2007 Lexington Catholic Holiday Classic Participating Teams

© 2007 Ron Harrison

Apollo – Coach Jason Power’s E-Gals finished 17-13 last season and should be very competitive in the 3^rd Region again this season.  They have one of the top players in the region returning in 6-1 Sr. forward Ra’Nisha Cason, who averaged 16 ppg and 12.5 rpg last season.  5-9 Sr. guard Ellen Gray averaged 14 ppg.

Assumption – Coaches Bob and Martha Todd’s Rockets finished 27-7 last season and captured the 7^th Region title.  The Rockets graduated six seniors but still have experience returning this season.  6-1 Sr. Lauren Huter averaged 12 ppg and 8 rpg last season.  Other players expected to be key contributors include 6-1 So. Molly Ernst, 6-0 Sr. Carrie Minogue, 6-1 So. Becca Denny, 5-6 Sr. Claire Elliott, and 5-7 So. Claire Delahanty.  The Rockets suffered a setback when 5-6 Sr. Jenny Jones, who was expected to start, suffered an ACL injury and will be out at least until February.

Boone County – Coach Nell Fookes’ Lady Rebels finished 20-12 last season and should contend for the 9^th Region title this year.  Coach Fookes lost a lot of size when 6-2 Jr. Lacey Brasseaux moved back to Louisiana and 6-2 Jr. Cheryl Findley decided to concentrate on volleyball.  6-0 Sr. Katie Behrens is a versatile player who averaged 11 ppg and 6 rpg last season.  5-6 Jr. Jacy Bradley is an all-region PG who averaged 7 ppg and 4.5 apg.  Other key performers are expected to be 5-8 Jr. Beth Sparrow, 5-9 So. Joscelyn Davis, 5-8 Jr. Lauren Bowling, and 5-4 So. Heather Sandlin.

Bullitt East – Coach Chris Stallings’ Lady Chargers finished 22-10 last season and should again be one of the top teams in the 6^th Region.  Coach Stallings has two excellent veteran performers in 5-9 seniors Whitney Hanley and Kelly Harrod.  5-7 Sr. Leah Wright transferred from Bullitt Central and is expected to help.  5-10 So. Kayla Thacker is expected to be a key player this season.  Other players expected to contribute include 5-11 So. Samantha Johnson, 5-10 So. Shelby Romine, and 5-8 Jr. Chelsey Smith.

Clark County – Coach Scott True’s Lady Cardinals finished 17-11 last season and should be very competitive in the 10^th Region this season.  The Lady Cardinals have several key players returning including 5-8 So. Jewel Rogers, 5-7 Fr. Preshia Rogers, 5-9 Sr. Whitney Montgomery, 5-7 Sr. Ginger Wallace, and Jr. Brooke Pegg.  Coach True intends to utilize an up-tempo style of play to overcome lack of size.

Clay County – Coach James Burchell’s Lady Tigers finished 28-6 last season and are favored to capture the 13^th Region title again this season.  5-8 Sr. Gemma Gray (8.1 ppg) is coming off an injury last season and is poised for an excellent season.  6-1 Fr. center Whitney Belle Jackson averaged 8 ppg and 6 rpg last season.  5-4 Sr. Sarah Burchell will move to the point this season.  5-10 So. Jordan Phillips and 5-5 Jr. Morgan Mills have rapidly improved and Mills can shoot the “3”.  6-0 Sr. Jessica Mosley had a good summer and will challenge for a starting position.  The Lady Tigers, as usual, have a group of talented youngsters vying for quality minutes.  Some expected to contribute include 5-9 So. Danielle Fox, 5-6 Fr. Kayla Smith, 5-6 Fr. Tiffany Smith, 5-6 Fr. Blake Smith, 6-1 Fr. Whitney Shell, 5-4 8^th grader Alisha Mitchell, and 5-7 8^th grader Ashley Hinkle.

duPont Manual – Coach Stacy Pendleton’s Lady Crimsons finished 26-8 last season and are one of the favorites to capture the always tough 7^th Region title this season.  5-11 Sr. Brittany Wilson averaged 16.5 ppg and 11 rpg last season and is comfortable anywhere on the floor.  5-7 Sr. Danielle Woodmore averaged 10.6 ppg last season.  6-1 Jr. center Avery Jones averaged 12.8 ppg and 7.8 rpg and runs the floor extremely well.  TeAira Epps is a 5-9 Sr. guard with excellent all-around skills.  6-1 So. Zakiyah Shahid-Martin is extremely athletic with a bright future.  Other players expected to be key contributors include 5-5 Jr. Jordan Trimble, 5-5 Sr. Alesha Johnson, 6-2½ Sr. Brittany Turner, 5-5 Jr. Denisha Harbison, and 5-6 Sr. Janie Klein.

