2019 Gibson County Winter Sports

Sports Preview

A SUPPLEMENT TO

2 WINTER SPORTS

The Daily Clarion Saturday, November 23, 2019

Submitted photo

Members of the 2019-20 Gibson Southern girls varsity basketball team include: Maci Foster, Kamryn Miller, Laynie Graham, Shayla Whitten, Brooke Goedde, Taylor Singer, Claire Jones, Carson Kruse, Meredith Raley and Ava Weisheit.

Lady Titans look to take another step forward

BY TRAVIS DAVID SPORTS EDITOR

FORT BRANCH — Year No. 2 for the Kyle Brasher era at Gibson Southern is already off to a better start than year one.

The Lady T itans, who opened the season ranked No. 2 in the preseason Class 3A polls, avenged an embar rassing loss in the season opener last year by defeating Castle

to open this season.

But will Brasher and Gibson Southern have a better ending than last season?

The Lady Titans rolled to an undefeated season in the Pocket Athletic Conference on their way to being a regional finalist.

The T itans retur n four of five star ters this season and the expectations are just as high as their pre-

season rankings.

“We are really excited for this season,” Brasher said. “We bring back six of our top eight from last year. All the girls are hungry, motivated and ready to get going.”

University of Southern Indiana signee Meredith Raley will once again lead the Lady Titans.

Coming off a junior season which produced the single-most points in a

game and a season in Gibson Southern history, Brasher is expecting even greater things this season from his co-captain.

“You are really going to see an expansion in her overall game this season,” the Lady Titans coach said.

Classmate Maci Foster will once again head up the defensive attack.

SEE TITANS/PAGE 14

The Daily Clarion Saturday, November 23, 2019

WINTER SPORTS

3

Photo by Travis David/Daily Clarion

Members of the 2019-20 Princeton Community girls’ basketball team include: Aveon Goodwin, Reagan Cochren, Savannah Gambrel, Hannah Sisk, Brookelyn Packer, Gracy Key, Erica Johnson, Emma Sartore, Tiahanna Berry, Miranda Wright, Keyana Hardiman, Cortney Dove, Tabi Thompson, Ra’Naisia McIntyre, Jasmine Sherman, Taleigh Young, Syauna Hardiman, Elizabeth James and Kyria Hawley.

PCHS girls excited for new look on hardwood

BY TRAVIS DAVID SPORTS EDITOR

PRINCETON — Most coaches are not fond of changes. Princeton Community girls basketball coach Brittany Maners has welcomed a change in her team with open arms this season.

According to the third-year Lady

Tigers coach, for the first time that she can remember she will have a team with some size.

“We are big for once,” Maners said.

“We have not had that before. I think we bring a great inside presence to the game. It will be like a complete 180 from last year with the dynamic

and personnel we have. And I am anxious to see how people will guard us. I think we can really cause some problems in the paint.”

The biggest surprise to Maners and the Lady Tigers has been the emergence of sophomore Cortney Dove.

The 6-footer has already recorded

a pair of double-doubles in the Lady Tigers opening two games — both wins.

“Cor tney has come a long way inside the post,” Maners said of her sophomore. “She has really matured SEE EXCITED/PAGE 9

4 WINTER SPORTS

The Daily Clarion Saturday, November 23, 2019

Submitted photo

Members of the 2019-20 Wood Memorial girls’ basketball team include: Kylie Hicks, Kenndey Shoultz, Aubree Speicher, Madison Frederick, Sydney Lamar, Bridget Reel, Peyton Shoultz, Megan Keeker, Cleo Dennison, Kaitlyn Jarboe, Sky Meredith, Lucy Schwomeyer, Grace Frederick, Kennedy Blacklock, Karis Blacklock and Kenzie Brogan.

Lady Trojans hoping to be more offensive

BY TRAVIS DAVID SPORTS EDITOR

OAKLAND CITY — Since averaging just over 60 points per game during its state championship run in 2017, the Wood Memorial girls’ basketball team has seen a decline in offense the last two seasons.

Veteran coach Johnnie Bar tley is hoping to be able to buck that trend this season.

“We are going to need to be able to score the ball more consistently this year,” the coach said.

So far through the teams’ first three games, the Lady Trojans are only aver-

aging 33 points per game, but that includes a 15-point per formance to Class 2A No. 7 ranked Vincennes. The Lady Trojans also played Class A No. 10 ranked Springs Valley and will see No. 1 ranked Tecumseh in the early part of the season as well.

“We think we have one of the toughest schedules around, but games against those teams will only make us better in the long run,” Bartley said.

Wood Memorial headed into the third week of the season with a 1-2 record.

The Lady Trojans return four of five starters from last season’s team who

won 13 games before bowing out of the Class A sectional against Springs Valley.

Seniors Kylie Hicks and Sydney Lamar start at the forward positions, while Peyton Shoultz will man the middle.

“Sydney has really been playing great for us,” the Lady Trojans’ coach said of his senior. “She and Kylie have played a lot of basketball games for us over the last three years and we are going to lean on their leadership this year.

“We are also going to need Peyton to play well in every game for us.”

Junior Madison Frederick will be starting her third season running the offense for the Lady Trojans from the point guard position, while classmate Cleo Dennison will fill in at the other guard position.

“Cloe is probably our best shooter and is playing in a new role for us this year,” Bartley said. “Madison can do a lot of good things for us but we need her to be more diverse. Sometimes she gets a one-track mind where she just wants to be a scorer or only pass it, we need her to able to consistently SEE TROJANS/PAGE 8

The Daily Clarion Saturday, November 23, 2019

WINTER SPORTS

5

Photo by Travis David/Daily Clarion

Members of the 2019-20 Gibson Southern boys’ varsity basketball team include: Preston Riggs, Jacob Spindler, Kaden Hurless, Ethan Reinbrecht, Drew Foster, Brayden Malone, Carson Brindle, Aidan Neel, Brady Allen, Adam May and Mitchell Spindler.

