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10THE NEWS-ENTERPRISE BASKETBALL PREVIEW MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011JOHN HARDIN BULLDOGSBulldogs still getting over last yearBy CHUCK JONEScjones@thenewsenterprise.comThe John HardinBulldogs had asuccessful seasonlast year, but they don’t rememberit that way. Theonly thing that sticks withthe Bulldogs is how theseason ended – with a 62-57 loss to Bardstown in the5th Region Tournamentquarterfinals.“It still hurts,” JohnHardin junior BrandonPrice said. “We didn’t finishthe season the way wewanted. We have beenworking on finishingstrong. That’s been themain focus this season.”The Bulldogs, who finishedwith a 22-4 recordlast year, lost in quadrupleovertime in the 17thDistrict championship toElizabethtown and thensaw their season come to aclose at the hands of theeventual region champions.“Those guys in thatlocker room after that lossare still hurting,” JohnHardin coach Mark Wellssaid. “We had a great season,but that’s not whatthey wanted. The goal is toget back there. ‘Finishstrong’ has been our sloganthis season. I think wedidn’t finish practices orgames strong last year.”To get back to the regiontournament, theBulldogs have their workcut out for them. JohnHardin graduated fourseniors – Blake Bonner,Malcolm Foster, JeffRichard and LandonSavoy – who accounted formuch of the team’s scoring,rebounding and assists.John Hardin returnstwo starters in senior guardJeremy Harness and Price,who both averaged morethan 10 points a game lastseason. Harness also ledthe team in 3-point percentage.“There’s a lot of unknownson this team,”Wells said. “We lost fourkey pieces from last year.You look at our stats andthey were probably four ofthe top five in every category.The lack of varsityexperience is my mainconcern.“If it wasn’t for Jeremyand Brandon, I’d be reallyconcerned,” he added. “Ilike our guards. When youcan return your pointguard and shooting guard,that’s a good thing. But afterthat we have a lot of unknowns.We’re going toneed guys to step intothose roles.”Joining Harness andPrice in the backcourt willbe senior A.J. Smith, whocame off the bench last“There’s a lot of unknowns on this team.We lost four key pieces from last year. Youlook at our stats and they were probablyfour of the top five in every category. Thelack of varsity experience is my main concern.”MARK WELLSJohn Hardin boys’ coachseason and saw valuableminutes. SophomoresPatrick Anderson andKeon Williams will backup Harness and Smith,while freshman ElijahSmith could see time atpoint guard. Anderson canalso play the point if needed.“It’s going to be different,”A.J. Smith said.“Malcolm was a greatplayer. I have to step upand fill that spot. He taughtme a lot and I’m ready.”The Bulldogs will havea different look in the paintthis year as they will haveplenty of size. JuniorDaveon Greene, a 6-foot-2forward, could start at thefour after transferring fromOhio, while senior HunterHolloway, a 6-6 center,will man the five position.Seniors Lonnie Gaskins,Eli Mitchell, Patrick Croweand Ervin Montgomeryand junior JohannesburgBoulware - all 6-1 or taller– will see playing time behindGreene and Holloway.“We’ll be a more traditionalpost-orientated teamthis year,” Wells said. “Wehave not had a true backto-the-baskettype playerbefore. This year weshould be more physicalall the way around. It definitelychanges how weplay. We’re bigger andstronger, but we’re definitelyslower.”The Bulldogs shouldhave a size advantage insideon most of their opponents.Price said the guardsmust do a better job thisseason getting the ball insideto take advantage ofmismatches.“It takes a little bit to getused to it,” Price said. “Butwe realize how importantit is for us. That size shouldhurt a lot of teams. Weknow if we work the ballinside it will create spacefor our guards. We’ll be adifferent team, not as quickas last year, but we’ll stillbe a very solid team.”Despite the adjustmentthe Bulldogs have to maketo their style of play, thePrice realizes point guardneeds to provide leadershipBy CHUCK JONEScjones@thenewsenterprise.comJohn Hardin junior Brandon Pricelooks around and many of the facesaround him on the courtare new this season. Pricewas surrounded by talentedseniors last year, butnow this is Price’s team.Last season the 5-foot-7Price was hesitant to voicehis opinion. Instead he deferredto the seniors out ofrespect.PRICE“I’m excited for it,” Price said. “Lastyear I always looked to the seniors to takecare of things. But being the point guard,you have to be a leader. I know I have tostep up on and off the court and in thelocker room. I know we have big shoes tofill, but I’m ready for it.”Coach Mark Wells said Price hasemerged as a leader of this year’s team.Price is the lone returning starter with theteam right now. Senior guard JeremyHarness is the other returning starter, buthe’s been with the football team.“His leadership has improved somuch,” Wells said. “He’s stepping up andbeing more vocal. I thought he started tomake that adjustment at the end of lastyear. Once he did that, that’s when we becamea better team.”Despite his breakout season when hewas named Area Sophomore of the Year,Price didn’t rest during the offseason. Hespent the summer working on his shooting,which Wells said has improvedtremendously.“Last year I wasn’t very confident inmy shot,” Price said. “I came to the gymevery day to work on my shooting. Iwould shoot with (former Bulldog)Brandon Johnson. I would have to make100 3-pointers. Then I’d have to make 100free throws. Working with Brandon gaveme so much confidence. I’m very confidentnow.”While his shooting has improved, Wellssaid Price still has an innate ability to getto the basket off the dribble.“Brandon is a very good point guard,”Wells said. “When he drives to the basket,he knows how to use his body to eithershoot or draw a foul. He knows when todish the ball. He’s very good when he’spenetrating.”Chuck Jones can be reached at (270) 505-1759The John Hardin Bulldogsgoals for the Bulldogshaven’t changed. Theywant to duplicate lastyear’s success – outside ofthe ending, of course.“We’re real hungry toget back to region,”Harness said. “We’re goingto be a different team.We’re going to be biggerthis year. But we want toget back to region and getpast the first round thisyear. We want to make upfor what happened lastyear.”Chuck Jones can be reachedat (270) 505-1759ElizabethtownNorth HardinLaRue CountyMeade CountyGrayson County• School Jackets• Crew Neck & Hooded Sweatshirts• T-Shirts• Sweatpants• Hats, Beanies, & Ear Warmers• Windshirts & Pullovers• Bleacher SeatsWE ALSO CARRY:UK • WKU • U of LMERCHANDISEJOHN HARDIN BULLDOGSNo. Player Hgt. Gr. Pos.2 Jeremy Harness 5-10 Sr. G3 Brandon Price 5-7 Jr. G4 Patrick Anderson 5-10 So. G5 Keon Williams 6-4 So. F11 Elijah Smith 5-8 Fr. G24 A.J. Smith 5-10 Sr. G25 Lonnie Gaskins 6-5 Sr. F34 Johannesburg Boulware 6-3 Jr. F35 Eli Mitchell 6-4 Sr. F41 Ervin Montgomery 6-2 Sr. F42 Nate Pettigrew 6-2 Jr. F44 Daveon Greene 6-2 Jr. F45 Patrick Crowe 6-1 Sr. F53 Hunter Holloway 6-6 Sr. CJohn HardinCentral HardinFt. KnoxBreckinridge CountyHart CountyAndMuch, MuchMore!www.dukes-sportinggoods.com2628 Ring Rd.,Suite 103,Elizabethtown

THE NEWS-ENTERPRISE BASKETBALL PREVIEW MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011 11JOHN HARDIN LADY BULLDOGSLady Bulldogs looking to future, not pastBy CHUCK JONEScjones@thenewsenterprise.comDespite their youth,the John HardinLady Bulldogsunderstand the history ofthis program. They knowthey’ve never beaten Elizabethtown,Central Hardinand North Hardin. TheLady Bulldogs have alsonever made it past the 17thDistrict Tournament semifinals.But the Lady Bulldogsaren’t focused on the past.They’re concerned withthe future – namely thisseason. And John Hardinbelieves this is the year itcould end some of thosetrends.“We definitely want tomake it out of district thisyear,” said junior centerMichelle Montgomery.“We want to take it as far aswe can. We have the talent.We just need to bring itout. We’re working moreas a team this year, as afamily.”There are plenty of reasonsfor the Lady Bulldogsto be optimistic. They arecoming off a 16-10 seasonand they return the nucleusof that team. Eventhough they don’t haveany seniors, the LadyBulldogs return severalplaying who gained valuableexperience last year.“My first six players …we have a lot of athletes,”said coach Bryan Todd.“They are good athletesand pretty good basketballplayers. Those top five orsix have some good experienceand they have a lotof talent.“We have the ability toshoot the basketball andpenetrate,” he added. “Weshould be better offensively.We have the ability tobe a good defensive andrebounding team. We havethe ability to be a good defensiveteam when wewant to play defense.”John Hardin has mainlybeen a zone defense teamthe last couple of years, butTodd wants to play moreman-to-man this season.The players said that’sbeen a challenge duringthe preseason.“It’s a big adjustment,”said sophomore ZaccheaSmall. “We’re workinghard on it. We have tocommunicate better. Playersare coming along, butwe still have work to do.”That’s not the onlychange. Sophomore TajahHaley has switched to thepoint after starting at thetwo last season. Todd saidHaley has handled thechange really well.“She can penetrate andget to the basket likeKeisha (Compton) used todo,” Todd said. “She’s notas good right now atpulling up and hitting thatmid-range shot like Keishadid. But she attacks thepaint. And she does a goodjob of getting the ball inthe paint like I like.”With Haley moving positions,sophomore NawdyaFletcher will step intoHaley’s old spot. Todd saidFletcher is the team’s best3-point shooter and has theability to be the team’s bestplayer.The John Hardin Lady BulldogsJOHN HARDIN LADY BULLDOGSNo. Player Hgt. Gr. Pos.1 Desireah Mills 5-6 Jr. G/F3 Molly Haebig 5-8 So. G/F5 Jacqueline Kelly 5-5 Jr. G10 Jayla Freeman 5-4 7th G/F12 Nawdya Fletcher 5-5 So. F/C21 Tajah Haley 5-4 So G/F22 Renee Johnson-Stateman 5-5 Jr. G/F25 Tamera Taylor 5-10 Fr. F/C30 Kaitlyn Priddy 5-11 So. F/C42 Zacchea Small 5-6 So. F/C44 Katria Sanders 5-7 So. F/C50 Mica Smalley 5-8 Jr. F/C54 Michelle Montgomery 6-1 Jr. F/CJuniors Renee Statemanand Desireah Mills are battlingfor the other wingspot. Junior JacquelineKelly, sophomore MollyHaebig and seventh-graderJayla Freeman all couldsee time in the backcourtas well.“Renee needs to be ourbest defender,” Todd said.“She’s quick, athletic andphysical. She could be reallygood. Desireah justneeds some confidence.She didn’t play much lastyear. She’s a really goodathlete, but she just needconfidence in herself.”Montgomery, who averaged11.7 points and 9.9 reboundsa game, will anchorthe team in the paint, whileSmall will start at the four.Todd said Small has theability to play other positionson the court if needed.Turn to LADY BULLDOGS, 17CALL THE WINNING TEAM!LYDIADREXLER307-6506JEANPYLES766-8108KYONG S.MCCANN272-3395PATHARRIS352-2304VICKIROBEY723-4894CAROLHARPER300-6189STEPHENHEARTSILL307-1463LATISHASANDERS300-6108BECKYPRYOR765-9756SONYATAYLOR300-2887MELISSASTINSON270-287-2793MARYTINDALL272-6048PEGGYSPROWLES270-401-6566CARRIEKOPP304-7370PATRICIAKING317-0087LANCESHORE502-264-1936RENEEWALLACE502-507-5108WANDAFARRELLY769-8552CONNIEFISCHER723-1061FRANKHEAD872-5508REGINAPARKER312-0962AssociatedRealtors, LLCLOT 7 SAWGRASS AVENUEThis 1,699 square foot new homeincludes 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths andunfinished basement $219,000.#10012827. Call Lydia or Wanda.The Landingsof Vine GroveLet us BUILD your dream home!Only 5 minutes from Ft. Knox.The 1st ten lots SOLD will include a one year Single membership toLincoln Trail Country Club. Call Lydia @ 270.307.6506 or Wanda @ 270.769.8552Open Wed. - Fri. 1-5 • Sat. 10-1 • Sun. 2-4 • All other times by appointmentThe Homeplace of Kentucky are the builders. Call Lydia or Wanda for details.270.740.1405email: c21rga@comcast.netwww.helloelizabethtownftknox.comEach office independently owned and operated.LOT 113 SAWGRASSAVENUEThis 1,746 square foot new homeincludes 3 bedrooms, 2 baths andunfinished basement. Featuring Greatroom with vaulted ceiling and gasfireplace, an Energy Star rating plus anoversized 2 car garage. #10012726.$209,900. Call Lydia or Wanda.

