Basketball preview

CMYK Outside

Keyon Wallace Vincent High School

REPORTER PHOTO/JON GOERING

A special publication of Shelby County Newspapers, Inc.

CMYK INSIDE

Boys’ Basketball 2E November 17, 2010

SHELBY COUNTY REPORTER

CORNERSTONE CHARGERS MONTEVALLO BULLDOGS INDIAN SPRINGS

BRIARWOOD LIONS

CALERA EAGLES

CHELSEA HORNETS

OAK MTN. EAGLES

PELHAM PANTHERS

AHSAA CLASS 5A, AREA 7

AHSAA CLASS 4A, AREA 8

AHSAA CLASS 5A, AREA 7

AHSAA CLASS 3A, AREA 8

Head Coach: Chris Laatsch

Head Coach: Robert Burdette

Head Coach: Michael Napp

Head Coach: Greg Van Horn

AHSAA CLASS 3A, AREA 7

AHSAA CLASS 6A, AREA 10

AHSAA CLASS 6A, AREA 10

Head Coach: Donald McMahon

Head Coach: Chris Love

Head Coach: Joel Floyd

Last Season: 16-13, Area Last Season: 14-16, Sub- Last Season: 11-18, Area Last Season: 4-13, Area Region Tournament Tournament Tournament

Last Season: 3-20, Area Tournament

Last Season: 20-8, SubRegion

Last Season: 10-17, 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

Players: Eric McCord, Deondre Haynes, Jeremy Hyde, Taylor Brooks, Ronnie Clark, Travis Green, Blayne Sumerall, John Frederick and Titus Adams

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

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

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

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

Players: Darian Johnson, Xavier Lacey, Alec Rash, Qadash 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 Lions will be led by guard Jason Laatsch, who is one of the top 3-point shooting specialists around. Forwards James Palmer and Justin Bice return to give Briarwood two solid options in the post.

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.

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

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

Season Outlook: The Bulldogs will be led by guard Rashad 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.

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 Cosgrove.

Season Outlook: The Panthers took a huge step forward 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.

SHELBY COUNTY WILDCATS SPAIN PARK JAGUARS THOMPSON WARRIORS VINCENT YELLOW JACKETS COOSA VALLEY REBELS CORNERSTONE CHARGERS

KINGWOOD LIONS

AHSAA CLASS 6A, AREA 12 AHSAA CLASS 6A, AREA 10 AHSAA CLASS 2A, AREA 10 AISA CLASS 1A, REGION 2 AREA 1 Head Coach: Wade Hyde Head Coach: Patrick Davis Head Coach: John Hadder

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

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

Last Season: 20-5, Sub- Last Season: 22-11, Sub- Last Season: 12-17, Area Last Season: 22-8, Region Last Season: 17-11, Elite Eight Region Region Tournament Tournament

Last Season: 25-1, Final Four

Last Season: 3-15, Region Tournament

Players: Josh Anderson, Dylan Rodgers, Clayton Halbert, Hagan Joiner, Kendall Moore, Auston Wingard, Sterling 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, Jeffrey Odgers, Jim Vick and Tucker Johnson

Players: Daniel Fillingim, David Fillingim, Josh Purvis, Jared Stewart, Tyrone Pope, Charles Pope, Madison Webb, Ben Littrell, Jordan Myers, Peyton Sumrall, Andrew Whitfield and Dalton Sparks

AHSAA CLASS 5A, AREA 7

Head Coach: Charles Dickinson Head Coach: Brian Moon

Players: Ty Lollar, Sherman Smith, Andrew Miller, Tre Cohill, Tyler Garren, Josh Pennington, Denzel Williams, Jonathan Pennington, Michael Dozier and Tyler Madison

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

Players: Chris Boothe, Ryan Coleman, Josh Cottingham, Pierre Davis, Tresman Gaddis, Martin Glaster, Caleb Johnson, Jaalen Jones, Jaylon Jones, Kenny Nabors, Elisha Neville, Ryan Spence, Demarcus Threatt and Jackson Watts

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

Players: John Bullen, Steven Cryer, Austin Rich, Garrett McMillan, Corey Burton, Hunter Winslett, Sam Bullard, Adam McCranie, Bryce Cook, Grant Lovelady, Daniel Kennedy, Ryan Batson, Nick Bates, Travis Clinkscales and Jordan Green

Season Outlook: The Wildcats 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.