Titans hope to stay healthy on hardwood

BY TRAVIS DAVID SPORTS EDITOR

FORT BRANCH — Injuries plagued the Gibson Southern boys’ basketball team from start to finish a season ago.

Despite running numerous different lineups out on the court each game, the Titans still managed to find a little bit of a groove in the sectional before falling to Evansville Memorial in the title game.

Two big components in the success of the team, Dawson Witte and Andrew Smith, were lost to graduation, but sixth-year head coach Kyle Runyan is hoping a more-healthy team and one big addition will get the team over the hump this season.

“We lose Dawson and Andrew,

but we get some other guys back,” the Titans coach said. “So it’s hard to say, but I think we have a pretty good nucleus of players here and they had a really productive summer as well.

“We are excited to get things started and see what we can do.”

The Titans will lean on seniors Aidan Neel, Adam May, Mitchell Spindler and Ethan Reinbrecht.

“Aidan and Adam both had solid years for us last year in being on varsity full time for the first time,” Runyan said. “They grew and matured throughout the season and understood what it takes to be good varsity players.”

SEE HEALTHY/PAGE 15

Proud Supporter of Gibson County Athletics

LB

Lamb-Basham Memorial Chapel 226 E. Washington, Oakland City • 812-749-4024 Jerry L. Basham Locally Owned & Operated Since 1891

6 WINTER SPORTS

The Daily Clarion Saturday, November 23, 2019

New coach, mostly new team for Tigers

BY TRAVIS DAVID SPORTS EDITOR

PRINCETON — It was a remarkable season for the Princeton Community boys’ basketball team a season ago.

The Tigers ended their sectional championship drought on their way to being regional finalists.

Gone are four of five starters and head coach Ryan Haywood who is now at Loogootee.

But new coach LaMar Brown is hopeful to jump right in and continue the basketball tradition at Princeton.

Brown was introduced as the new PCHS coach just one day before the Tigers played in their first summer tournament.

He will be in charge of a program for the first time after spending the last nine seasons on the bench at Evansville Bosse. “What I like the most about this SEE TIGERS/PAGE 8

Photo by Travis David/Daily Clarion

Members of the 2019-20 Princeton Community boys’ varsity basketball team include: Drew Morris, Jurrien Ballard, Collin Holtzmeyer, Cole Hurt, Ethan Cochren, Jevin Huey, Dominic Hardiman, Rhett Thompson, Braden Matthews and Colton Smith.Â

6 9 5

4 9 5

Ask About Fundraisers!

609 S. Main St., Ft. Branch (812) 753-3972

Units Now Available!!

111 E. Broadway, Princeton (812) 635-9128

Call Kaley today about renting a secure, dry unit to store life’s little extras! (812) 677-1755

The Daily Clarion Saturday, November 23, 2019

WINTER SPORTS

7

Trojans to be more balanced on offense

BY TRAVIS DAVID SPORTS EDITOR

OAKLAND CITY — The Wood Memorial boys basketball team struggled to score last season other than when Paxon Bartley had the ball in his hands.

With the school’s all-time leading scorer lost to graduation, the Trojans will have no choice but to find another scorer this season.

Which could be a good thing for Wood Memorial.

“I think it will make us harder to defend this year,” second-year coach Dustin George said of the Gibson County boys’ all-time leading scorer.

“Last year the trick was you cut of f the head of the snake with Bartley by throwing ever ything at him and we struggled to find points. Aside from two games, we never had a second player in double figures. This year I SEE OFFENSE/PAGE 13

Photo by Travis David/Daily Clarion

Members of the 2019-20 Wood Memorial boys’ varsity basketball team include: Christian Hillyard, Kayne McCandless, Yogi Bottoms, Grant Hale, Gramm Collins, Owen Day, Coltin Page, Logan Keeker, Justin Stickland and Griffin Parke.

8 WINTER SPORTS

The Daily Clarion Saturday, November 23, 2019

TIGERS FROM PAGE 6

team, is they just go out and compete,” Brown said. “That first summer tournament we did not have anything installed but they went out and competed.

That is what is free about this game, anyone can go out and compete...the X’s and O’s can be taught.”

Junior Jurrien Ballard will be the Tigers’ go-to-player this year.

The dynamic guard is the lone retur ning star ter from last season. He excelled as the Tigers’ point guard and proved to be a key player in their postseason run.

“As a scout for an opposing team last season, Jur rien was probably our No. 4 guy to worr y about, but this year he most likely is going to be the No. 1 guy on most teams’ scouting repor t,” Brown said of his playmaker. “But we are going to lean on him and coach him into a dif ferent role this year. He has been in the battles and played in all the big games.

Rhett Thompson was a key reser ve player for the Tigers last season and will expect to play a much larger part in the success of the team this season.

“I think Rhett can score from the outside and also take it inside with success,” Brown said. “We are looking to utilize him anywhere from the guard position to the center position. We think what he can end up doing for us is off the charts.”

Another player the new coach

PRINCETON COMMUNITY TIGERS BOYS BASKETBALL VARSITY SCHEDULE NOV 26 at Wood Memorial .........................................7PM NOV 29 vs. Evansville North (at UIS) ........................7PM DEC 7 vs. Pike Central ....................................................7PM DEC 13 vs. Evansville Bosse ...................................7:30PM DEC 20 at Vincennes Lincoln ......................................7PM DEC 21 vs Evansville Central (at Bosse) ...................TBA DEC 23 TOYOTA CLASSIC ..............................................TBA JAN 7 vs. Southridge ......................................................7PM JAN 10 vs. Boonville ..................................................7:30PM JAN 11 at South Knox ....................................................7PM JAN 14 at Mount Carmel ..............................................7PM JAN 17 at Gibson Southern .........................................7PM JAN 24 vs. Washington ..................................................7PM JAN 31 at Evansville Memorial ..................................7PM FEB 1 vs. North Posey .....................................................7PM FEB 8 vs. Mount Vernon ................................................3PM FEB 14 at South Spencer ..............................................7PM FEB 18 vs. Jasper ..............................................................7PM FEB 22 vs. Barr-Reeve .....................................................7PM FEB 25 at Heritage Hills .................................................7PM FEB 28 at Evansville Day ...............................................7PM MAR 3-7 SECTIONAL (Vincennes Lincoln) .............TBA

is excited about is junior Dominic Hardiman.