12THE NEWS-ENTERPRISE BASKETBALL PREVIEW MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011NORTH HARDIN TROJANSStaying healthy crucial for TrojansBy CHUCK JONEScjones@thenewsenterprise.comThe North HardinTrojans understandthe value ofstaying healthy after lastseason. The Trojans werecoming off a 5th Regionchampionship and theywere under the impressionthey could repeat the feat.But Jermaine Ruttley sustaineda serious preseasoninjury and the Trojans neverseemed to recover.This season, Ruttley isback and so are the highexpectations. The Trojans,who ended up 17-12 afterlosing in the 17th DistrictTournament semifinals, believethey are built to makea run at a region championshipthis season withwhat they have returning.“Hopefully, we win districtand region this season,”North Hardin seniorcenter Adam Hendrix said.“That’s our goals. We wantto set the bar high thisyear.”Veteran coach RonBevars said this is the timeto be optimistic, but he isapproaching this seasoncautiously after what happenedlast year.“We need to stayhealthy,” Bevars said. “Wecould be a good team.Jermaine is fully recoveredand Adam and Jauan(Akins) are back. We havesome size and some kidsthat can play. But stayinghealthy will be the bigkey.”Experience is a plus forthe Trojans. Ruttley wasnamed the Area Sophomoreof the Year after steppinginto the point guardposition that season. Hendrixcame off the bench asa sophomore and startedlast year, while Akins hasstarted the last two years –one at Fort Knox and theother at North Hardin.Having Ruttley backgives the Trojans an addeddimension on offense withhis ability to penetrate andget to the basket. It alsogives them their leaderback, which they sorelymissed last season.“Last year we missedhim a lot,” Akins said. “Hehas a lot of experience. Heknows what to do on thecourt. He makes everyoneelse better because he getseveryone involved.”The Trojans will have asolid 1-2 punch in the middlewith Hendrix andAkins, who moves fromthe wing to the four.Hendrix averaged 13.1points and 9.3 rebounds agame last season. He shot65.7 percent from the field.Akins averaged 11.0 pointsand 5.7 rebounds.“Adam is a very goodpost player,” Bevars said.“We’re playing Jauan insidemore this season andhe’s one of those kids thatjust keeps getting better.”Akins said he feels morecomfortable in his secondyear of the system.“I’m more confident,”Akins said. “I like playinginside a lot. I can work offAdam and I can still stepout and shoot. I know theoffense a lot better now. Iknow how to use screensbetter and what I need todo.”Outside of Ruttley,Hendrix and Akins, NorthHardin has plenty of questionmarks.Seniors Sam Coachman,Darrin Martin andDuwayne White are thetop candidates to fill thetwo wing positions. Allthree saw limited actionlast season.Depth is also a concernfor Bevars. Junior ScottySterusky, senior RavonRussell and sophomoreMarty Williams, a transferThe North Hardin Trojansfrom Louisville Doss, couldall see time in the backcourt.Sterusky is the onlyone with any experience,playing in 10 games lastseason. Juniors MichaelBrunson, who hasn’t practicedyet because of an injuryin football, and TylerLandry are the lone optionsin the paint.“I have a million concernsdepending the dayyou talk to me,” Bevarsjoked. “I’m sure any coachwill tell you that. We’ve gota tough schedule. Guardplay is a concern. We don’thave a lot of depth. I thinkwe can be good, but wehave a lot of work to do beforewe get there.”One thing Bevars doesn’thave to worry about thisseason is the team’s chemistry.He said once Ruttleywent down with his injuryNORTH HARDIN TROJANSNo. Player Gr. Pos.4 Keandre Nelson Sr. G5 Darrin Martin Sr. G10 Sam Coachman Sr. G21 Adam Hendrix Sr. C22 Jauan Akins Sr. F30 Scotty Sterusky Jr. G32 Jermaine Ruttley Sr. G34 Michael Brunson Jr. F35 Duwayne White Sr. G41 Tre Harris Sr. F42 Tyler Landry Jr. CMarty Williams So. GRavon Russell Sr. GCorey Stevens Sr. GHunter Raj Jr. Glast year the team chemistry“went down thetubes.” This year, that hasn’tbeen a problem.“Our team chemistry isa lot better,” Ruttley said.“This team is buying intowhat we’re trying to do.Last year people startedlooking out for themselves.They wanted to take onbigger roles. This year weknow what our roles are.Everyone is buying intothis team. We know we canbe very good and we coulddo something special.”Chuck Jones can be reachedat (270) 505-1759North counting on new players in key rolesBy CHUCK JONEScjones@thenewsenterprise.comThe North Hardin Trojans arecounting on several new players tonot only step into new roles but beable to contribute right away this season.The Trojans lost Chris Sterusky,who averaged 13.2 points and 8.1 reboundsper game, to graduation andJordan Brangers, who scored 13.1points a game, transferred toLouisville Eastern.Point guard Trevino Coney graduatedas well, but senior JermaineRuttley, who started at point guard asa sophomore, is back this season aftermissing the entire season becauseof a leg injury.That leaves two huge holes inNorth Hardin’s lineup. The top candidatesto take over those roles areseniors Sam Coachman, DarrinMartin and Duwayne White. Allthree figure to see plenty of playingtime.“Sam and Darrin are very goodseniors and they are very coachable,”North Hardin coach Ron Bevarssaid. “Duwayne has been a brightspot. He’s playing like a starter. He’splaying like we knew he can play.”The Trojans have a good inside 1-2 combination with seniors AdamHendrix and Jauan Akins, but they’llneed Martin, Coachman and Whiteto be able to contribute from the outsideto take some of the defensivepressure off the inside game.“I think Sam, Darrin, andDuwayne are working real hard andthey’re ready to step up this season,”Hendrix said. “Sam and Darrin aregood shooters and Duwayne is ourdefensive stopper. I expect them tobe good. They just need to get someexperience this year.”White played in 19 games last season,Coachman 12 and Martin nine.The Trojans have no doubt thatCoachman, Martin and White willbe able to help this team reach theirgoals this season.“They have really stepped up thisseason,” Ruttley said. “They’ve beenworking on their games and they’vereally improved. Sam and Darrin arereally good shooters. They’ll be ableto give us some offense. Duwayne isa really good defensive player andhe’ll be able to create offense with hisdefense. They’re going to help us alot.”Chuck Jones can be reachedat (270) 505-1759GetReadyForWinter!NORTH HARDIN LADY TROJANSJones more confident heading into this yearBy CHUCK JONEScjones@thenewsenterprise.comNorth Hardin sophomore KieraJones had a trying freshman season.She was slowed during the entirepreseason as she recovered from anACL injury, and when she finallywas able to play, she admits she wasn’tfully healthy.Jones averaged 4.6 points, 2.5 reboundsand 1.6 assists in 23 games. Itwas hardly the season she was hopingfor after suffering the ACL injurythe previous year.“I don’t feel like I was ever 100percent,” Jones said. “It was veryfrustrating. It was like I forgot how toscore. I was not in shape like I shouldhave been. It was rough.”This preseason hasn’t been asmooth one. Joneshas been botheredby a quadriceps injurythat happenedduring soccer. Despitethe injury, firstyearcoach ChrisCorder is countingJONES on Jones heavily thisseason.“When you come back from aknee injury like that, it’s just hard toget in a groove or a rhythm,” Cordersaid. “She’s been as good as anyonein our offense so far this year. I lookfor her to have a really good year.”Jones said her main focus duringthe offseason was her shooting. Sheshot only 15.3 percent from the fieldalthough she made 67.3 percent ofher free throws and 26.7 percent ofher 3-pointers.“My shooting was just off (lastyear),” Jones said. “I wasn’t confidentin my shooting. I’ve gotten a lot betterthis year. In practice, we shootquite a bit, but I go out and shoot alot on my own. I’m more confidentnow.”Although she had the injury insoccer, Jones said it was helpful toher to be able to test the knee prior tobasketball.“I feel much more comfortablenow,” Jones said. “I’ll be able to helpthe team out more now. I just want todo what I can do for the team.”Chuck Jones can be reachedat (270) 505-17591302 Old Elizabethtown Rd. • Hodgenville(270) 769-2727(270) 358-3333M02964MO2964$10 OFFHeating System Precision Tune-Up(270) 358-3333Reg. $89 • Expires 12-30-11*Not to be used in conjunction with othercoupons or specials M02964$50 OFFDuct Cleaning(270) 358-3333Expires 12-30-11*Not to be used in conjunction with othercoupons or specials M02964$200 DISCOUNTCentral Heating& Cooling System(270) 358-3333Expires 12-30-11*Not to be used in conjunction with othercoupons or specials M02964

THE NEWS-ENTERPRISE BASKETBALL PREVIEW MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011 13NORTH HARDIN LADY TROJANSNew coach, same goals for Lady TrojansBy CHUCK JONEScjones@thenewsenterprise.comThe North HardinLady Trojanshave a newcoach, but the program hasthe same goals its had inprevious years. ChrisCorder takes over forJames Slaven, who steppeddown at the end of last season.Corder had been aboys’ assistant before takingthe girls’ job.Although Corder is newto the program, the LadyTrojans still want to accomplishthe same things.They want to win the 17thDistrict Tournament andget to the 5th RegionTournament where they’vebeen six of the last sevenyears.“We want to win districtand hopefully get to regionand win it,” North Hardinjunior forward ChanelRoberts said. “It’s importantthat we’re not just satisfiedwith getting there. We knowwhat we can do. I think wecould be better than peopleexpect us to be.”North Hardin has thetalent to be one of the region’stop teams. The LadyTrojans, who finished 12-17last season, return fourstarters and would havehad all five back if not foran ACL injury to sophomoreforward JennaSpencer during the preseason.“It definitely changesthings not having Jenna,”Corder said. “We had onepractice without her beforeour first scrimmage. Wewere kind of adjustingthings on the fly. It hurtsour depth, especially in themiddle. We weren’t deepthere to begin with.”Although Spencer’s injuryshakes things up, theJUST CALL JANET TEAM PH # 76-JANET 765-26384695 N. Dixie Hwy., E’townWebsite:JanetTeam.comJANETLady Trojans said it hasbeen a very easy transitionadjusting to Corder, whohas implemented new offensesand defenses.“It’s different,” saidBrianna Woodson, theteam’s lone senior. “But it’sa good different. We’re stillgoing to play hard andwe’re still going to be serious,but we’re able to havefun now. We’re able to enjoyourselves. We’re notdoing the things we did lastyear, but we’re picking itup. We’re just able to enjoyit more now.”Woodson, who’s a returningstarter at the two,averaged 13.6 points, 3.8steals and 2.0 assists agame last season. Woodsonalso was one of theteam’s top 3-point shooters,hitting 32.9 percent ofher 94 attempts.Woodson is joined inthe backcourt by sophomorepoint guard DomenequeTaft and sophomoreKiera Jones. Taft averaged7.6 points, 2.7 steals and2.2 assists a game last season,while Jones feels likeshe is back to full strengthafter returning last seasonafter an ACL injury.Eighth-grader TamiahStanford backs up Taft,while sophomore JasmineWilson, freshman ZakayshiaPass and juniorBrianna Edmunds allcould see time at thewings, as could sophomoreLLCThe North Hardin Lady TrojansNORTH HARDIN LADY TROJANSNo. Player Hgt. Gr. Pos.3 Domeneque Taft 5-3 So. G4 Zakayshia Pass 5-4 Fr. G5 Brianna Woodson 5-4 Sr. G10 Tamiah Stanford 5-3 8th G11 Kiera Jones 5-4 So. G12 Chanel Roberts 5-8 Jr. F15 Cierra Young 5-7 Fr. F20 Dalani Rainwater 5-5 So. G/F21 Tashara Jackson 5-10 So. C22 Jasmine Wilson 5-5 So. G24 Jazzamyn Bishop 5-7 8th F30 Jenna Spencer 5-11 So. F32 Brianna Edmunds 5-9 Jr. F41 Morgan Barrick 5-7 So. FDalani Rainwater, a volleyballstandout who didn’tplay basketball last season.Roberts will be asked toshoulder much of the loadinside again this season, especiallywith the injury toSpencer. Roberts averaged13.9 points and 8.2 reboundslast season andCorder expects those numbersto improve this year.“She’s going to have tocarry a big load for us,”Corder said. “She’s a specialplayer and she can doa lot of things for us.”Sophomore MorganBarrick steps in at the fivefor Spencer. SophomoreTashara Jackson andEdmunds will see time inthe post as well.“With Jenna gettinghurt, we’re a little thin,”Corder said. “There aretimes this year when wecould have four guards, ifnot five, on the court at thesame time.”Turn to LADY TROJANS, 17JUST CALL JANET TEAM PH # 76-JANET 765-2638JANETJust CallJANET!268-0111Sold OnSTEPH!300-6224Get WithGWEN!319-1472JoinJ.D.!268-2011Ask forALBERTO!307-7355GETS THE JOB DONE!Yourwinning shot iswith theJANETHabloEspañolONE-STOPONE-STOPJUST CALL JANET TEAM PH # 76-JANET 765-2638ESTATEREALSHOPVisit WithVERONICA!300-5699SeeSHELLIE!300-7199737-6000982-2265Bullet Termite &Pest Control Inc.769-3265Close WithCORI!735-3978REALKinkead Law Office & Title Co.872-4699SHOPESTATEJUST CALL JANET TEAM PH # 76-JANET 765-2638

