Basketball preview

Keyon WallaceVincent High School

REPORTER PHOTO/JON GOERING A special publication of Shelby County Newspapers, Inc.

CMYK Outside

Boys’ BasketballNovember 17, 2010 SHELBY COUNTY REPORTER2E

CMYK INSIDE

AHSAA CLASS 5A, AREA 7

Head Coach: Chris Laatsch

Last Season: 16-13, Area Tournament

Players: Josh Laatsch, Luke Collins, Kalan Reed, Devin Bowman, Jason Laatsch, Raymond Woods, Ben Parks, James Palmer, Justin Bice, Jacob Robertson, Miller Bradford, Nathan Fincher and Canon Smith

Season Outlook: The Lions will be led by guard Jason Laatsch, who is one of the top 3-point shooting special-ists around. Forwards James Palmer and Justin Bice re-turn to give Briarwood two solid options in the post.


Head Coach: Robert Burdette

Last Season: 14-16, Sub-Region

Players: Eric McCord, Deon-dre Haynes, Jeremy Hyde, Taylor Brooks, Ronnie Clark, Travis Green, Blayne Sumer-all, John Frederick and Titus Adams

Season Outlook: The Eagles were a work in progress last season, but should be much better with Deondre Haynes returning in the backcourt. Guard Ronnie Clark will play a key role, as will forward Blayne Sumerall in the frontcourt.


Head Coach: Michael Napp


Players: Carey Emmerke, Sean Edwards, D.J. Wash-ington, Trevor Hughes, Jake Ganus, Eli Bashour, Garrett Payne, Dantavius Washing-ton, Jackson Hyde, Neal Gray, Brody Holder, Julius McCall and Jake Adams

Season Outlook: The Hornets will field a solid backcourt with guards Jake Ganus, D.J. Washington and Julius Mc-Call. Chelsea will be young in the frontcourt with 6-foot-6 junior Garrett Payne leading the way.

CORNERSTONE CHARGERS


Head Coach: Greg Van Horn


Players: Raphael Hwang, Stuart McLean, Blake Senn, Charlie Simpson, Joseph Simonetti, Hart Wilson, Alex Szasz, Jeff Liu, Larry Liu, Sam Marshall, Jian Yu Chen, Maurice Pompey, Jun Hong, Stephen Himic and Kenechi Ijemere

Season Outlook: Indian Springs will be solid in the backcourt with Charlie Simp-son and Stuart McLean returning. Hart Wilson is a double-double threat in the frontcourt.


Head Coach: Donald McMahon


Players: Trevor Chatham, De-metrouse Conwell, B.J. Smith, Korey Cunningham, Marcus Ford, Anthoney Whitehead, Garrius Chappell, Rashard Jones, Lionel Watkins and Derek Freeman

Season Outlook: The Bull-dogs will be led by guard Ra-shad Jones, who was one of the team’s leading scorers last season. Montevallo will also rely on Garrius Chappell, Korey Cunningham and Lionel Watkins for help.


Head Coach: Chris Love


Players: Taylor Kral, Graham McArthur, Chris Marino, Jake Delaney, Garrett Cosgrove, Austin Smith, Jordan Davis, Will Payne, Link Abernethy, Colton McGriff, Heath Quinn, Jordan Pierce and Bert Seitz

Season Outlook: The Eagles had a banner season in 2009. Unfortunately for Oak Mountain, few familiar faces return. Oak Mountain will look for leadership from Colton McGriff and Garrett Cos-grove.


Head Coach: Joel Floyd


Players: Darian Johnson, Xavier Lacey, Alec Rash, Qa-dash Williams, Graham Reilly, Tanner Rice, Lamar Dukes, Tony Williams, Tracey Haynes, Connor Douglas, Cameron Slane, Tyler Minyard, Jordan Brooks and Patrick Powell

Season Outlook: The Pan-thers took a huge step for-ward last season. Pelham looks to be in even better shape this year with guards Xavier Lacey, Tony Williams and Graham Reilly back along with forward Tyler Minyard in the post.


Head Coach: Charles Dickinson


Players: Ty Lollar, Sherman Smith, Andrew Miller, Tre Cohill, Tyler Garren, Josh Pen-nington, Denzel Williams, Jon-athan Pennington, Michael Dozier and Tyler Madison

Season Outlook: The Wild-cats lost a few starters to graduation, but Shelby County should be in good shape with guard Ty Lollar and forward Tyler Madison back to lead the way. Lollar is one of the top long-distance shooters around and Madison is a beast in the paint.

