2009-10 Prep Basketball Preview

Guards are the key to success for Carbondale and Massac County

BY SCOTT MEES

the leaders on the floor,” Miller said. “They’ve gained so much experience since they were freshmen, ost high school basketball teams can and we are really expecting be productive and get good things from them.”

Neal (5-8) and Wheeler by without having (6-1) are both juniors and dominating post players.

But there aren’t very many have started on the varsity squad since they entered that can win consistently high school. Wheeler without a good set of handles the point and guards. shoots the ball really well Carbondale and Massac from outside, while Neal County don’t have any can really light up the score problems in that area this board by driving to the season. The teams return two of the best backcourts hoop.

“I haven’t had a kid spend in the area.

The Terriers reached the so much time shooting the ball away from practice as sectional final last season but fell to Belleville Althoff. Connor does,” Miller said.

“Ty draws a lot of attention Coach Jim Miller’s team and contact, but he’s has a talented duo become a different player. returning in Ty Neal and He used to try to do Connor Wheeler. everything himself and now “It is a luxury to have he looks for other people to those two at the guard help out.” position because they are THE SOUTHERN

M

Wheeler expects a lot out of himself and practices shooting several days a week for up to an hour before school. He also stays after practice if the gym is available.

“I want to be a great shooter, not just a good one,” Wheeler said. “I’ve always practiced a lot, being a coach’s kid and growing up in the gym. I just want to win and do whatever it takes to get that done.”

The Terriers finished just 8-17 two years ago when Neal and Wheeler were freshmen. The team got back to its winning ways last season and came up just short of playing in the super-sectional.

“Those kids showed a lot of maturity as freshmen,” Miller said. “I don’t know of many kids in their shoes

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that could’ve maintained a positive attitude through a tough season as freshmen.

They showed a lot of character through the adversity and it will make them better in the long run.”

Massac County’s Johnson (6-0) also burst onto the scene as a starting freshman in 2006.

Teammate Corey Ayala, a 6-1 junior, became a regular last year as a sophomore. The Patriots finished 34-2 and made it to the Class 2A state title game in Peoria last spring.

“In the last year he has become a vocal leader,” Massac County coach Joe Hosman said of Johnson.

“He is so unselfish and that rubs off on other players.

He doesn’t care how much he scores as long as we win.

Jarelle can pretty much do

everything well.”

Ayala didn’t see a lot of minutes as a freshman but made a name for himself last season. He’s a terrific defensive player who can explode to the basket.

“He really was better last year than I thought he was going to be,” Hosman said of Ayala. “He can run like a deer and was a great defender. He has worked hard on his outside game and hard in the weight room. The sky is still the limit for him.”

Ayala scored eight points, grabbed seven rebounds and dished out three assists in the state championship game last season. The junior has aspirations to play Division I college hoops after high school.

An improved outside game could make a huge difference for Ayala

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

Massac County’s Jarelle Johnson is one of the top guards in Southern Illinois.

this season.

“I want to make it where I’m a triple threat,” Ayala said. scott.mees@thesouthern.com 618-351-5086

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Black Diamond East: Girls

Black Diamond East: Boys

BY PHILIP KOWALIS THE SOUTHERN

Eldorado Despite the loss of forward Isaiah Cunningham to graduation, first-year coach T.J. Zurliene’s Eldorado Eagles might once again be the team to beat in the Black Diamond Conference East Division.

The Eagles return two starters from last year’s team that finished 22-9.

Senior forward Cody Lane, a 6-foot-4, four-year starter who has already topped the 1,000-point mark, and 6-5 junior center Cody Johnson return to lead the Eagles on a quest for their fifth straight conference title.

“We should be very competitive; we have a lot of options on offense,” Zurliene said.

“We want to run as much as we can to take advantage of our quickness, but we can also pound the ball inside as we have some pretty good size down low.”

Coach: T.J. Zurliene Seniors: CODY LANE, 6-4, F; Nick Houseright, 5-8, g; Caid Griffin, 6-2, f Juniors: CODY JOHNSON, 6-5, c Sophomores: Lucas Weir, 6-4, f

Hamilton County Coach Curt Reed will look to seniors Brandon and Justin Webb to lead a

BY PHILIP KOWALIS

Vienna The Eagles return seniors Drake Sanders and Brandon Tanner and junior Markus Stram from a team that finished 10-18 a year ago.

“The kids are working hard,” coach Ross Hill said.

“This is unusual to have lost this many players from a varsity team, but the kids will give their best effort.”

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO The Eagles will be bolEldorado’s Cody Lane stered by the return of 6-3 reaches in to try and strip the senior Reedus Maynor, ball from Massac County’s who has missed the past Zach Kester last season. two seasons while suffering from knee and shoulder Foxes squad looking to injuries. reload after losing six seniors from last years Sweet Coach: Ross Hill Seniors: DRAKE SANDERS, 5-10, g; BRANDON 16 team that finished with TANNER, 6-2, f; Reedus Maynor, 6-2, c Juniors: Markus Stram, 6-2, f; Trae Foster, 6-1, f; a 23-10 record.

“We have lost our top Ehrn Kirby, 5-9, g two scorers and our leading rebounder from last Carmi-White County season,” Reed said. “We Coach Jarrod Newell will have a lot of work to do if have two starters back we want to get back to from a team that finished where we were last year.” third in the conference Reed will also look for with a 6-4 mark and 12-17 contributions from seniors overall a year ago.

Brandon Biggerstaff and The Bulldogs return Robert Rubenacker as well starters Clay Matheny and as juniors Steve Lemons, Lawson Warren, the team’s Adam Irvin and Clint second- and third-leading Hopfinger. scorers last season. The Bulldogs also will look for Coach: Curt Reed Seniors: Brandon Webb, 6-2, f; Justin Webb, 6-2 f; solid minutes out of forBrandon Biggerstaff, 6-2, f; Robert Rubenacker, ward, Josh Krummel and 6-1 g; Jesse Navarez, 6-4, c Juniors: Adam Irvin, 6-0, g; Clint Hopfinger, 5-11, guard Josh Capps. g; Shane Williams 5-10, g; Steve Lemons, 6-1, g S o p h o m o r e s : Aaron Cravins, 5-10, g; Adam Rubenacker, 5-8, g; C.J. Lemons, 5-10, g

THE SOUTHERN

Vienna First-year coach Branon Waters takes over a Vienna program that returns two starters from last year’s squad that finished 14-11 overall and 5-5 in

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the conference.

“I have two juniors who started last year as sophomores and three seniors that have a lot of experience playing varsity basketball,” Waters said.

Returning for the Lady Eagles is the junior tandem of guard Emily Horn and forward

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The main task for Waters will be finding a replacement for Ragan Summers, who led the team in scoring and rebounding last season.

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SIRR Mississippi: Boys

BY PETE SPITLER THE SOUTHERN

Pinckneyville

with two returning starters back from a 27-3 season in 2008-09.

“We’re going to try and continue the level of success and expectation,” Weathers said.

“Coach Lee set the bar pretty high.”

The Hornets have juniors Tyler Meyer (5-10, guard) and Sam Brown (6-2, guard) back. Senior Greg Guest, who missed last season with an injury, returns and 6-foot-3 guard/ forward Brock Preis will fill a larger role.

Nashville is expected to give some minutes to Kyle Heggemeier and Donovan Holle.

Two years removed from a fourth-place finish at the state tournament, and coming off a 22-7 season that ended in a loss to Du Quoin in the Panthers’ own Class 2A regional championship, coach Bob Waggoner turns to two returning starters to help return the program to postseason glory.

“We had a lot of guys play a lot of minutes last year,” Waggoner said. “We had eight or nine players that saw varsity time.

Seniors Shay Kellerman Weathers and Drew Dudek return SCeonaciohr:sBrad : Greg Guest, 6-0, g; BROCK PRIES, 6-3, g/f; from a squad that lost four Kyle Heggemeier, 6-3, f; Derek Sachtleben, 6-1, f.

Juniors: Gannon Mamell, 5-10, g; TYLER MEYER, 5players to graduation. The 10, g; Daniel Huge, 5-11, g; Zach Fieber, 6-0, g; Scott Panthers will also rely on Polczynski, 6-1, g; SAM BROWN, 6-2, g/f; Alex Lietz, Jake Bathon, Nathan 6-0, f; Jared Meier 6-2, c/f; Donovan Holle, 6-6, c.

Morton, Landon Chandler and Justin Farthing to be Sparta successful this season.

New coach Rich Williams Junior Kyle Lamb will be takes over for Greg Bass, Pinckneyville’s tallest who led Sparta to an 8-22 player at 6-foot-7. record and a 3-7 showing in the conference last year.

Coach: Bob Waggoner Seniors: SHAY KELLERMAN, 6-3, f; DREW DUDEK, Williams inherits a squad 6-0, g; Nathan Morton, 6-3, f; Jake Bathon, 6-0, g; with four returning Landon Chandler, 5-11, g.

Juniors: Taylor Pyatt, 6-3, g; Kyle Lamb, 6-7, f; Steve starters.

Brueggemann, 6-3, f; Christian Shopinski, 6-2, f.

“It looks like we’re going Sophomore: Bryant Shute, 5-9, g. to have six seniors out, and we’ll expect them to proNashville vide some leadership for New coach Brad our team and our program,” Weathers replaces Darin Williams said.

Lee and inherits a squad Dartanius White,

Maurice Austin, Blake Shelton and David Sams will try and right the ship in 2009-10, a task made more difficult by Shelton’s recovery from a collarbone injury in football.

Size is a concern for the Bulldogs, with 6-foot-4 post player Weslyn Kiner as the tallest player on the team.

Coach: Rich Williams Seniors: DARTANIUS WHITE, 5-11, g/f; MAURICE AUSTIN, 5-10, g; BLAKE SHELTON, 5-11, f; DAVID SAMS, 5-9, g; Tyler Keefer, 6-0, f; Dietrich Woods, 5-11, g/f.

Juniors: Jordan Thompson, 6-0, g; Adam White, 59, g; London Oliver, 5-11, f; Weslyn Kiner, 6-4, f; Carl Lobdell, 5-10, g.

Sophomore: Austin Peck, 5-9, g; Trevor Morgan, 57, g; Chad Hannah, 5-8, g; Tyler Morrison, 5-11, f; Orlando Oliver, 5-10, f.

Anna-Jonesboro Robbie Wright takes the reins from Brian Matzenbacher, as Anna-Jonesboro tries to return to basketball respectability alongside the Wildcats’ other successful sports.

Wright will depend on three returning starters to help set the table for the classes to come in Jordan Adams, Gabe Pecord and J.R. Woodward.

All three are part of a seven-member senior class for the Wildcats.

“We’ve got some pretty good athletes, and I think we’ll surprise some people,” Wright said.

Six-foot-six junior Tyler Duckworth and 6-3 sopho-

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more Brady Wright are expected to contribute.

Coach: Robbie Wright Seniors: JORDAN ADAMS, 5-10, g; Nick Bound, 6-0, f; Jacob Brimm, 5-9, g; Jordan Kern, 5-8, g; GABE PECORD, 6-1, f; Jesse Webb, 6-4, c; J.R. WOODWARD, 6-4, f.

Juniors: Brady Carter, 5-9, g; Tylor Duckworth, 6-6, c; Alex LeFevre, 6-3, c; Cody Livesay, 5-10, g; Josh Peeler, 5-11, f.

Sophomores: Jaden Ayers, 5-11, g; Brent Goforth, 5-9, g; Caleb Mixen, 5-8, g; Travis Smith, 6-1, g; Maurice Taylor, 5-10, g; Jarid Veronesi, 5-10, g; Brady Wright, 6-3, f.

Du Quoin Coach Mike Crews has four returning starters to build on this season.

Matt Gossett, Jamor Reed, Marcus Clarry and Logan Schneider all return to defend their Pinckneyville Regional championship.

With the 6-foot-3 Gossett and the 6-4 Schneider, Du Quoin figures to have some good size.

“We’re probably a little farther along than some because we’ve got some people coming back,” Crews said.

“We’re still trying to get in shape and work on funTHE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO Nashville’s Sam Brown goes up strong against Du Quoin. damentals.

“I like what I see so far.” three years, as Robert Bell oni, guard/forward Aaron Coach: Mike Crews Seniors: MATT GOSSETT, 6-4, f; LOGAN SCHNEIDER, takes over for Mark Ripley, Grah and guard Zach 6-4, f; JAMOR REED, 5-10, g; MARCUS CLARRY, 6-0, who took over for Mike Lochhead providing leadg; Cody Rose, 6-1, f; David Rose, 6-1, f; Logan ership.

Billingsly.

Carson, 6-5, f.

Juniors: J.C. Davis, 5-10, g; Seth Baxter, 5-11, g; “As long as we know that Coach: Robert Bell Aaron Smith, 6-0, g; James Williams, 5-11, g; Sam they care, and they’re trySeniors: AARON GRAH, 6-0, g; Brett Barthol, 6-0, Kuhnert, 6-5, f; Jeremy Jones, 6-2, f. ing, we’re going to be g; Dan Adams, 6-2, g; Matt Hamilton, 6-3, f; CARLO Sophomore: Sam Gossett, 6-3, f.

MARCONI, 6-4, f/c; Tim Sullins, 5-11, f. patient with them,” Bell Juniors: ZACH LOCHHEAD, 6-2, g; Justin Woodward, said.