14THE NEWS-ENTERPRISE BASKETBALL PREVIEW MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011LARUE COUNTY HAWKSGuard play to carry Hawks this seasonBy JOHN GROTHjgroth@thenewsenterprise.comKiller guard play iswhat will carrythe LaRue CountyHawks this year.With the trio of seniorsKyle Sheeran and KyleMeredith and juniorKelton Ford returning,they can take teams to taskwith their speed, drivesdown the lane and outsideshooting.But if the Hawks cansqueeze out some numbersfrom their inexperiencedinterior players, that’s whatcould lift them over thetop. Maybe into the 5thRegion semifinals for onlythe third time in 10 years.At least coach PaulChildress hopes so.“They’re hungry. Thelast three or four yearswe’ve established somewinning ways. Our goal isto win district again, getback to the region tournamentand try to makesome noise this time,”Childress said. “I thinkthey’ve got more of a senseof urgency. They go harderin drills and take it moreserious. They understandthe type of talent and competitionit takes to win.”Coming off its fourthstraight 18th DistrictTournament title and a 17-11 finish last year, LaRueCounty hopes to repeat aschamps once again andmake an even deeper postseasonrun.The Hawks have advancedto the region tournamenteach of the pastfive years, but have justone region victory – a 40-38 win Taylor County in2010 – during that stretch.LaRue County has justtwo first-round region winsin the past 10 years, withthe other coming againstWashington County in2002.Childress wants to addto that number.He has a talented backcourtwhich will try. The 6-foot Sheeran led the teamin scoring and 3-pointshooting last year, whileFord (5-11) was the team’smain slash-and-dash man.Meredith opened last yearas a starter before movinginto a sixth-man role andgiving the team a consistentspark off the bench –particularly with his outsideshooting.Childress expects theHawks to follow their usualrun-and-gun style. Butthis year, they have to improveon their reboundinginside. Childress said theirlack of offensive reboundinghurt them last season –especially at the end whenthey won just three out oftheir final eight games.“We’ve challenged theguards to go in and reboundmore than theyThe LaRue County HawksLARUE COUNTY HAWKSNo. Player Hgt. Gr. Pos.2 Gabe Shirley 5-9 Jr. G3 Thomas Harman 6-0 So. G5 Dustin Coulter 6-1 Jr. G11 Kelton Ford 5-11 Jr. G12 Dalton Lawson 5-8 So. G14 Kyle Meredith 5-10 Sr. G15 Brock Armes 5-11 So. G21 Tyler Howell 6-4 So. F22 Kyle Sheeran 6-0 Sr. G23 Kody Key 6-1 So. G24 Kyle Devary 5-7 So. G33 Jackson Venegas 6-4 Jr. C34 Jonathan Firquin 6-0 Sr. Ghave in the past and notjust settling for jumpshots,”Childress said. “The bigkey is going to be rebounding.We have some youngkids around the post.”The Hawks have justone veteran forward who’splayed at the varsity level –6-0 senior JonathanFirquin. He came off thebench last year to averageabout two points and threerebounds a game. There’salso 6-4 junior centerJackson Venegas and sophomoreforwards TylerHowell (6-4) and KodyKey (6-1).That’s why Childresshas really worked withthose young guys on fundamentalsand footworkdown low. The Hawksneed some type of productioninside, so they candrive and dish and openup their offense.“We’ve got guards thatcan shoot. Really our postcan make or break us thisyear,” Firquin said. “It’sbeen a tough year in thepost. We have two to threeguys who play in the post,with the rest being sophomoresand inexperiencedguys. We’ve been workingwith them a lot.”Childress acknowledgedLaRue County willalso be deeper than lastyear. They have plenty ofguard depth, which includesjuniors GabeShirley and Dustin Coulterand sophomore BrockArmes (the nephew of formerfootball coach RodneyArmes).“Last year, we playedseven. This year, we couldgo eight or nine,”Childress said.John Groth can be reachedat (270) 505-1754Firquin has become the main man in the post for LaRueBy JOHN GROTHjgroth@thenewsenterprise.comLaRue County coach Paul Childresshas long called senior forward JonathanFirquin his dirty-work guy.Need someone to bang in the post, pulldown some rebounds and hack some people?Better call Firquin.Have someone in foul trouble andneed some extra minutes from a bigbody? Then Firquin’s your man.But this season, he’ll need to change uphis image – and go from a blue-collar to awhite-collar guy.“I’ve always askedJonathan to do the bluecollarwork, the dirtywork. He’s a good offensiverebounder,” Childresssaid. “But we’re goingto need him to pick itup on the defensive endFIRQUIN and on the glass.”Last year, Firquincame off the bench – helping the Hawksout when a starting post player got intofoul trouble or when they needed to spellsome minutes for someone.It fit his personality – the hard-working,do-whatever-it-takes-to-get-it-done,scruffy and scrappy guy.He likes to get stuff done.“I come in, do my work in the gym,work hard. It doesn’t bother me that Icome in and do the dirty work. I don’thave to get or receive all the glory points,”said the 6-foot Firquin, who averaged twopoints and three rebounds last year. “I justknow that I’ve done my job.“Getting someone else an open layup isjust as good to me as myself getting alayup,” he added. “All I care about is winning.Just get the win.”Now Firquin will be leaned on moreheavily. With starters’ minutes, he’ll needto score more points inside the paint, grabsome rebounds on the defensive end anddevelop into a more vocal leader.LaRue County’s three other post players– junior center Jackson Venegas (6-4)and sophomore forwards Tyler Howell (6-4) and Kody Key (6-1) – don’t have muchexperience. So Firquin may become theman in the middle.“It’ll be nice to see where I fit in,” hesaid. “I’ve always played in the post, alwaysbeen undersized.”John Groth can be reached at (270) 505-1754LARUE COUNTY LADY HAWKSDurbin, Evans set to take charge in the paintBy JOHN GROTHjgroth@thenewsenterprise.comAlisha Durbin and Allison Evans keepspurting up.LaRue County’s two main post playershave plenty of growing-pain stories toshare.Durbin, a 6-foot-2 junior, has grown 2inches since last season, while Evans, a 6-1sophomore, grew 1 inch.So everyone who thought the LadyHawks are in trouble in the post after graduatingtwins Valerie and Lyndsay Whitlockmight have to re-think that one.“I hope everyone underestimatesthem and decidesthey’re not verygood,” LaRue Countycoach Travis Woottonsaid.A reserve last year,Durbin will start this season.She spent the sum-DURBINmer attacking her game.Whatever fault she found, she tried to improve– with the help of Wootton and assistantTommy Adams.“I’ve been working on my free throwsespecially and getting stronger underneaththe basket,” said Durbin, who can nowtouch the backboard with the extra height.“I’ve done a lot more. From August tillabout September, I worked with CoachAdams and we worked at getting strongerunderneath the basket and finishing andnot missing as much.”Evans was excited about her growthspurt, too. Unfortunately for her, she couldn’tplay over the summer.After tearing some ligaments in her leftankle during the basketball season, she injuredthem again during softball season.She had surgery on the torn ligaments inJune. That sidelined her until October.But she didn’t just sit around and mope.Instead, she became like an assistant coachwhile the team played summer ball.“I shot a lot of free throws and did a lotof upper body work to make it stronger,”she said. “I feel stronger in my upper body.”Evans was just released to practice justover two weeks ago and acknowledgedshe’s still a little cautious with the ankle.But she’s still focused on improving.“I’m trying to look to score more oftenthis year,” Evans said. “Last year, I wasmore passive about that.”John Groth can be reached at (270) 505-1754JOHN HARDIN LADY BULLDOGSHaley adjusting to new role and new positionBy CHUCK JONEScjones@thenewsenterprise.comJohn Hardin sophomore Tajah Haleythought she had found a home at shootingguard, but Lady Bulldog coach BryanTodd had other plans for her this season.With the loss of Ieshia Hopwood, theLady Bulldogs were in need of a pointguard and Todd was short of options.Todd decided the easiest move was toswitch Haley to point guard.“She has really improved her ball handling,”Todd said. “I wasn’t sure she coulddo it, but she’s really improvedher ball handlingwith her left hand. Shecan penetrate and shecan shoot the 3. I thinkshe can be really good.”Haley said her mainfocus this offseason wasHALEY becoming better with theball. Todd said the LadyBulldogs need to eliminate some of theturnovers and it starts with the pointguard.“I’m a lot more comfortable handlingthe ball this year,” Haley said. “I went toa lot of camps this summer. I played thewhole summer. I knew I had to get betterhandling the ball.”Last season Haley averaged 7.8 points agame, third most on the team. She shot31.9 percent from the field, includingmaking 16-of-61 of her 3-pointers. Haleysaid switching positions has been a challenge,but one she’s grown to like moreand more with each passing day.“It’s a huge adjustment,” Haley said.“It’s a lot different than playing the two.You have to be more of a leader at pointguard. You have to be the coach on thefloor. When I get down, it messes upeveryone else.”Todd said Haley has made a smoothtransition to point guard. He said it will becritical to get Haley to become one of theteam’s leaders.“I keep telling her if she has a bouncein your step, the rest of the girls willbounce with her,” Todd said. “It all startswith her. She can be a leader, a goodleader. But she’s not consistent right now.She has to be a leader all the time for us.”Chuck Jones can be reached at (270) 505-1759For all your local sports news, turn to The News-Enterprise

THE NEWS-ENTERPRISE BASKETBALL PREVIEW MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011 15LARUE COUNTY LADY HAWKSLady Hawks look to build off last yearBy JOHN GROTHjgroth@thenewsenterprise.comThe LaRue CountyLady Hawks’ toptwo leaders aregone.Twin sisters Valerie andLyndsay Whitlock are incollege after leadingLaRue County to a dreamseason – one in which theycaptured their first 18thDistrict Tournament titlesince 2004.Now, coach TravisWootton has to figure outhow to replace that veteranleadership. He’s still gotplenty of scoring, and nowtons of height. But the vocal,carry-the-team-ontheir-backspresence, forright now, is missed.“We have a lot of TypeBs (personalities). Somebodywill need to step intothe vocal leadership roleand that’s a work inprogress,” Wooton said. “Ithink leadership is a majorfactor. It’s hard to replacewhat Valerie and Lyndsaydid last year. That kind ofseason doesn’t comearound every year. Thisteam wants to make itsown identity. They feel likethey’re good enough tomake they’re own identity.”LaRue County is comingoff a 27-4 season, onewhich set a school recordfor wins and had Woottonearn his first district title asthe girls’ coach.Now the Lady Hawkshave to replace theWhitlocks. Valerie led theteam in assists and rankedin the top three in scoring,while Lyndsay providedthe team with a big reboundingthreat.Still, the Lady Hawks,with three players standing6-foot or taller, have aheight-filled group back.Ivy Brown, a 6-footsophomore guard/forward,was the team’s topscorer (nearly 15 points pergame) and rebounder(about nine per game),along with its steals andblocks leader. AllisonEvans, a 6-1 sophomorecenter, recorded five double-doublesand AlishaDurbin, a 6-2 junior forward,came off the bench.And they also can use 5-11junior Miranda Hornbackand 5-10 junior forwardHaley Holt inside, too.They should have plentyof power and height.Maybe even more thanlast season.Expect some pretty talllineups. At one point thissummer, the Hawks had alineup consisting of players5-9 or above.“I think we’ll be allright,” Durbin said. “It willbe different not havingLyndsay. She’s a lotstronger than me. We stillhave Allison and Haleywho are big in the middle.”They also have 5-9freshman Alexis Brewer,the team’s second-leadingscorer at nearly 14 pointsper game, back at oneguard, while seniors NancyHowell (5-8), Shana Zajdel(5-6) and freshman HunterHolt (5-5) will be used interchangeably.Howell, though, couldmiss the first couple ofweeks of the season afterhaving her right kneescoped.“We’ll shoot a lot of 3s,”The LaRue County Lady HawksWootton said, jokingly.“We’ll use our strengths.“I hope so (that teamsare looking past us),”Wootton added. “I hopethey’re looking for a realdown team. We were preseasonNo. 6 in The Cats’Pause rankings.”But the real question forthe Lady Hawks is whowill carry them leadershipwise.They need thatsomeone who can takeover when a game is tight,or get on teammates whenthey’re struggling or takeover a huddle.Wootton has seen a fewglimpses, but for the startof the season, he mayserve as the team’s leaderbefore someone else, hehopes, steps up to the task.LARUE COUNTY LADY HAWKSNo. Player Hgt. Gr. Pos.O Miranda Cecil 5-7 So. F1 Hunter Holt 5-5 Fr. F2 Becca Riggs 5-8 Fr. F4 Haley Holt 5-10 Jr. F5 Nancy Howell 5-8 Sr. G10 Kristina Durbin 5-7 Fr. F11 Alexis Brewer 5-9 Fr. G12 Alisha Durbin 6-2 Jr. F22 Shana Zajdel 5-6 Sr. F23 Ivy Brown 6-0 So. G/F25 Allison Evans 6-1 So. C30 Miranda Hornback 5-11 Jr. F32 Shakeya Washington 5-5 8th F33 Taylor Burd 5-6 Fr. F40 Shaila Winston 5-9 Jr. C“It’s nice to have somebodyon the court who’sgoing to get everyonewhere they’re supposed tobe,” Wootton said. “We’llget there. It may just takeus a little bit.”John Groth can be reachedat (270) 505-1754

16THE NEWS-ENTERPRISE BASKETBALL PREVIEW MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011MEADE COUNTY GREEN WAVEInjuries piling up for Green WaveBy NATHANIEL BRYANnbryan@thenewsenterprise.comThe Meade CountyGreen Wave arebecoming fragileas they age.Meade County was slatedto return everyone fromlast season’s team whichwent 12-19, finished as the11th District Tournamentrunner-up and lost to eventualrunner-up MuhlenbergCounty in the 3rdRegion Tournament quarterfinals.But a rash of injurieshave thrown thelineup into flux.■ Senior forwardCheaney Schwartz, whosesophomore season wascurtailed by a brokenwrist, will miss this yearwith a torn ACL. Schwartzscored a team-high 412points and grabbed ateam-best 197 reboundslast season.■ Senior guard BoWilson, who led the teamin 3-pointers made (64)and scoring average (13.7),is still feeling the effects ofa football concussion andveteran coach Jerry Garrissaid Wilson might not beback until the holidaybreak.■ Senior forward BradySmith, who made 14 startslast season and averaged4.9 points and 2.7 rebounds,had a tender anklein the preseason.Put them all togetherand Garris is looking at replacingthree of his top sixplayers.“We’re the walkingwounded right now,” saidGarris, who started aneight-player combinationlast season because of injuriesand illnesses. “Wehad our share last year, butyou can’t talk about itmuch because you have toplay with who you’ve got.It doesn’t do you muchgood to dwell on it. You’vejust got to put somebody inthere and hopefully theycan fill in.”Garris’ two backcourtsons, senior Chase andjunior Bryce, are healthythis year. Chase missedone game and Bryce sevenbecause of illnesses and injuries.But when they wereon the court, they were effective.Shooting guard Brycescored 7.5 points per gameand erupted for 18 pointsin the region quarterfinals.He also made nearly 47percent of his 2-pointerslast year, but shooting 26.5percent from outside thearc dropped his total fieldgoalpercentage to 36.3.“Bryce came on at theend of the year and finishedup good and showedhe can score,” Garris said.“He just has to do it on amore-consistent basis thisyear.”Point guard Chase averaged6.7 points per gamelast year, mainly settlingfor the 3 – he attempted anaverage of less than a pairof 2-pointers a night. Buthe did have an assist-toturnoverratio of 2.6.“Those are two who aregoing to have to step up forus and do some more scoring,”Garris said.Of the four Wilsonbrothers or cousins on theteam, senior forwardThomas missed ninegames last season becauseof a football injury.Another football injury, abroken-bone on his nonshootinghand, looked likeit could slow him downthis season.Garris said the hand isn’tmuch of a factor as gettingin game shape, whichalso goes for six other footballplayers – Bo Wilson,Smith, senior center StephenCompton, junior forwardConnor Williams,sophomore guard ZebWilson and sophomoreguard Luke Wilson.