SHELBY COUNTY WILDCATS


Head Coach: Brian Moon


Players: Rembert Martin, Tyler Cook, Frankie Mareno, Robby Prater, Andrew Plan, DeVon Brown, Sean Taylor, Steven Lawson, Bryan Stone, Alex Close, Frank Hedden, Eric Washington, Blake Dudchock, Mitchell Holt and Michael Brown

Season Outlook: Guard Robby Prater and forward Mitchell Holt each saw exten-sive playing time a year ago and will play key roles for the Jaguars. Newcomers Alex Close and Blake Dudchock will provide plenty of depth in the post.

SPAIN PARK JAGUARS


Head Coach: Patrick Davis


Players: Chris Boothe, Ryan Coleman, Josh Cottingham, Pierre Davis, Tresman Gad-dis, Martin Glaster, Caleb Johnson, Jaalen Jones, Jay-lon Jones, Kenny Nabors, Elisha Neville, Ryan Spence, Demarcus Threatt and Jack-son Watts

Season Outlook: The War-riors struggled in close games last season, but re-maining guards Demarcus Threatt, Ryan Coleman and Jaylon Jones will help down the stretch this year. Thomp-son will look for help from senior Elisha Neville in the frontcourt.

THOMPSON WARRIORS


Head Coach: John Hadder

Last Season: 22-8, Region Tournament

Players: Tyler Williams, Keyon Wallace, Bruce Hamilton, Austin Davis, Marquis Tolbert, Anterio Rogers, Demauntey Johnson, Ben McKinney, Ja-mal McCrimon, Garrett Wal-lace and Chris Brown

Season Outlook: The Yellow Jackets should be a contend-er to reach the Final Four this season. Guard Bruce Hamil-ton, who sat out last year with an injury, joins Tyler Williams and Anterio Rogers to form a solid backcourt. Forwards Keyon Wallace and Ben McK-inney combine to make one of the top frontcourts around.

COOSA VALLEY REBELS

AISA CLASS 1A, REGION 2 - AREA 1Head Coach: Jonathan McKinney

Last Season: 25-1, Final Four

Players: Josh Anderson, Dylan Rodgers, Clayton Hal-bert, Hagan Joiner, Kendall Moore, Auston Wingard, Ster-ling Riether, Randall Hunt, J.J. Johnson, Griffin Moore, Blake Odgers, Tim Warren, Tucker Youngblood, Ian Briggs, Dylan Brantley, Jonathan Hensley, Cody Jones, Jared Martin, Alex Matzke, Ian Rettig, Jef-frey Odgers, Jim Vick and Tucker Johnson

Season Outlook: The Char-gers could return to the Fi-nal Four in McKinney’s first season with seniors Josh Anderson and Dylan Rodgers providing leadership.


AISA CLASS 3A, REGION 2 - AREA 1Head Coach: James Pope


Players: Daniel Fillingim, David Fillingim, Josh Pur-vis, Jared Stewart, Tyrone Pope, Charles Pope, Madison Webb, Ben Littrell, Jordan Myers, Peyton Sumrall, An-drew Whitfield and Dalton Sparks

Season Outlook: The Lions should take a step forward this season with guard Madi-son Webb leading the charge. Tyrone Pope and Peyton Sum-rall will likely play key roles as well.

KINGWOOD LIONS

MONTEVALLO BULLDOGSCALERA EAGLES

VINCENT YELLOW JACKETS

BRIARWOOD LIONS OAK MTN. EAGLES PELHAM PANTHERSCHELSEA HORNETS INDIAN SPRINGS

HOPE EAGLES

AISA CLASS 1A, REGION 2 - AREA 1Head Coach: Wade Hyde

Last Season: 17-11, Elite Eight

Players: John Bullen, Ste-ven Cryer, Austin Rich, Gar-rett McMillan, Corey Burton, Hunter Winslett, Sam Bullard, Adam McCranie, Bryce Cook, Grant Lovelady, Daniel Kenne-dy, Ryan Batson, Nick Bates, Travis Clinkscales and Jordan Green

Season Outlook: The Rebels could make a run at the Final Four with a group of eight se-niors, including guard John Bullen. Nick Bates and Jordan Green, a pair of 6-foot-4 se-niors, give Coosa Valley plenty of options in the frontcourt.

