LEXINGTON – As 2010 Mr. Basketball, Shelby Valley senior Elisha Justice will wear the No. 1 jersey for the Kentucky All-Stars against Indiana this summer. Justice has already secured his spot on the Kentucky All-Stars’ roster. The remainder of the All-Stars will be selected following tryouts on April 16-17 at Campbellsville University. The players who have been invited to tryouts are: Dee Anderson (Greenwood); Colt Barnhill (East Carter); James Berry (North Hardin); Thomas Blakemore (Butler); Ian Chiles (Ballard); Tate Cox (Knott Central); Darnell Davis (Hopkinsville); Taylor Epley (Trinity); Dakotah Euton (Scott Co.); Will Evans (Lexington Christian); DaMarkco Foster (Newport); Donovan Gibbs (Iroquois); Ge-Lawn Guyn (Scott Co.); Domonique Hagans (Lafayette); Cameron Hall (Glasgow); Vance Hall (Franklin Co.); Caleb Hardy (Carlisle Co.); Ashley Hatfield (Shelby Valley); Tony Horne (Male); Chad Jackson (Scott Co.); Thomas Jackson (Jeffersontown); Casey Jackson (South Oldham); Ricardo Johnson (Holmes); Madison Johnson (Corbin); Travis Johnston (Grayson Co.); Keisten Jones (Ballard); Cody Miller (Knox Central); Tanner Peurach (Lexington Catholic); Elijah Pittman (Holmes); Jarrod Polson (West Jessamine); Jacob Reiger (Bishop Brossart); Jacob Russell (Anderson Co.); Orlando Rutledge (Fern Creek); Sean Samsel (Manual); Josh Sewell (Trinity); Matt St. John (South Laurel); Stuart Stamper (Knott Central); Bryton Taylor (Campbellsville); Aaron Watts (McCreary Central); Josh Whitaker (Hazard); Shaquille Wilson (Christian Co.); Isaac Wilson (Corbin).

Kentucky Softball
Coaches Association Poll
1. Owensboro Catholic
2. Ballard
3. Mercy
4. Christian County
5. North Laurel
6. Reidland
7. Allen County
8. Scott County
9. Meade County
10. Manual
11. Franklin County
12. Clark County
13. Assumption
14. Butler
15. Lafayette
16. Male
17. Shelby County
18. Anderson County
19. Montgomery County
20. South Laurel
21. Hancock County
22. Ashland
23. Lexington Catholic
24. Heath
25. Greenwood
Others receiving votes: Butler Co., Eastern, Calloway Co., Garrard Co., North Hardin, Green Co., Woodford Co., Western Hills, Fern Creek, East Jessamine, Bishop Brosart,  Boyle Co., Grayson Co., PRP, Henry Clay, Henry Co., Central Hardin, Estill Co., Daviess Co., Pulaski Co., Marshall Co., Dunbar, Corbin, Jenkins, Somerset, Lawrence Co., Conner, Lou. Holy Cross, Edmonson Co., Rowan Co., Barren Co., John Hardin, Warren East, Russell.