East Carter – Coach Hager Easterling’s Lady Raiders finished 21-10 last season and are one of the favorites to capture the 16^th Region crown.  The Lady Raiders will be led by 6-0 Sr. forward Leah Sargent.  Other players expected to contribute include 5-8 Sr. Brianna Buck, 5-8 Jr. Brittany Dearfield, 5-9 Fr. Lakota Burge, and 5-6 So. Kristin Easterling.  Coach Easterling’s teams are noted for their defense.

Elizabethtown – Coach Tim Mudd’s Lady Panthers finished 27-6 last season and are favored to capture the 5^th Region crown this season.  6-0 Jr. center Alex Jones averaged 12 ppg and 9 rpg last season and is a force in the paint.  6-0 Sr. forward Alisa Dickerson is versatile enough to play all five positions.  5-8 Sr. guard Jenna Goblirsch averaged 16 ppg and has excellent all-around skills.  5-5 Fr. Natalie Greenwell is a speedy point guard who can shoot and defend.  5-8 Jr. guard Dorian Downs is an excellent shooter.  Coach Tim Mudd has some excellent youngsters in 5-9 Fr. Adelaide Luckett and 5-4 8^th grader Tara Gilpin.

Henry Clay – Coach Scott Cromwell’s Lady Blue Devils finished 18-12 last season and have the talent to challenge for the 11^th Region title this season.  6-2 Sr. Gwen Rucker (13.3 ppg 7.3 rpg) is one of the most athletic players in the state.  5-11 Jr. Brittany Coles (9.6 ppg) and 5-5 Sr. Raven Price (9.5 ppg) are also key returnees.  Other players expected to log quality time include 5-5 Sr. Demetria Nichols (6.7 ppg), 5-6 Sr. Hannah Blankenship(6.3 ppg), 6-2 Jr. Annalee Abell, 5-6 Sr. Alex Hamilton, and 5-5 Sr. Emma Ault.

Lexington Catholic – Coach Jeff Hans’ Lady Knights finished 30-4 last season and, although they graduated two talented players, return an excellent nucleus capable of capturing the 11^th Region crown.  5-11 Sr. guard Natalie Novosel, a leading candidate for Miss Basketball, averaged 17.9 ppg and 7.5 rpg last season, and recorded 126 steals and 104 assists.  5-9 Sr. Briana Green averaged 12.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg, and added 187 assists and 98 steals.  5-9 Jr. Maggie Wilson averaged 10.2 ppg, 3.4 rpg, and 91 assists.  Other players expected to contribute include 6-0 Sr. Lauren Conrad, 5-10 Jr. Shaneque McGhee, 5-11 Sr. Meagan Donnelly, 5-8 So. Anna Gayle Scott, and 5-9 Jr. Danielle Corbett.  Conrad missed last year with an injury and Novosel is capable of putting up big numbers every night.

Lincoln County – Coach Don Story’s Lady Patriots finished 17-14 last season and have the talent returning to be very competitive in the 12^th Region this season.  They got a boost with the return of 5-10 Jr. Keira Henderson, who missed last season with an injury.  Other top returnees include 6-2 So. Kendra Brown and 5-6 Sr. Savanna Lane.  The Lady Patriots have three good sophomore guards in 5-8 Jessica Upchurch, 5-8 Nikki Bustle, and 5-5 Alissa Patterson.  5-9 Sr. forward Kristen Grant and 5-6 Jr. forward Keira Ford are expected to log quality minutes.

