Hoops action heats up in area

By Nick Brockman, Sports Writer

Published: Sunday, January 25, 2009 12:23 AM CST

As the high-school basketball season approaches its third month next week, the competition and atmosphere has undoubtedly been heating up in Hopkins and Webster counties.

December provided a rather slow and uneventful 31 days for some local fans as teams left the area for various invitationals and tournaments across the state, but now in the midst of the season, the teams are focusing their attention on other western Kentucky foes.

Such action during the past couple weeks has provided some great crowds and I thought I would share some of my favorite moments for those who were not able to reach the events.

The first game that makes the list is the Webster County at Hopkins County Central boys matchup of Jan. 9.

The contest took place on Central's Homecoming and Webster brought plenty of fans as well, thus a crowded gym. The Trojans and Storm battled tenaciously up and down the floor in a tight game and the aggressive effort of both teams exhibited itself quite clearly in two specific situations.

Despite being ahead as many as 10 points in the first half, Webster coach Bev Hart continued to display the intensity of a tie game. Hart's enthusiasm and refuse-to-give-anything-anywhere attitude boiled over when he argued a foul call, which resulted in a technical foul.

Hart did not do anything too rash. His desire to win just briefly overcame him and the play fueled the excitement in the building.

Later in the fourth quarter when Central had cut the lead, another play helped to create a thrilling environment.

Just inside six minutes to play, a near rugby-style scrum developed on the Trojan side of the floor as both teams' players hit the deck to recover a loose ball.

Unfortunately, the play resulted in Webster's offensive scoring leader LaBrice Williams leaving the game injured, but the effort illustrated the boys' desire to win.

One of the best girls contests I have witnessed occurred a week later on Jan. 16 when Daviess County visited Webster. A sizable crowd assembled on both sides of the court for a matchup of teams with 12-plus victories.

Ahead just one point to begin the fourth quarter, the Lady Trojans needed something, anything to pull away from the talented Lady Panthers. That's when Webster's Ellie Steiner took over the ballgame.

Steiner amassed nine consecutive points in just 65 seconds and gave her team control of the contest.

The Lady Trojans went on to win by 11 points.

Making the fourth-quarter even more memorable was how both teams reached that point.

Daviess utilized a 21-0 first-quarter run to lead by as many as 15 points. Webster coach Christina Whitsell challenged her players to respond and they did by cutting the lead to seven at halftime. The comeback continued in the third quarter when the Lady Trojans passed Daviess' offensive production.

Obviously, the final game to round out the mid-season list of great games and atmospheres is Tuesday's game between Central and Madisonville-North Hopkins.

The contest marked the first time this season I witnessed a near capacity crowd. Just a few seats remained in the top corners of Maroon Gym.

With both schools' students cheering and jeering, numerous police officers on guard and concession lines 30-people deep, I remembered my high school days not too long ago and the pride on the line in such rivalry matchups.

Although North fell, fans from both sides could not be disappointed in terms of the buzz and fervor, which was evident throughout.

By game's end, Central's students rushed the court with the joy of defeating its most noted rival and North fans watched in silence, overcome with shock.

Thursday's rematch, however, will provide the Maroons will the same visiting-court celebration opportunity when the teams face off at Central.

Hopefully the game will be just one of many more action-packed and sensational settings as the regular season winds down over the next month.

Hatchett keys Maroons' victory

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Saturday, January 24, 2009 3:12 AM CST

MORGANFIELD -- Madisonville-North Hopkins visited Union County on Friday evening for the Braves' Homecoming, but Maroon guard Robert Hatchett ruled the court.

Hatchett tallied 21 points and delivered clutch 3-point shots throughout the contest to propel North (8-10) to a 70-57 victory against Union (5-14).

"It was easy to shoot the ball," Hatchett said after the game. "I've been hitting it a lot in practice and it feels good to finally start knocking them down in the game. My teammates trusted me out there tonight."

Hatchett's best quarter came during the third when he scored 11 points. The outburst occurred with great timing as North increased its 10-point halftime advantage to as many as 21.