Alabama Christian Sports Conference

Head Coach: Todd ParkerLast Season: 21-2, State ChampionsPlayers: Andrew Smedley, Pharoa Townson, Aaron Walker, Mark Underwood, Marcus Johnson, Andrew Frazier, Patrick Killingsworth, Jonathan Parker, Judson Motes and DaJon TownsonSeason Outlook: The defending ACSC champi-ons are in good shape once again with guard DaJon Townson returning.


Head Coach: Brian ThomasonLast Season: 13-10, State TournamentPlayers: Terrence Moore, Caleb Douglas, Blake Thomas, Josh Wells, Pete Thomason, Benjamin Bunn, Seth Burnham, Brandon Fuller, Caleb Kirkpatrick, Cameron Costa and Blake SherrowSeason Outlook: Hope Christian should be much improved with seniors Terrence Moore, Caleb Douglas and Blake Thomas and junior Pete Thomason returning.

HOPE EAGLES


Head Coach: Tim WortmanLast Season: 7-20, Area TournamentPlayers: Joseph Ankenbrandt, Cody Calvin, Nic Calvin, Andrew Carrell, Jake Doggett, Adam Gurley, Zach Keeler, Welford Moore, Tom Morse, Drew Parker, Richard Robey, Craig Stanford, Jeffrey Stanford and Gabe TouliatosSeason Outlook: The Knights will rely on leader-ship from returning veterans Jake Doggett and Jeffrey Stanford.

WESTMINSTER KNIGHTSEVANGEL LIGHTNING

KINGWOOD LIONS

CMYK INSIDE


Head Coach: Jim Brown


Players: Cara Medders, Ma-rie Tucker, Abbie Cutcliffe, Anna Handlin, Elizabeth Scott, Sarah Outlaw, Emily Miles, Samantha Swords, Hannah Brown, Hannah Wainwright, Sarah Ann Johnston and Mer-edith Botes

Season Outlook: Briarwood should feature one of the top backcourts around with guards Cara Medders and Abbie Cutcliffe returning. For-ward Anna Handlin and cen-ter Meredith Botes combine to form a solid frontcourt for the Lions.


Head Coach: James Knowles


Players: Brandi Rappe, Di-ania Rutledge, Tierra Robin-son, Jocelyn Davis, Maurina McClain, Ariel Clark, Taylor White, Jennifer Hobby, A’Kia Harris, Brittany Files, Kayla Brown and Cormesha Kirksey

Season Outlook: The Eagles will be led by guard Jocelyn Davis and forward A’Kia Har-ris, who both gained valuable experience a year ago. Calera made it to the area tourna-ment championship game last season and could get back to the final again this year.


Head Coach: Wayne Trucks


Players: Wando Anwah, Kel-len Cowen, Sydney Hobson, Sarah Holliday, Perri Lam-bert, Allie Luster, Holli Mar-but, Amanda Mock, Ashleigh Niven, Lauren Swee, Tammy Trout and Destiny Winters

Season Outlook: The Hor-nets look to be a region tournament contender with guards Allie Luster and Syd-ney Hobson returning in the backcourt. Forwards Lauren Swee, Perri Lambert and Amanda Mock give Chelsea plenty of options in the post.



Head Coach: Hunter Gray


Players: Temple Cox, Savanna Freeze, Dabney Hofammann, Jessie Hook, Khadija Jahfiya, Elise Kahn, Alice Marson, Mal-lory Mathews, Andrea Mayo, Erin McMinn, Julia Orcutt, Haley Payton, Paula Simonet-ti, Madeline Thomas and Riley Turner

Season Outlook: Indian Springs will look to a group of seven seniors for leadership, including guard Andrea Mayo. Mayo is one of the few return-ing players who played a key role last season.


Head Coach: Tena Niven


Players: Savannah Smith, Shadijah Dean, Mallory An-derson, Megan Draper, Keshantis King, Natalie Hol-somback, Alex Bolton, Amber Cardwell, Kiah Smith, Kayla Cunningham, Britony Fitts, Xan Shivers, Kirklynn Hamby, Savannah Upton, Kerrington Maddox and Madison Fanch-er

Season Outlook: The Bulldogs will be a strong team again this season with guard Amber Cardwell back. Cardwell, the 2009-2010 Shelby County Reporter Player of the Year, is a threat on the perimeter and in the paint.