Marion County– Coach Trent Milby’s Lady Knights finished 20-11 last year and will be one of the best teams in the 5^th Region this season.  5-8 Sr. Tacarra Hayes averaged 25.8 ppg and 11.7 rpg last season.  5-6 Jr. Dee Johnson averaged 12 ppg and 5-6 Jr. Amber Mudd chipped in with 7 ppg.  5-7 7^th grader Makayla Epps and 6-0 7^th grader Kyvin Goodin are expected to start this season.  Other key players are expected to include 5-7 Fr. Brooke Roberts, 5-7 So. Andrea King, 5-7 So. Alyson King, and 5-9 8^th grader Bre Elder.  Coach Milby has a young, athletic team that will play an up-tempo style.

Mason County – Coach Paula Buser’s Lady Royals finished 22-10 last season and are expected to challenge for the 10^th Region crown this season.  Coach Buser returns a lot of firepower in seniors 5-9 De’Sarae Chambers, 5-7 Lacey Cline, and 5-8 Kasey Litzinger.  Other players expected to contribute include 5-9 So. Keller Menke, 5-9 So. Beth Queen, 5-9 So. Hillary Doyle, and 5-7 8^th grader Bailey Menke.

Mercy Academy – Coach Mark Evans’ Jaguars finished 15-15 last season but will contend for the 7^th Region title this season.  Last year the locker room resembled a M.A.S.H. unit as injuries plagued the team.  Coach Evans played a lot of his younger players which should pay dividends this season.  The jinx appears to continue as star sophomore guard 5-9 Therese Montano tore her ACL this summer and will be sorely missed, although she could possibly return late in the season.  5-10 Sr. Paige Kaelin suffered her third ACL tear last season but will return to work with the younger players.  5-9 Sr. Amy Wimsatt and 5-7 Sr. Lara Protenic are solid returning veterans.  6-1 Sr. Hope Thomas is back from a broken leg and is a shot blocker who runs the floor and scores in tranistion.  5-11 Sr. Kelly Cox is back from an ACL tear and can score both inside and out.  5-7 Sr. Liz Allen is a swingman who shoots the three.  5-8 Jr. Catherine Montano has rapidly improved and added an outside shot.  5-7 Jr. Shelby McGuire is a quick and aggressive swing player who has improved her shooting touch.  5-10 So. Madison Hardy is an aggressive rebounder.  5-7 So. Malisa Cruz is an excellent long-range shooter who rebounds well for her size.  5-8 So. Ellen Sholtes is a combo guard who made an impact this summer.  This team could be very good if they can avoid the injury bug this season.

Montgomery County – The Indians finished 30-6 last season and new head coach Janie Robinson inherits a team that will be a strong contender for the 10^th Region title.  5-8 Sr. Maggie Prewitt averaged 15 ppg, 5 rpg, 4spg, 4apg, and has 1575 career points.  5-8 Jr. Mackenzie Lee averaged 10 ppg and together with Prewitt form one of the best backcourt combinations in the state.  Other key players include 5-11 Jr. Kayla Webb, 6-0 Jr. Brooke Colliver, 6-3 So. Mary Jehlik, 5-5 Jr. Katie Jo Thompson, and 5-11 Jr. Elizabeth Prewitt.  This team relies on chemistry with everyone making contributions.  Coach Robinson has stressed a half court man-to-man defense in pre-season practice.

Muhlenberg North – Coach Mike Harper’s Lady Stars finished 26-8 last season and captured the 3^rd Region title.  5-8 Sr. Abby Steele averaged 16 ppg, 6 rpg, and 4 apg and has good all-around skills.  5-6 Sr. Whitney Gaston averaged 13.5 ppg and led the state in three pointers per game.  5-5 Sr. Whitney Springer averaged 9 ppg and is a good perimeter shooter and defender.  6-1 Sr. Rachel Underwood had an ACL injury last season but returned late in the season.  Underwood is one of the region’s premier players when healthy.  5-5 Jr. Brittany Everly averaged 5.5 ppg and 3.5 rpg and played center last year in Underwood’s absence.

Nature Coast Tech (Florida) – Travis Lamle takes over as head coast of the Lady Sharks this season and has some good talent on the team.  Some of the players expected to be key contributors include 5-7 Cherikhan Waddy, 5-4 Crystal Anthony, 5-7 Lauren Wajerski, and 5-11 Shareka Maner.