Breathitt ladies level Leslie

The Breathitt County Lady Cats claimed another win over Leslie County earlier in the week. After defeating 54th District rival Hazard 53-44 on Friday, Leslie County entertained defending 14th Region champion Breathitt County Monday evening. Breathitt County, which claimed a 10-point victory over the Lady Eagles last week, rolled in the latest matchup against the Leslie County contingent. The Lady Cats limited Leslie County in each quarter. Breathitt County outscored the Lady Eagles 33-11 in the second quarter en route to a convincing 55-23 win.
Kendall Noble and Tori Shouse led Breathitt County with 15 points apiece. Leslie Spencer and Kristen Bowen narrowly missed double figures for the Lady Cats, chipping in nine points apiece. Eden Keeton contributed five points for Breathitt County (12-6) in the non-district win.
Breathitt County pushed out in front early on in the contest, outscoring Leslie County 12-4 in the opening quarter. After leading 33-11 at the intermission, Breathitt County extended its advantage in the third quarter, outscoring Leslie County 15-2 and putting the game completely out of reach for the Lady Eagles.
The Lady Cats claimed their sixth straight win after suffering three consecutive losses.
Breathitt County held Leslie County junior Hillary Moore – the state’s leading scorer – to just six points. Moore ranked as Leslie County’s leading scorer. Kayla Farler scored four points, following Moore in the Leslie County scoring column. Katie Bowling and Mary Katherine Brashear added three points apiece for the Lady Eagles.
Kayla Helton, Randa Slusher and Whitney Caldwell chipped in offensively with two points apiece for the Leslie County girls’ basketball team.
Victoria Bailey worked her way into the scoring column after connecting on a free throw for the Lady Eagles.
Leslie County struggled shooting from the field. The Lady Eagles drained 11-of-17 free throw attempts in the home contest.
Bailey led Leslie County on the boards, claiming seven rebounds. Helton added eight rebounds for the Lady Eagles in the setback.
Leslie County dropped to 14-8 following the loss.

Breathitt 55, Leslie County 23
Breathitt County (55): Spencer 9, Noble 15, Shouse 15, Keeton 5, Bowen 9.
Leslie County (23): Helton 2, Slusher 2, Farler 4, Bowling 3, Caldwell 2, Brashear 3, Moore 6, Bailey 1.
Breathitt Co…..12  21  15    7–55
Leslie Co………..4    7    2  10–23

Menifee holds off Wolfe

FRENCHBURG – In the end, maybe host Menifee County just wanted it more. Senior guard Blake Greene scored a game-high 21 points on Monday night as host Menifee County turned back Wolfe County 57-50 in a non-district boys’ high school basketball game. Menifee County outscored Wolfe County 22-9 in the fourth quarter, finishing strong. The Wildcats recorded their third straight win.
Menifee County carried a slim 15-13 lead over Wolfe County out of the
opening quarter. The Wildcats, however, trailed at halftime and when the
third quarter concluded. Claiming momentum away from the home team, Wolfe County ultimately peaked offensively in the second quarter. Wolfe County outscored the Wildcats 18-10 in the second on its way to leading 31-25 at the intermission.
The Wolves remained out in front in the third quarter, edging Menifee
County 10-9. Menifee County, however, wouldn’t be denied the win on its
home gymfloor. The Wildcats heated up on the offensive end in the final
eight minutes. Menifee County produced offensively on several trips down
the floor in the fourth quarter as part of the 22-9 run.
Senior guard/forward Caleb Howard joined Greene in double figures for the Wildcats. Patrick Greene scored eight points, Cody Peck pushed in seven and Keenan Hacker added six for Menifee County in the victory. David Meeks completed the Menifee County scoring effort, chipping in four points.
Sophomore guard Sawyer Denniston paced Wolfe County with 19 points. Senior guard Deron Terrill and eighth grade guard Gilbert tossed in 10 points apiece for the Wolves (14-10).

Menifee Co. 57, Wolfe Co. 50
Wolfe Co. (50) – Terrill 10, Denniston 19, Deaton 4, Gilbert 10, Bush
3, Hallon 2, Hayes 2.
Menifee Co. (57) – B. Greene 21, P. Greene 8, Howard 11, Meeks 4, Peck 7,
Hacker 6.
Wolfe Co……13 18 10   9–50
Menifee Co….15 10   9 22–57