“Dominic has some extreme athleticism and he works his butt off,” Brown said.

Seniors Collin Holtzmeyer and Braden Matthews will play key parts for the team this year as well.

“Collin had a nice summer for

us,” Brown stated. “He is another player who has a lot of athleticism, but he just needs the confidence.

We are hoping he can stretch the floor for us and also hoping he can learn to put the ball on the floor and do more slashing.”

Matthews retur ns to the basketball floor after being one of the Tigers’ top wrestlers last season.

“I think I am going to be talking about this kid all season,” Brown said of Matthews. “We love his toughness. Ever y team needs a glue guy and we think he is that guy. He will be our vocal captain and I just think really high of him.”

Sophomor e Dr ew Mor ris is another player high on Browns list as well.

“We have been really impressed with Drew once we got him after his soccer and tennis season,” the coach said.

Rounding out the Tigers’ varsity roster will be senior Miles Bostick, sophomore Colton Smith and juniors Ethan Cochren, Jevin Huey and Cole Hurt .

Brown said those five players will “fight it out for the remaining minutes”.

Despite losing the majority of scoring and experience from last season’s team, Brown has his sights set on the same team goals.

“We want to compete for the last Big Eight Conference championship and we want to defend that sectional crown,” Brown said without hesitation. “Coach Haywood and those guys did their job in winning it last season and we want one as well.”

Princeton opens its r egular season on Nov. 26 at county rival Wood Memorial.

GOOD LUCK TO OUR LOCAL SPORTS TEAMS,

729 N. Market MT. CARMEL, IL 618-262-8226

you’ve practiced hard to get ready to meet your competition.

1130 S. Main PRINCETON, IN 812-385-8996

Play your best, be good sports and win those games!

1100 W. Main FAIRFIELD, IL 618-842-3377

TROJANS FROM PAGE 4

find that right mix.”

Coming off the bench will be Bridget Reel, Aubree Speicher, Kaitlyn Jarboe and senior Kennedy Blacklock.

As for team goals, Bartley mentioned they just want to be playing their best towards the end of the season.

“We obviously would like to be on the plus side of wins and we want to compete in the top half or maybe top third of the Blue Chip Conference as well,” the Lady Trojans’ coach said. “But everything we are doing is to get us prepared for February. We are hosting the sectional this year and we want to be competing at our best at that time.”

WOOD MEMORIAL LADY TROJANS GIRLS BASKETBALL SCHEDULE NOV 7 at Perry Central ........................................................W NOV 9 vs. Springs Valley ......................................................L NOV 16 at Vincennes Rivet .................................................L NOV 19 vs. Tecumseh ..............................................6:30PM NOV 22 vs. Pike Central .................................................7PM NOV 25 at Northeast Dubois ......................................7PM DEC 3 at North Posey .....................................................7PM DEC 5 at Washington Catholic ...................................7PM DEC 10 vs. Barr-Reeve ....................................................7PM DEC 12 at South Spencer .............................................7PM DEC 19 at North Knox ....................................................7PM DEC 21 vs. Mount Carmel ......................................3:30PM DEC 23 TOYOTA CLASSIC ..............................................TBA JAN 7 vs. Cannelton ..................................................6:30PM JAN 9 at Loogootee ........................................................7PM JAN 14 vs. South Knox ...................................................7PM JAN 16 vs. Princeton Community ............................7PM JAN 21 at Southridge......................................................7PM JAN 23 vs. White River Valley ......................................7PM JAN 25 vs. Shoals .......................................................3:30 PM JAN 28 at Mount Vernon ........................................7:30PM

The Daily Clarion Saturday, November 23, 2019

EXCITED FROM PAGE 3

as a player and is running the floor really well. She’s been working on her defense and rebounds. She really gives us a major post presence.”

But the centerpiece of the team will be junior guard Hannah Sisk. The dynamic playmaker led the team in scoring last season and with secondleading scorer Reghan Page deciding not to return to the court this season, Sisk’s role will expand even more.

“Hannah has been our leading scorer the last two seasons and she just brings a lot of energy to our team,” Maners said. “And her leadership is really starting to shine this year. She is a huge offensive threat who understands the game very well.”

Sisk tallied 21 points in each of the first two games of the season.

Sophomore Reagan Cochren joins Sisk in the Lady Tigers backcourt. She played mostly on the junior varsity last season, but Maners is expecting her to grow into her starting spot this year rather quickly.

“We are big for once. We have not had that before. I think we bring a great inside presence to the game. It will be like a complete 180 from last year with the dynamic and personnel we have. And I am anxious to see how people will guard us. I think we can really cause some problems in the paint.

— Brittany Maners PCHS coach

WINTER SPORTS

9

PRINCETON COMMUNITY LADY TIGERS GIRLS BASKETBALL VARSITY SCHEDULE NOV 9 vs. South Spencer ..................................................W NOV 12 at Southridge .....Ppd (no makeup date, yet) NOV 15 vs. Evansville Bosse .............................................W NOV 22 vs. Gibson Southern ......................................7PM

“She is already filling in nicely which is good for us because we lost a lot from the guard spot due to graduation and Reghan Page,” the Lady Tigers coach said. “She is just a workhorse and is a great shooter.”

Emma Sartore will be another person who can do the dirty work down in the pain with Dove. She is also the only senior on the roster.

“Emma is a phenomenal role player and is a great teammate,” Maners said. “She sees the floor well and does a great job communicating with her teammates. She does a great job of controlling what’s going on.”

Tiahanna Berry has also impressed her coach in the early part of the season.

