West Kentucky Sports February 2020

Volume 3, Issue 2

ALL ‘A’ REGION 2

CHAMPS — Page 10

Change of Skeen — Page 24

Powell, Stokes Eclipse 1,000

— Page 20

February 2020 • Page 3

4

1,000 Point Club| Page 20

Marshall County’s Tyler Stokes and Tyler Powell joined the 1,000 point club within a week of each other in January.

After School with the Mustangs | Page 22 McCracken County soccer players are passing on their passion for the pitch to elementary age students in McCracken County.

Change of Skeen | Page 24

Blaine Skeen led a turnaround for St. Mary’s soccer program. After two seasons, he’s moving across town to a familiar foe.

CRP Signups Underway| Page 26

9 10

The Conservation Land Program is looking for land to keep open for outdoors enthusiasts.

Cancer Awareness Night | Page 28 Lyon County recognized two of its own battling cancer with an awareness night in Jason White Gymnasium.

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ADVERTISERS INDEX: Akridge Farm Supply — p. 14

Melissa Wynn, Realtor — p. 15

Buchanon’s Design Center — p. 13

WCCK/WCBL — p. 32

Magistrate Bobby Cummins— p. 14

Wilson Law Firm — p. 5

Brehm Striping ­— p. 17

Champions Against Drugs — p. 18 Lake Barkley CrossFit- p. 32

Shop-O-Rama ­— p. 17

Williams Veterinary Clinic — p.15

West Kentucky Sports is made possible through the sponsorship of advertisers listed at left. These businesses help provide local coverage of youth sports and positive acts by local athletes. On behalf of our readers, the staff would like to say:

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Page 4 • February 2020

Staff Report During Lyon County’s 2020 Basketball Homecoming, the host teams swept Livingston Central. The Lyons won 7549, while the Lady Lyons won 55-42.

Playing in the night’s opener, the Lyons and Cardinals swapped the lead throughout the first quarter. Jackson Shoulders got things going with a basket and bonus from the free throw line 45 seconds after the opening jump. Four lead changes followed, setting up a 1616 tie after Trey Hawkins hit a 3-pointer with 10 seconds remaining, but Cardinal Everett Garrett hit a basket at the buzzer to tie the game 16-all.

Lyon County steadily pulled away

in the second quarter, thanks to an early 11-5 run. Travis Perry earned eight points during the first half of the frame to go along with a bucket by Gunnar Bingham and a trey by Trey Hawkins.

Lyon led 29-21 midway through the second quarter. They extended that lead to 42-23 before the break, with seven points from Nick Whalin and 3-pointers from Brady Shoulders and Perry.

The Lyons continued to build on their lead through the second half, finishing the game out with a pair of baskets from Jeremiah Wilkerson.

Following Homecoming ceremonies, things were a bit easier for the Lady Lyons.

Calista Collins hit 1-of-4 from the free throw line plus a basket, while Rose Smith sank a pair of buckets and Cathryn Brown drained a trey during a one-sided scoring spree as the Lady Lyons jumped out to a 10-0 lead over Livingston Central. Lady Cardinal Kerah Davidson hit 2-of-2 from the free throw line with 1:54 remaining in the first quarter to answer back for the visitors.

Lyon County maintained the advantage, building up a 14-4 lead at the end of the first quarter and staying ahead by double digits the rest of the night. Lyon eventually took the win 55-42.

Earlier in the night, Bill Dihn and Madison Morgan were named 2020 Homecoming king and queen.

February 2020 • Page 5

Lyon sweeps Livingston during Homecoming

Opposite page: Head coach Jeff Doom lines out a plan of attack for his Lady Lyons in the first half against Livingston Central. At left: Gunnar Bingham goes airborne for a basket. Above, Lady Lyons Catherine Brown fights to maintain possession.

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February 2020 • Page 7

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February 2020 • Page 9

Revolution Academy kicks off soccer training The first Revolution Academy focusing on youth soccer skills was held in Murray in January. Future sessions are planned on Feb. 6, March 6, April 17 and March 1. Sessions for those born in 2014/2015 are from 5 p.m.-5:45 p.m.; for those born in 2013/2012: 5:45 p.m.- 6:45 p.m.; and those born in 2011/2010: 6:45 p.m.- 7:45 p.m. For more information, visit their Facebook page by searching “Kentucky-Revolution-Soccer-Academy”.