6-1, f; Matt Chandler, 6-7, c; Brandon Straight, 5-7, Chester Bell will have three g.Sophomores: Brandon Young, 6-2, g/f; Nate Chester hands the keys to starters to build around, Hornbostel, 5-8, g; Matt Herberlie, 6-1, f; James its third coach in the last with forward Carlo Marc- Brockmeyer, 5-9, g; Greg Rowold, 6-5, f/c.

GO WILDCATS!

SIRR Mississippi: Girls

BY PETE SPITLER THE SOUTHERN

Nashville The Class 2A third-place finishers welcome back two starters and several others who saw significant playing time last year, but injuries have put a damper on the season outlook.

“We’ve had some injuries in my 10 years (at Nashville), and it seems like we’ve had a major injury to a starter every year,” said coach Wayne Harre.

Jennifer Moeller and Rena Ruggles, both significant contributors from the Hornettes’ 30-5 team that beat Olney East Richland 35-32 for the third place trophy, are recovering from ACL injuries. Senior Annie Borowiak, who appeared in 26 games for Nashville last season, will miss a month with a torn labrum.

Nashville has state experience in starting guards Melanie Rhine and Jenna Morris to go along with forward Kourtney Heggemeier and center McKenzie Newman.

Coach: Wayne Harre Seniors: Reena Ruggles, 5-5, g; Annie Borowiak, 5-5, f; McKenzie Newman, 6-0, c.

Juniors: JENNA MORRIS, 5-8, g; MELANIE RHINE, 5-6, g; Caitlin Jasper, 5-5, f; Paige Schwartzkopf, 58, f; Kourtney Heggemeier, 5-10, f; Breanne Pelker, 5-11, f; Jennifer Moeller, 6-0, f.

Sophomores: Jolie Wall, 5-5, g; Keisha Setzkorn, 5-6, g.

Anna-Jonesboro Despite a 7-19 record from a year ago, AnnaJonesboro coach George Lenon has a lot to look forward to from an improved roster this season.

“I think we’ll be much improved,” Lenon said.

“We’ll be a lot more confident with the ball this year.

I think we’ll be competitive in the conference.

The Lady Wildcats will start two seniors, a junior and two freshmen, with one of the newcomers being 5-foot-6 point guard Chandra Parr.

Anna-Jonesboro has four players back with starter’s experience in senior 6-footer Kaley Little, 5-8 junior Destiny Dillow, 5-7 sophomore Emma Basler and 6-foot sophomore Jessie Stone.

Coach: George Lenon Seniors: KALEE LITTLE, 6-0, f; Rachel Hayden, 59, g.

Juniors: DESTINY DILLOW, 5-8, g; Tina Grant, 5-5, g.

Sophomores: JESSI STONE, 6-0, f; EMMA BASLER, 5-7, f; Valerie Pender, 5-8, f; Taylor Adkins, 5-5, g; Lauren Holshouser, 5-5, g.

Freshman: Chandra Parr, 5-6, g.

Pinckneyville After not having reached the 20-win plateau in 20 years, Pinckneyville has rattled off two 20-plus win seasons in as many years to go along with two regional championships.

“It’s duplicating past

success and building on it,” said coach Alan Engelhardt on what this season’s focus will be.

“We won a couple regionals, let’s take the next step and get ourselves a sectional championship.”

Pinckneyville has four players with extensive varsity experience back from last season’s 21-9 squad, but will miss the talents of graduated standouts Mandi Kellerman and Becky Vanderjack, who shot a high percentage from 3-point range for the Lady Panthers.

Senior Emily Miller will be the oldest on the squad and averaged 11.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game last season. Juniors Dani Jenkel, Taylor Cicardi, Maddy Keith and Taylor Kuhnert will all be in the mix.

starters back from last season’s 18-9 squad.

“I really do like my ballclub,” Jeffers said. “Depth will be an issue for us and we’re working on that. We won 18 games last year, 19 before that and 20 before that.”

Jeffers only lost Ambria Avery to graduation, while welcoming Rachel Peck, Jackie Robinson, Kordelia Claybourn, Jessica Robinson and Taylor Martin back into the fold.

Coach: Jim Jeffers Seniors: RACHEL PECK, 5-8, g/f; KORDELIA CLAYBOURN, 5-3, g; JACKIE ROBINSON, 5-6, f; Chelsea Presswood, 5-5, f; Megan Gerlach, 5-7, f; Alissa Cunningham, 5-6, g; Taylor Martin, 5-6, g/f, Megan Meyerhoff, 5-7, f.

Juniors: Corrie Opolka, 5-5, g; JESSICA ROBINSON, 5-11, c.

Sophomore: Jade Vaughn, 5-4, g.

Du Quoin The Lady Indians return six players with starter’s experience and have just two seniors to go along with four juniors, seven sophomores and

seven freshmen.

“Better days are coming,” coach Shawn File said.

“We’re still going to be young,” said File. “(Megi) Jones is going to be one of our defensive leaders and isn’t afraid to get up into somebody’s face.”

Sophomore guard Jessica Hirsch returns from an all-conference freshman year and joins Heather Cavins, Curry Emling, Steffanie Gates, Ashley Ward and Jones as those who saw a lot of varsity minutes.

Guard Michaela Brown is out for the foreseeable future after the sophomore tore her ACL. Coach: Shawn File Seniors: Kelsey Smith, 5-4, g; Lakiesha Johnson, 5-2, g.

Juniors: Heather Cavins, 5-9, f; Curry Emling, 5-5, g; Ashley Ward, 5-6, g; Steffanie Gates, 5-6, g.

Sophomores: Megi Jones, 5-8, g; Jessica Hirsch, 5-5, g; Michaela Brown, 5-4, g; Tomi Hamlin, 5-5, g; Keawna Anders, 5-8, f; Magen Edwards, 5-6, f; Shelby Presley, 5-9, f.

Freshmen: Jordan George, 5-11, f; Jessie Martin, 5-5, g; Rebekah Maddox, 6-0, f; Cassidy Rice, 5-7,

g; Yoana Romero, 5-2, g; Taylor King, 5-6, g; Nicole Jackson, 5-5, g.

Chester Junior varsity coach Rick Powley takes over for Sarah Niebrugge and will build around four returning players with varsity experience.

“We’re pretty young,” Powley said.

“With as young as we are, we want to try and improve every week.”

Jordan Clendin, Shelly Lyons, Hilary Best and Jade Jolly are the returnees to a junior-heavy team that has only three seniors. Of the seniors — Allison Miller, Roberta Harper and Kellie Bert — only Miller has recent playing experience.

Coach: Rick Powley Seniors: Allison Miller, 5-7, g; Roberta Gonzalez, 50, g; Kellie Bert, 5-8, f.

Juniors: Jordan Clendin, 5-8, f; Shelly Lyons, 5-6, g; Hilary Best, 5-10, f; Jade Jolly, 5-5, g; Rebecca Young, 5-9, g; Kristy Pulliam, 5-5, g; Ariel Gales, 5-11, f.

Sophomores: Kellie Dillow, 5-10, f; Raelyn Rosendohl, 5-8, f; Shelby Helmers, 5-7, f; Megan Marcinkowska, 5-4, g.

Coach: Alan Engelhardt Senior: EMILY MILLER, 5-3, g.

Juniors: DANI JENKEL, 5-8, f; TAYLOR CICARDI, 510, f; MADDY KEITH, 5-10, g; Taylor Kuhnert, 5-7, f; Mo Ramsey, 5-10, f; Kortney Crawford, 5-3, g; Cheyanne Conner, 5-3, g; Katrina Henson, 5-4, g; Tyler Flowers, 5-7, g.

Sophomore: Lindsey Winter, 5-8, f.

Sparta The legacy continues in Sparta after another season of double-digit wins and single-digit losses.

Second-year coach Jim Jeffers will look to further that streak with five

Go Panthers!

Wishing you a Great Season!

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618.357.8627 The Southern Illinoisan Friday, November 20, 2009 Page 5

SIRR Ohio: Boys

BY SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN

Benton It’s a new beginning for Benton boys basketball this season. Ron Wine-miller is the new coach, and he replaces Matt Wynn, who resigned in the spring.

The Rangers have three players returning who started at some point last season. Sophomore Cody Smith (5-8) performed quite well last season as a freshman.

“When you have a sophomore point guard with one year of starting experience it’s a huge deal,” Winemiller said.

Kyler Smith, a 5-10 guard, and Caleb Suver, a 6-2 forward, also started some last season for the Rangers.

Coach: Ron Winemiller.

Seniors: Devan Minor, 6-4, f; Daniel Deforest, 6-2, f.

Juniors: CALEB SUVER, 6-2, f; KYLER SMITH, 5-10, g; Landon Stewart, 6-1, f; Nick Price, 6-0, f; Hunter Kerley, 6-1, g.

Sophomores: CODY SMITH, 5-8, g; Tyler Leffler, 62, g; Trey Garrett, 5-10, g; Landon LaBuwi, 6-2, f; Dylan Hartley, 5-7, g; Jared Johnston, 5-9, g; Mason Childers, 6-2, g.

Harrisburg The Bulldogs will be a guard-heavy team once again this season. Coach Randy Smithpeters has three returning starters to work with this year.

Cain Sheldon, a 6-foot guard, had a big season a year ago, and Smithpeters will be leaning on him for a lot of scoring.

“Sheldon is one of the best players in the area and one of the top scores in Harrisburg history,” Smithpeters said.

Reid Roper is one of the best pure shooters in the region, but he struggled at

times last year shooting off the dribble.

The Bulldogs have Lucas Elverd to play down low.

Coach: Randy Smithpeters.

Seniors: CAIN SHELDON, 6-0, g; REID ROPER, 6-1, g; LUCAS ELVERD, 6-7, c; Noah King, 6-1, f; Ryan Smithpeters, 6-0, g.

Juniors: Keelin Rasch, 5-10, g; Hunter Price, 6-1, g; Jalen Stewart, 5-10, g; Ryan Pappenfuss, 6-2, f; Austin Younger, 6-2, f.

S o p h o m o r e s : Brandon Gibbs, 6-2, f; Tyler McGowan, 6-0, f.

Herrin The Tigers ended up with a record of 16-18 last season but played much better during the second half of the season.

It all starts with center Alex Brown, who is 6-foot-9. The senior has become a shot-blocking machine and a good scoring threat down low.

“If he plays hard every minute he will be tough to stop,” coach Irv Lukens said.

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David Mallow, a 6-2 for- ward, is a good rebounding ward, and DeMarlo Harris, presence and has a nice a 6-2 forward, both return mid-range jump shot. this season.

Coach: Irv Lukens.

Seniors: ALEX BROWN, 6-9, c; DAVID MALLOW, 63, f; Nikko Timmons, 5-9, g; Jason Hart, 5-8, g.

Juniors: Jakob Caldwell, 5-11, g; Dylan Orso, 6-1, f; Jamie Jones, 6-1, f; Jo Jo Hart, 5-8, g; Ben Wayer, 6-3, c; Vennis Brown, 6-7, c.

Sophomores: DEMARLO HARRIS, 6-3, f.

Massac County The Patriots had an outstanding season a year ago and finished second in the state in Class 2A. The team won 34 games and graduated three key seniors.

“Last year was a lot of fun, and the seniors were just tremendous ball players and were so unselfish,” said coach Joe Hosman.

The Patriots have a terrific pair of guards back in the mix. Senior Jarelle Johnson (6-0) and junior Corey Ayala (6-1) make up the backcourt.

James Lang, a 6-3 for-

Coach: Joe Hosman.

Seniors: JARELLE JOHNSON, 6-0, g; JAMES LANG, 6-3, f; Jalin Thigpen, 6-1, f; Tyler Sommer, 6-3, f; Adam McManus, 6-2, f.

Juniors: COREY AYALA, 6-1, g; Quincy Glass, 6-1, g; Zac Henry, 6-1, g; Tyler Lee, 6-1, f; Hayden Farmer, 6-4, f.

Sophomores: Malcolm Amos, 6-0, f; Griffin Bazor, 6-5, f.

Murphysboro The Red Devils had one of the most explosive teams in the area last season and finished 18-10. But unfortunately for coach Daryl Murphy’s squad, they were stuck in the same regional as Massac County.

“I’ve always known that we have to have a strong defense. That turns into transition, which turns into points,” Murphy said.

Dre’Shean Payne (6-1), Dylan Craig (6-3), Eben Brooks (6-3) and Jarrod Gaston (6-0) are back.

Coach: Daryl Murphy.

Seniors: DRE’SHEAN PAYNE, 6-1, g; Emmanuel Summers.

Juniors: DYLAN CRAIG, 6-3, c; EBEN BROOKS, 6-3, f; JARROD GASTON, 6-0, g; Adrian Harris, 6-0, f; Orlando Jarrett, 5-11, g; Nate Vaughn, 6-0, g.

Sophomores: Pierre House, 6-0, f; Zane Heller; Darion Jarrett, 5-9, g; Mitch Maloney, 5-9, g; Kyle Miller, 6-0, g; Drew Novara, g; Mitchell Rose, 6-0, g.

West Frankfort The Redbirds experienced their first losing season in six years after they finished 5-22.

Coach Kevin Toney hopes his squad will continue getting better this year.

“I think we’re a little deeper than last year,” Toney said. “That makes for some spirited and competitive practices.”

Guard Kendrick Simelton is the team’s most explosive offensive threat.

Coach: Kevin Toney.

Seniors: ASHTEN ASHTIANI, 6-3, f; KENDRICK SIMELTON, 6-3, g; Kyle Weeks, 5-9, g; Preston Filkins, 6-2, f; Jake Gutierrez, 6-3, f; Nolan Jordan, 6-5, f.