Breathitt graduate Cole earns Academic All-District recognition

Colette Cole

RICHMOND – Breathitt County High School graduate Colette Cole, a member of the Eastern Kentucky University women’s basketball team, was recognized last week for her academic accomplishments when she was selected to the 2010 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District IV First Team, as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
As a member of the district’s first team, Cole will advance to the national ballot and have a chance to earn Academic All-America honors. She also earned a spot on the 2009 Academic All-District IV First Team.
Cole posted a cumulative 3.98 grade point average as an undergraduate student majoring in sport management and pursuing a minor in business. During her college career she has only had one grade lower than an A. In December, Cole earned her bachelor’s degree, graduating in three and a half years. She began graduate school in January. Cole capped her undergrad career with a perfect 4.0 GPA for the fall semester.
She is a three-time Ohio Valley Conference Medal of Honor winner, given annually to the student-athlete who achieves the highest grade point average in a conference-sponsored sport, and a three-time member of the OVC Commissioner’s Honor Roll. Cole is on pace to become the only student-athlete in EKU women’s basketball history to earn the OVC Medal of Honor four times.
On the court, the forward from Booneville is fifth on the team in scoring (5.7 ppg) and is second on the squad in rebounding (4.3 rpg). She scored a career-best 24 points on Nov. 27 against Towson. She ranks ninth in the OVC with an average of 0.7 blocks per game.
The Academic All-America program honors student-athletes who excel both on the playing field and in the classroom. The awards are sponsored and voted on by the members of the College Sports Information Directors of America.
To qualify, a student-athlete must be of at least sophomore standing, have been enrolled at their current school for at least one year, have a minimum 3.30 grade point average, and be a starter or significant reserve on their team. District IV is comprised of NCAA Division I schools in Alabama, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee.
Next up for the Lady Colonels is a long road trip to face Southeast Missouri State and Eastern Illinois. EKU will try to stop a nine-game losing streak to the Redhawks on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

Hazard handles Letcher Central, halts two-game skid

WHITESBURG – Jon Combs scored 17 points and Jordan Olinger added 10 added as visiting Hazard defeated Letcher County Central 51-37 and stopped a two-game losing streak comprised of losses to Knott County Central and Buckhorn.
Hazard, which was deadlocked 25-25 at the intermission after leading 16-11 through one quarter, separated itself from Letcher County Central in the second half. The Bulldogs moved out in front in the third quarter, outscoring Letcher County Central 13-9. Hazard restrained the host team on the offensive end throughout the final quarter. The Bulldogs dominated the fourth period, outscoring Letcher Central County 13-3 in the final eight minutes.
Josh Whitaker netted eight points, Allan Fugate scored six, Meehan chipped in four and Austin Johnson added three as Hazard captured its 16th win of the season opposed to nine losses.
Brian Roark led Letcher County Central with 19 points. Roark was the lone Letcher County Central player to reach double figures. Koree Stewart scored seven points and Cole Cornett contributed five for the Cougars.
Letcher County Central dropped to 8-14 following the loss.
Hazard is slated to host North Hardin on Friday (Feb. 12) in the Charlie Hammonds Classic.

Hazard 51, Letcher Co. Central 37
Letcher Co. Central (8-14) – Johnson 4, Roark 19, Cornett 5, Stewart 7, Brock 2.
Hazard (16-9) – Meehan 4, Olinger 10, Combs 17, Back 2, Whitaker 8, Fugate 6, Spencer 1, Johnson 3.
Letcher Co. Central……11  14    9    3–37
Hazard…………………….16    9  13  13–51

Commodores upend Bobcats, 64-56

JACKSON – In a battle of two of the 14th Region’s top boys’ basketball teams, Perry County Central upended host Breathitt County 64-56 on Tuesday evening. Perry County Central, which won its fifth straight game, moved to 16-6 following the win.
Jordan Amis and Tyler Mullins paced Perry County Central with 15 points apiece. Dalton Cornett dumped in 11 points for the Commodores as three different Perry County Central scorers reached double figures.
Perry County Central led at the end of each quarter, outscoring Breathitt County 22-14 in the first period and carrying a 35-22 lead into halftime.
The Bobcats managed to chip away at Perry County Central’s lead in the second half but failed to moved out in front of the Commodores. Perry County Central packed a 50-41 into the fourth quarter.
Six players from each team broke into the scoring column. Chris Noble netted nine points, Cory Martin scored eight and Josh Salyers chipped in six for Perry County Central in the winning effort.
Nick Noble, Trevor Ritchie and Justin Taulbee led Breathitt County (17-6) with 12 points apiece. Travis Terry added 11 points for the Bobcats, joining three of his teammates in double figures.
Billy Hays and Jade Haddix also chipped in offensively for Breathitt County, scoring six and three points, respectively.
Breathitt County is scheduled to host Newport on Friday while Perry County Central is slated to visit Knott County Central.

