2008 Republic Bank Holiday Classic Participating Teams

© 2008 Ron Harrison

Ashland – Coach Bill Bradley’s Kittens finished 24-5 last season and should contend for the 16th Region title this year.  The Kittens only graduated two seniors and return a solid nucleus of players.  5-6 Sr. Kim Strait averaged 12.6 ppg and holds the school record for made three point baskets.  Other key players returning include 5-6 Sr. Ali Wilcox, 5-5 Jr. Chelsea Dietrich, and 6-2 Jr. Katelyn Connor Barker (7 ppg, 7 rpg).  Ashland also has some promising young players including 5-7 8th graders Sydney Cullop and Kaylyn Gambill.

Assumption – Coach Ron Ferch takes over as the head coach this season.  The Lady Rockets finished 15-11 last season playing in the tough 7th Region.  6-0 Jr. guard Molly Ernst is an excellent long-range shooter and has improved her overall game.  5-9 Jr. forward Sara Minogue is a tireless worker.  5-5 Jr. guard Clare Delahanty pushes the tempo and is an excellent on ball defender.  5-6 Jr. guard Kayla McMahon is a versatile perimeter player who rebounds well and has improved her shooting. 5-10 Sr. forward Amy Brutscher returns after a two year absence and brings toughness and scoring in the paint.

Betsy Layne – Coach Devon Reynolds’ Lady Cats finished 18-10 last season and play in the 15th Region.  Coach Reynolds returns a solid group of players including Jr. guard/forward Megan Hamilton (14.4 ppg), Jr. point guard Lindsey Martin (6.8 ppg), and So. guard Taylor Hott.

Breathitt County – Coach Peggy Moores’ Lady Bobcats finished 27-5 last season and will be favored to repeat as 14th Region champions.  5-10 Fr. Kendall Noble is a talented guard who can do it all.  5-11 Sr. forward Brittany Haddix scores, rebounds, and finishes well in traffic.  5-4 Sr. Brittany Hardin is a seasoned, heady guard.  6-1 Jr. Eden Keeton and 5-10 So. Victoria Shouse should compete for the center position.

Butler – Coach Eddy Wilson’s Bearettes finished 33-5 last season and captured the 6th Region title and the state championship.  Butler graduated six seniors, including Miss Basketball Tia Gibbs.  However, Coach Wilson returns several players who contributed last season.  5-11 Sr. center/forward Tiara Hopper (10.4 ppg) is an athletic force in the paint.  5-7 Jr. Whitney Reed is a solid all-around performer.  Other key returnees include 5-6 Sr. Shontel Bates, 5-8 So. Megan Cuerton, and 5-5 So. Heather Wheat.

Christian Academy of Louisville – Coach Don Rice’s Lady Centurions finished 17-12 last season, but had a great summer and should challenge for the 7th Region title this season.  6-2 Jr. Antonita Slaughter has improved her overall game and hs tremendous range on her shot.  5-10 Sr. Clair Buchanan is a quick, smart defender who scores off the jump shot .  5-10 Jr. point guard Allison Karst has good range on her jump shot .  5-11 Sr. forward Hannah Bowman is a versatile player who can play both inside and out.

Clay County – Coach James Burchell’s Lady Tigers finished 25-8 last season and are favored to capture the 13th Region title this season.  6-1 So. Whitney Belle Jackson (10.2 ppg, 8.1 rpg) is a force in the middle.  5-10 Jr. Jordan Phillips (6.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg) and 5-9 Jr. Danielle Fox (5.9 ppg) are also key returnees.  The Lady Tigers have a lot of young players capable of logging quality minutes this season.

Conner – Coach Kim Warfields’ Lady Cougars finished 28-6 last season.  Conner graduated three starters but still have the talent returning to contend in the 9th Region again this season.  5-6 Sr. guard Allison Long averaged 15 ppg last season.  5-10 Sr. Gela Haynes is effective in the paint.  5-6 Jr. guard Devin Beasley distributes the ball well.  The Lady Cougars have some promising young players including 5-8 So. Toria Fischer and 5-7 Fr. Ellory Kring.