Juniors: Dylan Vaughn, 6-0, f; Nathan Butler, 6-1, f; Taylor Cash, 6-0, g/f; Christian Braddy, 6-4, f.

Sophomores: Addison Eggertsen, 6-2, f; Jarod Dial, 5-9, g; Josh Tharp, 5-10, g; Joe Burgess, 6-2, f; Nathan Dodd, 5-11, f.

SIRR Ohio: Girls

BY SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN

Benton The Rangerettes certainly had a tough season last year and finished with a record of just 2-26.

But the team inherits four freshmen from a junior high squad that took fourth in the state.

The first-year guards include Brittany Pedigo and Evelyn Mendez to go along with post players Morgan Corn and Makala Carney.

“We’ve had our eyes on this year,” said Benton coach Seth Tate.

Corn is a five-tool player who plays the wing and can shoot from downtown. Tate considers Carney to be a little bit raw but said she plays extremely hard and is working on her jump shot.

Tate is expecting a lot from guard Lindy Meacham.

“Our vocal leader has to be Lindy Meacham,” Tate said.

“She is in tremendous shape and she has to show the way for our team. I am really looking to her to be this team’s leader.”

Coach: Seth Tate.

Seniors: MADALINE PARRISH, 5-7, f; LINDY MEACHAM, 5-6, g; HOLLIE HILLER, 5-7, g; CHELSEA HAYDEN, 5-9, c; Ashley Webb, 5-10, f; Kayla Hopkins, 5-3, g.

Juniors: Allison Sawyer, 5-4, g.

Sophomores: SARA MILLER, 5-5, g.

Freshmen: Brittany Pedigo, 5-7, g; Morgan Corn, 60, f; Evelyn Mendez, 5-6, g; Makala Carney, 6-1, c.

Harrisburg The Lady Bulldogs finished 9-13 last season and have co-head coaches for the 2009-10 campaign.

April Horning and Denise Clayton take over a squad that features six seniors.

Kelsey Piche, a 5-10 guard, and Blaine Bundren, a 5-4 guard, were both key contributors to last year’s team, which was coached

by Steve Vinyard.

“We seem to be a very smart team and the kids’ work ethic is great,” Clayton said. “They play really hard on both ends of the court.”

The Lady Bulldogs also have senior guard Molly Berry (5-6) and senior forward Corie Rice (5-11) returning this season.

“We definitely have been working on all aspects of the game and expect to play both zone and man-toman defense,” Clayton said.

Coach: April Horning and Denise Clayton.

Seniors: Corie Rick, 5-11, f; Kelsey Piche, 5-8, g; Molly Berry, 5-6, g; Blaine Bundren, 5-4, g; Autumn Twardowski, 5-6, g; Taryn Dewar, 5-9, c.

Juniors: Ally Twardowski, 5-6, g; Megan Sullivan, 6-0, f; Vicki Korschegen, 5-6, g; Alexa Morgan, 6-0, f; Hillary Shires, 5-11, f; Daila Duncan, 5-5, g.

Sophomores: Lexi Griffin, 5-8, f.

Herrin

from last year’s squad, and it won’t be easy to replace that duo.

“We never worried about being pressed because we had Diamond,” said Herrin coach Mike Newbold.

“Benjamin just did everything for us in the paint. It’s hard to replace 12 rebounds a game, and all of the girls are going to have to grab a couple extra ones each night.”

Senior Austyn Ridings is a 5-10 point guard who has started since she was freshman. Ridings is easily one of the best players in the conference, and Newbold is looking for her to be a little more selfish on offense this season.

Haley Elders, a 6-foot junior forward, returns for the team as well.

Senior guards Maggie Bailie and Nikki Hall provided solid help off the bench last season.

Coach: Mike Newbold.

Seniors: AUSTYN RIDINGS, 5-10, g; Nikki Hall, 5-8, g; Maggie Bailie, 5-8, g.

Juniors: HALEY ELDERS, 6-0, f; Stephanie Diaz, 56, g; Sarah Alongi, 5-6, g; Kim Deming, 5-7, f; Katlynn Knight, 5-8, f.

Sophomores: Michaela Lunsford, 5-8, g; Tessa Forquer, 6-0, f; Olivia Caldwell, 6-0, f; Bria Salone, 5-6, f.

Freshmen: Abby Horn, 6-0, f; Katie Russell, 5-9, f; Jessica Alongi, 5-4, g.

The Lady Tigers are coming off their fifth consecu- Massac County tive 20-win season after The Lady Patriots lost to finishing 24-4. The team lost point guard Diamond Nashville in the sectional Timmons and power for- last year and have to find ward Ka’Daizha Benjamin suitable replacements for

Go Her rin T igers!!

guard Kelsey Bradford and forward Jasmine Davis.

“We only have three seniors and three juniors so it’s going to be interesting,” said Massac County coach Keith Shelton. “You could start varsity this week and being playing JV the next week.”

The squad does have forward Destiny Spence back to patrol the post.

Kristina Henley and Tala Mumford both saw time in the starting lineup.

Coach: Keith Shelton.

Seniors: DESTINY SPENCE, 6-1, f; TALA MUMFORD, 5-11, g; Mariah Windhorst, 5-7, g.

Juniors: Shianne Guice, 5-6, g; Memry Stoll, 5-4, g; Brittany Bush, 5-6, g.

Sophomores: KRISTINA HENLEY, 5-9, f; Lenzie Morgan, 5-6, g; Morgan McCutcheon, 5-10, f; Karsen Smith, 6-0, f; Becca Reames, 5-9, g; Brittany Keith, 5-7, g; Chelsey Burnham, 5-8, g; Madison Stephens, 5-6, g; Shawnie Weaver, 5-8, f; Destiny Turner, 5-6, g.

Murphysboro

duties from Darryl McLaughlin, who resigned.

The Lady Red Devils finished 9-16 last season and have two returning starters back this year.

“We’ve coached most of these girls at the lower levels,” said Matt Hickam. “So we know them pretty well and know their abilities.”

A pair of 5-7 guards, Cassie Torgesen and Halylie Hines, are the only returning starters for the team this season.

Hilary Brewer, Nykeshia Dowell and Shelby Mileur are expected to be key contributors.

Coach: Matt Hickam and Staci Hickam.

Seniors: CASSIE TORGESEN, 5-7, g; Hilary Brewer, 6-0, f; Nykeshia Dowell, 5-3, g.

Juniors: HALYLIE HINES, 5-7, g; Shelby Mileur, 5-10, f; Katelyn Kemp, 5-11, f; Erika Meade, 5-6, g/f.

Sophomores: Alyssa Sturgeon, 6-1, f; Christina Smith, 5-7, g/f; Chelsi Gillespie, 5-5, g; Katy Flanigan, 5-9, g/f; Jasmine Gaines, 5-7, g.

It’s a new era for the Murphysboro girls basketWest Frankfort ball as Matt Hickam and The Lady Redbirds had a Staci Hickam have taken over the head coaching great season last year and

finished with a record of 20-6.

But the team lost five key players from that squad and will look to other girls to step up for the new campaign.

Gena Jones, a 5-9 guard/forward, dominated on offense at times last season, and she’ll be expected to put the team on her shoulders if necessary this year.

“She is probably one of the better players around because she has to ability to do so many things,” said West Frankfort coach Matt Hampleman. “She’ll be a big key as to how good we’ll be.”

Hampleman’s team also features 5-10 forward Aarika Twist.

Coach: Matt Hampleman.

Seniors: GENA JONES, 5-9, g/f; Andrea Glodich, 55, g; Sarah White, 5-3, g; Genni Hickey, 5-7, g.

Juniors: Molly Hood, 5-7, g; Hali Holland, 5-7, f; Aarika Twist, 6-0, c; Christi Bromley, 5-6, f; Jerica Stubblefield, 5-7, f; Amy Bymaster, 5-9, f.

Sophomores: Jasmine Chromchak, 5-10, g; Kaitlyn Glodich, 5-4, g; Nicole Frey, 6-0, c.

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The Southern Illinoisan Friday, November 20, 2009 Page 7

Black Diamond West: Boys

BY GREGG BANKER THE SOUTHERN

Sesser-Valier The Sesser-Valier Red Devils return all five starters from a 2008-09 team that went 23-6 and advanced to the Trico Sectional.

“Based off winning the regional last year and making it to the sectionals, I think this team has that experience to make a deep run,” said Sesser-Valier coach Chip Basso.

Justin Matyi, Dane Eubanks, T.J. Eubanks, Kendall Gibson and Myles Tinsley will be SesserValier’s starting five.

Matyi was an All-South selection last season and was named MVP of the Black Diamond West Conference. He scored 20.6 points per game and 10.3 rebounds. He was also named MVP of the Pinckneyville Basketball Showcase and set a record in the tournament with 37 points.

“He’s a key offensive player for us,” said Basso.

“Most teams are going to try to scheme around him and take him out of our game plan. Fortunately, we have other players to make up for that.

T.J. Eubanks was also named to the BDC West

All-Conference team.

Coach: Chip Basso Seniors: DANE EUBANKS, 6-1, g; MYLES TINSLEY, 5-11, g; KENDALL GIBSON, 6-3, f; T.J. EUBANKS, 62, g/f; JUSTIN MAYTI, 6-5, c; Cody Pitchford, 6-0, g; Shad Donovan, 6-0, g/f.

Juniors: Dustin Hicks, 6-1, 6; Alan Delbene, 5-8, g; Curtis Edwards, 6-0, f.

Sophomores: Tim Witcher, 6-3, g/f; Greg Jenkins, 5-10, g; John Vercellino, 6-1, f; Kyle Stanley, 5-11, g; Dylan Rock, 6-0, f; Drew Dorris, 6-2, c.

Trico The Pioneers split the BDC West Conference last year with Sesser-Valier and have a lot of experience coming back this season.

“One difference between last year and this year is our inexperience,” said Trico coach Shane Hawkins. “We’ll have over 100 varsity starts going into this year, and that experience will be a big difference.”

Three returning starters are back for the Pioneers.

Juniors Logan Thies and Jesse Smith return, as well as sophomore Chase Heins.

Thies was named to the BDC West All-Conference team last season.

Trico lost to Okawville, 49-35, last year in the championship game of the Chester regional.

Coach: Shane Hawkins Seniors: Clint Young, 5-10, f.

Juniors: Logan Thies, 6-1, g; Jesse Smith, 6-0, g; Dennis Froemling, 5-11, g; Patrick Heller, 5-10, g; Tyler Coleman, 6-1, g.

Sophomores: Chase Heins, 6-6, f; Dylan Witthoft,

6-0, g; Daron Meyerhoff, 6-0, g; Kaleb Koester, 64, f; Trevor Compton, 6-3, f.

Freshmen: Klayton Bunselmeyer, 5-11, g; Blaine LePere, 6-2, f.

Zeigler-Royalton The Tornadoes finished last season with a 16-11 record and 5-5 mark in conference play and will have an all-senior starting line up this season.

The Tornadoes return two starters from last year’s squad in seniors Tyler Mitchell and Jimmy Stevens.

Mitchell was named AllSouth last season and surpassed the 1,000 point mark for his career.

“He’s a pretty good player,” said Zeigler-Royalton coach Jamie Moyers. “He’s hard to guard and probably is my best defender. Really, our team is going to depend on him. He’s that type of leader.”

Jake Wawczak, Zach Rumsey and Kyle Stubblefield will be the Tornadoes’ other starters.

Moyers will try to stress finishing every game.

“We have to be smarter playing with the lead,” said Moyers. “We haven’t been smart playing in the fourth quarter with lead. We’re going to work on that this season.”

Coach: Jamie Moyers Seniors: JIMMY STEVENS, 6-0, G; TYLER MITCHELL, 6-2, G; Ben Thompson, 6-6, c; Kyle

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Stubblefield, 6-1, f; Jake Wawczak, 6-1, g; Zack Rumsey, 6-2, c; Nick Beasley, 6-3, f.

Juniors: Dylan Arvai, 6-1, g; Jordan Domineck, 511, f; Tyler Slomka, 5-11, f; Sean Masters, 6-1, c.

Sophomores: Payton Clark, 6-1, f; Ryan Leposky, 6-0, f.

Christopher The Bearcats return three starters to a team that finished fourth in the conference last season and had an overall record of 11-13.

Forward Matt Davison and guards Jared Fourez and Kody Greenwood all return for their senior season.

Former Bearcat and conference captain Shawn Menckowski was lost to graduation, however, along with three other key seniors.

“We lost the captain of the conference and lost 64 percent of scoring from last year,” said Christopher coach Jeff Minor. “We will need to find a way to score.

It’s just up to this year’s team to step up and fill in the gaps.”

Juniors Stephen Dial and Devin Austill will likely be the other two starters for the Bearcats.

and fifth-place finish in the conference.

“When you go through a season like that, I think it teaches you a lot of things,” said Carterville coach Scott Burzynski.

“Hopefully, we can turn some of those negatives that we had last year into positives this season.”

The Lions have three seniors on their roster this year.

Daniel Lingafelter, Anthony Lenzini and Sam Martin all return for their senior season.

Carterville also has a talented junior class with varsity experience that it will rely on.

“They played a lot of varsity, so hopefully they can step up,” said Burzynski.

Coach: Scott Burzynski Seniors: DANIEL LINGAFELTER, 5-11, f; ANTHONY LENZINI, 6-1, f; SAM MARTIN, 6-1, g.

Juniors: Drew Bonner, 5-11, g; Connor Rossi, 6-0, g; Jacob Conder, 5-8, g; Ryan Bonifield, 6-3, g; Zach Watson, 6-3, g; Zach Halterman, 6-2, c; Logan Mann, 5-11, f; Jordan Allensworth, 6-0, f.