Season Outlook: Guard Robby Prater and forward Mitchell Holt each saw extensive 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.

Season Outlook: The Warriors struggled in close games last season, but remaining guards Demarcus Threatt, Ryan Coleman and Jaylon Jones will help down the stretch this year. Thompson will look for help from senior Elisha Neville in the frontcourt.

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

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

EVANGEL LIGHTNING

HOPE WESTMINSTER EAGLES KNIGHTS

Season Outlook: The Chargers could return to the Final Four in McKinney’s first season with seniors Josh Anderson and Dylan Rodgers providing leadership.

Season Outlook: The Lions should take a step forward this season with guard Madison Webb leading the charge.

Tyrone Pope and Peyton Sumrall will likely play key roles as well.

HOPE EAGLES

Alabama Christian Sports Conference

AHSAA CLASS 1A, AREA 8

Alabama Christian Sports Conference

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

Head Coach: Tim Wortman Last Season: 7-20, Area Tournament Players: 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 Touliatos Season Outlook: The Knights will rely on leadership from returning veterans Jake Doggett and Jeffrey Stanford.

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

CMYK INSIDE

Girls’ Basketball November 17, 2010 3E

SHELBY COUNTY REPORTER

CORNERSTONE CHARGERS MONTEVALLO BULLDOGS INDIAN SPRINGS

BRIARWOOD LIONS

CALERA EAGLES

CHELSEA HORNETS

OAK MTN. EAGLES

PELHAM PANTHERS

AHSAA CLASS 5A, AREA 7

AHSAA CLASS 4A, AREA 8

AHSAA CLASS 5A, AREA 7

AHSAA CLASS 3A, AREA 8

AHSAA CLASS 3A, AREA 7

AHSAA CLASS 6A, AREA 10

AHSAA CLASS 6A, AREA 10

Head Coach: Jim Brown

Head Coach: James Knowles

Head Coach: Wayne Trucks

Head Coach: Hunter Gray

Head Coach: Tena Niven

Head Coach: Donald Clayton

Head Coach: Lucas McDonald

Last Season: 22-9, Region Tournament

Last Season: 25-7, Sub-Region

Last Season: 15-11, Area Tournament

Players: Savannah Smith, Shadijah Dean, Mallory Anderson, Megan Draper, Keshantis King, Natalie Holsomback, Alex Bolton, Amber Cardwell, Kiah Smith, Kayla Cunningham, Britony Fitts, Xan Shivers, Kirklynn Hamby, Savannah Upton, Kerrington Maddox and Madison Fancher

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

Players: Jamekia Dawson, Erin Whitman, Sydney Days, Kristan Cordrey, Ashley Kate Kepler, Bradleigh Smith, Marie Williams, Ashley Brown, Alexxis Reid, Akievia McFarland, Carlie Walker and Payton Barrett

Season Outlook: Oak Mountain is missing a few pieces from last season, but a strong nucleus returns including guard M.K. Shealy and forwards Lay Watts and Julia Ferguson. The Eagles will turn to Shealy and Watts for leadership.

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

Last Season: 18-12, Sub- Last Season: 4-19, Sub- Last Season: 14-17, Sub- Last Season: 3-16, Area Region Region Tournament Region Players: Cara Medders, Marie Tucker, Abbie Cutcliffe, Anna Handlin, Elizabeth Scott, Sarah Outlaw, Emily Miles, Samantha Swords, Hannah Brown, Hannah Wainwright, Sarah Ann Johnston and Meredith Botes

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

Players: Wando Anwah, Kellen Cowen, Sydney Hobson, Sarah Holliday, Perri Lambert, Allie Luster, Holli Marbut, Amanda Mock, Ashleigh Niven, Lauren Swee, Tammy Trout and Destiny Winters

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

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

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

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

Season Outlook: Indian Springs will look to a group of seven seniors for leadership, including guard Andrea Mayo.

Mayo is one of the few returning players who played a key role last season.

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.