Nelson County – Coach Kelly Wood’s Lady Cardinals finished 26-4 last season and will contend for the 5^th Region title this season.  6-2 So. Samantha Drake exploded on the scene last season, averaging 23 ppg and 11 rpg.  5-9 Jr. Sarah Beth Gillis is a point guard whose stock soared over the summer.  The other starters are expected to be 5-5 Jr. Kelsey Robinson, 5-7 Jr. Kristen Filiatreau, and 5-9 Jr. Sarah Beth Hutchins.  Other players expected to contribute include 5-2 Sr. Tiffany Miller, 5-7 Sr. Brittany Weakley, 5-9 So. Charity Watson, 5-6 So. Morgan Roby, 5-8 So. Lacy Hagan, and 5-5 So. Emily Hogan.  The Nelson County program enjoyed a lot of success last season as the varsity was 26-4, the JV team 16-4, and the freshman team 18-2.

Newport Central Catholic – Coach Christie McDonald’s Thoroughbreds finished 24-10 last season and are expected to contend for the 9^th Region championship this season.  Although leading scorer Shannon Klei graduated, Coach McDonald returns a lot of talent.  6-0 Sr. Whitney Cundiff averaged 13.2 ppg and 6.5 rpg last season.  5-5 So. Courtney Sandfoss averaged 10.2 ppg last season.  Other key returnees include 5-7 Sr. Mariah Cutter, 5-7 Jr. Jamie Giesler, 5-8 Jr. Kimber Schultz, and 6-0 So. Mariah Tabor.  Other players expected to log quality minutes as the season progresses include 5-6 Fr. Brittany Fryer, 5-5 Fr. Kiley Bartels, and 5-6 Fr. Hannah Thiem.

Notre Dame Academy – Coach Cheryl Darpel’s Pandas finished 29-5 last season and despite graduating 6-0 Nicole Dickman and 6-2 Emily Drees are expected to challenge for the 9^th Region crown.  The Pandas need a full recovery for 5-7 Sr. Katie Tierney, who suffered a knee injury during the state tournament last season.  5-8 Jr. Casey Jackson averaged 12 ppg last season.  Other players expected to contribute this season include 5-8 Jr. Judy Albanese, 5-11 Jr. Maddie Walker, 5-9 Jr. Kirsten Delph, 5-7 Sr. Casey Smith, 5-9 Sr. Molly Johnson, and 5-11 Sr. Hillary Connelly.  The Pandas have some talented perimeter players and while losing a lot of height the team should have more speed this season.

Ohio County – Coach Brad Johnson’s Lady Eagles finished 22-8 last season and despite losing their top two scorers to graduation expect to ve very competitive in the 3^rd Region this year.  Key players returning include 6-2 Jr. Jo Jergens, 5-8 Sr. Jensen Keown, 5-8 Sr. Courtney Albin, and 5-7 Sr. Mariah Robinson.  Albin and Robinson are two of the better players in the region.

Owensboro Catholic – Coach Ray Zuberer’s Lady Aces finished 22-9 last season and are expected to be a contender for the 3^rd Region title.  5-8 Jr. guard Rachel Greenwell (13.4 ppg), 5-8 Sr. guard Jessica Adkins (11.5 ppg), 5-9 Jr. Hannah Gerteisen (6.7 ppg), and 5-10 7^th grader Becca Greenwell are expected to be key performers this season.

Paducah Tilghman – The Lady Tornado finished 24-5 last season.  Joshua Barnett took over as head coach and Tilghman was expected to contend for the 1^st Region championship.  However, since last season the program has lost four of their top six players due to transfers and disciplinary action.  Tilghman will depend on two returning starters 5-3 Jr. guard Natalie Shumpert and 6-0 Sr. post player Jarobia Hill to provide leadership and stability to a young, inexperienced group of underclassmen.  Coach Barnett expects to take some knocks early but to improve as the season progresses.

Rowan County – The Lady Vikings finished 18-12 last season and are considered to be one of the top contenders for the 16^th Region title.  This team has experienced a turnover in coaches as Troy Lee Thomas resigned and John High was named as the new head coach.  However, High resigned before the season and Scott Tackett was named as the new head man.  Coach Tackett will have the services of three talented seniors in 5-8 Cassidi Spurlock, 5-7 Nicole Barr, and 5-6 Stefanie Howard.  All three are capable scorers and great defenders.  Other key contributors are expected to be 5-6 Jr. Caitlin Martin, 5-7 Jr. Amber Riddle, and 5-5 Jr. Jennifer Brockman.