Second Region

West Carter 64-40 • Caldwell 56-36 • Dawson Springs 48-42 • Fort Campbell 46-10

By Jody Norwood Lyon County’s road through All A competition ended Jan. 22 after a 64-40 loss to West Carter High School.

But, oh, what a run it was.

The Lady Lyons started their story with a 36-point demolishing of Fort Campbell in the All ‘A’ basketball tournament’s opening round.

Kaden Watts and Gracen Wynn led Lyon County with seven points each as the Lady Lyons held the Lady Falcons to two points in each of the middle quar-

ters, bookended by three points in the opening and closing frames.

Also scoring for the Lady Lyons were Cathryn Brown (6), Hadlie Butler (2), Rose Smith (4), Kenttavia Matthews (4), Calista Collins (4), Ella Defew (2), Taylyn Sutton (4), Isabella Ortiz (4).

The win advanced Lyon to the next round, facing regional hosts Dawson Springs.

Lyon County opened the match with a basket by Rose Smith for an early lead.

Freshman Brooklyn Clark, who would go on to score the bulk of the Lady Pan-

thers’ points, tied the game with a basket of her own. Clark traded scores with Hadlie Butler as the contest stayed tied through the mid-point before Lyon used a pair of baskets by Catherine Brown, one from Ella Defew and a free throw by Kenttavia Matthews to take a four-point lead. Defew went 2-for-2 from the free throw line as Lyon led 13-7 at the end of the first quarter.

Lyon would struggle with free throw shooting throughout the first half, hitting just 4-of-12, but led 22-19 at the (Continued on Page 12)

All ‘A’ CHAMPS

Page 12 • February 2020 Continued from Page 10 break. Smith put in the final points of the half with a bucket inside last minute. Coming out of the locker room, Smith opened second half scoring with a bucket in the first 20 seconds, then hit 1-of-2 free throws as Lyon led 25-19.

The two teams dueled defensively through the final two quarters. The Lady Panthers were able to tie it up, but never wrestled the lead away from Lyon County, who pulled away late with a 9-0 run. Gracen Wynn hit 5-of-6 free throws inside the final minute to secure a chance to advance to Saturday’s championship game.

Brown led Lyon County with 18 points, followed by Smith with 11 and Wynn with 7.

Earlier in the night, Caldwell County defeated Crittenden County 49-46 to set up the finale, with the Lady Tigers picked by many as favorites to take the regional title.

Lyon County would have something to say about that.

Sophomore Hadlie Butler converted a pass from freshman Cathryn Brown into a 3-pointer at the top of the key 17 seconds into play. Rose Smith and Calista Collins each added buckets over the next minute to extend the lead 7-0 before Bella McConnell hit a trey to wake up the Lady Tigers.

(Continued on Page 17)

February 2020 • Page 13

Clockwise from opposite page: (below) The Lady Lyons, coaching staff and cheerleaders pose with the 2020 Class ‘A’ Second Region Title; (above left) Kenttavia Matthews lays up two; (at left) Gracen Wynn prepares to release a 3-pointer;(above) Calista Collins and Ella DeFew (31) team up to secure a defensive rebound against Caldwell County.

Page 14 • February 2020

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February 2020 • Page 17

Gracen Wynn fires off a 3-pointer against Dawson Springs in the All ‘A’ tournament.

Continued from Page 12 Lyon County continued to control tempo and scoring throughout the opening stanza. Collins hit 2-of-2 free throws at the five-minute mark, while Brown added a 3-pointer at the four for a 12-5 lead.

Brown would go on to hit another bucket in the frame, while Smith added two more, giving Lyon an 18-13 advantage heading

into the second quarter.

Caldwell County continued to try and force a faster, more physical game as the second quarter got underway. But with 6:39 remaining, Lady Tiger Jada Boyd went out with an injury, forcing Caldwell to slow down their game. The Lady Tigers would get within two points during the frame, trailing 18-16 after Majah Howell went 1-for-2 from the charity stripe.

But two baskets from Collins, one each from Kenttavia Matthews and Brown helped stretch Lyon County’s lead to 2920 heading into the break.