Sophomores: Zach Bollman, 5-9, g; Daniel Allen, 5-10, g; Samuel Dalton, 6-2, f.

Elverado

Elverado is coming of a 2008-09 season in which the Falcons won only one game.

The Falcons will try to improve on that mark and show some positives this season.

“I’m seeing a lot of good Carterville effort in these first couple The Carterville Lions are days of practice,” said coach John coming off an 8-23 season Elverado Coach: Jeff Minor Seniors: MATT DAVISON, 6-2; JARED FOUREZ, 510; KODY GREENWOOD, 5-11; Ryan Kirchner, 5-11; Jake Parnell, 6-0.

Juniors: Devin Austill, 6-2; Steven Dial, 6-1; Joey Bailey, 5-10; Taylor Calloni, 5-8; Ryan Dawson, 60; Spencer Dennison, 5-6; J.R. Myers, 5-8; David Ragan, 6-3.

Sophomores: Scott Marchetti, 5-11.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

Sesser-Valier’s Justin Mayti puts up a shot last season.

Harrison. “I’ve got a better outlook this year. If we can get a few victories and be competitive, I think I will be happy and so will our kids.”

Senior Kyle Kempfer returns as Elverado’s leading scorer.

The Falcons also have a new assistant coach.

Former Chester coach Mark Riley will join Harrison’s staff.

Coach: John Harrison Seniors: KYLE KEMPFER, 6-2; Landry Arnett, 5-10; Herby Sandlin, 5-11; Landon Stewart, 6-0.

Juniors: Ben Kempfer, 6-0; Daltun Hasty, 5-8.

Sophomores: Bryce Mathis, 5-7; Dalton Porter, 5-9.

Freshmen: Jake Lipe, 6-0; Kyle Whittington, 5-9.

Black Diamond West: Girls

BY GREGG BANKER THE SOUTHERN

Trico The Lady Pioneers won their first regional championship last season.

“We knew we were going to be pretty good going into last year,” said Trico coach Steve Vogt. “It’s the first year we ever won a regional and conference title in the same season.”

This year, the Lady Pioneers will have to rebuild as they lost four seniors.

However, four of Trico’s starters have at least some starting experience at the varsity level.

Junior Beth Daniels, who stands 6-feet, gives Trico some size in the post, although Vogt said she can play inside or go outside to take a shot.

Similarly, 5-11 senior Chelsea Jarrett will help the Lady Pioneers down low.

Eight of Trico’s 14 players will be underclassmen, including six freshmen.

“I think we can compete for a regional title,” said Vogt. “But we will be young off the bench.”

Coach: Steve Vogt Seniors: Mikayla Reed, 5-3, Stephanie Cochran, 59; CHELSEA JARRETT, 5-11.

Juniors: Autumn Petrowske, 5-8; BETH DANIELS, 6-0; Dawn Ross, 5-5.

S o p h o m o r e s : Rebecca Dilday, 5-8; Kendra

Williams, 5-8.

Freshmen: Jaylyn Oakley, 5-7; Lisa Luehr, 5-2; Katelyn Thies, 5-8; Katie Garver, 5-5; Levi Gall, 52; Maura Ayala, 5-1.

Sesser-ValierWaltonville Sesser-Valier-Waltonville finished the 2008-09 season with a 15-11 record.

Several coaches in the BDC West believe the Lady Red Devils will once again compete for the conference title.

“They’ve worked extremely hard the first week of practice,” said S-V-W coach Bryan Gibson. “We have five seniors that have all been a big part of this team. This is my second year here so they all know the routine, and that’s always nice.”

The Lady Red Devils have four returning starters back on this year’s team, including 6-1 senior forward Ashley Slack and 5-7 forward Kate Laird.

Seniors Cheryl Delbene and Loreno Marlo are the other two returning starters. Senior Stephanie Faulkner will be the first off the bench.

S-V-W will also sub in several underclassmen.

“Our goal every year is to win the conference title,” said Gibson. “It’s always a competitive, and everyone knows that we expect a hard battle.”

Chandra Weddle, g.

Freshmen: Brandi Mifflin, g.

Carterville

Coach: Bryan Gibson Seniors: CHERYL DELBENE, 5-5; KATE LAIRD, 5-7; LORENO MARLO, 5-9; ASHLEY SLACK, 6-1, Stephanie Faulkner, 5-8.

Sophomores: Tasha Doerr, 6-0.

Freshmen: Rae Lappin, 5-8; Chelsea Miller, 5-8; Callie Stanhouse, 5-5; Maegan Eskew, 5-7; Hannah Newell, 5-9; Rebecca Ratajczyk, 5-6.

Zeigler-RoyaltonChristopher Zeigler-RoyaltonChristopher will have to replace a 2,200-point scorer as Lauren Mitchell graduated last season.

“When you lose a girl that scored 2,200 points in her career, that’s going to be tough on any team,” said Z-R-C first-year coach Jeremy May. “We’ll have to pick it up offensively and rebound, and our seniors, this year, will need to fill that leadership.”

The Lady Tornadoes have three returning starters, however, and May said that the team also has some depth.

Alyssa Hall, Lilly Furlow and Katie Matyi are the Lady Tornadoes’ returning starters.

May served as an assistant to Art Brandon the last four years and takes over a team that went 13-14 last season.

Coach: Jeremy May Seniors: LILY FURLOW, f; KATIE MATYI, g; Jade Brooks, g; ALYSSA HALL, c.

J u n i o r s : Stacy Holland, g; Ashleigh Opp, f; McKenzie, Arondelli, g.

Sophomores: Chelsey Greenwood, f; Allie Mayer, f; Kaleigh Perry, f; Kiley Wagner, g;

Go Falcons!

A young Carterville team will take the floor as the Lady Lions have only one senior on a team that went 8-19 last year.

“Someone from the underclass will have step up,” said Carterville coach Todd Rogers. “As the season goes, we will see who that is.”

Carterville lost its leading scorer from last season in Rachelle Runge. The former Lady Lion averaged 13.5 points per game.

Lone senior Kelsey Ashton returns. Ashton was an All-Conference selection last season in the BDC West.

Meredith Brown and Mollie Thomas are the other two returning starters for Carterville this season.

Though the Lady Lions don’t have much size, they’ll look to counter with their speed and get into a rhythm before they begin conference play.

“We just have to be prepared take advantage of early season games,” said Rogers. “And we will need to be ready when conference games come.”

Coach: Todd Rogers Seniors: KELSEA ASHTON, 5-8, g.

Juniors: Hannah Wood, 5-7, g; MEREDITH BROWN, 5-6, g; MOLLIE THOMAS, 5-7, f.

Sophomores: Andrea Kesler, 5-4, g; Lauren Sherry, 5-7 g/f; Sidney Brothers, 5-7 f; Sidney Brothers, 57, f; Shelby Bush, 5-7, f.

Freshmen: Nina Skinner, 5-5, g.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

Carterville’s Kelsea Ashton drives the ball around Z-R-C’s Lauren Mitchell last season at Ziegler-Royalton High School.

Elverado The Lady Falcons won only two games last season and eight of Elverado’s 14 players this season are freshman.

Coach Lance Bedar believes there is some talent in the freshman class this season as the Lady Falcons try to rebuild a struggling program.

Courtney Morse, Kelsi Teague, Chelsea Cochran and Sami Hicks are Elverado’s four returning starters.

Sophomore Lacey Qualls will be the Lady Falcons’ fifth starter this season.

“Our goals are to just win more games than we did last year, play hard and try to improve in every game,” said Bedar.

Coach: Lance Bedar Seniors: COURTNEY MORSE, 5-4, g; KELSI TEAGUE, 5-7, f; Liz Failter, 5-8,, f.

Juniors: SAMI HICKS, 5-3, g; CHELSEA COCHRAN, 5-3, g.

Sophomores: Lacey Qualls, 5-9, f.

F r e s h m e n : Rebecca Korondo, 5-7, f; Abigail Grammer, 5-4, g; Corrine Wilson, 5-4, g; Erika Will, 5-10, f; Meghan Trammel, 5-4, g; Jennifer Sarensen, 5-6, g; Hanna Rawson, 5-4, g; Shawna Newborn, 5-5, g.

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The Southern Illinoisan Friday, November 20, 2009 Page 9

BOYS: Black Diamond East

GIRLS: Black Diamond East should be more competitive

FROM PAGE 3

FROM PAGE 3

started at times last season. Hunter Bryan also saw significant playing time.

McElravy said rebounding and taking care of the basketball will be keys to the success of his team, one he expects will improve as the season progresses.

“The kids have really been working hard and are a very close group,” Newell said.

“We should have the ability to score the basketball but our level of success will depend on how we play on the defensive end Coach: Scott McElravy of the court. That is the Seniors: TIM MOORE, 6-3, f; BRYANT SIMPSON, 5area we need to work on.” 9, g; Hunter Bryan, 6-1, g Carmi-White County Juniors: Andrew Atteberry, 5-10, g will benefit from the return of 6-4 center Seth Johnston City Owen, who is returning New Johnston City from an injury that cut his coach Wade Thomas season short a year ago. inherits a squad that has won only four games the Coach: Jarrod Newell Seniors: CLAY MATHENY, 6-3, g; Seth Owen, 6-4, c; past two seasons.

Josh Krummel 5-10, g; Tanner Maricle, 5-8, g “Johnston City has Juniors: LAWSON WARREN, 6-5, f; Logan Rogers, always had a good level of 5-8, g; Josh Capps, 6-3, g success in their sports programs, and that has Fairfield been lacking on the basCoach Scott McElravy’s ketball side the past few Fairfield Mules look to years, the kids want to get rebuild after losing five the program back on the starters from last year’s winning track,” Thomas team that lost an overtime said. decision to Hamilton Thomas will look to senCounty in the regional iors Nick Dean and Nathan final.

Richard and juniors Daniel “We are pretty much Davison and Brandon starting over,” McElravy Crider to show the leadersaid. “We do not have ship needed to start turnmuch experience coming ing the program around. back, so some of the Coach: Wade Thomas younger kids will have to Seniors: NICK DEAN, 6-2, f; NATHAN RICHARD, 6step up and play some key 2, g; Riley Hearn, 5-10, g Juniors: Jesse Jeffords, 6-0, f; DANIEL DAVISON,6minutes for us.”

2, f-c; Cory Emery, 6-2, f-c; BRANDON CRIDER, 6The Mules return 5- 2, f Sophomores: Grant Montgomery, 5-10, g; Cody foot-9 guard Bryant Watkins,5-10, g; Angelo Hightower, 5-10, g Simpson and 6-3 guard Freshmen: Bryce Pulley,5-8, g; Jory Kee, 5-10, g; Austin McPheron 6-2, f; Tyler Johnson, 5-10, f Tim Moore who both

Callie Loveless and Dashia Marr, who is recovering from a knee injury, to replace some of the production lost because of Summers’ graduation.

Coach: Branon Waters Seniors: Callie Loveless, 5-8, c; Dashia Marr, 5-6, f Juniors: HANNAH MCGINNIS, 5-10, f; EMILY HORN, 5-6, g

Carmi-White County The Lady Bulldogs enter the 2009-10 season in search of their fourth consecutive Black Diamond East Division title.

Coach Eric Dixon’s squad returns two starters and the sixth man from a team that went 20-7 and 9-1 in conference play, before falling to conference rival Fairfield in the regional championship game.

Dixon welcomes back last year’s backcourt combination of Shauna Whitley and Katelyn Weaver as well as forward Brynn Anderson in their quest for the four-peat.

“We are still a work in progress,” Dixon said.

“We still have some things to get worked out, but I think we can be a very good team.”

Coach: Eric Dixon Seniors: SHAUNA WHITLEY, 5-6, g; KATELYN WEAVER, 5-4, g; Brynn Anderson, 5-8, f

Fairfield Coach Tonya Conrad returns three starters from last season’s team that finished with a 17-12 mark and a regional title.

The Lady Mules return point guard Kelsey Sarles, shooting guard Shelby Simpson and forward Ashley Lang to provide experience

Memories They Can Keep Forever

for a team that has just three seniors on the roster.

“We are a very young team, but we do not lack experience,” Conrad said.

“Our top returning players have seen quite a bit of playing time at the varsity level.”

Coach: Tonya Conrad Seniors: ASHLEY LANG, 5-10, f; Shawna Walker, 5-10, f; Felicia Johnson, 5-11, f Juniors: SHELBY SIMPSON, 5-5, g Sophomores: KELSEY SARLES, 5-6, g Freshmen: Allyssa Lang, 5-4, g

Johnston City Johnston City coach Lenny Clark will look to rebuild after losing three starters, including leading scorer and rebounder Emily Mouyard, from last year’s squad that finished 14-11 overall and 7-3 in the conference.

“We are going to be a very young team,” Clark said. “It is hard to say how we will match up in the conference. We may suffer some growing pains, but the kids feel good with what they have accomplished, and given time they feel that they will be able to compete against anyone.”

Clark will look to Carley Bunting and Marissa Montgomery to provide leadership.

Coach: Lenny Clark Seniors: Samantha Payne, 5-5, g; Jasalyne Beal, 5-8, f Juniors: MARISSA MONTGOMERY, 5-6, g; CARLEY BUNTING, 5-8, f; April Richarson 5-6, g Sophomores: Ashley Smith, 5-4, g; Bret South, 5-5, f; Breanna Pitchers, 5-5, g Freshmen: Rowdee Sanders, 5-5; f; Destinee Lawrence, 5-4, g; Jessa Thomas, 5-7, f; Kelsie Nagrodski, 5-5, g; Allison Smiley, 5-5, g

Hamilton County Hamilton County coach Clint Winemiller will look to reverse the

fortunes of a Lady Foxes team that finished 7-19 a year ago but saw eight of those losses come by six points or less.