Sacred Heart Academy – Coach Donna Moir’s Sacred Heart Academy Valkyries finished 26-7 last season and despite losing five talented seniors should be very competitive in the 7^th Region again this season.  The Valkyries return two experienced guards in 5-5 Sr. Whitney Ising and 5-6 Sr. Kathryn Denbow.  Other players expected to log quality minutes include 5-10 Fr. Morgan Clemons, 5-10 Jr. Megan Smith, 5-6 So. Autumn Miller, 5-10 So. Jackie Hafele, 5-8 Sr. Danielle Lavender, 5-9 Sr. Megan Moir, 5-10 Sr. Liz Wasz, and 5-5 Jr. Brittany Washle.  Other players expected to split time between varsity and junior varsity levels include 5-9 So. Mary Gordon Stough, 5-5 Fr. Maddie Peabody, 5-6 So. Lindsay Gahm, 5-10 Fr. Anna Marie Campbell, and 5-10 Fr. Maria Katzman.  While the Valkyries are lacking size, they will have a lot of speed.

Simon Kenton – Coach Jeff Stowers’ Lady Pioneers finished 26-3 last season and should be one of the chief contenders for the 8^th Region crown this season.  The Lady Pioneers have a talented guard combination returning in 5-5 Jr. Chelsea Tolliver (16.7 ppg) and 5-6 Sr. Lauren Conley (8 ppg).  5-7 Sr. Jessica Farris (9.6 ppg) and 6-0 Jr. Kayla Smith are also key returnees.  Coach Stowers’ team suffered a setback when 5-10 Jr. Lyndsey Figgins suffered an ACL injury.  Other players expected to help include 5-10 Jr. Caitlyn Figgins and 5-11 Sr. Sam Wormald.  Several underclassmen will compete for playing time this season.

Southwestern – Coach Tim Rice’s Lady Warriors finished 19-14 last season and should again challenge for the 12^th Region championship.  Southwestern suffered a major blow when 5-10 Jr. Heather Overton had a car accident and will miss the entire year.  6-1 Jr. Stephanie Salyers averaged 9 ppg and 7 rpg last season.  5-10 Jr. point guard Devin Fothergill averaged 12 ppg, 5 apg, and 4 rpg last season.  5-8 Jr. Ashley Fowler returns after missing the second part of last season with a knee injury.  5-6 Fr. Danay Fothergill had a good freshman season and is a good shooter and ballhandler.  Other key players are 5-6 Sr. Lindsey Ping, 5-8 Sr. Amber Bruce, 6-1 Jr. Whitney Roots, and 5-11 Sr. Katisha Morris.

Warren East – Coach Angie Anderson’s Lady Raiders finished 24-7 last season and will contend for the 4^th Region title this season.  Coach Angie Anderson returns one of the top players in the state in 6-2 Jr. Ashley Rainey (24.8 ppg, 11.8 rpg).  5-5 Jr. guard Keisha Ray is returning from an ACL injury and can score off the dribble and defend.  5-5 So. Jessie Forrest also started last season and averaged 5.4 ppg.  Other returning lettermen who will provide senior leadership are 6-1 Lauren Mahaney (5.1 ppg).  5-10 Katie Bonds (4.1 ppg) and 5-2 Sarah Coulter.  A key newcomer for the Lady Raiders is 5-5 Fr. point guard Amy Barnett.

Wayne County – Coach Tim Pyle’s Lady Cardinals finished 22-10 last season and return four of five starters to defend their 12^th Region title.  Key returnees include 5-10 Jr. Heather Stearns (15 ppg), 5-9 Sr. Courtney Duncan (9 ppg), 5-9 Sr. Rachel Bristow (13 ppg), 5-9 Jr. Kayla Jones (8 ppg), and 5-4 Fr. Kayla Bowlin (9 ppg).  The Lady Cardinals only have two seniors on the roster and have some young players who will be competing for playing time.  Coach Pyles teams always play excellent defense.

Please send your comments and questions to Ron Harrison at prephoops@yahoo.com.

Ron Harrison’s reports on this and other basketball events appear on http://www.kyprephoops.com.