Lyon County maintained a double digit advantage through most of the second half, starting with a Collins free throw with 7:13 remaining in the third quarter

(Continued on next page)

Page 18 • February 2020 Continued from previous page as Lyon led 30-20. The Lady Lyons led 42-28 heading into the final frame.

Brown opened the fourth quarter with bucket for the largest lead of the night, 44-28. Caldwell County attempted to rally, outscoring the Lady Lyons 9-3 heading into the last two minutes of competition. But Lyon answered back with a basket by Smith with 2:03 remaining and 30 seconds later with a trey by Gracen Wynn to cut Caldwell’s rally short.

Brown (1-of-2) and Matthews (2-of-2) finished scoring from the line for Lyon County as they claimed the championship 56-37.

Smith led Lyon’s attack with 14 points, followed by Brown (13), Collins (12), Matthews (10), Butler (4) and Wynn (3).

The win advanced Lyon to the All A State tournament, where they faced West Carter High School in the opening round.

At McBrayer Arena in Richmond, Lyon County fell behind early, but put up a fight against the Lady Patriots.

Smith led the effort with 12 points, followed by Collins (9), Defew (7), Brown (7) and Butler (5).

Collins also pulled in nine rebounds to lead the Lady Lyons defensively. Smith earned eight rebounds for the Lady Lyons.

At right: Cathryn Brown fights through Caldwell County’s defensefor a basket.

LYON COUNTY Champions against Drugs

Informed teens make better decisions.

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February 2020 • Page 19

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WEST KENTUCKY SPORTS Above: Rose Smith puts up two points against Caldwell County. Below, Kenttavia Matthews looks for a pass.

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Page 20 • January 2020

Marshals Powell,

1,00

On Jan. 14, Tyler Powell helped lift the Marshals to a 75-70 victory over Paducah Tilghman. Powell his a third quarter 3-pointer to give Marshall County a 46-45 lead. It also gave Powell his 1,000th career point. Powell had 16 points in the win. Since then, the senior has continued to help the Marshals win. As of Jan. 20, Powell has 242 points on the season.

February 2020 • Page 21

Stokes Eclipse

00

Tyler Stokes earned his 1,000th point on Jan. 18 as the Marshals rallied to a 79-67 win over Prodigy Prep of Florida. Stokes led all scorers with 28 points. For the season, as of Jan. 20 Stokes is second in team scoring with 306 points. Stokes leads the Marshals in rebounding with 197 boards. Stokes is shooting 55 percent from the field this season.

Page 22 • February 2020

Mustangs start after school program

Ledgerwood Electric, of Paducah, donated several soccer balls to the McCracken County High School Lady Mustang After School Elementary Soccer Program. Owner Michael Ledgerwood is pictured with daughters Payton (left) and Maddie (right). The McCracken County Lady Mustang soccer team kicked off their elementary after school program in January. Varsity players from MCHS are volunteering one afternoon a week at Concord Elementary, Heath Elementary, Hendron Lone Oak Elementary, Lone Oak Elementary and Reidland Elementary, working with the after school program mentoring future Mustangs and teaching them the game of soccer.

January 2020 • Page 23

Page 24 • February 2020

Change of scene as Skeen vexes Vikings for Tilghman Tornado turnaround Staff Report Blaine Skeen has been named head coach for Paducah Tilghman Boys Soccer.

two years. He graduated from Georgetown in 2018 with a degree in accounting, and currently works in the accounting department at River Valley Ag Credit.

Skeen played high soccer at Marshall County for six years. During his time in the program, MCHS won three regional championships. After graduating from Marshall County in 2014, Skeen continued his education at Georgetown College. He played varsity soccer for Georgetown for four years and served as a team captain for

“I’m looking forward to the change ahead,” said Skeen. “I am excited to see what the future holds for the Paducah Tilghman soccer program.”

“We are very excited to have Coach Skeen as our new Varsity Boys Soccer Coach,” said Paducah Tilghman High School Athletic Director Jason Nickal. “He brings enthusiasm and experience along with a wealth of soccer knowledge to our program.”

For the past two years, Skeen has been at the helm of the St Mary boys soccer program. During his tenure there, the program compiled a record of 27-19-1 over the course of two seasons with the high school team and one season with the middle school team. In the 2019 season, the St Mary high school team managed to post a winning record over the course of the season for the first time, according to KHSAA records.