“We took some lumps early,” Winemiller said.

“After Christmas, we started to play very competitive basketball.

We just kept coming up short in the end.”

Sophomore guard Laci Laughard, who started every game as a freshman, and seniors Alexis York, the team’s best defensive player, and Cathy Martin, who gives the Lady Foxes a good inside presence return.

Coach: Clint Winemiller Seniors: ALEXIS YORK, 5-7, g; CATHY MARTIN, 5-10, c; Lindsey Ojala, 5-3, g Juniors: Krystal Knight, 5-7, g; Anna Moreton, 5-8, g; Natalie Anselment, 5-10, f; Sarah Scott, 5-10, c.

Sophomores: Alyssa Winemiller, 5-6, g; Emma Moreton, 5-9, f; Jaci Gray, 5-6, g; LACI LAUGHARD, 5-8, g; Ali Zachman, 5-6, g; Whitney Craddock, 5-11, c; Marcie Neikamp, 5-8, f, Veronica Gay, 5-8, g

Eldorado Eldorado coach Josh Bradley takes over the helm of a Lady Eagles team that won just two games last year. Bradley has served as the boys junior varsity coach for the last two seasons.

“We are a pretty athletic team that should be much improved over last season,” Bradley said.

Eldorado returns leading scorer and point guard Ame Whitlock, post players Nicole Stout and Dalora Goben and shooting guard Caitlyn Karns, who missed most of last season after suffering a knee injury.

Coach: Josh Bradley Seniors: Ame Whitlcok, 5-5, g; Caitlyn Karns, 5-5 g; Nicole Stout, 5-7, f; Dalora, Goben, 5-7 c Juniors: Emily Cunningham

Good Luck, Carbondale!

Bob Bahr Jr, Agent

MOORE SCRAPBOOKING 210 E. Main St. DuQuoin, IL 618-542-8787

Page 10 Friday, November 20, 2009 The Southern Illinoisan

2015 W. Main St. Suite 6 Carbondale, IL 62901 Bus: 618-457-2113 bob.bahr.by15@statefarm.com

South Egyptian: Boys

BY DEREK CRAIN THE SOUTHERN

Cobden Returning starters Alex Sweitzer and Steve Draper will be the focal point for coach Jeff Shillinger.

“Those are my senior, experienced guys,” he said.

“We’re expecting big things out of guys like Allan Brumleve, who’s also a senior. I’m going to be going with Robby Lehr and Bo Gearhart to also be in the starting lineup.”

Junior Gage Wright and sophomore RJ Millis could see the floor, too.

chael, Lamont Toots and Joppa team has zero returnRayshaun Woodson lead a ing starters, but his roster is deep, but relatively inexpe- rich in juniors and seniors. rienced group of seniors.

“We’re overhauling the starting lineup,” he said.

Coach: Matt Mandrell Seniors: MATT PETERMICHAEL 6-3, c; LAMONT “But I think it’s going to be a TOOTS 6-1, g; RAYSHAUN WOODSON 6-2 g, big improvement upon last Jonathan Delmore 6-2, c; Shawn Heisner 5-10, g; Ramon Mason 5-7, g; Malcomb Love 5-11, f; Marcus year’s team.”

Seniors Andrew Lewis, Romeo 5-10, f.

Juniors: Jhermarien Terry 5-7, g.

Brian Miller and Cody Sophomores: Marcus Marable 6-0, f; Darmez Shelby will be given the role Nelson 5-7, g; Keyonte Woodson 6-2, c. of team leaders. Five others will also compete for time.

Dongola

First-year coach Russ Coach: Don Canada Seniors: Jacob Dummit 6-2, f; Andrew Lewis 5-8, g; Marsh is working to change Matthew Lewis 6-2, f; Brian Miller 5-10, g; Cody Shelby 5-9, g. the team’s image.

Jacob Wolfe 5-8, g. Carson Godfrey 5-9, g; Only Chris Cohin returns Juniors: Colton Lang 6-4, f; Tucker Harris 5-9, g; Dakota from the starting lineup and Parker 6-3, f. the senior guard has a ton of Sophomores: Travis Beck 5-8, g. underclassmen help.

“We’ve got the numbers Meridian Coach: Jeff Shillinger Seniors: STEVE DRAPER 6-3, f; ALEX SWEITZER 5- to compete this year,” Isiah Jones left a hole in Marsh said. “We get better 11, g; Allan Brumleve 5-7, g; Gage Wright 6-1, g. the Meridian starting lineJuniors: Bo Gearhart 6-4, c; Robby Lehr 5-11, g; every day.”

Luz Carmona 5-7, g John Samples, Darin up. But that’s no excuse to Sophomores: RJ Millis 6-1, g; Steve Stadelbacher Freshmen: Greg Marks 5-10, g; Josh Chapman 5-6, Gibson and Tyler Thomp- not win games this season.

“That’s not going to be g; Wes Brunyan 5-6 g. son will see ample minutes. good excuse not to win,” Coach: Russ Marsh coach Jeff Mandrell said.

Century Seniors: CHRIS COHIN 5-9, g. John Samples 5-11, g; Jeffrey Dickson, Zach Zach Dismore 6-1, f.

Tyson Bormann has four Juniors: Darin Gibson 6-1, g; Tanner Lathan 6-0, g; Mitchell and Darian of his five starters back Jordan Chauvan 6-0, g; Dalton Yunker 6-0, f.

Engram have no varsity Austin Hinkle 6-1, g; Jordan Eades 5from last year’s team and Sophomores: experience.

10, g; John Sims 5-8, g; Tyler Thompson 6-0, g. said Century is looking Freshmen: Clay Harris 5-10, g; Brad Ralls 5-7, g; Jeff Mandrell good. Back are seniors Justin Sims 5-3, g; Tyler Adelman 6-3, c, Darius Coach: Seniors: Darian Engram 6-1, f; DEVANTE MCCLUNG Shawere 5-9, g.

Chris Baker, JaRed Clem6-2, f; Zach Mitchell 5-11, f; Jeffrey Dickson 5-10,f; EDRECO AMOS 5-11 g, GREG NESBY 6-1, f; Tim ons, Jacob Wyatt and junior Hackney 5-8, g.

Goreville Josh Wright.

Juniors: Brandon Madison 5-9, g; Brent Kennedy Coach Todd Tripp’s has- 6-0, g.

“I’m looking for big Jerry Johnson 6-2, f. Cameron things from those guys,” four of his everyday starters Sophomores: Ballard 5-10, g. and two more that started Bormann said.

Role players include sen- at least eight games back.

“We were disappointed Shawnee ior Antwawn Sally, junior Ryan Wilson and senior last season,” Tripp said.

Coach Brett Pinnon and “Those guys want more this Shawnee finished 13-15 last Trevor Pullet. season.” year and are looking for Coach: Tyson Boorman Seniors Brandon Poto- much more this season.

Seniors: CHRIS BAKER 6-1, g; JARED CLEMONS 60, g; Trevor Pullet 5-11, g; JACOB WYATT 6-1, f. cki, Martin Powell and “We have four returning Juniors: JOSH WRIGHT 6-1, f.

Sophomores: Joseph Everett 5-8, f; Anthony Tyler Shadowens join jun- starters and a bunch of very iors Kaleb Kinder and Lee hungry guys that see an Kimmins 6-0, c; Chance Butler 6-3, f.

Sopczak in the starting opening for that fifth spot,” lineup.

Pinnon said.

Egyptian Nick Andros (6-6) is the Seniors Tyler Davis, Kyle The Pharoahs are stocked main weapon inside.

Griggs, Tyler Glidewell and with seniors — 10 of Matt Tyler Spurlock will return Mandrell’s players will Coach: Todd Tripp Seniors: Dylan Lile 5-9, g; BRANDON POTOCKI 6-3, to the starting lineup. graduate this spring. He’s f; MARTIN POWELL 6-1, g; TYLER SHADOWENS 5-10, also returning three starters g.

Coach: Brett Pinnon from an 18-win campaign a Juniors: Nick Andros 6-6, f; Kaleb Kinder 6-3, f; LEE Seniors: TYLER DAVIS 6-1, f; KYLE GRIGGS 6-0, g; SPOCZAK 5-11, g; Alex Stout 6-1, f.

Kyle Stevens 6-2, f; TYLER GLIDEWELL 6-0, g. year ago.

Sophomores: Nate Webb 6-1 g.

TYLER SPURLOCK 6-3, f; Greg Smith 6-1, f; Anthony Crane 5-11, g.

“We have the chance to Juniors: Ty McMahon 5-8, g; Dylan Smith 6-1, g; be better than last year,” Greg Shelton 5-9, g.

Joppa Mandrell said.

Sophomores: Andrew Livesay 6-0 g/f.

Coach Don Canada’s Freshmen: Adam Pennington 6-1, g.

Seniors Matt Petermi-

South Egyptian: Girls

BY DEREK CRAIN

Kassi Beasley and Angelic Davis, who took with them the offensive power from last year’s 11-11 team.

“We’re starting over,” coach Latasha Woodson said.

Lakiesha Woodson and guard Lateesha Baquet are back.

THE SOUTHERN

Cobden

After a 27-win season that left Cobden a win short of the Class 1A state tournament, first-year coach Travis Foster is looking for more.

LaTasha Woodson “We don’t want to Coach: Seniors: LAKEISHA WOODSON 5-11, c; LATEESHA become complacent,” he BAQUET 5-8 f, Allison Greene 6-0 c. said. “We had a great year Juniors: Dominique Ross 5-5, g Sophomores: Samantha Hale 5-7, g/f; Saymah last year, and the group we Love 5-6, g/f have back is a group that is Freshmen: Morgan Bugsby 5-8, g/f; Katie used to winning and Heinrich 5-4, g. expects to win. Mediocrity Dongola is not an option.”

Junior Ana Duda, senior Coach Preston Hall has a Taylor Orsburn and senior senior-less roster, but he Mara Hackenthal all does have his leading scorreturn. er from last season, center Emily Terbrak. Dominique Coach: Travis Foster Seniors: TAYLOR ORSBURN 5-5, g; MARA Schauer and Michaela HACKETHAL 5-7, g/f; Katelyn Wiggs 5-5, g.

Penrod are also back.

Juniors: Kayla Quertermouse 5-9, f; ANA DUDA 5“We’ve only got three 6, g; Alysha Bottje 5-7, g; Mariah Piper 5-10, c; juniors on the roster this Jordyn Grey 5-7, g/f.

Sophomores: Bekah Russell 5-7, g; Katie Mowell season,” Hall said.

5-6, g.

Becky Holt and juniors Chelsea Moore and Jodi Century Schultz are also in the mix.

A program-best 15 girls Coach: Preston Hall showed up the first day of Juniors: DOMINIQUE SCHAUER 5-8, f; JODI 5-5, g; Chelsea Moore 5-8, f. practice this year, some- SCHULTZ Sophomores: EMILY TERBRAK 6-0, c; MICHAELA thing coach David Dexter PENROD 5-5, g; Becky Holt 5-9, f. attributes to a winning Freshmen: Hayley Fuller 5-6, g; Katie Latham 57, g/f. program of the past.

“When you win some Goreville games, you get more pubBrittany Hood is gone, licity, and you get more but all is not lost from last numbers,” he said.

Kayla Eddington is year’s 20-win team, as expected to notch her coach Mike Helton returns 1,000th point this season. Shelby Miller, Morgan Cavins and Cayla Harner.

Coach: David Dexter “We have set high goals,” Seniors: SAVANNA BUTLER 5-3 g; ARMETRICE HARRIS 5-10 c; Lauren Franco 5-6, g/f; Morgan Helton said. “We lost more Hubbard 5-7 g/f; Natalie Thurston 5-8 f; Deberana than 23 points a game from Crittendon 5-7, f; Shushya Salley 5-7 f.

Juniors: KALYA EDDINGTON 5-6 g; Tiera Roddy 5- last year.”

6 f.

Caitlyn Parmley is back Sophomores: Lauren Taake 5-9, c; Raven and expected to continue Merryman 5-5, g; Chelsea Ruffo 5-5, g; Kalya her hot shooting from Reagan 5-4, f.

Freshmen: Natalie Hubbard 5-4, g; Jessica Moore beyond the arc.

5-5, g; Kelly Anderson 5-5, g.

Egyptian After losing the majority of their offense from last year, the Lady Pharaohs’ will go back to the drawing board this season.

Gone are Jackie Hacker,

Coach: Mike Helton Seniors: MORGAN CAVINS 5-7 f.

Juniors: CAYLA HARNER 5-7, c; Caityln Parmley 58, g; Jody Wright 5-7 f.

Sophomores: SHELBY MILLER 5-3, g; Rhiannon Pyle 5-5, g; Tiffany Shadowens 5-4, g; Madison Cavins 5-5, g; Chiara Hall 5-6, f; Ashlee Webb 5-3 g.

Joppa Change is abundant this

season for Joppa. Firstyear coach Toby Leonard has already changed the way the Lady Rangers are thinking.

“The confidence from the start of practice to now, in just that short period of time, has increased greatly,” Leonard said.

Coach: Toby Leonard Seniors: JANA COHOON 5-4, g; DESTINY WRIGHT 5-5, g; Brianna Simoneau 5-7, g/f; Ana Atkinson 58, c.