Perry Co. Central 64, Breathitt Co. 56
Perry Co. Central (16-6): Amis 15, Noble 9, Martin 8, Mullins 15, Salyers 6, Cornett 11.
Breathitt Co. (17-6): Hays 6, Terry 11, Noble 12, Ritchie 12, Taulbee 12, Haddix 3.
Perry Co. Central….22  13  15  14–64
Breathitt Co…………14    8   19  15–56

Hazard standouts Delpont, Fugate sign with EKU

RICHMOND – Eastern Kentucky University head football coach Dean Hood has announced that 21 student-athletes will join the Colonel program beginning this spring and next fall. Eight of those student-athletes come from the Commonwealth of Kentucky while six other student-athletes joined the EKU program this past January. The class includes six offensive linemen, three running backs, three defensive backs, two quarterbacks, two linebackers, two defensive linemen, one kicker, one tight end, and one long snapper. Among the signees are two Hazard High School standouts.
“Every one of these players can be productive for us and help us in our goal to win a championship,” Hood said. “We recruited this year just like we have in the past – we started close to campus and worked our way out. This was a really good year for football in Kentucky and we’re thrilled to get eight players from the Commonwealth.”
The eight incoming players from Kentucky are kicker Austin Delpont (Hazard High), defensive lineman Allan Fugate (Hazard High), linebacker Tyrelle Johnson (Henry Clay High), offensive lineman Dylan Kupper (Trinity High), quarterback Jacob Russell (Anderson County High), running back Eric Shaw (Lafayette High), running back Caleb Watkins (Corbin High), and offensive lineman Andrew Wolter (Henry Clay High).
Delpont was a first team all-state kicker who was rated the ninth best kicker in the nation by www.prokicker.com. Fugate, a high school teammate of Delpont, was the district player of the year and named first team all-state by the Louisville Courier-Journal.
The EKU football team concluded the 2009 season 5-6 overall while finishing in second place in the Ohio Valley Conference with a record of 5-3.
FROM BULLDOGS TO COLONELS
Austin Delpont (K)
Hazard, Hazard High School
– First team all-state honoree
– Rated the ninth best kicker in the nation by www.prokicker.com
– Rated the fourth best combo kicker/punter in the nation by www.prokicker.com
– Hit a long field goal of 50 yards
– Made 5-of-9 field goals and 50-of-51 extra points

Allan Fugate (DL)
Hazard, Hazard High School
– First team all-state pick by the Louisville Courier-Journal
– District Player of the Year
– WYMT All-Mountain Defensive Team
– Academic all-state honors