“She had a really great summer for us,” the Lady Tigers coach said. “She is

the one I am probably most impressed with over the last couple of months.

She does a great job of scoring with her back to the basket and I can see her doing great things for us this season.”

Junior Gracy Key will be a key player off the Lady Tigers bench as will be classmate Erica Johnson and freshman Miranda Wright.

“Gracy has kind of been thrown into the 3-spot for us but she is doing a great job, she is very athletic,” Maners said.

Sophomore Brookelyn Packer and junior Keyana Hardiman will also see varsity minutes this season.

In all, Maners said her group of 20 girls has been the “most coachable group I have had. We have already faced some adversity, but they are all working hard and have made tremendous strides.”

NOV 30 at Evansville Central ................................1:30PM DEC 3 vs. Mount Vernon .........................................7:30PM DEC 5 at Evansville Harrison .......................................7PM DEC 9 at Mount Carmel ................................................7PM DEC 12 vs. Boonville .......................................................7PM DEC 17 vs. Vincennes Rivet .........................................7PM DEC 19 vs. South Knox ..................................................7PM DEC 23 TOYOTA CLASSIC ..............................................TBA JAN 8 vs. Vincennes Lincoln ........................................7PM JAN 11 at Washington .............................................1:30PM JAN 16 at Wood Memorial ...........................................7PM JAN 23 at Pike Central ....................................................7PM JAN 25 vs. Evansville North ...................................1:30PM JAN 28 at Jasper ...............................................................7PM FEB 1 at Evansville Reitz ..........................................1:30PM FEB 4-8 SECTIONAL .........................................................TBA

Good Luck!

W atson Insurance, Inc. 222 N. Hart, Box 340 Princeton, Indiana • (812) 385-5211 www.watsoninsurance.net

10 WINTER SPORTS

The Daily Clarion Saturday, November 23, 2019

Gibson Southern Wrestling

Photo by Travis David/Daily Clarion

Members of the 2019-20 Gibson Southern wrestling team include: Jacob Wolfe, Ethan Ziliak, Orlando Ortiz, Zach Ziller, Isiah Kiesel, Jake Novotny, Eric Pennigton, Macade Chandler, Collin Sokeland, Jesse Lewis, Brandon Beauchamp, Alex Breivogel, Owen Bryant, Macray Robinson, Landon Hoover, Logan Fauquher, Aaron Breivogel, Blake Williams, Hank Kiesel and Brock Fauquher.

Titan grapplers look to reload on the mats return to the Titans’ lineup this season.

The five grapplers combined for FOR T BRANCH — The Gibson Southern wrestling team experienced 153 wins last season led by Polen’s 38 a record-breaking season last year. victories.

Zach Ziller (113) picked The Titans sent a school up 25 wins a season ago record eight grapplers to “We bring back a and was a regional qualithe semistate. lot of kids who fier.

Gibson Souther n lost Isaiah Kiesel (106) three of those wrestlers have a lot of returns to the lineup and to graduation but coach experience. These won 20 matches last seaD.G. ASay is hopeful his guys all have son and Jake Novotny team will once again find a way to advance another wrestled in the big (182) looks to build on his six wins from last year. group to the semistate and tournaments.”

Logan Faqauher who maybe even beyond.

—D.G. ASay was a regional finalist as “We bring back a lot Gibson Southern coach a freshman returns to the of kids who have a lot of Titans’ program after takexperience,” the T itans coach stated. “These guys all have ing last year off.

“It was a pleasant surprise to get wrestled in the big tour naments.

Although some of them may not be Logan back this year,” Asay noted. “He seniors, they still bring a lot of veteran just gives us added depth and is anothleadership to the team in regards to er experienced wrestler. His younger brother, Brock, is also with us this time on the mat.”

Christian Polen (132), Owen Bryant year as a freshman.”

Asay did not want to commit to an (145), Landon Hoover (170), Macray Robinson (220) and Aaron Breivogel exact number of guys who he expects (285) are the semi-state qualifiers who to make another deep postseason run.

BY TRAVIS DAVID SPORTS EDITOR

He mentioned he just hopes to be competitive and see what happens in the postseason.

“We lost three or four high-quality wrestlers so to say we can take that same number back to semistate, I don’t know if it will be the same number or not,” Asay said. “But what I do know is, we are going to have several high-quality kids in our lineup and we are just going to work on getting as many of them to advance as far into the state tournament as we can.”

As far as team goals, Asay noted he hopes to compete for a Pocket Athletic Conference championship and “be competitive in every tournament.”

He also mentioned he does not expect the program to suffer a downfall anytime soon.

“Our future here is bright,” the coach said. “The numbers in our feeder programs continue to grow. We have some great coaches all throughout our program who make it fun and continue to help grow our numbers.

And that is a great plus for us.”

Gibson Southern opens the season on Dec. 5 at Mount Carmel.

GIBSON SOUTHERN TITANS WRESTLING SCHEDULE DEC 5 at Mount Carmel ..........................................5:30PM DEC 7 at Castle Invite .................................................... 9AM DEC 10 vs. Princeton Community ......................5:30PM DEC 13 at Heritage Hills (PAC DUALS) .....................TBA DEC 14 at Heritage Hills (PAC DUALS) .....................TBA DEC 17 vs. Evansville Reitz .....................................5:30PM DEC 21 at Jeffersonville Classic ................................ 8AM DEC 27 at Mater Dei Classic .....................................11AM DEC 28 at Mater Dei Classic ....................................... 9AM JAN 7 at Evansville Memorial ...............................5:30PM JAN 11 at Old Capital Classic (Corydon) .................TBA JAN 18 at Mt. Vernon Triangular .............................. 9AM JAN 23 at Evansville North ....................................5:30PM JAN 25 at PAC Tournament (Heritage Hills) ........ 9AM FEB 1 SECTIONAL ..............................................................TBA

The Daily Clarion Saturday, November 23, 2019

WINTER SPORTS

11

Photo by Travis David/Daily Clarion

Members of the 2019-20 Princeton Community wrestling team include: Kameron Berry, Nick Jett, Drew Walden, Noah Collins, Zavion Billings, Keaton Winkler, Jacob Loeffler, Trenton Montgomery, Luka Lambert, Keegan Doerner, Jacob Carrol, Taylor Keehn, Jacob Moore, Xander Lutz, Jared Dunn, Riley Shearer and Branden Edwards.