Juniors: KRISTEN SHELBY 5-8, f; Danielle Sharp 5-7, c; Tori Meyer 5-7, f.

Sophomores: Brittany Turner 5-6, g.

Freshmen: Charlie Gilbert 5-7, g.

Meridian Just about everywhere Robert Andrews looks these days, he’s looking at sophomores.

All five of last year’s starters are back from a team that finished the year 16-7, which gives Andrews hope for good things to come this year.

The roster’s lone senior is Iris McElmurray, who will be the go-to player.

Coach: Robert Andrews Seniors: IRISH MCELMURRAY 5-9, f..

Juniors: Brionna Coleman 5-7, g; JAZMINE MEEKS 5-6, g; Danai Lampkin 5-5, g.

Sophomores: TASHA DICKSON 5-4, g; SKYLAR BLAKE 5-3, g; JANE BUSBY 5-10, c; Jamilla Valentine 5-5, f; Kiera Hollis 5-10, c; Kristen Smith 5-8, 5; Sarah Futolmoore 5-4, g; Kabrainnia Amos 5-6, g; Carol Rayford 5-6, g; Tiamoi Wilson 5-0, g.

Freshmen: Rashlindia Earl 5-8, f; Marshalla Cherry 5-5, g.

Shawnee A glance at the Shawnee roster reveals zero changes from last year’s team that finished 6-16. Junior Kaylee Boston is back and healthy after a back injury that cost her most of her sophomore season.

Seniorss Alexa Hileman and Jonnie Ellet are back, and so are Morganne Kennedy and Jessica Reynolds.

Coach: Chad Pitts Seniors: JONNIE ELLET 5-7, f; ALEXA HILEMAN 58, f.

Juniors: MORGANNE KENNEDY 5-6, g; KAYLEE BOSTON 5-7, f Sophomores: JESSICA REYNOLDS 5-5, g; Hayley Murphy 5-0, g; Elena Houston 5-6, f.

Freshmen: Taylor Ellis 5-8, g/f; Ragan Brown 5-7, g/f; Jordan Johnson 5-7, f.

The Southern Illinoisan Friday, November 20, 2009 Page 11

Greater Egyptian:Boys

BY CHUCK HIGHLAND THE SOUTHERN

Thompsonville It will be a learning process for the Tigers this year as junior varsity coach Brandon Chaplain moves up to the varsity level to take over for John Robinson, who stepped down to take a teaching position.

Thompsonville returns no starters from a .500 team last year (15-15).

“Its going to be different for everyone, a learning year, new starters, new coaches and new players,” said Chaplain.

A key player for the Tigers this year will be junior Scott Gaither, who Chaplain looks to lead the team, as well as senior Nick Sullivan.

Coach: Brandon Chaplain Seniors: Nick Sullivan 6-4, c; Brandon Orrill 6-4, c; Chris Lunde 6-1, f.

Juniors: Zack Fisher 6-1, f; Zack Lindsey 5-10, g; Dale Pack 6-0, f; Scott Gaither 5-9, g; Austin Mezo 6-0, g; Riley Taylor 5-11, g; Kaleb Costello 5-10, g; Justin Orrill 6-1, f.

Freshmen: Derrick Bickel 5-10, g; Brady Householder 5-7, g.

Carrier Mills The Wildcats will be relying on some underclassmen to make a run at a fifth straight conference title, but the cupboard is not completely bare in Carrier Mills.

The Wildcats return two starters (seniors Wyatt Kirkland and Jordan Miller) from last year’s 26-5 team that advanced to the sectional championship and lost to Okawville.

“We lost a lot of size from last year. A lot of the kids on the JV squad that went undefeated last year can step up,” said Carrier Mills coach Mark Motsinger.

The Wildcats were hit with a blow before the season started when they found out Jalen Stewart, a potential starter, was

transferring to Harrisburg two weeks into the school year.

Coach: Mark Motsinger Seniors: WYATT KIRKLAND 6-0, g; JORDAN MILLER 5-7, g; Chase Craig 6-0, g; Rae Ward 5-11, f; Jordan Jackson 6-2, c-f, Aaron Gregory 5-10, g.

Juniors: Dillan Harrison 5-11, g; J.R. Brown 5-11, f; Josh Smith 6-3, c-f.

Sophomores: Colin Crim 5-9, g; Gabe Morgan 63, g; Dathan Taborn 5-7, g; Jordan Walker 6-2, f.

Freshmen: Josh Bailey 5-8, g.

Crab Orchard Crab Orchard coach Jon Brown hopes youth will be served as the Trojans return three starters from last year’s 17-13 squad; Ben Kissing, (sophomore center), Adam Perry (senior forward); and Drew Johnson (sophomore point guard).

The Trojans will be relatively young this season, as two freshmen started last year.

Seniors Lorence Killen and Adam Perry return for their final season and will be key for the Trojans in their quest to win a GEC title.

Coach: Jon Brown Seniors: ADAM PERRY 5-10, f; LORENCE KILLEN 60, g.

Juniors: Brandon Boester 5-11, f; Jordan McGuire 5-11, f; Dylan Hutson 5-9, g; Adam Emery 5-4, g.

Sophomores: BEN KISSING 6-4, c; DREW JOHNSON 5-9, g; Coty Wece 5-4, g; Josh Dorries 61, f.

Freshmen: Luke Barwick 5-10, f; Clint Emery 5-8, f.

Hardin County First-year coach Brett Oxford enters his rookie campaign with a lot of enthusiasm as the Cougars return two starters from last year’s .500 campaign (seniors Ryan Davis and Dylan Davis).

“We are going to concentrate on defense. We don’t have a lot of size and we are going to concentrate on stopping the other team from scoring,” said Oxford, who has been on the job only a few weeks.

Coach: Brett Oxford Seniors: DYLAN DAVIS, 6-1, f; RYAN DAVIS, 6-1, f; Chas Paskon, 6-2, f.

Juniors: Austin German, 5-9, g.

Sophomores: Garrett Flemming, 5-7, g; Brandon Flemming, 5-11, f; Corey Hobbs, 5-10, g, Joe

McClanahan, 6-3, f; Tony Parkinson, 5-9, g; Garrett Hayes, 5-10, g; Kyle Hollaman, 5-9, g.

Freshmen: Braden Cook, 5-9, g.

NCOE Coach Doug Miller returns two starters (seniors Jordan Weiss and Cody Etienne) from a 20-10 campaign but will have a different look.

“We will be smaller and quicker and have to play good defense in order to win and find ways to crash the boards and box out. We need good, balanced scoring as well,” said Miller.

Miller will also look to senior Seth Short, who started at times last year, as well as fellow senior Matt Kerns.

Coach: Doug Miller Seniors: Seth Short 5-9, g; Matt Kerns 6-4, c; CODY ETIENNE 5-10, g; JORDAN WEISS 5-10, g; Kyle Brown 5-11, f.

Juniors: Quinten Halfacre 6-1, f; Kody Sutton 5-9, g; Kalin Brinkley 5-9, f; Randy Stecyk 5-11, f.

Freshmen: Justin Knight 6-1, f; Seth Halfacre 6-3, c; Jordan Gwaltney 5-6, g.

Gallatin County Patience might be the key at Gallatin County, as the Hawks return two starters from a team that went 7-18 last year.

“We have to be patient. A lot of underclassmen are going to see a lot of playing time,” said Gallatin County coach Robert “Radar” Patton.

Seniors Jared Hunt, who averaged 17 points a game last year, and Brody Lowery, who averaged 10 points and 10 rebounds, return.

Patton said Drake Russell, along with sophomores Caleb Jones, Bryant Aud, freshmen Dane Hish and 6-9, 275-pound Andrew Drone will see a lot of playing time.

Coach: Robert “Radar” Patton Seniors: JARED HUNT 6-0, g; BRODY LOWERY 59, g-f; Drake Russell 5-6, g; Andrew Van 6-1, c.

Juniors: Shane Hall 5-9, g; Adam Westbrook 6-2, f.

Sophomores: Bryant Aud 5-9, g; Andrew Cox 6-1, f; Caleb Jones 5-10, f; Drake Patton 6-0, f; Jonathan Rigsby 6-1, f.

Freshmen: Daine Hish 5-9, g; Patrick Lowe 6-2, f;

Page 12 Friday, November 20, 2009 The Southern Illinoisan

Greater Egyptian: Girls Andrew Drone 6-9, c; Anthony Storto 5-9, g.

BY CHUCK HIGHLAND THE SOUTHERN

Galatia Coach Bob Belford returns three starters from a team that went 11-15 last season. Among those starters are senior Joey Cullum, who averaged 8.5 rebounds per game; junior Denton Reed, who averaged 14.5 points per game: and Kobe Watson, who averaged 13.5 points per game.

“We have to keep it at our tempo, an up-tempo style.

We have to have rebounding, people to fill out spots, ball handling, and we’re looking for guard play,” said Belford.

Among the three players who will see time at the guard spots for the Bearcats are Kody Tennison — who Belford said handles the ball well and plays good defense — Tyler McCormick and Clayton Baggett.

Coach: Bob Belford Seniors: KOBE WATSON 6-1, g; JOEY CULLUM 6-3, c.

Juniors: DENTON REED 5-11, g; Clayton Baggett 63, f; Kody Tennison 5-9, g; Tyler McCormick 6-3, f; Damon Jackson 6-0, f; James Lynn 5-11, f.

Sophomores: Josh Moore 5-11, g; Travis Bond 59, g; Shay Flowers 5-11, f; Ben Genet 6-0, g.

Freshmen: Dakota Manning 5-8, g.

Pope County The Pirates got a late start this season as firstyear coach Donn Gines was hired late to replace David Roberts.

Gines was a softball coach at the college level, coaching at Lewisburg, N.C., from 2005 to 2008 and was at John A. Logan College from 1993 to 2003.

“We're trying to get the program on a strong foundation,” said Gines.

Coach: Donn Gines Seniors: Kyle Bernard 5-10, g; Jake Butler 5-11, f.

Juniors: Stephen Simmons 6-2, f; Cole Jackson 510, g; Brody Twomey 5-7, f.

Sophomores: Tevis Sandefur 5-9, g; Timmy Broadway 5-10, f.

Freshmen: Corey Risen 5-11, f; Bruce Dunlap 5-9, f; Tyler Thompson 5-5, g; Kyle Wise 5-4, g; Adam Schuhardt 5-1, g; Corey Kennebrew 5-8, f.

Hardin County Second-year coach Holly Comer is looking to revive interest in the Cougars program that was resurrected last year.

“It’s the first year we’d had a team in a while,” she said. “We’re having a hard time getting girls to come out, and we don’t know what to expect. We’re trying to build our program back.”

Hardin County will have just eight players this season, including returning starters junior Kelsey McDowell and sophomores Jaclyn Kingsley and Lauryn Patton.

Coach: Holly Comer Juniors: KELSEY MCDOWELL; Becky Flynn.

Sophomores: LAURYN PATTON, Leah Patton, JACLYN KINGSLEY, Briana Lewis Freshmen: Kylie Jones, Krista Rokosh

Gallatin County The Lady Hawks return two starters from a team that went 16-15 last season, good for second in the GEC. Gallatin County placed third in the conference tournament.

The returning starters are sophomore Casey Crissup and senior Kasey Glover.

“I do expect big things from Glover and Crissup,” said Gallatin County coach Shane Patton. “We’re going to need them to average double figures and then some.”

Coach: Shane Patton Seniors: KASEY GLOVER, 5-7 g; Erika Brown, 5-7 g.

Juniors: Taylor Williford, 5-9, c.

Sophomores: Rebecca Bourland, 5-4 g; CASEY CRISSUP, 5-3 g; Chelsea Goodman, 5-7 f; Marie Tipton ,5-6 f; Lanna Walters, 5-5 g-f Freshmen: Cailyn Wead 5-5, g; Kacy Speer, 5-3. g; Kassi Duvall 5-7, c; Emily Logsdon 5-8, c; Haley Margenthaler, 5-3, g; Makenzie Prince 5-6, f; Lexi Prince, 5-5 g.

Pope County Jessi Hall enters her first season at the helm of the Lady Pirates with a lot of

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

Pope County’s Brooklyn Vaughn shoots a 3-pointer.

optimism. Before coming to Pope County, she volunteered for softball and coached junior high volleyball at Harrisburg.

The only returning starter for Pope County is senior Brooklyn Vaughn, whom Hall looks to as the key player this year.

“We need to keep our dedication up and the good work ethic,” she said.

Coach: Jessi Hall Seniors: BROOKLYN VAUGHN 5-8, g; Katie Wise 5-0, g; Shavon Crim 5-3, g.

Sophomores: Ashley Morris, 5-9, f; Sarah Ferguson 5-9, f.

Freshmen: Ashley Bowles, 5-8, f; Audrey Harris, 5-3, g; Sarah Maynor, 5-6, g; Sammie Valestin, 56, f.

GalatiaThompsonville This will be a rebuilding year for Rod Harris and the Lady Bearcats.

Lilly Allen, a 5-foot-6 senior guard, is the only returnee from last year’s 12-12 squad.

“We are in a rebuilding year,” Harris said. “I have a lot of freshmen coming up.

Lilly will be the leader on the floor.”

Hannah Cockrum, a 5-5 junior, filled the sixth man role last year.

Coach: Rod Harris Seniors: LILLY ALLEN, 5-6, g; Jessica Sweet, 5-7, f.

J u n i o r s : Hannah Cockrum, 5-5, f; Amanda Gardner, 5-4, g; Kandi Gullic, 5-10, f; Brandi Pritchett, 5-7, f; Macy Laws, 5-7, f.