Volleyball substitution change allows for requests prior to play

INDIANAPOLIS — One of several new rules changes by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Volleyball Rules Committee permits a coach to request a substitution after submitting his or her lineup for a set but prior to play commencing. The changes, which were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors, will take effect with the 2010-11 season.
Rather than beginning the set with a penalty of a loss of rally and a point for the opponents, the changes to Rules 10-1-4 and 7-1-2 will allow the head coach to make a substitution after the lineup is submitted, which may alleviate confusion by players and officials to start the set.
“The new rule change will allow the coach to have submitted his7 or her lineup at the beginning of the set and will allow substitution requests to be made before play commences,” said Becky Oakes, NFHS assistant director and liaison to the Volleyball Rules Committee. “However, no change to the lineup may be made except through substitution or the existing protocol for an injured or ill player.”
In a similar effort to eliminate confusion, Rule 5-3-4e was amended to change the end-of-set procedure in the last set of the match to reduce court congestion. Currently, after the first referee confirms the score and signals end of set, the players are directed to their respective benches.
The new rule change simply requires the first referee signal to release the players from their respective end line after the score is confirmed. The rule change allows individual state associations to establish a handshake procedure if desired and will reduce congestion on the court at the end of the match.
Another distinction made by the committee was the re-defining of players, team members and non-team members.
The changes to Rules 2-5, 6-1 and 6-2 define team members as all school representatives located on the team bench area, including but not limited to coaches, teammates, managers, trainers and the players. All players on the same team in uniform are teammates, and players are now defined as those teammates who are on the court. Non-team members include, but are not limited to, officials, media personnel and spectators.
These changes were made to more clearly define all individuals present at the game, as certain actions and penalties are related to players, team members and non-team members.
After last year’s addition of bobby pins as a means of hair control, the committee has updated Rule 4-1-5 to include unadorned flat clips that are no longer than two inches in length.
“It’s just another method of hair control,” Oakes said. “These items may actually be more secure than bobby pins and do not pose a risk of injury.”
Changes made to Rules 4-1-1, 2, 3 and 4 outline the guidelines for guards, casts and braces allowed during play. Additionally, the use of prostheses must be authorized by the individual state associations. They must be determined to not be any more dangerous to players than the corresponding human body part or parts and do not put the opponent at a disadvantage.
“The NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee provided the committee with information that was more current,” Oakes said. “The revised rules update the language and provide consistency among sports, where appropriate, regarding casts, braces, supports and prostheses.”
Following are other changes made by the NFHS Volleyball Rules Committee:
– In a change to Rule 1-3-1, scoring a point was redefined. When a team commits a fault, the result is a loss of rally and the opponent shall receive a point.
– New Rule 2-1-8 defines the libero replacement zone as the area near the sideline between the attack line and the end line.
– Any modification to a player’s uniform, equipment or accessories due to medical or religious reasons now requires a letter of authorization from the state association. The letter must be made available to the referees at or prior to the prematch conference.
– Rule 12-2-8d, which states one may not disrespectfully address a referee, was modified to include any match officials such as line judges, scorer, timer, libero tracker or any other similar official.
– Regarding officials signals, Note 6 improves game efficiency by requiring that only the first referee is required to signal net foul or net serve.
“This year, the rule changes the committee made were aimed at administrative details that enhanced the flow of the contest,” Oakes said. “The revised definitions provide more clarity that assist in application of the rules.”
A complete listing of all rules changes approved by the committee is available on the NFHS Web site at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Athletics & Fine Arts Activities” on the home page, and select “Volleyball.”
Volleyball is the third-most popular sport for girls at the high school level, according to the 2008-09 NFHS Athletics Participation Survey, with 404,243 participants nationwide. The sport ranks fourth in school sponsorship with 15,069 schools sponsoring the sport. In addition, 49,346 boys participate in volleyball at 2,192 schools.

CAMPTON – Sophomore guard Sawyer Denniston scored a game-high 22 points and four other Wolfe County players joined him in double figures as the Wolves turned back Oneida Baptist Institute 78-62 on Tuesday.
Wolfe County, under the guidance of head coach Robert Scott Creech, turned in a balanced offensive effort as five different scorers reached double figures. Corey Conway contributed 12 points while Deron Terrill and Tyler Hayes added 11 apiece for the Wolves. Trenton Gilbert also reached double figures for Wolfe County, chipping in 10 points.
The Wolves set themselves apart from visiting Oneida Baptist Institute in the opening quarter. Wolfe County led Oneida Baptist 17-10 at the conclusion of the first quarter and owned a 41-25 advantage at the half.
Outscoring Oneida Baptist in each of the first three quarters, Wolfe County took a 62-41 lead into the final frame.
Wolfe County featured 10 different scorers in the winning effort.
The Wolves got into the win column for the second time in three games.
Junior forward Michael Davidson carried the biggest load offensively for visiting Oneida Baptist, scoring a team-high 18 points in the setback. Davidson was one of three Wolfe County players to reach double figures in the scoring column. Senior guard Landen McCarley contributed 13 points and junior guard/forward Al Bangura chipped in 10 for the Mountaineers.