Tigers hope to take the next step on the mats

BY TRAVIS DAVID SPORTS EDITOR

PRINCETON — The Princeton Community wrestling team only had one regional qualifier a season ago, but second-year head coach Jake Barclay is hoping experience will pay dividends this season.

Eli Buck was the lone grappler who advance from the sectional last season but was one of two seniors who graduated.

But the Tigers return several wrestlers who gained postseason experience a season ago and Barclay is hoping to build from last season.

“We only lost two seniors from last year so the majority of our team returns,” Barclay stated. “We also have a few good freshmen coming in and a lot of good guys from the football team coming in this year. So we lost a little but we gained a lot back.”

In addition to the two seniors lost,

PARTENHEIMER, KINKLE & RICKER Serving Families, Businesses, Industry and Governments in Gibson County for over 125 years

We proudly offer services for:

the Tigers will also be without Braden Matthews who decided to return to the basketball court for his senior season.

Matthews won 20 matches last season in the 195 pounds weight class.

Some top returns for the Tigers will be Jared Dunn (106), Jacob Moore (126), Nick Jett (185) and Noah Collins (285).

Dunn picked up 23 victories last season as a freshman.

“Jared is very athletic and has a lot of talent,” Barclay said of his sophomore. “He has all the ability to take himself to the next level.”

Moore picked up 16 wins last season.

“Jacob is a guy who works really hard and a lot of the guys look up to him,” the Tigers coach said. “He did a lot of good things this summer.”

Jett won 23 times last season and

Verner P. Partenheimer – J. Robert Kinkle – Roman Ricker – Joni Roark – Jana Higgins – Kim LaMar www.pkrlegal.com • www.hpklawyers.com • jrkinkle@hpk-law.com 219 N. Hart St. • Princeton, Indiana

SEE MATS/PAGE 19

(812) 386-0050

TRUST & ESTATE PLANNING

OIL & GAS REAL ESTATE

DIVORCE & DUI

The Attorneys & Staff

12 WINTER SPORTS

The Daily Clarion Saturday, November 23, 2019

Photo by Travis David/Daily Clarion

Members of the 2019-20 Gibson Southern boy’s swimming and diving team include: Cross Epperson, David Hirsch, Erick Hirsch, Bronson Ivy, Lucas Lingafelter, Samuel Luttrell, Logan McCain, Griffin Mercer, Devin Murphy, Zach Roberts, Chris Spear, Ryan Steckler and Kyle Stunkel.

Titans have good mixture of experience in the pool

BY TRAVIS DAVID SPORTS EDITOR

FOR T BRANCH — The Gibson Southern swimming and diving teams will have a different mixture of athletes among the boys and girls teams this season.

On the boys side, the Titans lost

10 athletes to graduation/foreign exchange with 13 on this years’ roster, while head coach Kasey Knaebel will 25 athletes to choose from when making out her girls’ lineup For the boys, a quar tet of seniors will lead the team — Cross Epperson, Sam Luttrell, Zach Rob-

er ts and Ryan Steckler.

“Three of the four were first-time swimmers last season, but the all finished the season really well” Knaebel said of her seniors. “Cross came out as a 100-meter swimmer who may turn into a 200 or 500 competitor. Ryan is versatile and will play a role in the

backstroke and 200 individual medley, while Sam and Zach will be contributors for any of our freestyle events from 50 to a 200.”

Logan McClain will compete in the 100 backstroke and 500 free, while SEE POOL/PAGE 16

The Daily Clarion Saturday, November 23, 2019

OFFENSE FROM PAGE 7

feel like we have three or four guys who are capable of jumping up in double digits ever y night.”

A trio of those players who George is expecting to shoulder the load of the of fense this season will be Colton Page, Logan Keeker and Griffin Parke.

All three players saw significant varsity minutes last season.

“Those guys are going to be kind of the centerpiece of what we are looking to do this year,” George said.

Size will be an issue for Wood Memorial this season. Page and Parke pr ovide the height of the team, standing 6-foot-2, 6-3. So the Trojans will look to create offense a little bit differently this year.

“We are definitely going to be undersized this year,” George noted.

“We are going to have to adjust the way we play. I think the half-cour t game could give us some troubles, so we are hoping to pick up the pace a little bit and tr y to let good defense turn into offense and as a result cre-

ate more possessions. Last year we were tr ying to limit them.”

Yogi Bottoms is another player who saw some varsity minutes last season and will be expected to take another leap this season.

Owen Day could be the wildcard for the Trojans this season. He star red on the junior varsity team last year and George is expecting good things this season on the varsity from the sophomore.

“He was our centerpiece on the JV last season as he probably led them in most stats,” the Trojans’ coach said. “We look for him to continue to improve and gain a lot of varsity minutes this season.”

Grant Hale played mostly on the jv last season but George hopes once he fully recovers from a shoulder injur y that his senior can contribute to the varsity this year.

Justin Strickland will be another senior the Trojans will lean on for leadership. The senior did not play the last two seasons.

“Justin is back for the first time since his freshman year, but we love having him on our team,” George said. “He is a real spark plug for us.”

Kayne McCandless is expected to

be another player who plays a larger par t for the Trojans’ success this season.

He played on the same AAU team over the summer with Page and Parke.

Christian Hillyard and Gramm Collins rounds out the varsity roster while Kaden Newton, Alton Falls and Reece Mor ton are all expected to work their way into earning varsity minutes.

George mentioned as for team goals, they will have goals within each game they play which will hopefully result in ultimate team success.