Blaine Skeen, a former standout at Marshall County, has been named head coach of Paducah Tilghman’s boys program. Below, Skeen coaches St. Mary’s Vikings at Tilghman.

Thanks for Thanks forREADING

Page 26 • February 2020

CRP

signups

underway

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has reopened signups for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to Kentucky landowners. The deadline to sign up for general participation is Feb. 28, 2020, while sign-ups for more permanent structures within the program are ongoing. Participants receive an annual stipend for their contribution to conservation.

Landowners enrolled in the program contribute to improved water quality, reduced soil erosion, tourism and other

economic development opportunities by removing environmentally sensitive land from agricultural use and then incorporating native plant species. Landowners can select a 10- or 15-year partnership or elect to have a permanent easement established as part of the continuous Conservation Reserve Program.

Across the country, the conservation program boasts an enrollment of 22 million acres. However, the 2018 Farm Bill re-

February 2020 • Page 27

cently raised the cap to 27 million acres, giving even more landowners the opportunity to help restore local habitats.

For more information about the Conservation Reserve Program or to enroll in the program, contact your local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) liaison with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

Contact information for the liaison serving your area may be found online at fw.ky.gov by searching under the key-

words, “NRCS Liaison.” Landowners may also contact their local Farm Service Agency county office or go online to fsa. usda.gov/crp.

For information about hunting and fishing regulations or for general inquiries, contact the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Information Center at 1-800-858-1549 during weekday working hours, or email the center at Info.Center@ky.gov.

Page 28 • February 2020

Go Fight WIN

On Jan. 30, Lyon County hosted Caldwell County in the second half of the Border Battle between the Lyons and Tigers. Caldwell County won the first half in December, while Lyon claimed the trophy in their own house thanks to a large student cheering section and canned food drive to benefit HOPE Food Bank. It also served as Cancer Awareness Night, as Lyon County cheerleaders and basketball players recognized loved ones impacted by the disease. Two of Lyon County’s own, Cullan Brown and Owen Matthews, were recognized by the packed Jason White Gymnasium for their current battles.

On the court, the Lyons won a physical 68-57 game over the Tigers, extending their 26-25 halftime lead. In girls action, the Lady Tigers rallied from a six-point deficit at the start of the fourth quarter to win 47-46. Pictured above: Lyon County cheerleaders with a special Cancer Awareness Night uniform. Opposite page: (top left) Jack Reddick presents a yellow rose to Cathryn Brown; (top right) Ella Defew fires off a basket; (bottom right) Jaiden Capello; (bottom left) Nick Whalin fights for a score.

February 2020 • Page 29

Page 30 • February 2020

At left, Cathryn Brown lines up a basket. Above, Nick Gilbert puts the ball into play against Caldwell County.

Below, Hadlie Butler is fouled driving to the basket. Below left, Jackson Shoulders powers through the Tigers.

THE BACK PAGE

By Jody Norwood | Editor

On Jan. 26, Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna died in a helicopter crash. Many readers by now (we’re a monthly product after all) have probably already heard.

Bryant retired from the NBA after 20 seasons and is considered by many to be one of basketball’s top five players. Bryant achieved that status with a work ethic that was second to none.

And when he spoke of his success, the Lakers star often cited that drive to be the best.

This month, The Back Page will give up some space to three of Bryant’s quotes listed below.

“When we are saying this cannot be accomplished, this cannot be done, then we are short-changing ourselves. My brain, it cannot process failure. It will not process failure. Because if I have to sit there and face myself and tell myself, ‘You’re a failure,’ I think that is a worse, that is almost worse than death.” Showtime’s “Muse.”

“It’s basketball. I’ve practiced and practiced and played so many times. There’s nothing truly to be afraid of, when you think about it ... Because I’ve failed before, and I woke up the next morning, and I’m OK. People say bad things about you in the paper on Monday, and then on Wednesday, you’re the greatest thing since sliced bread. I’ve seen that cycle, so why would I be nervous about it happening?” ESPN “There’s a choice that we have to make as people, as individuals. If you want to be great at something there is a choice you have to make. We can all be masters at our craft, but you have to make a choice. What I mean by that is, there are inherent sacrifices that come along with that — family time, hanging out with your friends, being a great friend. Being a great son, nephew, whatever the case may be. There are sacrifices that come along with that.”

Showtime’s “Muse.”

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February 2020 • Page 31

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