Wolfe County 78, Oneida Baptist 62
Oneida Baptist (62): McCarley 13, Diafor 5, Moser 1, Gay 5, Bangura 10, Davidson 18, Abner 4, Egeruoh 6.
Wolfe County (78): Terrill 11, Denniston 22, Deaton 2, T. Gilbert 10, Bush 3, Hollon 4, Hayes 11, Conway 12, Stone 2, Broughton 1.  
Oneida Baptist…….10  15  16  21–62
Wolfe County……..17  24  21  16–78

Lee holds off Estill in road game

Looking to gain some momentum late in the regular-season, Lee County started the month of February off on a winning note Monday (Feb. 1) by upending host Estill County 53-43 in a 56th District matchup.
Lee County led at the end of quarter and held off a late Estill County rally. The Bobcats outscored Estill County in each of the first three quarters.
Three scorers reached double figures for Lee County. Dontarius Pittman and Gus Wise paced the Bobcats with 15 points apiece. Tyler Evans joined his teammates in double figures, scoring 11 points for the visiting Lee County contingent.
The Bobcats eased out of the opening quarter leading 12-8. Lee County, distancing itself from the Engineers in the second quarter, led 23-15 at the intermission.
The Bobcats led 40-25 through three quarters, stretching their lead in the first eight minutes of the second half.
Lee County won for the first time since Jan. 13, halting a three-game losing skid in the process. The Bobcats completed a regular-season sweep of Estill County. Lee County defeated the Engineers 50-43 on Dec. 8, 2009.
Cody Berryman, a junior guard, was the go-to player on the offensive end for Estill County, registering a game-high 19 points for the Engineers. Junior shooting guard Kenton Roberts scored eight points for Estill County (3-16) in the loss.
Lee County 53, Estill County 43
Estill County (43): Berryman 19, Roberts 8, Williams 4, Evans 2, Allen 4, Doty 6.
Lee County (53): Cornelius 4, Evans 11, Mays 6, Pittman 15, Wise 15, Baker 2.
Estill County…..8   7   10  18–43
Lee County…..12  11  17  13–53

Commodores KO June Buchanan

HAZARD – Less than one week after knocking off preseason 14th Region favorite Knott County Central 61-54 in overtime, Perry County Central entertained June Buchanan Tuesday night (Feb. 2). The Commodores overcame an early four-point deficit at the end of the first quarter and rolled past June Buchanan in the boys’ high school basketball game, winning 71-38.
June Buchanan led 16-12 at the conclusion of the first quarter. The Crusaders, however, couldn’t keep up the pace on the offensive end in the final three periods. Perry County Central moved out in front in the second quarter, outscoring June Buchanan 20-7 en route to a 32-23 lead at the midway point.
Noble was the leading performer on the offensive end for Perry County Central, scoring 19 points as part of a diverse effort. Salyers joined Noble in double figures with 14 points.
Perry County Central held June Buchanan to eight or fewer points in each of the last three quarters. The Commodores extended their lead in the third quarter, outscoring visiting June Buchanan 22-8. Leading 54-31 at the start of the fourth quarter, Perry County Central never faltered in the final eight minutes.
Senior point guard Jordan Amis and senior forward Cory Martin pushed in seven points apiece for the Commodores. Freshman point guard Darryl Beatty added six points to aid Perry County Central in the home game.
The Commodores (14-6) won for the third straight outing.
Experienced senior guard Clint Stepp carried June Buchanan (9-10), scoring a game-high 19 points for the Crusaders. Stepp, however, ranked as the only June Buchanan scorer with more than seven points. Senior center Travis Thompson tossed in seven points and senior guard Braxton Childers scored five for the Crusaders.
June Buchanan wound up in the loss column for the fourth time in five games.