“I don’t think it’s a concernfor Thomas and hehasn’t shown any situationswhere it has botheredhim,” Garris said. “It’sabout mid-January beforethose football guys reallyThe Meade County Green WaveMEADE COUNTY GREEN WAVENo. Player Hgt. Gr. Pos.2 Zeb Wilson 6-0 So. G3 Chase Garris 6-0 Sr. G4 Devin Hendley 6-0 So. F5 Luke Wilson 5-10 So. G10 Keith Carter 6-0 So. G11 Bo Wilson 5-11 Sr. G12 Jacob Waldecker 5-10 Jr. G13 Bryce Garris 5-11 Jr. G14 Jared Raymer 5-9 Jr. G15 Ethan Wright 5-11 So. G21 Thomas Wilson 6-1 Sr. F22 Cheaney Schwartz 6-1 Sr. G23 Brady Smith 6-1 Sr. G24 Connor Williams 6-4 Jr. F25 Daniel Orr 6-0 So. C30 Martel McCullough 5-10 Jr. G32 Stephen Compton 6-2 Sr. C35 Wes Dowell 6-4 Sr. C42 Thomas Tynan 6-2 So. F44 Charles Mattingly 5-10 So. F45 Travis Jenkins 6-4 So. Cget into in basketball condition.… They’ve kind ofgot to play their way intoshape. It’s different and ittakes them a lot longer toget into basketball shape.”The football team lost inthe first round of the playoffsinstead of making along postseason run like itusually does. Garris said itwas good from a conditioningaspect because itallowed the football playersto join the basketballteam earlier than usual, buthe didn’t want the group tocome back into the gymseething.“Someone made thecomment during their(Louisville) Male gamewhen I was up in the pressbox that I’d be glad to seethis because I’d have themout next week,” Garrissaid. “That’s not true. Iwant those guys coming inwhen they’re in a goodmood.”Bo Wilson said the teamwill be in a good moodwhen it is as close to fullhealth as possible.The Green Wave werepicked third in one preseason3rd Region rankingand Bo Wilson said hefeels the Green Wave are –finally – one of the mostexperiencedsquads in theregion.“I would think wewould have to be,” he said.“With as much as weplayed as sophomores andsome of us played as freshmen– especially Chasesince he played a ton as afreshman – and our wholejunior season, I don’t seemany teams with seven oreight seniors with at leasttwo varsity seasons undertheir belt.”One of Bo Wilson’scousins, Thomas, doesn’tsee many region contenderswith that type ofexperience, either.“I think we are the oldest.We have seven seniorsand Bryce has started for ayear or two,” Thomas said.“So there’s no excuses thisyear. We gotta get it done.”Chase Garris agreedand said excluding the injuries,there are a lot ofthings in the Green Wave’sfavor.“We’ve had that excusesince we’ve been playing,that we’re small and we’reyoung,” Chase Garris said.“But we’re as big as we’regonna get and we’re as oldas we’re gonna get, sothere’s no excuses for usthis year.”Nathaniel Bryan can bereached at (270) 505-1758MEADE COUNTY LADY WAVESLady Waves short on experience, but not talentBy NATHANIEL BRYANnbryan@thenewsenterprise.comThe Meade CountyLady Waves arecompletely voidof senior leadership afterspending most of last season’s7-23 campaign withoutinjured senior leaderand post presence ScarlettPowers.Don’t think that meansthey’re inexperienced. Onthe contrary. They returnseven players who saw thefloor in 14 games or more.Five of those playersplayed more than 11 minutesa game and three sawthe hardwood more than20 minutes a night.“We’re extremely young,but we’re fairly experiencedon the varsity level and Ithink that has been a hugefactor in moving us forward,”said veteran coachJosh Hurt, whose 15-playerroster includes four juniors,six sophomores and fivefreshmen. “I don’t knowhow far forward we will be,but I feel last year hashelped us get better.”He’s not the only onewith those feelings.“Last year was difficultbecause most of us wereyoung and we hadn’t beenexposed to the varsityspeed yet,” said 6-footfreshman Morgan Turner.“I think this year we’ve reallyadjusted to it and ifyou watch one of our practices,you can tell the intensityhas picked up.”Turner benefited developmentallyfrom Powers’leg injury, playing 23 minutesa game and averaging8.8 points and 5.1 reboundsper game. Juniorpost Maya Luney averaged3.9 points and 4.8 reboundsin 11.6 minutes pergame last year.“Everything happensfor a reason and nobodyever wants a teammate toget hurt, but when you’replaced into that situation,you need to step up andgrow up a little bit andplay the position,” Luneysaid of trying to pick up theslack with Powers sidelined.“As an athlete, itforced me to grow upfaster. And it kind ofhelped because this yearwe don’t have any seniors,so having to step up as asophomore has helpedprepared me to step upmore as a junior.”Sophomore Raley Johnsonstepped up last season,as the guard led the teamin scoring at 17.2 points pergame and spent part of theseason atop the area’s scoringchart.“We always knew Raehad the potential to begood,” Hurt said. “It surprisedme the most thatshe was able to accelerateto the level that she did.You’re talking about anarea with some great players,whether it’s NatalieGreenwell or AdelaideLuckett, or whether it’ssome of the kids at North(Hardin) and at Central(Hardin) and then ofcourse LaRue County hadsome outstanding playersand for her to be at the topof the charts in the scoringcolumn, that might havebeen a bit of a surprise. Butwe always knew she couldscore. That’s her M.O.”On the flip side, becauseof the seasons Turnerand Johnson had last season,Hurt knows they’renot very likely to sneak upon teams this year – especiallyfoes the Lady Wavesface annually.The Meade County Lady WavesMEADE COUNTY LADY WAVESNo. Player Gr. Pos.3 Kelsey Sutton Fr. G4 Elissa Youart Fr. G/F5 Addi Lynch Fr. G10 Katelyn Cucino So. G11 Ellie DeVries So. G12 Kristin Peters Fr. G/F13 Alexis Greco Jr. F15 Autumn Bruner So. F20 Raley Johnson So. G21 Ashley Bloomer So. G23 Carrisa Schwartz So. G/F24 Morgan Turner Fr. G/F25 Megan Aebersold Jr. F32 Rachel Crebessa Jr. F42 Maya Luney Jr. C“That’s going to be oneof the issues with Rae, withMorgan as well, and Idon’t think it will be longuntil that’s an issue withMaya,” Hurt said. “Itwon’t take long. Coachesare good in our area. Theyscout. They watch. There’snot going to be very manytimes where we’re able tosurprise people. Raley’sgoing to have to step upher game because she’s goingto be a marked personand Morgan will have todo likewise.”The good news is thatHurt feels his team is farfrom a three-pronged attackoffensively.Sophomore guard KatelynCucino rarely came offthe floor last year becauseof her aggressiveness,speed and penchant tocause havoc defensively(3.1 steals and 1.8 defensiverebounds per game).Junior Alexis Greco averagedmore than 8 minutesper game last season, sophomorewing CarissaSchwartz scored six pointsper game and freshmanguard Addi Lynch, whohas played many gameswith Turner on the middleschoollevel, could crackthe starting lineup.“The point is Rae is definitelygoing to have an Xon her back and so isMorgan, but I hope thatwe have a supporting castaround them to hopefullyhelp them carry some ofthat load,” Hurt said.Other players Hurt iscounting on to carry thatload are junior forwardsMegan Aebersold andRachel Crebessa, sophomoreforward AutumnBruner, sophomore guardsAshley Bloomer and EllieDeVries, freshman guardKelsey Sutton and freshmenwings Kristin Petersand Elissa Youart.Further emphasizingthat supporting-cast point,Hurt had a hard time settinga starting lineup instone.“That’s a tough call,” hesaid. “We have severalpeople who we’re lookingat for starting positions andthe depth chart couldchange daily.”Last season, that was abad thing.This year, it’s a goodthing.Nathaniel Bryan can bereached at (270) 505-1758

THE NEWS-ENTERPRISE BASKETBALL PREVIEW MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011 17MEADE COUNTY LADY WAVESTurner knows what to expect after filling in last yearBy NATHANIEL BRYANnbryan@thenewsenterprise.comMeade County’s Morgan Turner saw apersonal silver lining in the young LadyWaves playing without injured seniorleader and post force Scarlett Powers for amajority of last season.Then a lanky eighth-grader, Turnerwas thrust into the lineup and expected toproduce.“That’s prepared me to be more of abetter leader this year on the floor, offensivelyand defensively,” said Turner,TURNERwho’s expected to playpretty much everywherefor the Lady Waves thisseason thanks to her conditioningand versatility.Offensively, Turneraveraged 8.8 points pergame last season, shooting32.7 percent from thefloor and 68.6 percentfrom the foul line. She also averaged 2.1offensive rebounds and 1.6 assists pergame. Defensively, Turner grabbed threerebounds per contest while averaging 0.8blocks and 0.8 steals.“When you put an eighth-grader outthere, no matter how talented they are –and it was the same with Raley (Johnson)and it’s the same with Morgan and withother programs as well – the talent showsat times and the inexperience shows attimes,” said Meade County coach JoshHurt. “Morgan’s a smart player and she’ssomebody who has really dedicated herselfto this sport. I have no doubt her mentalmistakes will be reduced. I don’t suspectthat they’ll be completely eliminatedbecause she’s still 14. She’s still a freshman.”Turner said one of the biggest lessonsPowers taught Meade County last yearwas to fight through adversity and keepup that dedication Hurt talked about.“No matter what, you have to keepplaying,” Turner said. “I remember hercoming in and saying, ‘Oh, four moreweeks until I can play. Six more gamesuntil I can play.’ She never gave up on it.She came back and became our secondleadingscorer last year, I think.”Nathaniel Bryan can be reached at (270) 505-1758MEADE COUNTY GREEN WAVEChase Garris will be counted on to score after Schwartz injuryBy NATHANIEL BRYANnbryan@thenewsenterprise.comMeade County coachJerry Garris doesn’t haveto look far to find a GreenWave player who needs topick up some scoring slackfor senior CheaneySchwartz, lost for the seasonwith a torn ACL.All Jerry Garris has todo is walk down the hallwayand knock on the bedroomdoor belonging toone of his sons.Senior Chase Garris averagedmore than four assistsper game last seasonas the Green Wave’s pointguard and while fatherliked son’s unselfishness,the elder Garris said theyounger will need to up hisscoring average from 6.7points per game if his teamis going to overcome theloss of Schwartz’s 13.3points per game.Schwartz shot betterthan 75 percent from thefoul line and nearly 45 percentfrom the field whilemaking almost30percent ofhis 3-pointtries.“Firstthing’sfirst – he’sGARRIS a scorer. Ithink that’sthe only way you can putit,” Chase Garris said.“Dad always makes a jokethat Cheaney can makethree wrong cuts on offense,but he’ll end up withthe basketball and he’sgonna score. He’s just anatural scorer.”Chase Garris shot lessthan seven times per gamelast season and his fathersaid the point guard canstill be unselfish even if hisshot attempts per gamereach double digits.“Chase is going to haveto do it from his pointguard spot. Chase has alwaysdone a good job ofbeing a true point and settingeverybody up andlooking to pass first andtake shots when they’reavailable,” Jerry Garrissaid. “We’re going to haveto get him some morelooks and I think he’s realizingthat now, too. Wegotta get him where he’staking 10, 12, 14 shots pergame.”Nathaniel Bryan can bereached at (270) 505-175824-HourRoadsideServiceLADY TROJANS: haven’t changedtheir goals despite having a new coachContinued from 13Although grade-wise the Lady Trojans are relativelyyoung, they have played together for several years notonly on the high school level but the AAU circuit.“We’ve been playing together for a long time,” Taftsaid. “We have a great chemistry. We play together duringthe season and the AAU season. Playing together for solong, it’s like we’re a family.”The Lady Trojans are counting on that experience ofplaying together to carry them to where they want to gothis season.“Our team chemistry is really good,” Jones said.“We’ve played a lot together. We know what each othercan do. We’re still young so we have the chance to begood now and for the future.“We’re still going to play that fast-paced style we’reused to,” she added. “We have a new offense and a newdefense, but we’ll still keep up the tempo. We’ve adaptedwell to the changes. We’ve very hungry. Everyone isworking to make it further than we did last year.”Chuck Jones can be reached at (270) 505-1759LADY BULLDOGS: focus on the future,not what the program has done in the pastContinued from 11“Zacchea is a really good athlete and could be our bestplayer at every position literally,” Todd said. “She canplay anywhere on the court. Michelle has gotten better,but she still has some work to do. She’s finishing betteraround the basket and her footwork has gotten better.”Freshman Tamara Taylor could see time at the four,while sophomores Katria Sanders, who is coming backfrom an ACL injury, and Kaitlyn Priddy will back upMontgomery. While his top six have experience, Toddsaid many of his reserves are inexperienced.“Our experience drops off after those first six,” Toddsaid. “We have some talented girls, but they don’t havemuch, if any, experience. The question is are they readyfor varsity basketball because they’re going to have toplay. That remains to be seen.”The Lady Bulldogs, though, remain focused on thepositives. They realize if they continue to work hard anddo what Todd asks of them, this could be the year this programtakes a step forward.“I think our main goal is to make it out of district,”Haley said. “That’s something we’ve never done. I thinkwe could be a good defensive team. That’s our goal is tobe a good defensive team because if we play good defensewe’ll win games.”Chuck Jones can be reached at (270) 505-1759For local sports, go towww.thenewsenterprise.comONESTOPSHOPServiceRepairCenterWeAlsoOffer:• MajorEngine Repair• Custom Exhaust• Towing Light -Heavy DutyCOMPLETEAUTO & TRUCK CARERELIABLE • AFFORDABLE • FAST • FRIENDLYWE FINANCE90 DAYS SAMEAS CASH$25 OFFSET OF 4 TIRESScott Nall’sAUTO SERVICE , Inc.WITH APPROVED CREDIT*SOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY*270-737-3922Expires 12/31/11Coupons may not be combined.$10 00 OFFANY $50 OR MORE SERVICEScott Nall’s 270-737-3922AUTO SERVICE , Inc.Expires 12/31/11Coupons may not be combined.We CarryAll MajorNameBrand Tires$ 5 00 OFFOIL CHANGE SERVICEScott Nall’sAUTO SERVICE , Inc.Scott Nall’sAUTO SERVICE , Inc.3140 Ring Rd., Elizabethtown270-737-3922(Nights) 270-862-5517270-737-3922Expires 12/31/11Coupons may not be combined.$20 00 OFFCOMPLETE BRAKE JOBScott Nall’s 270-737-3922AUTO SERVICE , Inc.Expires 12/31/11Coupons may not be combined.