Sophomores: Stormy Fitzpatrick, 5-6, g.

Freshmen: Tayler Sweet, 5-4, g.

South Seven: Boys

BY GEARY DENISTON

agilities and is challenging for a post spot. Also challenging him for that spot is Brandon Reno.”

Carbondale Juniors Tyrone Davis and Carbondale finished Carl Borgsmiller are also in 19-12 and tied for fourth the mix for a starting job.

(4-6) in the South Seven Conference last year. The Coach: Jim Miller iors: Donnie Bryant, 5-9, g; Aaron Grigsby, 6-0, Terriers got hot in the post- g;SenHalston Lewis, 6-0, g; Devonte Ramey, 6-2, f; season, knocking off con- Brandon Reno, 6-4, f. ference champion Centralia Juniors: Carl Borgsmiller, 6-2, f; Tyrone Davis, 5-10, g; TYSHAD NEAL, 5-10, g; CONNOR WHEELER, 5-11, to win the regional before g. losing to Belleville Althoff in the sectional title game.

Marion Coach Jim Miller returns Last year, Marion finonly two starters in junior point guard Connor ished 18-12 but had a rough Wheeler and junior shoot- go in the South Seven, ending guard Tyshad Neal ing up tied with Cahokia for while losing five seniors, last place at 3-7.

“We had a good year winincluding starters Lafiet McDade, Charles Woodson ning 18 games, but we lost some close games in the and Matt Blaise.

“Connor and Ty have conference,” coach Aaron been starters since they Mattox said. “This year, we were freshmen,” Miller probably have more size said.

“They’ve been and speed than what we’ve through everything possi- had, and this is as talented a ble. Their first year was a group as we’ve had come struggle, and last year, I through here. All they need think we surprised some is experience.”

Mattox lost two of his people by being so competstarters, wing guards itive.”

Fighting for the other Dustin Knight and Brandon three starting jobs will be Woods, and five other sensenior Halston Lewis, jun- iors to graduation, and then ior Bruce Day and senior lost returning center and leading scorer senior Nick Brandon Reno “We really don’t have our Lewis to an injury during lineup set,” Miller said. the football season.

“Nick tore his knee,” “Halston is showing leadership and is challenging Mattox said. “He’s rehabfor a wing spot for us. Bruce bing right now, and hopeDay has worked in the fully, he’ll be back at the weight room and on his end of the season. He’s the THE SOUTHERN

South Seven: Girls

first first-team all-conference player we’ve had in 20 years and he has to miss the bulk of our season.”

The other returning starters are senior point guard Isaiah Powe and junior forward Aaron Adeoye.

The new starters may be senior Tim Mieldezis at guard, junior Jeff Clark at guard and senior Bryan Waldrop replacing Lewis at center.

Coach: Aaron Mattox Seniors: NICK LEWIS, 6-6, c; Tim Mieldezis, 5-10, g; ISAIAH POWE, 5-10, g; Lavelle Simon, 6-6, c; Riley Swinford, 6-4, f; Bryan Waldrop, 6-5, c.

Juniors: AARON ADEOYE, 6-6, f; Jeff Clark, 6-1, g; Blake Gibbons, 5-8, g; Devante Payne, 6-2, f; Doug Plummer, 5-6, g; Stephan Sullivan, 6-3, f; Troy Stucky, 6-0, g.

Sophomores: Jerrod Ellis, 6-7, f; Cody Luckett, 6-0, g; Edward Webb, 5-10, g.

Belleville Althoff Belleville Althoff had a banner season, finishing 24-8 and advancing to the Class 3A super-sectional before losing to eventual champion Champaign Centennial, 65-60. In the South Seven, the Crusaders finished third at 5-5.

“We started clicking toward the tail end of the season,” coach Greg Leib said. “A big piece of that was Ed Fink finally getting healthy after suffering from football injuries. He gave us a spark when we lost reserve 6-7 forward Will Lawson with a knee.”

BY GEARY DENISTON FOR THE SOUTHERN

Mount Vernon There will be a new face coaching the Lady Rams this year with assistant coach Jeff Lonnon taking over for legendary coach Sara Rennie, who retired after 33 years, 603 wins, 20 regional and three sectional titles.

“It’s very exciting to get back in the saddle after being an assistant here for five years,” Lonnon said.

“Before that, I was head coach for nine years at Anna, Edwards County and Benton.”

Lonnon lost just one starter — Mariah Fleming graduated as the all-time leading scorer at Mount Vernon. The returning starters are senior center

Jacquelyn Backstrom, senior guard Moriah Kirkpatrick, junior guard Ronita Long and junior guard Haley Randolph.

Coach: Jeff Lonnon Seniors: JACQUELYN BACKSTROM, 5-8, c; Janie Conner, 5-4, g; MORIAH KIRKPATRICK, 5-6, g; Erica Opalecky, 5-8, g; Sara Palmer, 5-8, c.

Juniors: RONITA LONG, 5-6, g; HALEY RANDOLPH, 5-7, g; Alli Reed, 5-8, c; Alaina Reeves, 5-6, g; Lexie Shoemaker, 5-4, g.

S o p h o m o r e s : Jessica Green, 5-5, g; Brenae Hallum, 5-10, c; Cheyenne Piper, 5-7, g; Morgan Zadalis, 5-11, c.

Belleville Althoff Belleville Althoff continued its dominance by sweeping the South Seven Conference for the second straight year and winning the title for the fifth straight season. The Crusaders lost in the regional finals and finished 22-4.

“We are going to have some good shooters and

hopefully an inside game,” coach Lori Crunk said.

“Amarah (Brooks) has gotten a lot better and, of course, Jordyne (Crunk) and Jaz (Hill) are going to be on their ‘A’ game. We are going to try to run the ball a lot more this year. We will press in our normal manto-man style.”

Coach: Lori Crunk Seniors: JORDYNE CRUNK, 5-10, g; JAZMIN HILL, 53, g.

Juniors: AMARAH BROOKS-WILLIAMS, 6-2, c; Kayla Panzau, 5-4, g; JANEL WHITWORTH, 5-9, g.

Sophomores: Abby Allard, 5-3, g; Madelin Shoen, 5-11, f; Alece Shumpert, 5-9, f.

Freshmen: Kaitlin Gulley, 5-7, g; Whitney Harris, 62, c/f; Jasmine Stubblefield, 5-6, g.

Cahokia Cahokia is a coming off an 11-13 season and fifth place (2-8) in the conference. Coach Fred Dancy brings back four starters SEE GIRLS / PAGE 14

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The Southern Illinoisan Friday, November 20, 2009 Page 13

GIRLS: South Seven led by Belleville Althoff FROM PAGE 13 from last year and has some talent younger players ready to challenge for starting jobs.

“Last year, we lost a few close games that could have went either way,” Dancy said. The returning starters are senior point guard Patria Hill, senior shooting guard Kandice Travis, junior center Whitney Henderson and junior forward Fredricka Walker.

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kids who can get to the basket.”

Fulk, freshman Sarah Goodale, sophomore Elaina Robinson, junior Maggie Golz and sophomore Loren Scott will be battling for the three guard spots.

Alexa Miller, junior Nikki Williams and sophomore Ryley Miller will be competing at forward while junior Lacey Armit and freshman Bobbie Harris are battling at center.

Coach: Fred Dancy Seniors: PATRIA HILL, 5-6, g; C.J. Jenkins, 5-5, g; Nikia Lovett, 5-8, g; KANDICE TRAVIS, 5-8, g.

J u n i o r s : Carmella Collier, 5-10, f; WHITNEY HENDERSON, 5-11, f; Jessica Long, 6-0, c; Jasmine Prather, 5-6, g; FREDRICKA WALKER, 5-10, f; Amber Williams, 5-6, g.

S o p h o m o r e s : Machalia Dew, 5-9, f; Shaneice Manuel, 5-4, g; Diamond Suggs, 5-10, g.

Coach: Marialice Jenkins Seniors: Marissa Fulk, 5-6, g; Alexa Miller, 5-8, g/f; Emily True, 5-8, f/c.

Juniors: Lacey Armit, 5-8, f/c; Maggie Golz, 5-7, g/f; Remie Harkins, 5-6, g; Dominique Wierth, 5-5, g; Nikki Williams, 5-8, f;c.

Sophomores: Ryley Miller, 5-7, f; Elaina Robinson, 58, g; Loren Scott, 5-6, g.

Freshmen: Sarah Goodale, 5-8, g/f; Bobbie Harris, 5-8, f/c.

Carbondale

Marion

The Terriers had a good run with the group of eight seniors that had played together for four years ending with a 20-8 record and their first regional title since 1981. But this year, coach Marialice Jenkins will have to start all over again with five new starters and new girls coming off the bench.

“The last couple years we’ve had a pretty set roster, and people knew their roles,” Jenkins said. “This year we are still very solid at the shooting guard position and will probably shoot the 3-ball more than in the past. We also have some

The Wildcats finished last in the South Seven Conference at 1-9 and 1018 overall. During the offseason, coach Saeward Mattox resigned, and men’s assistant coach Jeff Tarlton became the new coach.

“I though it would be a big difference, but when you get down to it, basketball is basketball,” Tarlton said. “We had 25 kids come out for the team, and the girls we kept work really hard, and that’s what I expect from them.”

Tarlton will have almost a new lineup with the decision of guards Cassie and Ashleigh Rushing and

starting center Jasmine Garnett to not return for their senior years.

Leading scorer Lindsay Lenon is back as is the other starting guard junior Mallori Chamness. Senior Michelle Lazorchak is also back at center as are senior forward Amanda Crump and sophomore guard Ieasha Clark.

Coach: Jeff Tarlton S e n i o r s : Amanda Crump, 5-10, f; MICHELLE LAZORCHAK, 6-0, c; Dinah Wyatt, 5-5, g.

J u n i o r s : Keri Boardmen, 5-10, f/c; MALLORI CHAMNESS, 5-5, g; LINDSAY LENON, 5-7, g; Brittany Rooney, 5-9, f.

Sophomores: Kayla Baker, 5-6, g/f; Alycia Best, 5-4, g; Ieasha Clark, 5-2, g; Savannah Howard, 5-10, c; Lisa Ondo, 5-8, f; Chastity Robinson, 5-6, g/f; Taylor Simmerman, 5-7, g/f; Mistiree Stanley, 5-4, g.

Freshmen: Zhate’ Jackson, 5-4, g.

Centralia The Orphan Annies were 12-15 last year and third in the South Seven with a 5-5 record.

“After new year’s, we righted the ship winning nine out of next 12,”said Centralia coach Roger Stieg.

Stieg returns Hannah Shores, Sammy Gierten and Imari O’Neal.

Expected to step into the starting lineup are Ciera Cunningham and Sadie Taylor.

Coach: Roger Stieg S e n i o r s : Ciera Cunningham, 5-9, c/f; SAMMY GIERTEN, 5-7, f; IMARI O’NEAL, 5-6, f.

Juniors: Lindsey Branson, 5-6, g; Lainey Evichi, 5-8, f; Caitlin Hermeling, 5-6, g; HANNAH SHORES, 5-7, g; Sadie Taylor, 5-9, f/c; Shamirah Willis, 5-5, g.

Sophomores: Khadija Brown-Haywood, 5-6, g; Ashton Doza, 5-8, f; Darryl Lusch, 5-7, f.

GOOD LUCK To All Our High School Basketball Teams

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Woodlawn

FOR THE SOUTHERN

FOR THE SOUTHERN

Seniors: Samantha Grawe, 5-6, g; EMILY WALKER, Coach Eric Helbig has 5-8, g/f. three juniors and two Juniors: Tiffany Aarns, 5-7, f; Samantha Harlan, 5sophomores with experi- 4,Sopg.hmores: Kati Funderburk, 5-5, g; Jenna Huels, ence and a talented fresh- 5-6, g; Courtney Kern, 5-7, g/f; Hayley Purcell, 5-9, f. man.

Freshmen: Jessica Beckmann, 5-10, f/c; Sarah The new starting unit Haake, 5-9, f; Sedriana Harris, 5-8, f; Paige Rakers, will be sophomore Leah 5-10, g; Taylor Rose, 5-5, g; Shaylin Tate, 5-7, g.

Sutton at point guard, freshman Alexa Capps at Christ Our Savior shooting guard, sophomore Kinzie Verhines at Lutheran small forward, junior The returning starters Mallory Hapeman at are senior point guard strong forward and Lynley Mayer, senior cenWhitney Lowery at center. ter Amanda Hipp and sophomore forward Naomi Coach: Eric Helbig Juniors: Mallory Hapeman, 5-9, f; Whitney Lowery, Mehring.

5-10, c; Taylor Renaud, 5-7, f.

“Last year, Amanda Sophomores: Leah Sutton, 5-8, g; Kinzie Verhines, became our all-time lead5-7, g.

Freshmen: Alexa Capps, 5-5, g. ing rebounder,” Carroll said.

Witges, Gavin Bassett and starting over after losing Joseph Lewis return. Cody seven players including four Thompson is back after starters. missing last season.

Root has a young team Woodlawn with only two seniors, Kyle Denault Woodlawn is coming off CSeonaciohr:sMichael : GAVIN BASSETT, 6-4, f; JOSEPH LEWIS, 6- Langa and Phillip O’Dell. its best season in school 4, f; Dylan Johnson, 6-0, g; Cody Thompson, 6-4, c; Root history, going 30-2 and fin- BROCK WHEATLEY, 6-0, g; SKYLER WITGES, 6-3, g. CSeonaciohr:sSam : Kyle Langa, 6-0, f; Phillip O’Dell, 5-10, f.