Dayton Dunbar (OH) – Coach Sharon Beauchamp’s Lady Wolverines are still young (only one senior) but are fast rising competitors who should surprise this year.  5-11 Jr. Kenyonna Simmons averaged 18.6 ppg .  5-2 Sr. guard Kia Watkins (8.9 ppg) and 5-7 So. Nyirrah Smith (7.6 ppg) are also key returnees.  The Lady Wolverines have several promising young players moving up from the junior varsity.

duPont Manual – Coach Stacy Pendleton’s Lady Crimsons finished 30-6 last season and despite key graduation losses are favored to capture the 7th Region title again this season.  Manual is loaded with talent and have imposing size and athleticism.  6-1 Sr. Avery Jones (12.7 ppg, 7.8 rpg), 6-2 Jr. Zakiyah Martin, 6-2 Jr. Brittney Turner, and 5-10 So. Mechael Guess are imposing in the paint.  5-7 Sr. Janie Klein, 5-5 Sr. Denisha Harbison, and 5-10 Sr. Jordaun Brooks are also expected to contribute.  The Lady Crimsons have an excellent freshman class that should provide immediate help – 5-10 Kara Wright, 5-6 Leasia Wright, 5-8 Lauren Bodine, and 5-7 April Wilson.

Elizabethtown – Coach Tim Mudd’s Lady Panthers finished 28-8 last season and should again challenge for the 5th Region crown.  6-0 Sr. center Alex Jones (15.3 ppg, 9.8 rpg) is strong, quick, and can get to the basket.  5-6 So. point guard Natalie Greenwell (9.8 ppg) is a good floor leader and defender.  5-10 So. Adelaide Luckett is an excellent passer with an improving outside shot.  5-8 Sr. Dorian Downs is a capable three point threat.

Elliott County – Coach Mark Cantrell’s Lady Lions finished 12-14 last season and could contend for the 16th Region title this season.  Elliott county has excellent offensive punch in 5-8 Sr. Shae Ferguson (20 ppg), 5-7 Jr. Kelsey Ferguson (16 ppg), and 5-10 Sr. Lakin Griffith (16 ppg).

Highlands– Coach Jaime Walz Richey’s Bluebirds finished 21-10 last season and should be a top contender for the 9th Region title this season.  5-8 Jr. Katie Allen plays either guard position and averaged 10.7 ppg and 4.3 apg.  6-0 Jr. center Bekah Towles averaged 10.3 ppg and 5.8 rpg .  5-9 Sr. Mallory Adler is a speedy athletic guard who had a big summer.  5-8 Sr. Sam Messmer is an excellent defender and a vocal leader.  5-7 Sr. Natalie Horner is the team’s best three point shooter.  5-6 So. Allie Conner was coming on strong last season before a late season injury.

Huntington High (WV) – Coach Lonnie Lucas’ Lady Highlanders will be led by two time West Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year 6-2 Jr. Whitney BaysBays averaged 21 ppg and 12 rpg.  Other top returnees include 6-0 Jr. Erin Bailes (14 ppg, 8 rpg, 6 apg), and 6-1 So. Talequia Hamilton (9 ppg, 8 rpg).

Lexington Catholic – The Lady Knights finished 29-5 last season and, Tony Talbott takes over as head coach.  Lexington Catholic graduated stars Natalie Novosel and Briana Green and must replace their scoring punch to compete in the 11th Region wars.  5-9 Sr. Maggie Wilson can score off the dribble or with a long-range jumper.  5-10 Sr. Shaneque McGhee is a quick athletic leaper who should be effective in the paint.  Other players expected to contribute include 5-6 Jr. Anna Gayle Scott, 5-6 Jr. Meghan Cawood, 5-11 Jr. Madison Smith, 5-9 Jr. Lexi Mullikan, and 5-10 Jr. Cassie Williams.  Lexington Catholic also has some talented young players who are expected to contribute early in the season.  They include 5-11 Fr. Alex Botkin, 5-9 Fr. Jill Maronde, 5-6 8th grader Oney Harrison, and 5-8 8th grader Octavia Wilson.