2THE NEWS-ENTERPRISE BASKETBALL PREVIEW MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 20112011 BOYS’ BASKETBALL COMPOSITE SCHEDULEMonday, Nov. 28Fort Knox at Caverna8 p.m.Tuesday, Nov. 29Jeffersontown AIE at NH Christian6:30 p.m.Central Hardin at Nelson County7:30 p.m.North Hardin at Louisville Doss7:30 p.m.Adair County at Elizabethtown8 p.m.Thursday, Dec. 1Kentucky Country Day at Fort Knox7:30 p.m.Friday, Dec. 2NH Christian at Lexington Trinity Christian6:30 p.m.Elizabethtown at Taylor County7:30 p.m.North Hardin at Fort Knox7:30 p.m.Saturday, Dec. 3Central Hardin vs. Pulaski Southwestern6:15 p.m.Whitesville Trinity at Fort Knox8 p.m.Australian National Team at LaRue CountyTBANorth Hardin vs. TBDTBA11th District Tip-Off Classic at Meade CountyMeade County vs. Louisville Shawnee8:15 p.m.Tuesday, Dec. 6NH Christian at Shelbyville Cornerstone6:30 p.m.John Hardin at Fort Knox7:30 p.m.Bowling Green at Elizabethtown8 p.m.Breckinridge County at LaRue County8 p.m.Grayson County at Central Hardin8 p.m.Hancock County at Meade County8 p.m.Thursday, Dec. 8Meade County at Cloverport Frederick Fraize8 p.m.Friday, Dec. 9Bardstown at John Hardin7:30 p.m.Elizabethtown at Central Hardin7:30 p.m.North Hardin at Glasgow7:30 p.m.Campbellsville at Meade County8 p.m.Hart County at LaRue County8 p.m.NH Christian at Highlands Latin8 p.m.Saturday, Dec. 10Louisville Western at North Hardin7:30 p.m.Tuesday, Dec. 13Central Hardin at John Hardin7:30 p.m.LaRue County at North Hardin7:30 p.m.Louisville Shawnee at Fort Knox7:30 p.m.Meade County at Breckinridge County8 p.m.Friday, Dec. 16John Hardin at North Hardin7:30 p.m.Louisville Whitefield at Fort Knox7:30 p.m.North Oldham at Elizabethtown7:30 p.m.LaRue County at Caverna8 p.m.Meade County at Daviess County8 p.m.Monday, Dec. 19King of the Bluegrass at Louisville FairdaleNorth Hardin vs. TBDTBATuesday, Dec. 20Bluegrass Cellular Holiday HoopFest at Central HardinCentral Hardin vs. TBDTBAElizabethtown vs. Greenwood9:30 p.m.T.J. Samson Hospital Christmas Classic at Barren CountyJohn Hardin vs. TBDTBAKFC Holiday Classic at McCreary CentralLaRue County vs. Lincoln County6 p.m.LaRue County vs. TBDTBARafferty’s Holiday Classic at Edmonson CountyMeade County vs. TBDTBAWednesday, Dec. 21Bluegrass Cellular Holiday HoopFest at Central HardinCentral Hardin vs. TBDTBAElizabethtown vs. TBDTBAT.J. Samson Hospital Christmas Classic at Barren CountyJohn Hardin vs. TBDTBAKFC Holiday Classic at McCreary CentralLaRue County vs. TBDTBARafferty’s Holiday Classic at Edmonson CountyMeade County vs. TBDTBAThursday, Dec. 22Bluegrass Cellular Holiday HoopFest at Central HardinCentral Hardin vs. TBDTBAElizabethtown vs. TBDTBAT.J. Samson Hospital Christmas Classic at Barren CountyJohn Hardin vs. TBDTBAKFC Holiday Classic at McCreary CentralLaRue County vs. TBDTBARafferty’s Holiday Classic at Edmonson CountyMeade County vs. TBDTBAMonday, Dec. 26Republic Bank Holiday Classic at Lexington CatholicJohn Hardin vs. Glasgow3 p.m.North Hardin vs. Louisville Trinity6:30 p.m.Tuesday, Dec. 27Lloyd Memorial ClassicCentral Hardin vs. TBDTBANelson County ClassicElizabethtown vs. Shelbyville Collins6 p.m.Republic Bank Holiday Classic at Lexington CatholicJohn Hardin vs. TBD3 p.m. or 8 p.m.North Hardin vs. TBDNoon or 8 p.m.National Guard Holiday Classic at LaRue CountyLaRue County vs. TBDTBASunshine Classic at Daytona Beach, Fla.Meade County vs. TBDTBAWednesday, Dec. 28Lloyd Memorial ClassicCentral Hardin vs. TBDTBANelson County ClassicElizabethtown vs. Spencer County6 p.m.Republic Bank Holiday Classic at Lexington CatholicJohn Hardin vs. TBDTBANorth Hardin vs. TBDTBANational Guard Holiday Classic at LaRue CountyLaRue County vs. TBDTBASunshine Classic at Daytona Beach, Fla.Meade County vs. TBDTBAMeade County vs. TBDTBAThursday, Dec. 29Lloyd Memorial ClassicCentral Hardin vs. TBDTBANelson County ClassicElizabethtown vs. Nelson County7:30 p.m.Republic Bank Holiday Classic at Lexington CatholicJohn Hardin vs. TBDTBANorth Hardin vs. TBDTBANational Guard Holiday Classic at LaRue CountyLaRue County vs. TBDTBAFriday, Dec. 30Republic Bank Holiday Classic at Lexington CatholicJohn Hardin vs. TBDTBANorth Hardin vs. TBDTBATuesday, Jan. 3Central Hardin at North Hardin7:30 p.m.Elizabethtown at Fort Knox7:30 p.m.Floyd (Ind.) Central at Meade County7:30 p.m.LaRue County at Campbellsville7:30 p.m.Nelson County at John Hardin7:30 p.m.Friday, Jan. 6Central Hardin at Elizabethtown7:30 p.m.Fort Knox at North Hardin7:30 p.m.Meade County at John Hardin7:30 p.m.LaRue County at Green County8 p.m.NH Christian at Hopkinsville HeritageTBASaturday, Jan. 7Daviess County at Elizabethtown3:30 p.m.Tuesday, Jan. 10Adair County at LaRue County7:30 p.m.Elizabethtown at North Hardin7:30 p.m.John Hardin at Central Hardin7:30 p.m.Fort Knox at Cloverport Frederick Fraize8 p.m.Meade County at Hancock County8 p.m.Thursday, Jan. 12Meade County at Owensboro Catholic8 p.m.Southaven (Tenn.) Christian TournamentNH Christian vs. TBDTBAFriday, Jan. 13Central Hardin at Fort Knox7:30 p.m.LaRue County at Hart County8 p.m.Southaven (Tenn.) Christian TournamentNH Christian vs. TBDTBASaturday, Jan. 14Fort Knox at Paris3:30 p.m.Taylor County at North Hardin7:30 p.m.Central Bank Martin Luther King Classic at Winchester GeorgeRogers ClarkMeade County vs. George Rogers ClarkTBASouthaven (Tenn.) Christian TournamentNH Christian vs. TBDTBAMonday, Jan. 165th Region All ‘A’ ClassicFort Knox vs. Campbellsville6 p.m.Tuesday, Jan. 17Lexington Trinity Christian at NH Christian6:30 p.m.John Hardin at Elizabethtown7:30 p.m.North Hardin at Meade County7:30 p.m.Barren County at LaRue County8 p.m.Friday, Jan. 20Owensboro Majesty Christian at NH Christian 6:30 p.m.LaRue County at Russell County7 p.m.Elizabethtown at Louisville Male7:30 p.m.Louisville Eastern at Central Hardin7:30 p.m.North Hardin at John Hardin7:30 p.m.Saturday, Jan. 21Metcalfe County at Fort Knox4 p.m.North Bullitt at LaRue County7:30 p.m.Meade County at Muhlenberg County8 p.m.Monday, Jan. 23Highlands Latin at NH Christian6:30 p.m.Louisville Holy Cross at Central Hardin7:30 p.m.Louisville Valley at Fort Knox7:30 p.m.Tuesday, Jan. 24Central Hardin at South Oldham7:30 p.m.Fort Knox at John Hardin7:30 p.m.North Hardin at Elizabethtown7:30 p.m.NH Christian at Hillview MICAH8 p.m.Thursday, Jan. 26Elizabethtown at Jeffersontown7:30 p.m.John Hardin at Louisville Eastern7:30 p.m.Friday, Jan. 27Elizabethtown at Campbellsville7:30 p.m.North Hardin at Central Hardin7:30 p.m.Breckinridge County at Meade County8 p.m.Caverna at LaRue County8 p.m.Community Christian at NH Christian8 p.m.Saturday, Jan. 28Shelbyville Collins at John Hardin7:30 p.m.Tuesday, Jan. 31Shelbyville Cornerstone at NH Christian6:30 p.m.Elizabethtown at John Hardin7:30 p.m.Fort Knox at Central Hardin7:30 p.m.LaRue County at Meade County7:30 p.m.North Hardin at Adair County8 p.m.Friday, Feb. 3NH Christian at Lexington Blue Grass Baptist 6:30 p.m.Central Hardin at Shelbyville Collins7:30 p.m.Louisville Central at North Hardin7:30 p.m.Fort Knox at Elizabethtown8 p.m.Green County at LaRue County8 p.m.John Hardin at Grayson County8 p.m.Meade County at Ohio County8 p.m.Saturday, Feb. 4Shelby County at John Hardin5:30 p.m.LaRue County at Elizabethtown7:30 p.m.Cloverport Frederick Fraize at Meade County8 p.m.Tuesday, Feb. 7Hopkinsville Heritage Christian at NH Christian7 p.m.Nelson County at LaRue County7:30 p.m.North Hardin at Louisville DeSales7:30 p.m.Caverna at John Hardin8 p.m.Central Hardin at Adair County8 p.m.Grayson County at Meade County8 p.m.Friday, Feb. 10Louisville Holy Angels at NH Christian6:30 p.m.Jeffersontown at John Hardin7:30 p.m.North Hardin at Marion County7:30 p.m.Owensboro Apollo at Meade County7:30 p.m.Taylor County at LaRue County7:30 p.m.Bardstown at Elizabethtown8 p.m.Hart County at Fort Knox8 p.m.Saturday, Feb. 11Bardstown at Central Hardin7:30 p.m.North Bullitt at Fort Knox7:30 p.m.Warren Central at Elizabethtown7:30 p.m.Monday, Feb. 13Louisville Collegiate at Fort Knox7:30 p.m.Tuesday, Feb. 14Elizabethtown at Louisville Trinity7:30 p.m.LaRue County at Washington County7:30 p.m.Marion County at John Hardin7:30 p.m.Meade County at North Bullitt7:30 p.m.Mercer County at North Hardin7:30 p.m.Central Hardin at Breckinridge County8 p.m.Thursday, Feb. 16Elizabethtown at Bullitt East7:30 p.m.Fort Knox at Louisville Portland Christian7:30 p.m.Friday, Feb. 17Louisville Whitefield at Fort Knox6 p.m.Bardstown at North Hardin7:30 p.m.Elizabethtown at Lexington Bryan Station7:30 p.m.John Hardin at Taylor County7:30 p.m.Marion County at LaRue County7:30 p.m.Meade County at Central Hardin7:30 p.m.Saturday, Feb. 18Fort Knox at Washington County6 p.m.2011 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL COMPOSITE SCHEDULEMonday, Nov. 28Fort Knox at Caverna6:30 p.m.Hart County at North Hardin7:30 p.m.Tuesday, Nov. 29Central Hardin at Nelson County6 p.m.Elizabethtown at Meade County7:30 p.m.John Hardin at Adair County8 p.m.NH Christian at Jeffersontown AIETBAThursday, Dec. 1Kentucky Country Day at Fort Knox6 p.m.Friday, Dec. 2Elizabethtown at John Hardin7:30 p.m.LaRue County at Meade County7:30 p.m.Taylor County at Central Hardin7:30 p.m.KCAA Tip-Off ClassicNH Christian vs. TBDTBASaturday, Dec. 3Elizabethtown at Fort Knox4:30 p.m.Louisville Ballard at North Hardin7:30 p.m.KCAA Tip-Off ClassicNH Christian vs. TBDTBATuesday, Dec. 6North Hardin at Bardstown Bethlehem7:30 p.m.Central Hardin at Breckinridge County8 p.m.Fort Knox at Cloverport Frederick Fraize8 p.m.John Hardin at Owensboro8 p.m.Thursday, Dec. 8Bethel Christian at NH Christian6:30 p.m.Elizabethtown at Nelson County7:30 p.m.Friday, Dec. 9John Hardin at Bardstown7:30 p.m.North Hardin at Fort Knox7:30 p.m.Hart County at LaRue County8 p.m.Meade County at Breckinridge County8 p.m.Saturday, Dec. 10Shelbyville Collins at Central Hardin3:30 p.m.Cameron Irvin Classic at North HardinLouisville Central at North Hardin6 p.m.Tuesday, Dec. 13Central Hardin at John Hardin7:30 p.m.LaRue County at North Hardin7:30 p.m.Grayson County at Meade County8 p.m.Thursday, Dec. 15Breckinridge County at Elizabethtown8 p.m.Meade County at Hancock County8 p.m.Friday, Dec. 16Meade County vs. Hart County6 p.m.Elizabethtown at Central Hardin7:30 p.m.John Hardin at North Hardin7:30 p.m.LaRue County at Caverna8 p.m.Saturday, Dec. 17Daviess County at LaRue County6 p.m.Monday, Dec. 19Republic Bank Holiday Classic at Lexington CatholicMeade County vs. Louisville Assumption6 p.m.Louisville Western Invitational TournamentFort Knox vs. Western7:30 p.m.Campbellsville Food Pantry Holiday ClassicNorth Hardin vs. Allen County-Scottsville7:30 p.m.KSA Holiday Tournament at Orlando, Fla.Elizabethtown vs. TBDTBATuesday, Dec. 20Republic Bank Holiday Classic at Lexington CatholicMeade County vs. Union Ryle6 p.m.KSA Holiday Tournament at Orlando, Fla.Elizabethtown vs. TBDTBACampbellsville Food Pantry Holiday ClassicNorth Hardin vs. TBDTBDWednesday, Dec. 21Aspen Creek/Vision EyeCare Holiday Classic at Bullitt EastLaRue County vs. Louisville Male2:45 p.m.Warren East Hardees ClassicCentral Hardin vs. Warren East3:30 p.m.Pinkham Lincoln Automotive Christmas Classic at John HardinJohn Hardin vs. Louisville Fern Creek7:30 p.m.KSA Holiday Tournament at Orlando, Fla.Elizabethtown vs. TBDTBACampbellsville Food Pantry Holiday ClassicNorth Hardin vs. TBDTBDThursday, Dec. 22Pinkham Lincoln Automotive Christmas Classic at John HardinJohn Hardin vs. Henry County7:30 p.m.Aspen Creek/Vision EyeCare Holiday Classic at Bullitt EastLaRue County vs. Bell County11:15 a.m.LaRue County vs. Mercer County6:15 p.m.Republic Bank Holiday Classic at Lexington CatholicMeade County vs. TBDTBDFriday, Dec. 23Pinkham Lincoln Automotive Christmas ClassicJohn Hardin vs. Clinton County11 a.m.John Hardin vs. Whitesville Trinity2:30 p.m.Aspen Creek/Vision EyeCare Holiday Classic at Bullitt EastLaRue County vs. TBD7 p.m.Republic Bank Holiday Classic at Lexington CatholicMeade County vs. TBDTBDTuesday, Dec. 27Meade County vs. Louisville Valley2 p.m.McLean County Lady Cougar Christmas TournamentJohn Hardin vs. Union County12:30 p.m.Frankfort Western Hills Lady Wolverines Christmas TournamentNorth Hardin vs. Leslie County5 p.m.Wednesday, Dec. 28McLean County Lady Cougar Christmas TournamentJohn Hardin vs. TBDTBAFrankfort Western Hills Lady Wolverins Christmas TournamentNorth Hardin vs. TBDTBAThursday, Dec. 29South Central Bank Halton Classic at Allen County-ScottsvilleCentral Hardin vs. Allen County-Scottsville11:45 a.m.Owensboro DQ Holiday ClassicElizabethtown vs. Jeffersontown5 p.m.McLean County Lady Cougar Christmas TournamentJohn Hardin vs. TBDTBAFrankfort Western Hills Lady Wolverins Christmas TournamentNorth Hardin vs. TBDTBAFriday, Dec. 30North Hardin at Madison Southern7:30 p.m.Owensboro DQ Holiday ClassicElizabethtown vs. Breckinridge County5 p.m.Monday, Jan. 2North Hardin at Central Hardin7:30 p.m.LaRue County at Breckinridge County8 p.m.Tuesday, Jan. 3Elizabethtown at Louisville Mercy7:30 p.m.Fort Knox at Campbellsville7:30 p.m.LaRue County at John Hardin7:30 p.m.Meade County at Cloverport Frederick Fraize8 p.m.Thursday, Jan. 5Central Hardin at Elizabethtown7:30 p.m.John Hardin at Fort KnoxMeade County at Floyd (Ind.) CentralFriday, Jan. 6NH Christian at Hopkinsville Heritage ChristianLaRue County at Green CountySaturday, Jan. 7Edmonson