Juniors: Bryce Askew 5-10, g; Travis Beppler, 5-11, g; ishing second in the state in Levi Kabat, 5-4, g; Brandon McCoy, 5-10, f; Luke Juniors: Phillip Bodendieck 5-9, g; Ethan Gowler, 59, g.

Stanhouse, 6-1, f.

Class 1A. Sophomores: Eric Alvis, 5-10, g; Issac Lowery, 6-0, “It was a magical season,” f; Travis Stamp, 5-8, g.

Freshmen: Koaltin Dye, 5-11, f; Ty Henderson, 6-2, f; coach Shane Witzel said.

Cairo Anthony Dueul, 5-8, g.

Witzel returns three Cocah Tommy Ellis took starters but has to replace over a Cairo program last Christ Our Savior Kyle Boldt, Jase Green and year and doubled its wins Lutheran Bronson Verhines.

Returning starters are by posting a 10-14 record.

Coach Jim Carroll takes Dawson Verhines, Casey The only returning starters over the team this year. are Arthur Williams and Hammond and Josh Wiggs.

Carroll has four returnLee Wright.

Coach: Shane Witzel ing starters in Cory Rahn Seniors: John Cavender, 5-10, g; Kirk Dunbar, 6-1, g; Coach: Tommy Ellis and Ben Boeder, Nathan CASEY HAMMOND, 5-11, g; Bryan Johnson, 6-0, f; Seniors: Demetrius Hill, 6-1, f/g; Derrick Dortch, 61, c; ARTHUR WILLIAMS, 6-7, f/c; Rodney Woodson, Denney and Corey Rehmer.

Christian McNeil, 6-1, f.

Juniors: DAWSON VERHINES, 6-2, g; JOSH WIGGS, 6-7, c.

Steeleville

5-11, g; LEE WRIGHT, 6-4, f.

Juniors: Hershel Graham, 6-2, f; Mark Jones, 5-11, g; Darwin Smith, 6-0, f; Isiah Thomas, 6-3, f.

S o p h o m o r e s : Alan Cruthird, 6-3, c; Nekuma Johnson, 6-2, f/g; Cori Williams, 5-5, g.

Freshmen: Darius Brown, 6-2, f; Devin Mayfield, 59, g; Lamont Young, 6-1, c.

Gerald Mumbower begins his first season at the helm of in for the Warriors. He has two starters back in Carlyle Andrew Pokrzywinksi and Carlyle went 6-25 last Colin Smith. year and tied for last at 1-9 in the Mississippi Division Coach: Gerald Mumbower Seniors: Josh Diercks, 5-7, g. of the Cahokia ConfJuniors: Kris Beshears, 5-10, g; Torrey Gerberding, erence. Only Jordan Smith 6-2, g; Keith Hamilton, 5-11, g; ANDREW POKRZYWINSKI, 5-10, g; Nick Porter, 5-10, g; Coire returns.

Reel, 6-4, c; COLIN SMITH, 6-1, f; Joey Whittenbrink, 5-10, g; Jeremy Wilson, 5-11, f.

Sophomores: Jacob Combs, 5-9, g; Jeff Wilson, 6-2, f.

Freshmen: Darin Winkelman, 6-1, f.

Waltonville Michael Denault’s team went 19-10 and advanced to the regional semifinals.

Brock Wheatley, Skyler

Coach: Andy Palmer Seniors: Charles Cannon, 6-1, g; Brock Dickerson, 510, g; Kyle Fulton, 6-4, c; Scott Huels, 6-0, g; Zach Huels, 5-10, g; Bryn Rueter, 6-2, f.

Juniors: Jared Linton, 5-8, g.

S o p h o m o r e s : Hunter Hartung, 6-2, f; Jordan Ledbetter, 6-0, g; JORDAN SMITH, 5-11, g.

Freshmen: Tyson Boehne, 5-9, g; Cody Huels, 5-9, g.

Webber Township Coach Sam Root will be

Coach: Jim Carroll Seniors: BEN BOEDER, 6-3, c; COREY RAHN, 6-0, g; Daniel Mehring, 6-0, g.

Juniors: NATHAN DENNEY, 6-1, f/g.

Sophomores: CORY REHMER, 6-1, f; Eric Jolly, 5-7, g.

Okawville Okawville is coming off an 18-15 season in which the Rockets won their second straight Class 1A regional and sectional titles.

“Our schedule prepares us for the postseason,” coach Jon Kraus said.

Coach: Jon Kraus Seniors: TYLER BRAMMEIER, 6-4, f; Bryan Buss, 61, f; Jacob Frederking, 6-4, f; Justin Lohman, 6-4, f/g, Branden Ostendorf, 6-4, f.

Juniors: Cameron Obermeier, 6-2, g; Brandon Wisneski, 5-8, g.

S o p h o m o r e s : Brandon Buss, 6-0, f; Austin Schwankhaus, 5-7, g; Taylor Walton, 6-2, f.

Freshmen: Ryan Burrough, 6-0, g; Jeremy Weeke, 6-1,f.

Steeleville Coach Darryl Winkelman and 11 young women will hold the honor of being the first Steeleville girls basketball team in school history after years of co-oping with Trico.

“Most of these girls haven’t played organized ball in a couple years,” Winkelman said.

Coach: Darryl Winkelman Seniors: Megan Lalis, 6-0, c.

Juniors: Ali Byer, 5-4, f; Ashley Mines, 5-2, g; Jill Winkelman, 5-9, f.

Sophomores: Nicola Foote, 5-7, c; Morgan Lindner, 5-5, f; Natalie Ruebke, 5-5, g; Kelsey Wright, 5-5, f.

Freshmen: Alex Gale, 5-6, f; Tara Stoffel, 5-2, g; Kassee Theobald, 5-3, g.

Webber Township Webber Township joined the Midland Trail Conference and finished 16-8.

“Last year’s team was led by the four seniors who, in my opinion, was one of the most talented groups to play for Webber at the same time,” said new coach Josh Smith.

Smith has juniors Shelby Elliston and Hailey Martin returning.

Coach: Josh Smith Seniors: Shanna Lumpkins, 5-5, g.

Juniors: Cailee Dobbs, 5-5, g; SHELBY ELLISTON, 58, f/c; Chelsea Laird, 5-6, g; HAILEY MARTIN, 5-7, f/c; Christina McLaughlin, 5-8, f; Danielle Snow, 57, f/g.

Sophomores: Corie Ballard, 5-7, f/c; Candance Bodendien, 5-4, g; Tiffany Scott, 5-6, g; Shelbey Walker, 5-5, g.

Freshman: Calee Alvis, 5-6, g; Courtney Girvan, 58, f.

Cairo Cairo is coming off a year where the Co-Pilots went 14-5.

Returning starters are Ortres Bridges and Crystal Woods.

Coach: Jim Drew Se n iors : Jamika McCallister, 5-9, f; CRYSTAL WOODS, 5-9, c; Amia Wright, 5-9, f.

Sophomores: ORTRES BRIDGES, 5-8, g; Shalice Gardner, 5-5, g.

Coach: Dan Weihe

Coach: Jim Carroll Seniors: AMANDA HIPP, 5-11, c; LYNLEY MAYER, 56, g.

Juniors: Bailey Jackson, 5-4, g; Callie Jackson, 5-4, g.

Sophomores: NAOMI MEHRING, 5-10, f.

Freshmen: Katie Kirkham, 5-9, f; Hannah Ruez, 510, f.

Okawville

Michelle HasheiderBurianek takes over the reins of the team from Kathy Lanter.

The only returning Carlyle starter is senior point Coach Dan Weihe has guard Ashlyn Brammeier. only one returning starter Coach: Michelle Hasheider-Burianek — Emily Walker. His only Seniors: Sarah Bixby, 5-4, g: ASHLYN BRAMMEIER, other senior is guard 5-6, g; Nicole Fisher, 5-7, g; Michelle Nobe, 5-10, c J u n i o r s : Morgan Burrough, 5-6, g, 5-10, g/f; Samantha Grawe.

Melissa Frederking, 5-9, f; Courtney Lintker, 5-8, “Emily is a good shooter g/f; Hillary Schuette, 5-4, g and has really stepped up Sophomores: Hannah Boergkoetter, 5-10, g/f; Alyssa Brammiers, 6-1, c; Alexis Lintker, 5-11, f/c as a team leader,” Weihe Freshmen: Janessa Clary, 5-9, g/f; Jolyn Lake, 5-5, g; Megan Wienstroer, 5-9, g/f said.

BOYS: Carbondale and Marion look to stay competitive against tough teams in the South Seven FROM PAGE 13

MUMPHORD, 5-5, g.

Juniors: Tyler Francis, 6-3, g; David Franklin, 6-4, g/f; CARSON SONNEBERG, 6-5, f.

Coach: Darian Nash S e n i o r s : KHYREE BECKLEY, 5-9, g; Demeiko Broaden, 6-0, g; Jimmie Hunt, 6-4, g; Patrick Ivy, 64, f/g; JARRION NORRIS, 6-6, f/c; JAVION SPENCER, 6-3, g/f.

Juniors: Josh Bell, 6-4, f/c; Nehemiah Greenlee, 65, c; Michael Holmes, 6-3, g.

Freshmen: Lorenzo Jennings, 6-0, g; Keanan Minor, 6-2, f.

Leib returns all five starters and nine seniors Cahokia overall, along with three Cahokia went 12-10 last juniors. They are Alex Mumphord, Devin Griffith, year and finished tied for Sam Hanger, Joe Harms and last in the conference at 3-7.

Coach Darian Nash lost Centralia Carson Sonneberg. three seniors and two Centralia is the defending Coach: Greg Leib starters in four-year starter S e n i o r s : Brooks Bash, 6-2, g; Ed Fink, 6-5, f; forward/guard two-time South Seven Dominic Jordan Greene, 5-7, g; DEVIN GRIFFITH, 6-1, g; SAM HANGER, 6-2, g; JOE HARMS, 6-9, c; Ryan Embrey and center Fred champion after going 9-1 last year and 25-5 overall.

Maitland, 6-4, f/c; Pat McGlynn, 5-8, g; ALEX Jones.

However, the Orphans sea- Sophomores: Daniel Westbrook, 5-9, g. son came to a premature end when Carbondale Mount Vernon beat them in the regional Mount Vernon is coming finals. off a good year, finishBennett returns two ing second in the South starters in R.J. Kwiatkowski Seven Conference with a and Hiram Muhammad.

6-4 record and 18-10 overCoach: Lee Bennett all.

Seniors: Brandon Buchannan, 6-4, f; Zach Jones, 6The Rams lost in the first 0, g/f.

Juniors: DeMarius Dabney, 5-10, g; Alex Fitch, 6-2, f; round of the regionals to R.J. KWIATKOWSKI, 6-2, g, Mark McConnaughay, 6Carbondale.

2, f; HIRAM MUHAMMAD, 6-1, f; Tyler Obermeier, 6The only returning starter 3, f; Desi Rush, 5-9, g.

is Kellin Edwards, who started the last 10 games.

This year the junior will be replacing Bryce Kujawa at shooting guard.

Coach: Scott Gamber Seniors: Eric Fowler, 6-2, g; Logan Murphy, 6-3, g; Ashtun Rush, 6-2, c.

Juniors: Davonte Brooks, 5-9, g; KELLIN EDWARDS, 6-0, g; Kevon Fortney, 6-1, g; Dorvontous Gordon, 6-4, f/c; Ian Randolph, 6-4, c; Tim Stanley, 6-2, g; Cameron Tucker, 6-3, f.

Sophomores: Clay Payne, 6-2, g; Tyril Trimble, 5-9, g.

Freshmen: Travis Mitchell, 5-10, g.

The Southern Illinoisan Friday, November 20, 2009 Page 15

EE COME S E TH F O E M SO ENT L A T & MS A E T P !!

O Y T R T N U O IN THE C 2nd Annual Best of the Midwest Shootout Schedule Marion High School - Marion, Illinois

Anthony Johnson

Aaron Adeoye

Purdue University Recruit

Marion High School

Session 1: Friday, Dec. 11, 2009 5:30 GAME 1: Brehm Prep, IL. vs. Columbia, GA. 7:00 GAME 2: Lafayette, MO. vs. Marion, IL 8:30 GAME 3: Quality Education Academy, NC. vs. Waukegan, IL.

Quincy Miller

The #3 ranked player in the country.

Being recruited by North Carolina, Duke, Illinois, and Kentucky

Session 2: Sat. Dec. 12, 2009 11:00 GAME 4:

MT. VERNON, IL. GIRLS VS. MARION, IL. GIRLS 12:30 GAME 5: ST. LOUIS VASHON,MO. VS. PINCKNEYVILLE, IL. 2:00 GAME 6: SCOTT COUNTY, MO. VS. CARBONDALE, IL.

Jereme Richmond

University of Illinois Recruit

Session 3: Sat. Dec. 12, 2009

5:30 GAME 7: CHICAGO SIMEON, IL. VS. EAST ST. LOUIS, IL. 7:00 GAME 8: MCCLUER NORTH, MO. VS. MARION, IL. 8:30 GAME 9: COLUMBIA, GA. VS. CHICAGO WHITNEY YOUNG, IL.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Contact Marion High School at 618-993-8196, ext. 249 Single Session Chair $8.00 • Single Session General Admission $5.00 • All Session Chair $20.00 • All Session General Admission $10.00 Check us out on our website: mhs.marionunit2.org Page 16 Friday, November 20, 2009 The Southern Illinoisan