Head Coach: Donald Clayton

Last Season: 25-7, Sub-Re-gion

Players: M.K. Shealy, Meagen McDanal, Lay Watts, Felicia Bailey, Hannah Griffin, Julia Ferguson, Olivia Hood, Bailey Upchurch, Mackenzie Gar-many and Tahj Samuels

Season Outlook: Oak Moun-tain is missing a few pieces from last season, but a strong nucleus returns includ-ing guard M.K. Shealy and forwards Lay Watts and Julia Ferguson. The Eagles will turn to Shealy and Watts for lead-ership.


Head Coach: Lucas McDonald


Players: Jamekia Dawson, Erin Whitman, Sydney Days, Kristan Cordrey, Ashley Kate Kepler, Bradleigh Smith, Ma-rie Williams, Ashley Brown, Alexxis Reid, Akievia McFar-land, Carlie Walker and Pay-ton Barrett

Season Outlook: The Pan-thers will rely on experienced junior guards Sydney Days and Ashley Kate Kepler early in the season. Pelham will break in a couple of new start-ers in the frontcourt.


Head Coach: Brandi Steed


Players: Hallie Brown, Storm-ie Cantrell, Tempest Cantrell, Sydney Farris, Keyanna Gayden, Amber Johnson, Kelsie Knight, Alexis Lewis, Ashley Mizzell, Jenny Morris, Aulicia Nunn, Alysia Perkins and Alyssa Schreiber

Season Outlook: The Wild-cats will be breaking in a few new players with seven fresh-men on the roster, but se-niors Alysia Perkins and Alexis Lewis and junior Aulicia Nunn return to provide experience for Shelby County this season. The trio played key roles a year ago.

SHELBY COUNTY WILDCATS


Head Coach: Mike Chase


Players: Haven Eddy, Kathryn Boswell, Jessica Freeman, Kelsie Williams, Whitney Gulledge, Tori Morgan, Ashley Gaston, Nicole Wolkow, Jas-mine Moore and Colby Ryan

Season Outlook: A big turn-around could be in store for the Jaguars, who were miss-ing star forward Colby Ryan last year due to an injury. Guards Jessica Freeman and Kelsie Williams stepped up in Ryan’s absence and played a key role on the perimeter for Spain Park last season.

SPAIN PARK JAGUARS


Head Coach: Cara Crosslin


Players: Asia Anchrum, Me-gan Hoyt, Kayla Kusiak, Chel-sea Taylor, Rachel Lawley, KaDeisha Stowes, Kristin Wilson, Kat Cingoranelli and Katie Guiser

Season Outlook: The War-riors struggled with inexperi-ence last season, but should be much improved in that area with four seniors on the roster. Senior forward Asia Anchrum and junior forward KaDeisha Stowes combine to provide a strong presence in the post for Thompson.

THOMPSON WARRIORS


Head Coach: Stephanie Ledlow


Players: Jessica Posey, Kiara Cohill, Kayla Brudaine, Pamala Mann, Brooklynn Jones, Cay-lah Hipps, Taccarra Hawkins and Dreanna Wallace

Season Outlook: The Yellow Jackets should take a step forward with junior Kiara Co-hill and senior Jessica Posey returning to the team. Cohill, who can play on the perim-eter and in the post, is one of the top scorers around.

COOSA VALLEY REBELS

AISA CLASS 1A, REGION 2 - AREA 1Head Coach: James Lee

Last Season: 20-4, Final Four

Players: Kailey Goodwin, Jana Kelbie Armstrong, Destiny Dillard, Loey Peete, Megan Atchison, Hope Finley, Angel Franks, Ashley Carden, Hollie Odgers, Becca Blankenship, Emily Dorough, Lindsey Sims, Amber Uptain, Caitlyn Forten-berry, Laura Beth Franklin and Madee Harris

Season Outlook: The Char-gers will likely be in the run-ning for a return trip to the Final Four with senior Kailey Goodwin leading the charge, along with Jana Kelbie Arm-strong and Destiny Dillard. Lee, who came to Corner-stone from Kingwood, is in his first season at the helm.


AISA CLASS 3A, REGION 2 - AREA 1Head Coach: Johna Smith


Players: Bailey Daniel, Paula Cofer, Katie Hairston, Blair Holsombeck, Whitney Gil-lespie, Casey Whitmer, Clair Hollon, Madelyn Pearce, Sarah Salmon, Shanna Cid, Katie Etheridge and Hannah Johnson

Season Outlook: The Lions will be back in the mix for an Elite Eight appearance with Blair Holsombeck, Whitney Gillespie and Casey Whitmer leading the way. The trio saw plenty of playing time last sea-son.