County at Meade CountyAdair County at ElizabethtownMonday, Jan. 9Hart County at Central HardinOldham County at North HardinTuesday, Jan. 10Meade County at LaRue CountyThursday, Jan. 12John Hardin at Central HardinHancock County at Meade CountyFriday, Jan. 13Bluegrass United at NH ChristianCentral Hardin at Fort KnoxElizabethtown at North HardinJohn Hardin at North OldhamLaRue County at Hart CountySaturday, Jan. 14North Hardin vs. Louisville MercyMonday, Jan. 16North Bullitt at John HardinMeade County at Owensboro ApolloWarren East at Central HardinTuesday, Jan. 17NH Christian at Lexington Trinity ChristianLouisville Collegiate at Fort KnoxNorth Hardin at Nelson CountyBarren County at LaRue CountyThursday, Jan. 19LaRue County at Central HardinElizabethtown at Hart CountyFriday, Jan. 20John Hardin at ElizabethtownBreckinridge County at Meade CountySaturday, Jan. 21Meade County at Muhlenberg CountyMetcalfe County at Fort KnoxLaRue County at McLean CountyMonday, Jan. 23LaRue County at ElizabethtownBardstown at North HardinCentral Hardin at North BullittLouisville Valley at Fort KnoxTuesday, Jan. 24NH Christian at Hillview MICAHFort Knox at John HardinThursday, Jan. 26Central Hardin at North HardinElizabethtown at Washington CountyOwensboro at Meade CountyFriday, Jan. 27Community Christian at NH ChristianFort Knox at Louisville St. FrancisNelson County at John HardinCaverna at LaRue CountySaturday, Jan. 28Meade County at Daviess CountyNorth Hardin at ElizabethtownMonday, Jan. 30Fort Knox at Louisville ShawneeGreen County at John HardinLouisville Assumption at North HardinTuesday, Jan. 31NH Christian at Bethel ChristianBardstown Bethlehem at LaRue CountyFort Knox at Central HardinThursday, Feb. 2Marion County at ElizabethtownMeade County at South OldhamFriday, Feb. 3Lexington Blue Grass Baptist at NH ChristianCentral Hardin at Bullitt CentralFort Knox at ElizabethtownNorth Hardin at John HardinGreen County at LaRue CountySaturday, Feb. 4LaRue County at Adair CountyFort Knox at North HardinCloverport Frederick Fraize at Meade CountyMonday, Feb. 6Louisville Fern Creek at North HardinMeade County at Oldham CountyTuesday, Feb. 7Hopkinsville Heritage Christian at NH ChristianGreen County at Central HardinCampbellsville at Fort KnoxCaverna at John HardinLexington Paul Dunbar at ElizabethtownNelson County at LaRue CountyThursday, Feb. 9Bardstown Bethlehem at Fort KnoxMeade County at Grayson CountyFriday, Feb. 10NH Christian at Bluegrass UnitedCentral Hardin at BardstownTaylor County at LaRue CountyHart County at Fort KnoxNorth Hardin at Marion CountySaturday, Feb. 11NH Christian at Danville ChristianCentral Hardin at Adair CountyNorth Hardin at Ohio CountyNorth Bullitt at Fort KnoxDuke’s Valentine’s Shootout at John HardinJohn Hardin vs. Meade CountyElizabethtown vs. Henderson CountyMonday, Feb. 13Fort Knox at North OldhamTuesday, Feb. 14Grayson County at ElizabethtownLaRue County at Washington CountyNorth Hardin at Meade CountyWednesday, Feb. 15Louisville Western at John HardinThursday, Feb. 16Fort Knox at Louisville Portland ChristianLaRue County at CampbellsvilleFriday, Feb. 17Louisville Whitefield at Fort KnoxMeade County at Central HardinJohn Hardin at Warren CentralMuhlenberg County at ElizabethtownSaturday, Feb. 18Fort Knox at Washington County7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.6:30 p.m.8 p.m.12:30 p.m.5 p.m.6 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.8 p.m.6:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.8 p.m.3:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.8 p.m.8 p.m.6:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.8 p.m.7:30 p.m.8 p.m.7:30 p.m.8 p.m.5 p.m.5:30 p.m.7 p.m.7 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.6:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.6 p.m.7:30 p.m.8 p.m.6:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.8 p.m.7 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.6:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.6:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.8 p.m.5:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.8 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.5:30 p.m.6 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.8 p.m.5:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.8 p.m.8 p.m.9 a.m.6:30 p.m.7 p.m.7:30 p.m.2 p.m.6 p.m.7:30 p.m.6:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.8 p.m.8 p.m.7:30 p.m.EXECUTIVE GROUP, INC.100 CHASE WAY, ETOWN270-769-1655www. 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4THE NEWS-ENTERPRISE BASKETBALL PREVIEW MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011CENTRAL HARDIN BRUINSBruins search for their identityBy JOHN GROTHjgroth@thenewsenterprise.comCentralHardinhas a solid supportstaff. Whatthe Bruins don’t have yet isan established leader.With top scorer, rebounderand assist manMatt Nichols graduated,coach J.C. Wright hopessomeone or some groupwill take over so they becomestrong, powerfulbears.“They’re trying to findtheir identity. It’s time forsome kids to step up andtake on different roles. Lastyear, they played more ofa supporting role,” he said.“There are a lot of unknowns.“We’ve got nine guyswho can shoot on theperimeter. At the sametime, they have to understandthere’s more to itthen just jacking a bunch of3s. We’ve got to createsome inside presence. Wemissed that some lastyear,” Wright added.“Tyler (McCullough) andPatrick (Graffree) andAndrew (Kinney) and(Cameron) Wright – threeof the four can get on theperimeter and hurt you outthere. We’re interchangeable.”Central Hardin finished13-12 last year, falling 67-48 to John Hardin in the17th District Tournamentsemifinals. The Bruins wonfour of their final sixgames, but dropped two oftheir last three.Nichols did so muchlast year, leading the teamwith his 14.8 points, 5.6 reboundsand 3.7 assists pergame. But he missed a coupleof games with a kneeinjury and that’s when J.C.Wright saw players such asKinney, Alex Crowderand Cannon Ray showglimpses of leadershiproles.This year, their coachneeds them to make thosecommon occurrences.This season, they’re sotransposable J.C. Wrightadmits he’s still juggling hisstarting lineup.Ray, a three-year starter,holds the one solidspot. He’ll play pointguard and be counted onas the team’s main ballhandler.As for the rest of theBruins’ lineup, anyonecould be nearly anywhere.Senior Troy Squires canplay either guard position,while senior guard JaredCromartie will be a key defensiveasset. Senior Cody“We’ve got nine guys who can shoot onthe perimeter. At the same time, theyhave to understand there’s more to itthen just jacking a bunch of 3s. We’ve gotto create some inside presence. Wemissed that some last year. Tyler(McCullough) and Patrick (Graffree) andAndrew (Kinney) and (Cameron) Wright –three of the four can get on the perimeterand hurt you out there. We’re interchangeable.”J.C. WRIGHTCentral Hardin boys’ coachCrim may be a shootingguard or small forward.Kinney, a 6-foot-1, 170-pound senior, hopes tobuild off a strong seasonand will play at one forwardspot, while the 6-3, 180-pound Cameron Wrightwill also be in the post.Graffree, a seniorKentucky football commitment,could prove to be aforce in the middle withhis 6-4, 260-pound frame –once he gets into basketballshape. J.C. Wright saidGraffree still wasn’t up tothe physical condition he’dlike.Senior Andrew Cofer,Crowder and McCullough,a junior forward/center,will also be counted on forminutes inside.“Any of these guys cancatch fire and be a big contributorin any givengame,” J.C. Wright said.“We’re not going to be themost talented team in theregion. But I feel like wecan play with anybody inthe region. The next step isto win those close ballgames.”The Bruins have beefedup their schedule, addingtheir home BluegrassCellular Holiday Hoopfest– which runs from Dec. 20-The Central Hardin Bruins22.“Matt was our leadingscorer. But I think we havemultiple scorers. It couldbe a different guy everygame,” Cameron Wrightsaid. “One guy is not goingto be our leading scorerevery single game. It couldbe Kinney or Crowder orothers. We’re not just goingto be a one-man show.Everyone is going to beable to contribute.”John Groth can be reachedat (270) 505-1754CENTRAL HARDIN BRUINSNo. Player Hgt. Gr. Pos.10 Jackson Gillock 5-10 So. G12 Cody Crim 5-10 Sr. G14 Troy Squires 5-11 Jr. G15 Andy Kerr 5-8 Jr. G21 Cody Elmore 6-0 Jr. F22 Jared Cromartie 5-9 Sr. G23 T.J. Gordon 6-2 Jr. F24 Cameron Wright 6-3 Sr. F30 Andrew Cofer 6-0 Sr. F32 Cannon Ray 5-10 Sr. G34 Patrick Graffree 6-4 Sr. C35 Alex Crowder 6-1 Jr. F40 Tyler McCullough 6-2 Jr. F/C44 Andrew Kinney 6-1 Sr. FCustomerSatisfactionand ComprehensiveLong-Term Pest ControlSolutions.That’s our goal.Kinney, Wright feel pressureto fill void left by NicholsBy JOHN GROTHjgroth@thenewsenterprise.comSenior Andrew Kinney has alreadystarted to feel some extra pressure out ofhis new leadership role.Now, after those practicetussles occur, theCentral Hardin senior forwardcan’t just forgetabout them and move on.“We see each otherevery day. We have hardpractices sometimes,”Kinney said. “In a hardpractice, you sort of wantto get after each other. Imake sure everything is allright afterward.”That’s the new Kinney.After Central Hardin’sleading scorer, rebounderand assist man MattNichols graduated, Kinneyhas emerged as aKINNEYWRIGHTleader this year. So has Cameron Wright.The two forwards have to. No more stayingin the shadows.“We’re sick of losing and not gettingout of the first round of the (17th) district(tournament),” Kinney said.Central Hardin hasn’t advanced to theregion tournament since the 2007-08 season.The Bruins lost in the semifinals lastyear after losing in the quarterfinals theprevious two years.The 6-foot-1, 170-pound Kinney andthe 6-3, 180-pound Wright decided it’stime to take charge.Kinney benefited from AAU play inthe summer and acknowledged he improvedhis driving and ball-handlingskills. He also worked out more, gaining10 pounds in muscle. His diet? Peanut-buttersandwiches – lots of them.“I’d burn the stuff right off,” he said.Wright’s father, J.C., is the Bruins’coach. And in his final year, Wrightthought it was time to pick up his game.So he spent extra summer time in theweight room, strengthening his lowerbody and improving his shooting by taking100 free throws and 200 jumpshotseach day.“I mainly want to improve my reboundingand scoring,” Wright said. “I’malways looking for teammates to do just asgood, like a one-time pass to get my teammatesopen.”John Groth can be reached at (270) 505-1754Follow live game updates on Twitter: @thenesportsWe Are Now QualityPro Certified• Industry’s Seal of Approval• Customer-Focused• Industry-Leading TrainingTermite Colony Elimination SystemCall Us Today To Remove Your Pests!737-6900www.muggabug.com2818 Ring Road East, ElizabethtownBacked by Over 50 Years ExperienceMember of National Pest Management AssociationMember of Kentucky Pest Management AssociationLocally owned & operated

THE NEWS-ENTERPRISE BASKETBALL PREVIEW MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011 5CENTRAL HARDIN LADY BRUINSLady Bruins adopt new attitudeBy JOHN GROTHjgroth@thenewsenterprise.comFirst-year coach DemondThomashopes fans take noticeof the Central HardinLady Bruins’ improved oncourtdemeanor.They’re going to befiery, energetic and mostimportant – feisty.That’s what he thinksthe program needs to advanceout of the 17thDistrict Tournament andmove into the 5th RegionTournament for the firsttime in six years.“Don’t think of theCentral Hardin of the past.We’re an exciting basketballteam that fans want tocome watch, especiallycome district tournamenttime. We’re exciting andwill bring the flavor backto basketball,” Thomassaid. “(The girls’) grit andsweat and to see them hustleand dive on the floorand play with the passionof the game, plus winningbasketball games, bringsback the tradition of theLady Bruin.”Gone are top offensivethreat Jordan Daniel andpost presence KristinaKrupinski, along withAlysse Bishop, who allgraduated off last year’s 13-13 team, which lost toNorth Hardin 62-60 inovertime in the 17thDistrict Tournament semifinals.Daniel averagednearly 15 points per game,while Krupinski led thearea in rebounding withjust over 10 per game.So it’s Thomas who isleft with figuring out howto find girls to fill theirshoes.He received two unexpectedbonus post players,with juniors Alexis Johnsonand Aecha Helm.Johnson transferred fromIndiana’s Barr-Reeve, whileHelm has returned after aone-year layoff.Pair those two with returningsenior starter AbbiGoedde, and the LadyBruins have a formidabletrio up front.“I look for her (Aecha)around Christmas to reallybe a contributor for us,scoring and rebounding,”Thomas said. “Scoring inthe paint, I’m not worriedabout that. With Goedde,Aecha and Alexis, we’ll bestrong like we have in thepast. We have goodguards. They just need tohave confidence to bestrong and knock downshots.“Back in August, wedon’t pass up open jumpshots.You knock it down.Before in the summer, theywere hesitant. Now,they’re starting to shoot the“Don’t think of the Central Hardin of thepast. We’re an exciting basketball team thatfans want to come watch, especially comedistrict tournament time. We’re excitingand will bring the flavor back to basketball.