“We will look to get a cer tain amount of deflections each game and really just be aggressive on the defensive end to help lead to easy of fense,” the coach said. “And the guys who saw some minutes last year, I think they are still heartbroken a little over the sectional (championship) loss (to Evansville Day). I think they are preparing themselves tobe in the best shape come the end of Februar y.”

Wood Memorial opens the regular season on Nov. 26 by hosting county rival Princeton Community.

SULLY’S TOWING AND RECOVERY

WINTER SPORTS

13

WOOD MEMORIAL TROJANS BOYS BASKETBALL VARSITY SCHEDULE NOV 26 vs. Princeton Community ...........................7PM DEC 6 at Loogootee .......................................................7PM DEC 7 vs. Tecumseh ........................................................7PM DEC 11 vs. Springs Valley ..............................................7PM DEC 13 at Perry Central .................................................7PM DEC 20 vs. North Daviess .............................................7PM DEC 21 vs. Washington .................................................7PM DEC 23 TOYOTA CLASSIC ..............................................TBA JAN 11 at Evansville Day ...............................................7PM JAN 17 vs. Washington Catholic .........................6:30PM JAN 18 at Pike Central ....................................................7PM JAN 24 at Barr-Reeve ......................................................7PM JAN 25 vs. Shoals ........................................................6:30PM JAN 31 at Tell City .............................................................7PM FEB 1 vs. Northeast Dubois .........................................7PM FEB 6 at Vincennes Rivet ...............................................7PM FEB 11 vs. Forest Park .....................................................7PM FEB 18 at South Spencer ..............................................7PM FEB 21 at Gibson Southern .........................................7PM FEB 22 at North Knox .....................................................7PM FEB 27 vs. South Knox ...................................................7PM

Hwy. 41 S. • Princeton 812-386-6580 john@kieselent.com www.kieselent.com

Towing 7 Days A Week • 24 Hour Service

Shivvers dri-flo bottom unload system shivvers.com

®

counter-flow grain drying specialists

SERVICES INCLUDE: • WRECKER SERVICE • ROLLBACK HAULING SERVICE • DOOR UNLOCKS • TIRE CHANGE • FUEL DELIVERY Licensed & Insured

CALL 812-635-0252

1002 S. Stout, Princeton

• Higher Removal capacities for larger operations • Integrate with existing legs or air systems • Dry up to 52,800 bushels per day

Winter Discounts Available Now!

14 WINTER SPORTS

The Daily Clarion Saturday, November 23, 2019

TITANS FROM PAGE 2

“Maci is going to be her usual defensive menace but with a little more of fensive this year,” Brasher said.

Claire Jones, Shay Whitten and Kamr yn Miller round out the star ting five for the Lady Titans.

Brasher is expecting big things from Miller.

“I think you are going to see a big leap from her this season,” the Lady Titans coach said. “She has the capability to have the same kind of leap that Mer edith had from her sophomore to junior season.”

Sophomore Taylor Singer and junior Carson Kr use, along with Raley, give the Lady Titans a trio of 6-footers.

“Taylor had some injuries last season but she is back healthy and she could be a game changer for us with the way she can control the board,” Brasher said. “Carson

“Every team has the goal of playing for championships and going as far as they can into the state tournament. We are no different. And for us to achieve that we are going to have to be a deeper team than we were last year and we are going to have to be able to add more to our offense. At times we were a little too vanilla on offense. But I think we have all the talent to take another leap.”

— Kyle Brasher Gibson Southern coach is a ver y har d worker and pr ovides us with more height and is one of our best communicators on our team.”

Rounding out the varsity roster will be senior Brooke Goedde, junior Laynie Graham and freshman Ava Weisheit.

“Br ooke is a lot like Maci in she’s a great defensive player who has added a little more of an of fensive element this season,” the second-year coach said. “Laynie has great shooting ability and when she is on, she is one of the best shooters in our program. And we are really excited about the future of Ava. She does a little bit of ever ything and is one of the best pure scorers.”

Kyra Menke, Taylor Har t and Loren Stoll are a trio of players who will star t on the junior varsity but could ear n some varsity minutes, according to Brasher.

The head coach mentioned their team goals is the same as ever y team.

“Ever y team has the goal of playing for championships and going as far as they can into the state tournament,” he said. “We are no dif ferent. And for us to achieve that we are going to have to be a deeper team than we were last year and we are going to have to be able to add more to our of fense. At times we were a little too vanilla on of fense.

But I think we have all the talent to take another leap.”

Proudly Supporting Gibson County High School Athletics!

GIBSON SOUTHERN LADY TITANS GIRLS BASKETBALL VARSITY SCHEDULE NOV 14 vs. Castle ..................................................................W NOV 19 vs. Forest Park ...................................................7PM NOV 22 at Princeton Community ............................7PM NOV 25 vs. Evansville Bosse ........................................7PM NOV 29 vs. Danville (at Hoosier Gym) .................11AM DEC 3 at Vincennes Lincoln ........................................7PM DEC 5 at Webster County (KY) .............................7:30PM DEC 9 vs. Evansville North ...........................................7PM DEC 10 at Evansville Memorial ..................................7PM DEC 12 at Mount Vernon .......................................7:30PM DEC 17 vs. South Spencer............................................ 7PM DEC 19 vs. Pike Central ..................................................7PM DEC 23 TOYOTA CLASSIC ..............................................TBA JAN 9 at Boonville ............................................................7PM JAN 11 vs. Tell City .....................................................1:30PM JAN 14 at Jasper ...............................................................7PM JAN 16 at Tecumseh .......................................................7PM JAN 18 vs. Washington ............................................1:30PM JAN 21 vs. Heritage Hills ...............................................7PM JAN 23 vs. Southridge ...................................................7PM FEB 1 at North Posey .............................................12:30PM

The Daily Clarion Saturday, November 23, 2019

HEALTHY FROM PAGE 5

Spindler had most of his junior season lost due to injury while Reinbrecht was one player who benefited from the injuries.