SHELBY COUNTY WILDCATS SPAIN PARK JAGUARS THOMPSON WARRIORS VINCENT YELLOW JACKETS COOSA VALLEY REBELS CORNERSTONE CHARGERS AHSAA CLASS 5A, AREA 7

KINGWOOD LIONS

AHSAA CLASS 6A, AREA 12 AHSAA CLASS 6A, AREA 10 AHSAA CLASS 2A, AREA 10 AISA CLASS 1A, REGION 2 AREA 1 Head Coach: Mike Chase Head Coach: Cara Crosslin Head Coach: Stephanie Ledlow Head Coach: Kimbo Rutledge

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

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

Last Season: 13-9, Area Last Season: 7-24, Area Last Season: 8-19, Area Last Season: 6-15, Area Last Season: 16-10, Elite Tournament Tournament Tournament Tournament Eight

Last Season: 20-4, Final Four

Last Season: 16-7, Elite Eight

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 Fortenberry, Laura Beth Franklin and Madee Harris

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

Head Coach: Brandi Steed

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

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

Players: Asia Anchrum, Megan Hoyt, Kayla Kusiak, Chelsea Taylor, Rachel Lawley, KaDeisha Stowes, Kristin Wilson, Kat Cingoranelli and Katie Guiser

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

Players: Lauren Henton, Madison Dowdy, Kaylan Rich, Jordan Smiley, Lauren Archer, Amelia Ripley, Kayla Shaw, Samantha Baker and Terrie Sprayberry

Season Outlook: The Wildcats will be breaking in a few new players with seven freshmen on the roster, but seniors 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.

Season Outlook: A big turnaround could be in store for the Jaguars, who were missing 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.

Season Outlook: The Warriors struggled with inexperience 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.

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

Season Outlook: The Rebels could make it back to the Elight Eight with plenty of experienced players returning. Coosa Valley should be in good shape with Jordan Smiley, Lauren Archer and Amelia Ripley back from last season.

Season Outlook: The Chargers will likely be in the running for a return trip to the Final Four with senior Kailey Goodwin leading the charge, along with Jana Kelbie Armstrong and Destiny Dillard.

Lee, who came to Cornerstone from Kingwood, is in his first season at the helm.

good luck teams!

HOPE EAGLES

EVANGEL LIGHTNING Alabama Christian Sports Conference Head Coach: Ken Letson Last Season: 18-1, State Champions Players: Kayla Bailey, Hannah Berry, Lacey Entrekin, Rainey Ketcham, Mariah Lawrence, Abby Letson, Bethany Letson, Jessyca Ray, Katherine Stockman, Elise Summers, Madison Thames, Whitney Thorpe and Abby Wheeler Season Outlook: The Lightning will be in the running for an ACSC title again with senior guard Abby Letson returning to the backcourt.

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 season.

HOPE EAGLES Alabama Christian Sports Conference Head Coach: Mark Machen Last Season: 15-5, State Tournament Players: Hannah Rettig, Melinda Mahan, LeighWilson Legg, Brooke Machen, Rachel Holmes, Rachel Rettig, Joelle Reed, Erin Douglas, Christina Jones and Davina Drew Season Outlook: The Eagles will be in contention for an ACSC title with seniors Hanah Rettig and Melinda Mahan returning along with junior Brooke Machen.

MONTEVALLO MEN

MONTEVALLO WOMEN NCAA DIVISION II

NCAA DIVISION II

PEACH BELT CONFERENCE

PEACH BELT CONFERENCE

Head Coach: Mechan Vanderpool

Head Coach: Danny Young

Last Season: 14-13, Conference Tournament

Last Season: 25-8, Sweet 16

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

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 Ronald Severtsgaard

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

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.

2010-2011 Preseason All-County G - Lay Watts

GIRLS Sr.

Oak Mountain

G - Amber Cardwell

Sr.

Montevallo

G - Colby Ryan

Sr.

Spain Park

F - Lauren Swee

Sr.

Chelsea

F - KaDeisha Stowes

Jr.

Thompson

FILE

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

G - Xavier Lacey

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.

BOYS Jr.

Pelham

G - Ty Lollar

Sr.

Shelby County

G - Deondre Haynes

Jr.

Calera

F - Bruce Hamilton

Sr.

Vincent

F - Keyon Wallace

Sr.

Vincent

CMYK Outside

Colby Ryan Spain Park High School

REPORTER PHOTO/JON GOERING