Perry Co. Central 71, June Buchanan 38
June Buchanan (38): Slone 2, Amburgey 2, Stepp 19, Thompson 7, Childers 5, Thompson 3.
Perry Co. Central (71): Beatty 6, Amis 7, Noble 19, Martin 7, Mullins 5, Salyers 14, Smith 5, Di. Cornett 4, Da. Cornett 4.
June Buchanan……….16    7     8    7–38
Perry Co. Central…….12  20   22  17–71

Terrific tandem back to lead Lady Owls

BOONEVILLE – The Owsley County High School girls’ basketball team possesses one of the top tandems in Eastern Kentucky. Senior forward Mikah Turner and sophomore guard Peyton Wright are both back for the Lady Owls. Turner averaged a near double-double of 20 points and nine rebounds per game for the Lady Owls last season. Peyton Wright averaged 19 points and nine rebounds per game from her backcourt position for the Owsley County girls’ basketball squad.
Sophomore Courtney Brandenburg (5-6) will play a more prominent role for the Lady Owls during the upcoming season along with sophomores Kendra Pullins, Ashley Allen, Felicia Brandenburg and Kelly Wilson and eighth-grader Ronnie Bennett.
Owsley County ended the 2009-10 season in solid fashion, winning seven of its last eight regular-season games.
The Lady Owls finished runner-up to Estill County in the 56th District Tournament last season. Estill County held off the Lady Owls 37-25 in the district tournament title game. Owsley County defeated Lee County 61-45 in a district tournament opener. The Lady Owls drew the tough task of facing eventual champion Breathitt County in the opening round of the 2009 14th Region Tournament. The Lady Cats secured an early lead and rolled over Owsley County, ousting the Lady Owls following a 74-36 win.
Owsley County ended the 2008-09 season 18-11, ranked fourth in the final 14th Region standings. Head coach Paul Green guides the Lady Owls.

BREATHITT COUNTY

Breathitt Girls after fourth straight

JACKSON – The Breathitt County High School girls’ basketball team has made a habit of cutting down 14th Region Tournament nets. Breathitt County has captured three straight 14th Region championships. The Lady Cats are now aiming for their fourth straight title heading into the 2009-10 season.
Sophomore Kendall Noble (5-10) is the leading returnee for the Lady Cats (23-8). Noble averaged a near double-double of 17.1 points and 9.8 rebounds per game for Breathitt County during the 2008-09 season. Senior post player Eden Keeton (6.5 ppg, 9.8 rpg) provides Breathitt County with another proven inside player.
Senior guard Brianna Deaton tossed in an average of 11.5 points per game during the 2008-09 campaign for the Breathitt County girls.
Junior Victoria Shouse (5-10) averaged 5.8 points and 3.5 rebounds per game during her sophomore season. Shouse entered the current preseason looking to step in and start at forward for the Lady Cats.
Additional players capable of stepping up and contributing for Breathitt County are junior guards Kristen Bowling and Courtney Fugate, sophomore guard Leslie Spencer and senior forward Ashley White.
Breathitt County upended Letcher County Central 56-42 in the 2009 14th Region Tournament title game. Simon Kenton ousted Breathitt County from the postseason, defeating the Lady Cats 46-37 in the opening round of the Sweet Sixteen.

EASTERN – Allen Central High School Athletic Director Larry Maynard and Head Coach Mark Martin have announced the parings for the annual Thanksgiving Boys Basketball Panorama.
The Panorama which will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 25 at the John E. Campbell Arena at Allen Central and feature three local district and county teams facing off against varsity teams from the surrounding area.
This year’s field is represented by last season’s 58th District Champion, Betsy Layne, along with district runner-up Prestonsburg and host Allen Central.
Pike County Central, Lee County, Magoffin County and Coal Grove, Ohio complete this year’s eight-team field.
“This year’s field features some of the successful veteran coaches around the region and we are excited about the match-ups,” Martin stated. “You look down at the list of the coaches that we are bringing in and boy, it’s quite a resume when you look at the amount of games and championships some of these guys have accomplished during their careers. We’re happy that they are participating and the fans will get to see some quality teams.”
Allen Central Middle will square off against Emmalena Junior High in another game.
“We think it was a good idea to bring the Junior High team down and let them play and showcase some kids that we think have a good future in the coming years for us,” Martin added. “Coach Brad Short and his staff do a good job and should be a fun day for his team.”

