by Emilee Chaffin, Charger Staff
With football season ending, there are only a few weeks until basketball begins.
Since practice just started, coaches Kevin Bray and Rick Spivey are still recognizing the potential of the boys. Coach Bray has noticed some stepping up as leaders, aside from the seniors. They are juniors Mario Burnett, Brian Dale, Blake Weaver and Bobby Allman along with sophomore Phillip Moore. Other players on the team include juniors Brandon Cowan, Josh Curtis and Spud Flatt and sophomore John Rader.
This hopefully will be a successful year for the senior boys as well. Coach Spivey says, "They each bring their own skills and knowledge to the court. Wade Wheaton brings experience and positive leadership. Todd Martin brings athleticism to the team. We are looking for scoring production from him."
"Nathan Burks brings the basketball savvy. He is definitely the quarterback of the team. Jason Cobb, pound for pound, may possibly be our best athlete. He is still improving though, this being his first year. Ryan Allison's ability to handle the ball and score relieves the pressure of handling responsibilities."
The coaches anticipate playing all the region games, which will hopefully bring them a winning season and to the region tournaments in March.
The first game is the 20th against Cumberland County in Crossville at 7:30.
As for the girl's team, Coach Mindy Odom is anxious to get started. "Our senior girls have a lot going for them this year and I have high expectations."
"Stacey Moss will have a great year. She has come a long way as a player. Abby Colglazier will probably pick up where she left off and try to improve her scoring ability while continuing a great defense. Lindsey Wolf will also pick up where she left off as the leader in point-guard position," says Odom.
Girls showing leadership on the team are junior Ashley Taylor, who was lead scorer last year, and two girls who have also improved compared to last year, junior Erica McDonald and sophomore Ashley Martin.
Odom says, "We have a tough region this year, but our team is a competitive one, so hopefully we will do well."
The girls play in Crossville on Nov. 20th at 6:00 after the JV plays at 4:15.
The Junior Varsity boys team includes juniors Neal Jackson, Ben Curry, and Klay Lesko and sophomores Josh Weigand, Toby Lee, and Jeff Fitzpatrick.
The 9th grade team is Brandon Hodge, Wesley Griggs, Joe Kashner, Andy Burkic, Tyler Richardson, Michael Mullins, Alan Bolden, Phillip Judd, Addison Smith, Jared Dunn, Shane Langford, Sean Jackson, Tyler Turner, Tim Jones, and David Colglazier. Their first game is Nov. 19th at 6 pm here against Blackman.
Come out and support the men's and women's basketball teams as they take on tough competition this season.
Web page prepared by Robert Pruett