KINGWOOD LIONS

MONTEVALLO BULLDOGSCALERA EAGLES

VINCENT YELLOW JACKETS

BRIARWOOD LIONS OAK MTN. EAGLES PELHAM PANTHERSCHELSEA HORNETS INDIAN SPRINGS

HOPE EAGLES

AISA CLASS 1A, REGION 2 - AREA 1Head Coach: Kimbo Rutledge


Players: Lauren Henton, Mad-ison Dowdy, Kaylan Rich, Jor-dan Smiley, Lauren Archer, Amelia Ripley, Kayla Shaw, Samantha Baker and Terrie Sprayberry

Season Outlook: The Reb-els could make it back to the Elight Eight with plenty of experienced players return-ing. Coosa Valley should be in good shape with Jordan Smi-ley, Lauren Archer and Amelia Ripley back from last season.


Head Coach: Ken LetsonLast Season: 18-1, State ChampionsPlayers: Kayla Bailey, Hannah Berry, Lacey En-trekin, Rainey Ketcham, Mariah Lawrence, Abby Letson, Bethany Letson, Jessyca Ray, Katherine Stockman, Elise Summers, Madison Thames, Whitney Thorpe and Abby WheelerSeason Outlook: The Lightning will be in the run-ning for an ACSC title again with senior guard Abby Letson returning to the backcourt.


Head Coach: Mark MachenLast Season: 15-5, State TournamentPlayers: Hannah Rettig, Melinda Mahan, Leigh-Wilson Legg, Brooke Machen, Rachel Holmes, Rachel Rettig, Joelle Reed, Erin Douglas, Chris-tina Jones and Davina DrewSeason Outlook: The Eagles will be in conten-tion for an ACSC title with seniors Hanah Rettig and Melinda Mahan returning along with junior Brooke Machen.

HOPE EAGLESEVANGEL LIGHTNING

KINGWOOD LIONS

good luck teams!

Girls’ BasketballNovember 17, 2010SHELBY COUNTY REPORTER 3E

NCAA DIVISION II

PEACH BELT CONFERENCE

Head Coach: Mechan Vanderpool

Last Season: 14-13, Conference Tournament

Players: Trena Moore-Smith, Kris Seigenthaler, Christina Shelton, Davia Harris, Jessica Collins, Tiffany McClure, Alex Strickland, Carrie Parrott, Taylor Welch, Tiaren Young and Shavonne Seymore

Season Outlook: The Falcons, under first-year coach Mechan Vander-pool, will look to assimilate a few talented junior college transfers with returning veterans Carrie Parrott and Tiaren Young.

MONTEVALLO WOMEN

NCAA DIVISION II

PEACH BELT CONFERENCE

Head Coach: Danny Young

Last Season: 25-8, Sweet 16

Players: Antoine Davis, Jervan Jackson, Miles Beatty, Tyrell Coleman, Tyrone Gordon, Jr., DeMarcus Catchings, Demarcus Richard, Jonas Brown, Ryan Westbrooks, Matthew Nelson, Cecil Coleman and Ron-ald Severtsgaard

Season Outlook: The Falcons should make another deep postseason run with a couple of talented junior college transfers joining senior forward Cecil Coleman, who is a preseason All-Peach Belt selection.

MONTEVALLO MEN

2010-2011 Preseason All-CountyG - Lay Watts Sr. Oak Mountain

G - Amber Cardwell Sr. Montevallo

G - Colby Ryan Sr. Spain Park

F - Lauren Swee Sr. Chelsea

F - KaDeisha Stowes Jr. Thompson

GIRLS

G - Xavier Lacey Jr. Pelham

G - Ty Lollar Sr. Shelby County

G - Deondre Haynes Jr. Calera

F - Bruce Hamilton Sr. Vincent

F - Keyon Wallace Sr. Vincent

BOYS

Pelham High School junior guard Xavier Lacey will try to lead the Panthers to a Class 6A, Area 10 championship this season.

FILE

Oak Mountain High School senior guard Lay Watts will have the Eagles in the running for a Class 6A, Area 10 championship this season.

FILE

Colby RyanSpain Park High School

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REPORTER PHOTO/JON GOERING

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