“Ethan stepped right in and held his own towards the end of last season,” the Titans’ coach said. “He’s always been a hard worker and we are excited to see how he progresses this year is his first full-time varsity spot.”

Spindler, the Titans’ star ting running back on the gridiron, is healthy this year.

“We are thrilled to have him back and healthy,” Runyan said. “He brings a lot of athleticism and experience to us.”

Sophomore Kaden Hurless is another player for the Titans who returns with experience. The shifty guard came into his own towards the end of his freshman season last year.

Perhaps the biggest domino for Gibson Southern this season will be sophomore Brady Allen.

One of the top players in his class coming into high school, Allen decided

not to play basketball as a freshman.

He was a last minute decision to join the team this year.

“We understood where he was with football (last season),” Runyan said of Allen who is one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the state for football.

“He put in a lot of time and thought into the decision this year and we are thrilled to death. Having his size at 6-foot-5, 6-6 and athleticism will help us tremendously.”

Rounding out the Titans varsity roster will be Preston Riggs, Jacob Spindler, Drew Foster, Brayden Malone and Carson Brindle.

As far as team goals and expectations, Runyan mentioned he is still learning about his team.

“It’s early still, but I do know is we are happy with the nucleus of players we have,” he said. “We have good numbers in the program with another 10-11 guys on the JV and 15-16 guys on the freshman team. They all have put in a lot of work and we are expecting a competitive group.”

Gibson Southern opens its regular season on Nov. 30 against Evansville Central at the University of Southern Indiana.

GIBSON SOUTHERN TITANS BOYS BASKETBALL VARSITY SCHEDULE NOV 30 vs. Evansville Central (at USI) .....................1PM DEC 6 at Jasper .................................................................7PM DEC 13 vs. Tell City ...........................................................7PM DEC 17 at Evansville North ..........................................7PM DEC 20 vs. South Spencer ............................................7PM DEC 23 TOYOTA CLASSIC ..............................................TBA JAN 7 at Evansville Mater Dei .....................................7PM JAN 10 vs. Heritage Hills ...............................................7PM JAN 11 at Evansville Memorial ..................................7PM JAN 14 vs. Vincennes Lincoln .....................................7PM JAN 17 vs. Princeton .......................................................7PM JAN 21 at Washington ...................................................7PM JAN 28 vs. Mount Carmel .............................................7PM JAN 31 at Mount Vernon ..............................................7PM FEB 6 vs. Southridge .......................................................7PM FEB 11 at Boonville ..........................................................7PM FEB 14 at Tecumseh ........................................................7PM FEB 18 at Pike Central ....................................................7PM FEB 21 vs. Wood Memorial ..........................................7PM FEB 25 at Forest Park ......................................................7PM FEB 28 at North Posey

WINTER SPORTS

Your customer

JUST READ

THIS AD. Advertise in the DAILY CLARION 812-385-2525

We make it possible For you to do great things If you have pain, ProRehab can help Haubstadt Poseyville Vincennes

15

812-768-5207 812-270-4405 812-882-1141

Celebrating 20 years of serving the community

16 WINTER SPORTS

The Daily Clarion Saturday, November 23, 2019

Titans only lost one athlete to graduation. But there still is not a lot of experience among the 25 on the roster.

FROM PAGE 12 “We were young last year and David Hirsch will swim in the 50 we are still pretty young again this year,” Knaebel said. “But T ierfree. ney Maurer was our “David had our young lady second-fastest time “We were young last year strongest last year. She is able in the 50 free last to swim almost ever y season with our top and we are still pretty event, but she will young again this year. time belonging to a focus on the 50 free, s e n i o r, ” t h e T i t a n s But Tierney Maurer was breaststroke and coach said. our strongest young lady 100 possibly the 100 butKnaebel mentioned last year. She is able to ter fly.” sophomore Grif fin Stephanie Cullom Mercer is “versatile swim almost every event, will compete in the and will be a factor but she will focus on the i n t h e 2 0 0 I M , 1 0 0 50 free, 100 breaststroke 1 0 0 b u t t e r f l y, w i t h Lilly Par mer in the breaststroke and 100 and possibly the 100 100 breaststroke and free.”

200 IM, while Keri W ith only 13 ath- butterfly.” teckler will comletes on the boys’ — Kasey Knabel Spete wherever she is roster Knaebel menGibson Southern coach needed, according to tioned ever yone will Knaebel. play a key role.

Clara Pohl is the only senior on “Ever y single one of them will be par ticipating and contributing the roster.

“She has been a steady factor ever y day for us,” she said.

O n t h e g i r l s s i d e , t h e L a d y in our distance events,” the Lady

POOL

T itans coach said of her lone senior. “She has been a great leader for our team in ever y aspect and I am thrilled to see her contributions to the team again this season.

Freshman Ruthie Mercer is expected to jump right in and be a big scorer in meets from the beginning.

“Ruthie is going to be a huge par t of our distance events,” Knaebel stated. “She has a lot of experience with club teams and will be competitive for us.”

The Lady T itans coach mentioned all 25 girls on the roster will contribute to the teams’ success in one way or another.

“Each one of them is an important aspect for the dynamics of our team,” Knaeble explained. “They all help each other get better and push each other to be faster ever y day. I am excited to see what they are going to do throughout this season.”

The Titans opened their season on November 18 and 21 in girls only meets, while both teams will compete at Boonville on Dec. 5.