Lexington Christian Academy – Coach Jason Seamands Lady Eagles finished 22-7 last season and will enter this season favored to capture the 11th Region title.  LCA suffered a loss before the season started as 6-1 Sr. center Clara Mitchell transferred back to East Jessamine.  The Lady Eagles have have a lot of scoring potential returning in 5-10 Sr. Anna Martin, 5-11 Sr. Courtney Clifton, and 6-2 Jr. Sarah Beth Barnette.  Other players expected to contribute include 5-10 Sr. Caitlin Dorton, 5-5 Sr. Caitlin Panter, 5-9 Sr. Mimi Purdy, 5-5 So. Rachel Cox, 5-4 Fr. Kelli Mitchuson, 6-0 Fr. Olivia Eastham, and 6-0 Fr. Kristin Jacob.  The Lady Eagles have three Division I players in Courtney Clifton (Western Kentucky), Anna Martin (DePaul), and Sarah Beth Barnette (verbal commitment to Kentucky).

Lincoln County – Coach Don Story’s Lady Patriots finished 24-7 last season and are expected to be one of the top contenders for the 12th Region title.  5-10 Sr. Keira Henderson is very effective in the paint and 6-3 Jr. center Kendra Brown (12 ppg, 7 rpg) has good hands and can shoot the ball.  The Lady Patriots also have excellent perimeter shooting in 5-9 Jr. Jessica Upchurch (13 ppg) and 5-9 Jr. Nikki Bustle (10 ppg).

Madisonville-North Hopkins– Coach John Paul Cummings takes over as head coach of the Lady Maroons who finished 21-9 last season and should contend for the 2nd Region title this season.  5-10 Jr. Tayla Foster (15 ppg, 7 rpg) is an excellent all-around player and 5-10 So. Kenyatta Drake (10 ppg, 5 rpg) is an athletic inside player.  5-2 Sr. Heidi Clayton (7 ppg) is an experienced point guard and 5-6 Jr. Lyndi Tedder (10 ppg) is a hard working offensive threat.  The Lady Maroons also have good depth.

Mercy Academy – Coach Mark Evans’ Jaguars finished 19-14 last season and should challenge for the 7th Region title this season.  The Jaguars do not have great size but have a solid nucleus of talented players including 5-8 Jr. Malisa Cruz, 5-5 So. Lauren Faris, 5-8 Jr. Ellen Sholtes, 5-8 So. Juliann Miller, 5-9 Jr. Therese Montano, and 5-9 Sr. Catherine Montano.  The group is experienced, quick, and talented.  Therese Montano is one of the best guards in the state when healthy.

Montgomery County – Coach Janie Robinson’s Lady Indians finished 27-7 last season and will be attempting to capture their fifth consecutive 10th Region championship.  5-8 Sr. Mackenzie Lee is a strong physical guard who averaged 13.6 ppg, and 6 rpg last season.  5-11 Sr. guard/forward Elizabeth Prewitt (7 ppg, 4 rpg) is a versatile performer who passes well and has good range on her shot.  6-3 So. Mary Jehlik is an athletic post player who runs the floor well.  5-4 Sr. Katie Jo Thompson is an excellent perimeter shooter.  Other key returnees include 5-10 Sr. Kayla Webb, 6-0 Sr. Brooke Colliver, and 5-9 Jr. Annie Garland.

Newport Central Catholic – The Thoroughbreds finished 13-15 last season and Ron Dawn takes over as head coach this season.  Coach Dawn has most of his top scorers returning to compete in the very competitive 9th Region this season.  5-6 Jr. Courtney Sandfoss is an excellent floor leader who averaged 14.6 ppg last season.  5-11 Jr. Mariah Tabor averaged 7 ppg and 6 rpg and should have an excellent season.  Other key returnees include 5-7 Sr. Jane Giesler, 5-6 So. Kiley Bartels, and 5-7 Sr. Kimber Schultz.