(The girls’) grit and sweat and to see themhustle and dive on the floor and play withthe passion of the game, plus winning basketballgames, brings back the tradition ofthe Lady Bruin.”DEMOND THOMASCentral Hardin girls’ coachball with a lot more confidence.”This year, they can’thesitate and shy away fromopen shots. Senior guardsKasey Smallwood andLauren Norton, seniorguard/forward Abby Newtonand sophomore guardAislynn Barnes will all becounted on.Smallwood, Newtonand Barnes will be neededto run the offense. They’llhave to drive inside for abasket or kick the ball outfor a score.Norton’s forte is defense.“Lauren Norton canguard anybody in the regionone-on-one and I feellike she’ll lock themdown,” Thomas said.Norton acknowledgedpractices and workoutshave been even tougherthan the soccer ones shehad in the fall.But she thinks CentralHardin’s main hurdle toovercome this year will becommunication.“We need to talk a lotmore on the floor,” Nortonsaid. “We’ve been throughenough together. We knoweach other’s strengths andweaknesses.”Central Hardin hasn’twon the district tournamentsince 2006, when italso advanced to the regionfinal before falling toElizabethtown. The LadyBruins won five of their finalseven games to closelast season and Thomasthinks they can build offthat – especially with theirThe Central Hardin Lady Bruinsspeed and hustle this season.“We’ll play a wholebunch of different styles.We’re not settling for runand-gunthe whole time,”Thomas said. “The keyword for this group is thatthey’re feisty. They will getafter you. They’ll go afterloose balls, dive on thefloor all over, take chargeson defense.”John Groth can be reachedat (270) 505-1754CENTRAL HARDIN LADY BRUINSNo. Player Hgt. Gr. Pos.5 Abby Newton 5-4 Sr. G/F10 Kasey Smallwood 5-6 Sr. G11 Aislynn Barnes 5-5 So. G12 Lauren Norton 5-3 Sr. G14 Marlee Kolley 5-10 So. C22 Sara Monroe 5-6 So. F23 Abbi Goedde 5-6 Sr. F24 Briana Skees 5-5 Jr. G34 Alexis Johnson 5-7 Sr. F/C35 Aecha Helm 6-0 Jr. C45 Paisley Powell 5-4 Sr. FIt’s not whetheryou win or lose.After graduating top players,Central in search of leadershipBy JOHN GROTHjgroth@thenewsenterprise.comFirst-year Central Hardin coachDemond Thomas is in the same predicamentas his friend andboys’ coach J.C. Wright.A former boys’ assistant,Thomas must alsofind a way to replace histop scorer and offensivethreat after Jordan Danielgraduated last year. Andlike Wright, he’s going todo it by committee.HELMSo each of his veterans will try to bringsomething different.First, there’s leadership.That’s what senior Abbi Goedde hopesto show. Goedde is the team’s leading returningscorer and rebounder from lastseason.“I need to be a leader, be vocal, score,rebound, post,” she said. “I need to workat being more vocal and being a leader.”Seniors Lauren Norton and AbbyNewton have to deliver with their guardplay.“I handle the ball, see the whole floor,”Newton said.Added Norton: “I have to be more vocaland get people up.”Then, there’s the two new post players– in juniors Alexis Johnson and AechaHelm.Johnson transferred from Indiana,where she played at Barr-Reeve. Beforethat she played in Hawaii.She and Helm provide the group withenergy, power and a little bit of a snarldown low.“We get aggressive up front and wepush each other,” Johnson said. “We haveto be physical.”Then, there’s Helm, who took last seasonoff.“I missed it. It’s just my game. (Imissed) all of it. I did it (came back) on myown,” she said. “We knock people around,go hard at it, try not to miss shots and doeverything we can to win.”But senior guard Kasey Smallwoodsummed this group’s mission up best.“With the bond we have, we all playwell together,” she said. “Defensive stuff iswhat gets us started.”And that type of play – defense whichleads to transition, energy, excitement andaggressiveness – is exactly what Thomaswants.John Groth can be reached at (270) 505-1754CHECK OUTOUR NEWHOLIDAYFLAVORS!It’s where yougo after the game.Whether your team is feeling the thrill ofvictory or the agony of defeat, McDonald’s TMis everyone’s favorite place to celebrate...or commiserate.See store manager for details on educationalincentives for high school and college students.

6THE NEWS-ENTERPRISE BASKETBALL PREVIEW MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011ELIZABETHTOWN PANTHERSPanthers young, but have potentialBy NATHANIEL BRYANnbryan@thenewsenterprise.com“My only major purpose every year is toimprove throughout the season. That’s whywe play the schedule we do. Now we do wantto try to win and be able to compete inevery game, but obviously if you don’t playbetter teams, you’re not going to improve.Obviously I want this team to improve, becausethat’s something we talk about everysingle day, and I hope with their maturitylevel that as it gets better, then their levelof play will get better.”JAMES HAIREElizabethtown boys’ coachWith such ayoung team,veteran ElizabethtownPanthers coachJames Haire is growingrestless.The Panthers started 2-4last season and rallied tofinish 16-13 after losing toBardstown in the 5thRegion Tournament final.The bad news is they graduatedfour starters, includingArea Player of the YearMitchell Henry. Five underclassmenoff last year’s20-player roster aren’t onthis year’s team, meaning45 percent of the roster isgone.“This group is young,”Haire said. “We’ve gotthree seniors and two ofthem got a little bit of playingtime. And the juniorclass – there’s no playingtime there (returning).”If Elizabethtown canweather the storm this season,it should be one of thearea’s most-veteran teamsnext year.“I think we have a lot ofpotential,” said freshmancenter Zane Najdawi. “Wehave a lot of years to growand mature and work togetheras a team.”However, building towardthe future couldmean Haire might be infor a trying season in thepresent.“Young people driveme nuts period,” Hairesaid with a laugh.The good news is someyoung players got plentyof time last season.Sophomore guard NicMcDonald started twiceand made 16 other appearancesin the Panthers’ first21 games, while sophomoreguard Bryce Byrdplayed more than 15 minutesper game off thebench.“Both of them are veryintelligent and very confidentballplayers,” Hairesaid. “They should add tous. I hope a year undertheir belt has maturedthem some. We’ll see.”Another sophomoreHaire is counting on is 6-foot-5, 205-pound centerDominique Harding, whohas yet to play a regularseasongame above thefreshman level.“That’s a pretty bigjump coming straight fromfreshman to varsity becausenow you have thevarsity coach having a lotof expectations for you.Then it’s pretty much anew team relying on youin the post, so you’ve got tobe one of the strongerplayers on the floor,”Harding said. “Before eachgame, you have to taketime to focus and thinkabout what you need to doon the court to be successful.”The Panthers havesome more size in additionto Harding, but they’reraw as well with 6-4, 170-pound juniors AndrewScheiba and Will Jenkins.Scheiba made 14 appearancesin the first 21 gameslast season, while Jenkinswas on the roster but didn’tplay.Then there’s the 6-5,190-pound Najdawi, whocould be rarity underHaire – a starting freshmanpost.“I’m just going to try tocome out and help theteam as best I can,”Najdawi said. “Nick andBryce told me to be readyto get up and run up anddown the floor.”The two seniors withnotable playing time lastyear are forwards JansenFlood and Todd Lucas.Flood started every contestand averaged more than8.5 points per game, whileLucas moved into the startinglineup later in the season.“They should be verysteady performers,” Hairesaid. “Jansen is one of thevery few players we’ve gotwho’s really dedicated tothe game of basketballwhen we have a lot of multi-sportathletes here andour athletes have to beshared.”Haire has been lookingfor someone to step up andtake the leadership roleand thinks Lucas, also asoccer standout, can bethat leader.“If they’re starting to getnervous and I can tell, I tryto talk to them and afterthat, then I try to lead,”The Elizabethtown PanthersLucas said. “If I give it myall, then hopefully they’llfollow my lead and give ittheir all.”Because of Lucas’ fieryattitude and aggressiveness,Haire likened Lucasto Looney Tunes’ TasmanianDevil.Lucas, who chuckled atHaire’s remark, said hecertainly embraces thewhirling dervish role.“Yeah, yeah I do,”Lucas grinned. “I bringthat energy.”Haire hopes a few otherplayers bring that energyin sophomore guardJa’Von Cotton, seniorguard Alec Thompson,junior guard Josh Williamsand junior forward ChasJones as all four shouldplay routinely. Cottontransferred from NorthHardin Christian, whileThompson played 12times in the first 21 gameslast season, Williams wasone of the football team’sgo-to playmakers andJones, who was injured inthe preseason, is the son offormer NBA player CharlesJones.Should all of the playerscome together, Haire saidthe Panthers can click atthe right time just like lastseason’s postseason run.“My only major purposeevery year is to improvethroughout the season.That’s why we playELIZABETHTOWN PANTHERSNo. Player Hgt. Gr. Pos.2 Nic McDonald 5-10 So. G3 Jansen Flood 6-1 Sr. F4 Bryce Byrd 5-10 So. G5 Andrew Phrachamreundy 6-0 So. F10 Ja’Von Cotton 6-0 So. G11 Alec Thompson 5-10 Sr. G12 Todd Lucas 5-10 Sr. F14 Ryan Harris 5-8 So. G20 Evan McKinley 6-0 Jr. F21 Josh Williams 5-8 Jr. G22 Zach Patterson 6-2 Fr. F23 Dominique Harding 6-5 So. C25 Will Clifton 5-8 So. G30 Zane Najdawi 6-5 Fr. C32 Kenny Sago 6-0 So. F33 Chas Jones 6-2 Jr. F34 Andrew Scheiba 6-4 Jr. C41 Jack Antone 6-0 Jr. F44 Will Jenkins 8-4 Jr. C50 Brandon Cochran 6-0 So. Cthe schedule we do. Nowwe do want to try to winand be able to compete inevery game, but obviouslyif you don’t play betterteams, you’re not going toimprove,” Haire said.“Obviously I want thisteam to improve, becausethat’s something we talkabout every single day,and I hope with their maturitylevel that as it getsbetter, then their level ofplay will get better.”Nathaniel Bryan can bereached at (270) 505-1758E’town could have diamondin the rough in HardingBy NATHANIEL BRYANnbryan@thenewsenterprise.comElizabethtown played two freshmenquite a bit last season, but thePanthers feel they can have a diamondin the rough this year in sophomoreDominique Harding.While freshman backcourt matesBryce Byrd and Nic McDonald sawaction in every varsity game,Harding played plenty of minutes,too – on the freshman level.So now Harding finds himself notonly skipping JV and going straightto varsity, but he also must make theleap as the heir apparent to graduatedbruising man-child and AreaPlayer of the Year Mitchell Henry.Henry, also a star football playerand throwing standout on the trackand field team, had a mean streak tohim. Harding, on the other hand, is a6-foot-5, 205-pound athletic specimenwith a gentle-giant approach.Coach JamesHaire has imploredHarding to showsome fire and emotion.“I don’t knowhow you really teachmeanness, but heHARDING doesn’t really haveany of that in himright now,” Haire said. “I don’t knowwhat makes him angry, but we’re goingto try a whole lot of things to findout.”Part of Harding’s problem is thathe doesn’t see himself as a low-postbanger despite his frame. A growthspurt negated most of his chance atstaying at his more-natural wing position.“I think the center position wouldn’tbe my position in college, but inhigh school, you gotta play centerwhen you’re one of the biggest guyson the court,” Harding said. “I thinkI don’t have a center’s mentality yet,but I’m working toward it to get it.”Freshman Zane Najdawi, sophomoreBrandon Cochran and juniorsAndrew Scheiba and Will Jenkinscould see time in the paint as well,but Haire said the Panthers needHarding on the floor.“Dominique, he doesn’t really fullyunderstand what he has. Here heis, 6-5 and about 205 or 210, and hecan run, can jump and probably hasone of the nicest shots on the team,”Haire said. “He’s put a lot of effortinto it and he really has improvedfrom the off-season, but I just don’tthink he understands of who he isand what he has. He can do tremendousthings. … He can really be thedifference for us.”Nathaniel Bryan can be reachedat (270) 505-1758Sports fans know the power of a good team.Find out how having Shelter on your teamfor insurance is a winning combination.Proud to support all area teams!Paula Thomas - Agent1312 N. Dixie Hwy., Ste. 100Elizabethtown, KY 42701-2622PThomas@ShelterInsurance.comShelterInsurance.com/PThomasPhone: 270-766-1113Cell: 270-401-5462