GIBSON SOUTHERN TITANS SWIMING AND DIVING COED SCHEDULE NOV 18 at Tecumseh (girls only) ...............................5PM NOV 21 at Southridge (girls only) ......................5:30PM DEC 5 at Boonville .....................................................5:30PM DEC 7 at Tecumseh Relays .......................................... 9AM DEC 12 at Evansville Reitz/North (at Lloyd Pool) .............................................5:30PM DEC 16 at Boonville ..................................................5:30PM DEC 17 at Evansville Central/Harrison (at Lloyd Pool) .............................................5:30PM DEC 19 at South Spencer .......................................5:30PM JAN 4 at Tell City ............................................................10AM JAN 6 at Mount Vernon .................................................6PM JAN 9 at Evansville Central/North (at Lloyd Pool) ................................................5:30PM JAN 13 at Pike Central ..............................................5:30PM JAN 18 at Tecumseh ....................................................10AM JAN 23 PAC Prelims (Tecumseh) .........................4:45PM JAN 25 PAC Finals (Tecumseh) .................................. 9AM JAN 30 at Vincennes Lincoln ................................5:30PM FEB 3 at Southridge ..................................................5:30PM FEB 13 at Boonville (boys only) .................................5PM

Marcus D Iunghuhn Insurance Agency

WISHING YOU A SAFE, FUN AND WINNING SEASON! Marcus D Iunghuhn 1002 S Main St. Princeton, IN 47670 812.385.2556

Proudly Supporting Gibson County Sports!

Go Trojans!!

B&M Automotive Auto Maintenance & Repair

WALK IN, MAIL IN, CALL IN, CLICK IN ©

231 S. Main St., Oakland City • 812-749-4951 Owners: Kelly Besing & Stan Miller

The Daily Clarion Saturday, November 23, 2019

WINTER SPORTS

17

Photo by Travis David/Daily Clarion

Members of the 2019-20 Gibson Southern girls’ swimming and diving team include: Ruthie Mercer, Nicole Richter, Keri Steckler, Hailey Richter, Colleen Schneider, Ellen Schneider, Allison Adler, Rebecca Kluesner, Lilly Parmer, Marissa Dewig, Madalynn Steckler, Clara Pohl, Stephanie Collum, Davina Witte, Maura Kluesner, Helen Kiesel, Alexis Garris, Kendall White, Amber Feldpausch, Kennedy Witzbacher, Savannah Naas, Tierney Maurer, Aubrey McBride, Tori Schmitt and Allie Townsend.

Voted Best Steak in Gibson County!

Open 7 Days a Week!

518 E. Morton St • Oakland City (812) 749-6345

18 WINTER SPORTS

The Daily Clarion Saturday, November 23, 2019

Not only the oldest, but the original A Amish mish buffet since 1989!

Make Stoll’s Your Stop!

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Buses Welcome! www.stollscountryinn.com Located on Hwy. 41 @ I-64, Exit 25A

812-867-7730 HOURS: Sun............7:00 a.m. M-Th........10:30 a.m. Fri............10:30 a.m. Sat.............7:00 a.m. -

8:00 8:00 9:00 9:00

p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.

Now Serving Breakfast Saturday & Sunday

Cater your event with Stoll’s Large & Small Groups

� Homemade Pies � Homemade Breads � Jellies, Jams & Butter � Gift Shop � Banquet Room � Gift Certificates

CJ’S HOME DECOR & MORE Our gift shop features...

• Amish Quilts • Primitives • Many Candle Lines

• Children’s Items • Picture Frames • Candies

• Purses • Home Decor and Much more!

812.867.7730 • www.stollscountryinn.com

The Daily Clarion Saturday, November

MATS

23, 2019

PRINCETON COMMUNITY TIGERS WRESTLING SCHEDULE

FROM PAGE 11

placed fifth at the sectional — one spot away from advancing to the regional.

He will not finish this season on the mats as he plans to graduate early and enlist with the Marines.

“We are hoping to be able to send him of f on a high note with a good first half of the year,” Barclay said of his senior.

Collins won 13 matches last season and was another grappler who finished one spot away from advancing out of the sectional.

“Noah took a lot of big steps throughout the season last year,” Barclay said of his senior heavyweight. “And he has been working really hard in the of fseason and in the weightroom.”

Barclay mentioned all of his wrestlers have their own personal goals they have set out to achieve this season in addition to the team goals.

“As a team we are hoping to place higher this year in all of our

NOV 30 at Vincennes Lincoln Invite ....................... 8AM

WINTER SPORTS

19

Good Luck Good Luck

JAN 14 vs. Southridge .............................................5:30PM

To All Area To All Area Teams! Teams!

JAN 16 at Evansville Harrison .....................................6PM

VIEW OUR ENTIRE INVENTORY ONLINE AT WWW.THEAUTOPARKE.COM

DEC 4 at Washington Triangular .........................5:30PM DEC 7 at Westfield Duals .......................................7:30AM DEC 10 at Gibson Southern ..................................5:30PM DEC 11 vs. North Posey ...........................................5:30PM DEC 14 vs. Big Eight Duals .......................................... 9AM DEC 21 at Bloomington North Classic .................. 8AM JAN 11 at Forest Park Invite ........................................ 8AM

JAN 22 at Evansville Central ........................................6PM JAN 25 at Big Eight Tournament (Mt. Vernon) .................................................................9:15AM

Financing Solutions Available for ANY Credit Situation. Apply today at www.theautoparke.com

FEB 1 at Sectional ........................................................... 9AM

tournaments as well as win a couple,” he stated. “And we are hoping to win more duals this season and finish with a winning record.”

Princeton opens its season on Nov. 30 at the Vincennes Lincoln Invitational.

A Name You Can Trust!

820 S. Main, Princeton, IN 812-386-8282

Go Trojans!!

Good Luck this Season!

Air Doctor, LLC

••HHeating • C • Cooling •R

LLC

• Refrigeration • Electrical • Plumbing • Appliances

From the staff and residents at

Over 30 years experience 7336 W SR 165 | Owensville , Indiana 812.729.7901

Call (812) 632-0205

20 WINTER SPORTS

The Daily Clarion Saturday, November 23, 2019

Oakland City University is an exceptional campus, where academic excellence is combined with spiritual formation and applied guidance, to create a unique educational experience. Learn more at oak.edu.

academic majors & concentrations

STUDENT Organizations & Clubs