees 30 minutes 00 seconds West, along the East margin of said road, 141.50 feet to an iron pin on the North line of Section 11; thence leaving said road, North 88 degrees 13 minutes 26 seconds East along said Section line, 120.95 feet to the Point of Beginning.

The above described property lies in the NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 11, Township 18 North, Range 19 East, Elmore County, Alabama, and contains 0.39 acres, more or less. Said property is commonly known as 15 Dorothy Lane, Wetumpka, AL 36092. the property address and the legal description the legal description will control.