Ohio County – Coach Brad Johnson’s Lady Eagles finished 28-5 last season and should contend for the 3rd Region title this season.  5-6 Sr. Mariah Robinson is an excellent all-around player who scores, rebounds, and defends.  5-4 So. Arielle Keown is an excellent perimeter scorer.  Coach Johnson returns size and quickness and the majority of the top players in his rotation from last year.

Owensboro Catholic – Coach Ray Zuberer’s Lady Aces finished 22-9 last season and should be one of the top contenders for the 3rd Region title.  The Lady Aces should have a very deep experienced squad this season with the ability to play uptempo and score in transition.  5-8 Sr. Rachel Greenwell (14.7 ppg) is an excellent all-around player with good shooting range and is an excellent free throw shooter.  5-8 Sr. Hannah Gerteisen (8.2 ppg) can score and defend.  5-10 8th grader Becca Greenwell is expected to have a break-out season this year.  5-6 Jr. Kaley Robertson (6.7 ppg) and 5-10 Sr. Jessica Goetz are other key returnees.

Sacred Heart Academy – Coach Donna Moir’s Valkyries finished 18-13 last season and once again will be one of the best teams in the 7th Region.  Sacred Heart graduated five seniors but they have talent returning this season.  5-6 Jr. Autumn Miller (11.3 ppg) is an athletic guard who has good range on her shot.  5-11 So. Morgan Clemons is very effective in the paint.  Several other players including 5-4 So. Maddie Peabody, 5-9 Jr. Mary Gordon Stough, 5-11 Jr. Jackie Hafele, and 5-10 So. Monica McGreal are expected to contribute.

Simon Kenton – Coach Jeff Stowers’ Lady Pioneers finished 26-9 last season and are favored to capture the 8th Region title this season.  5-5 Sr. Chelsea Tolliver is a good passer and versatile scorer.  6-0 Sr. Kayla Smith is a very consistent player who helps you win games.  5-3 So. Sydni Wainscott is a promising young guard who logged quality minutes last season.  5-10 Sr. Caitlyn Figgins and 5-10 Sr. Lyndsey Figgins are very capable frontline performers.

Southwestern – Coach Tim Rice’s Lady Warriors finished 20-11 last season and this veteran squad should be one of the top contenders for the 12th Region title.  5-10 Sr. Devin Fothergill (13 ppg) is a versatile scorer who can also handle and defend.  5-8 Sr. Ashley Fowler (12 ppg) has excellent range on her jump shot.  6-1 Sr. Stephanie Salyers (16 ppg, 9 rpg) gets excellent results in the paint.  5-6 So. Danay Fothergill has a nice floor game and scores either off the dribble or long-range jump shot.

Warren East – Coach Angie Anderson’s Lady Raiders finished 17-12 last season and should be one of the best teams in the 4th Region this year.  6-2 Sr. Ashley Rainey averaged 27.8 ppg and 10.9 rpg last season and is one of the leading contenders for Miss Basketball.  5-5 Sr. guard Keisha Ray averaged 6.1 ppg last season.  Other key players include 5-8 Jr. Jordan Crain, 5-5 So. Amy Barnett, and 6-0 Jr. Katie Holmes.

Wayne County – Coach Tim Pyles’ Lady Cardinals finished 18-12 last season and as usual will be one of the best teams in the 12th Region.  5-10 Sr. Heather Stearns averaged 14 ppg and 7 rpg last season.  5-8 Sr. Kayla Jones (8 ppg) and 5-4 So. Kayla Bowling (9 ppg) are also key returning players.  Several other players are expected to log quality minutes and the Lady Cardinals have some good young talent including 5-10 Fr. TaShea Pyles and 5-9 8th grader Jessica Hardin.

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.