Seniors set to lead Commodores

HAZARD – It didn’t take the Perry County Central Commodores long to resume their winning ways last winter. After suffering through a losing campaign one year earlier, Perry County Central won 25 games last season. The Commodores concluded the 2008-09 season 25-6, suffering a season-ending setback to number one rival Hazard in the 14th Region Tournament title game. Perry County Central returns enough talent to earn the preseason favorite nod in the 54th District.
Senior forward Chris Noble (6-2) is the top player back for the Commodores. Noble averaged 12.1 points per game during his junior season. Point guard Jordan Amis (5-10) is back to direct the Commodores out of his floorleader position.
Others back for tradition-rich Perry County Central include seniors Tyler Mullins (6-5) and Josh Salyers (6-4) and junior Axl Sizemore (6-4).
Corey Martin, a 6-2 senior, has transferred in from Hazard. Martin will provide an immediate boost for the Perry County Central boys’ basketball team.
Veteran head coach Allan Hatcher guides the Commodores. Perry County Central captured back-to-back 14th Region championships in 2004 and 2005. District rival Hazard has won two of the last three district titles. Perry County Central has been tabbed as the preseason direct favorite, picked ahead of Hazard (26-9), Buckhorn (20-9) and Leslie County (12-14).

HAZARD

Hazard eyes third straight region title

HAZARD – Hazard has captured two straight 14th Region boys’ basketball championships. The Bulldogs will take aim at their third straight 14th Region title when the 2009-10 season tips off.
Senior point guard Josh Whitaker is back in his leadership role for the Bulldogs. Whitaker, one of the state’s top players, averaged 15.6 points and 3.1 rebounds per game for the Bulldogs last season. Junior wing Eric Back, another talented contributor for Hazard, averaged 7.2 points per game as the Bulldogs claimed their second straight 14th Region championship.   
Hazard lost more than one experienced post player via the Class of 2009 graduation. Inside, 6-4 senior Allan Fugate (3.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg) and 6-2 sophomore B.J. Combs (5.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg) are expected to step up and provide more for the Bulldogs.
Other key players on the Hazard roster include 6-4 senior Joey Meehan, 6-1 junior Jon Combs, 6-2 sophomore Kyle Spencer and 6-2 freshman Jordan Olinger.
As is the case in most every season, Hazard will have to hold off crosstown rival Perry County Central for the 54th District title.
Hazard, under the tutelage of veteran head coach Al Holland, defeated Perry County Central 51-48 in the 2009 14th Region Tournament title game. West Jessamine ousted the Bulldogs from the postseason, defeating Hazard 51-40 in the first round of the Sweet Sixteen.

LESLIE COUNTY

Resurgent Eagles showed much improvement in ‘09

HYDEN – The Leslie County High School boys’ basketball program ended the 2008-09 season only two games below the .500 mark. Leslie County compiled a 12-14 record last season while competing against Hazard (26-9), Perry County Central (25-6) and Buckhorn (20-9) in the 54th District – quite possibly the state’s toughest boys’ basketball district. The Eagles ranked as one of the 14th Region’s most improved teams last season. Heading into the 2009-10 season, Leslie County has welcomed back three starters from the 2008-09 campaign.
Experienced 6-4 sophomore forward Hobert Asher (9.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg) leads a returning trio of players for the Eagles. The other two starters back for Leslie County are senior point guard Cody Hensley (5.0 ppg, 4.0 apg) and 6-2 forward Dustin Ballard.
A host of players have been competing in the preseason for the other two spots in the Leslie County starting lineup. Other players set to contribute for Leslie County include 6-0 sophomore Casey Maggard, 6-2 sophomore Troy Napier, 5-7 senior Lindsey Thomas, 6-0 sophomore Chris Maggard, 5-11 senior Greg Jones and 6-1 senior Chris Johnson.
Several student-athletes recently rejoined the Basketball Eagles following a successful stint with the LCHS football team.
Leslie County was eliminated in the opening round of the 2009 54th District Tournament following a loss to Perry County Central. The Eagles played well during the second half of the final month of the 2008-09 regular-season, reeling off wins in four of their last five games. Veteran head coach Tim Sizemore guides the Leslie County boys’ basketball program.