THE NEWS-ENTERPRISE BASKETBALL PREVIEW MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011 7ELIZABETHTOWN LADY PANTHERSE’town could face rebuilding yearBy NATHANIEL BRYANnbryan@thenewsenterprise.comFor all intents andpurposes, thisshould probably –and finally – be a rebuildingseason for theElizabethtown Lady Panthers.They went 29-4 last seasonand advanced to a 5thRegion-record sixth consecutiveregion tournament final.But they graduated fourplayers from that squad inDivision-I point guard NatalieGreenwell, All-Statehonorable mention forwardAdelaide Luckett, do-everythingwing Hannah Hartand three-sport athleteKymbur Berrow.To top it off, senior centerDarian Ditto hasn’tplayed a regular-seasongame since her freshmanyear because of ACL tearsand junior forward/centerAlexis Powell continues todeal with pain in her leftshoulder.So the Lady Panthersshould finally return to themiddle of region pack,right?Perhaps not.One preseason regionranking had the LadyPanthers second behindMarion County and theLady Knights’ threeDivision-I players, whileone coaches’ preseasontop-25 poll had Elizabethtownranked 11th.“I appreciated peoplethinking that highly of usand I take it as a greatcompliment of the type ofkids we have in our program,”said veteran coachTim Mudd, who won his400th career game withthe Lady Panthers last season.“And no, I really don’tlook at this as a rebuildingyear because that’s unfairto the seniors that we have.We have great leadershipon this team.”That leadership hastaught the younger contingentthat expectationsdon’t change even thoughthe roster significantly did.“Being E’town, we’re alwaysgoing to have to dealwith high expectations becauseeverybody’s alwaysgoing to expect us to dogood and we’re not goingto lower our expectations,either, when we losethem,” said new pointguard Anna Bowling, oneof the Lady Panthers’ sixjuniors. “(Graduation) hurtus a lot because they wereour whole team. They’vebeen here forever, so nowwe’re finding a new personalityfor our team.”Questions remain aboutwho Elizabethtown canrely on for consistent offense,so that personalityappears to be a defensiveone. Elizabethtown forcedopponents into 35.7 shootingfrom the field last seasonand limited foes to 43.8points per game against aschedule featuring Sweet16 champion RockcastleCounty, state tournamentrunner-up Louisville Du-Pont Manual and two-timedefending region tournamentchampion MarionCounty (twice).“We’ll definitely be athreat on defense. Defenseis where we’re at thisyear,” said Powell. “Ourzones are different andmore aggressive and wehave a more athletic teamthis year, so we should beable to stop a lot of people.”They certainly have alot of people who can playin the post. Powell, whomissed 16 games last seasonwith a separated shoulder,is expected to see significanttime in the frontcourtthis season alongwith Ditto, senior TaylorBridges, junior KaitlynCoffman and 6-foot-1freshman Reaunna Cleaver.Luckett carried the loaddown low last season, startingevery game and averaging10.8 points and 10.1rebounds while shooting48 percent from the field.She also played a big roleas a sophomore in helpingElizabethtown reach thestate tournament final.With that much experiencegone, Powell said theLady Panthers will have aby-committee approach tothe post this season.“We’ve all been gettingstronger and working onour post moves, so weshould be up to par,”Powell said.The Lady Panthersshould be up to par in thebackcourt as well.Senior guards KaylynCecil and Tara Gilpin startedevery game last year,while Bowling appeared inevery contest. Versatileeighth-grader Erin Boleyhas the size (6-foot) to playon the perimeter, but shecan handle the ball in a“point forward” roleplayed by former LadyPanthers such as Luckett,Alisa Dickerson and Lucassisters Angel, Jess andTerra.Cecil led Elizabethtownin scoring twice in thepostseason and is one ofthe state’s top 3-pointthreats. However, sheknows teams will be focusingon her more this yearcompared to past yearswhen they had playerssuch as Greenwell, Luckettand bruising post AlexJones to worry about.“I’m going to have tolearn how to drive more,go off the dribble and learnhow to get open,” saidCecil, who averaged 11.8points per game as a juniorafter being voted AreaSophomore of the Year theprevious season.Mudd has told Cecilthat she can play well despitescoring and Cecil saidwhile she understands hisrationale, it’s a difficultconcept for her being ashooter first.“It’s hard for me to takeThe Elizabethtown Lady Panthersthat because usually if I’mshooting bad, I take it as abad game. Now I have tolearn to play through itand get over it and keepplaying, knowing there areother things I can do tohelp the team,” she said.Fourteen players sawaction in at least half thegames last season and theLady Panthers have plentyof reserves vying for playingtime. Junior JessicaDuwe, sophomore KinseyMudd and freshmen LivieBowling and Darien Huffprovide backcourt depth,while juniors DeannaDowns and Madison Larkare reserve forwards.While Tim Mudd reiteratedthat his program isin a reloading stage comparedto a rebuilding one,ELIZABETHTOWN LADY PANTHERSNo. Player Hgt. Gr. Pos.2 Livie Bowling 5-8 Fr. G3 Jessica Duwe 5-3 Jr. G5 Tara Gilpin 5-8 Sr. G10 Kaylyn Cecil 5-10 Sr. G11 Anna Bowling 5-7 Jr. G12 Taylor Bridges 5-10 Sr. F/C15 Kinsey Mudd 5-4 So. G21 Erin Boley 6-0 8th F22 Darien Huff 5-4 Fr. G23 Deanna Downs 5-8 Jr. F24 Madison Lark 5-6 Jr. F25 Alexis Powell 5-8 Jr. F/C31 Kaitlyn Coffman 5-9 Jr. C32 Reaunna Cleaver 6-1 Fr. C50 Darian Ditto 5-10 Sr. Che also said this will be agrowing year and hopesthe Lady Panthers areplaying far better inFebruary and March thanthey are before the holidays.“I do think it’s going totake us a while, but I dolike this team,” Mudd said.“I think if they stay togetherand they keep workinghard, than they can accomplishbig things by the endof the year.”Nathaniel Bryan can bereached at (270) 505-1758Anna Bowling has tough taskof taking over for GreenwellBy NATHANIEL BRYANnbryan@thenewsenterprise.comAll Anna Bowling has to do asElizabethtown’s junior point guard is replaceNatalie Greenwell,the Lady Panthers’ alltimeleader in gamesplayed. Never mindGreenwell was a Division-I signee (Morehead State),a unanimous pick for AreaPlayer of the Year and aKentucky-Indiana SeniorAll-Star Series participant.No biggie, right?BOWLING“There’s a lot of pressure,” Bowlingsaid. “Everyone’s going to compare her tome and those are some big, huge shoes tofill. But being compared to her is not a badthing.”Greenwell shot nearly 50 percent fromthe field, better than 40 percent from the3-point line and made more than 80 percentof her foul shots while averaging 14.8points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists and tworebounds per game.Bowling never started, but appeared inevery game, making a respectable 33.3percent of her 3-pointers and 88.9 percentof her foul shots. She also averaged lessthan a turnover per game.Bowling was a point guard in middleschool and although she’s sort of beenlooked at as a shooting guard, she pointedout she never really left her point guardrole.“I’ve always been kind of Nat’s thirdstringpoint guard or the backup, so it’s notas hard as it may look,” Bowling said. “Soit’s not like I’m being thrown straight intothis, but yeah, I have been playing moreof a shooting guard.”Senior guard Kaylyn Cecil saidBowling has put in a concerted effort toease the transition.“That’s a big role and she’s got a bigspot to fill, but I’m very happy for her becauseshe’s been able to step up and takeit,” Cecil said. “She’s worked hard and Ihave faith in her, because she knows whatshe’s doing.”Bowling will be backed up by her freshmansister, Livie, and freshman DarienHuff. All three are charged with makingsure the Lady Panthers play with the poisethey’ve become known for.“As a point guard, I’ve got to keep thetempo from getting out of control,”Bowling said. “So if I get out of control,the team gets out of control. I guess I’mmore of a control factor than anything.”Nathaniel Bryan can be reached at (270) 505-1758

THE NEWS-ENTERPRISE BASKETBALL PREVIEW MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011 9FORT KNOX LADY EAGLESLady Eagles hope to find stabilityBy JOSH CLAYWELLjclaywell@thenewsenterprise.comOne thing hasbeen lacking forthe Fort KnoxLady Eagles the last threeseasons: stability at thehead coaching position.They’ve gone throughfour coaches in the lastthree years. Marcus Dixonwas fired shortly before the2009-2010 season began,and former longtime coachJackie Prather filled in onan interim basis. PeterNorman was hired last season,but he didn’t return afterFort Knox sufferedthrough a 1-25 campaign.Junior Bianca Kelleythinks the Lady Eagles finallyhave found someonewith staying power. DanaBeaven, an assistant lastseason under Norman, wasnamed coach before thisschool year began.“It is kind of hard becausethey all three havedifferent skills they wantedto show us, and they eachwere different,” Kelleysaid. “Coach Dixon wantedeverybody to hustle andhe wanted everybody tobe fast so we could run upand down the court all thetime. Coach Norman wasthe same way, but his playswere the same. Ms. Beavenis teaching us newthings and helping us getmore endurance built upso we can play better.”It’s the first head coachingjob for the 24-year-oldBeaven, who played atCorydon (Ind.) Centraland Bellarmine Universityin Louisville. She graduatedfrom Bellarmine in2009.Because of her playingbackground, Kelley saidBeaven is a better fit ascoach than Norman.“It was really confusingwith Coach Norman withwhat he wanted us to do,”Kelley said. “It’s much easierwith Coach Beaven becauseshe breaks thingsdown for us so we can understandwhat we’re doing.Coach Norman wanted todo things so fast, and he reallywouldn’t break itdown. Coach Beaven doesthings slower and specificallytells us what we needto do to do a drill correctly.”Entering her first seasonas coach, one might expectBeaven to have somenerves, but she said that’snot the case.“I guess I’m not nervous,”Beaven said. “I’vebeen around basketball allmy life; it’s just a differentrole. It’s a more importantrole, but I feel comfortableenough that I can do it.And I’ve got some greatassistant coaches that I canrely on. There’s no reasonto be nervous; we havenothing to lose. I think thewins that we will hopefullyget will just pump up ourself esteem and help us geton a roll.”The Lady Eagles certainlycould use a jolt.Fort Knox has woneight games in the last fiveseasons, losing 107 gamesin that stretch. The LadyEagles have lost 85 consecutivegames against 17thDistrict foes.While Beaven knowsabout Fort Knox’s struggles,she said the goodthing is her team doesn’t.“The good thing in ourfavor is that a lot of themThe Fort Knox Lady EaglesFORT KNOX LADY EAGLESPlayer Gr. Pos.Breannah Bretches So. GSydney Hill Fr. GTyra Jackson 8th GTerriona Jones Fr. F/CBianca Kelley Jr. FJoanna McCray Fr. GHaven Noble So. G/FElizabeth Roy Jr. G/FBrenna Stephenson Fr. FBrianna Smith 8th FBrittany Smith So. Fdidn’t go here last year, sothey don’t know that,”Beaven said. “People tellthem, I’m sure, but theydon’t know that. They didn’tknow we haven’t won adistrict game since 2002. Ifeel that works in our favor.They believe that wecan be good, and it’s imperativewe believe that.We have to believe we canwin.”Kelley believes. So doessophomore Haven Noble,a transfer from Washington.Noble has heard all thestories, heard all abouthow Fort Knox hasn’t hada good team in a long time.The Lady Eagles haven’twon more than eightgames in any of the last 10seasons, but none of thatmatters to Noble.“I heard Fort Knox hasa reputation of a losingteam, so I want to get outof that,” she said. “I wantto break that trend. Losingisn’t fun.”Losing is something theLady Eagles hope to doless of this season.And with a young team,they’re also keeping an eyeon the future. Nine of FortKnox’s 11 players are underclassmen.Kelley andElizabeth Roy are the onlyjuniors. The Lady Eaglesdon’t have any seniors.“It would help if we hada senior, but at the sametime I think that with thechanging of Fort Knox andhow people will be stayinghere longer, we can coachkids all the way through,”Beaven said. “It would begood to have that continuity.Instead of having allnew girls every year, we’llhave girls that know whatto expect and we can buildthe program. We can playover the summer, and Idon’t have to worry aboutwho’s moving and who’snot. Having the youngergirls helps, because they’renot set in their ways andthey can be coached a lot.But not having a senior,you lack that upperclassmenmentality and leadership.“But I really like our attitudes,”she added. “Theycome in here and theywant to work hard. Whenwe yell at them they don’tgive us attitude. They don’ttalk back. They just say ‘alright’and do it. They don’talways do everything right,but when I tell them to dosomething, they fix it.That’s a very good thing.”Josh Claywell can be reachedat (270) 505-1752CECILIA AUTO SALES270-737-5845of Elizabethtowncarfax.com1950 Leitchfield Road, Elizabethtown, KYView Our Inventory 24 Hours A Day On: www.ceciliaautosales.comREPOREPO$19,995$24,995 $17,995 $17,9952012 NISSAN ALTIMAAuto, Air, Loaded, CD , Keyless, 2,000 Miles.2011 GMC TERRAINSLE , Auto, Air, Loaded, CD , Keyless, 3,000 Miles.2011 CHEVY SILVERADO 2011 CHEVY CRUZEV6, Auto, Air, 5,000 Miles.Auto, Air, Loaded , CD, Keyless, 6,000 Miles.REPOREPO$17,995 $16,995 $16,995$15,9952011 CHEVY MALIBUAuto, Air, Loaded, CD, Keyless, 3,000 miles.2011 CHEVY IMPALA LTV6, Auto, Air, Loaded, CD, Keyless, 11,000 Miles.2010 HONDA CIVIC LXAuto, Air, Leather, Loaded, CD, Keyless, 8,000 Miles.2010 NISSAN SENTRA SRAuto, Air, CD, Keyless, Loaded, 17,000 Miles.REPO$15,995 $15,995 $15,995 $16,4952011 CHEVY HHR 2008 CHEVY IMPALA SS 2003 CHEVY TAHOE LSLT, Auto, Air Loaded, CD, Keyless, 15,000 Miles.V8, Auto, Air, Leather, Loaded, 58,000 Miles.4x4, V8, Auto, Air, Loaded, CD, 53,000 Miles.2011 FORD FOCUS SEAuto, Air, Loaded, CD, Keyless, 2,000 Miles.$14,995$12,995 $9,995$24,9952010 TOYOTA TACOMA. 2006 CHEVY MALIBU 2005 CHEVY MALIBU CLASSIC 2011 CHEVY SILVERADO LT CREW CABAuto, Air, CD, 24,000 MilesAuto, Air, CD, Loaded, 1 Owner, 20,000 Miles.Auto, Air, Loaded, 1 Owner, 21,000 Miles.V8, Auto, Air, Loaded, CD, Keyless, 4,000 Miles.