Hatchett, a junior, made back-to-back 3-pointers to give the Maroons a 53-32 lead with 1:15 to go in the third quarter.

On the second 3, Hatchett spotted up on the left wing and called "Jon, Jon" to teammate Jon Hood, who provided him with the skip pass. Hatchett hauled in the pass and lifted up the shot for three more.

Hood scored a game-high 32 points, but coach Marty Cline said Hatchett's effort was imperative for North's success.

"There are going to be nights where they take Jon away and put two, three, four guys on him, and we've been talking in practice that somebody needs to step up when that happens," Cline said. "If you noticed when Robby hit one, Jon didn't have any problems getting him the ball and he was knocking them down."

Despite the large lead, the Maroons nearly fell victim to a late Braves run. With three minutes remaining in the game, Union trailed 58-49.

Less than a minute later tensions boiled over for the Braves as they made a desperate comeback attempt.

Senior Torez Jones drove the lane and drew contact for a three-point play opportunity for Union. After the play, Jones taunted a Maroon player resulting in a technical foul. Braves coach Shayne Carey provided a little too much reaction to the call and drew his own technical foul.

Jones missed his free throw and Hatchett made 2-of-4 and the Maroons retained possession. After the series of events, North led 62-51.

Union cut the lead to as little as 10 points down the stretch, but the Maroons held.

North never trailed, but its outcome was anything but certain in the first half.

The Braves employed their attack by quickly working the ball up the floor and substituting speed for their lack of size. Jones, a guard, led the fast-paced attack and earned many chances for points at the free-throw line.

"He's very elusive, he's hard to guard and he's very smart," Cline said. "If he feels any bit of contact he knows what to do to gain more attention. He uses his intelligence and his experience...When he shoots his free throws for 75 percent that makes him a tough competitor."

Jones recorded a team-high 21 points. Of Jones' 11 first-half points, seven came at the line.

The Maroons also had to overcome fatigue, playing just 24 hours after defeating Webster County, and foul trouble. Ryan Robinson and Isiah White collected three fouls before halftime.

North's lead sat at just three points with 5:24 left before intermission, but the squad responded during the half's final minutes and led 36-26 at the break.

"We were in foul trouble and we had to execute to control the ball and get the ball out of their hands," Cline said.

In the second half, Hatchett made his move by getting ahead of the defense in transition.

"We did some great things -- spinning and cutting -- and all Jon had to do was get him the ball and Robby had the confidence to knock them down," Cline said.

The Maroons next play at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday against Lyon County.

MNHHS (8-10) 20 16 21 13 - 70

UCHS (5-14) 14 12 12 19 - 57

MNHHS: Jon Hood 32, Robert Hatchett 21, J.C Wade 6, L.J. Gregory 4, Carl Hatchett 3, Ryan Robinson 2, Darin Tomblingson 2.

UCHS: Torez Jones 21, Kren Rister 14, Fabian Curry 9, Riley Hall 7, Levi Brown 5, Justin Price 1.

Balanced Maroons win

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Friday, January 23, 2009 3:12 AM CST

Following a three-game losing streak, Madisonville-North Hopkins standout Jon Hood torched the nets during the first quarter of the Maroons Thursday evening contest with Webster County.

Hood nailed each of his first five shots, but North's (7-10) solid team play proved to be the difference as Hood's fellow Maroons provided a balanced punch in a 66-50 victory in Maroon Gym.

North coach Marty Cline said the effort came as a result of the team's focus to improve following its 66-62 home loss to Hopkins County Central on Tuesday.

"We had the best practice we've had all year yesterday," Cline said. "Coming off a tough loss against Central, you either have a choice to go down the hill and tank it, get ready for golf or suck it up, get tougher, go out and battle and get better."

The Maroons utilized the opportunity to enhance their play against the visiting Trojans and raced to an early 22-6 advantage. Hood made five-of-eight shots in the first quarter for 11 points.

North's defense limited Webster to just nine points in each of the first two quarters. LaBrice Williams, the Trojans' leading scorer on the season, did not make a basket until 3:15 before halftime.

Ahead 11 points to begin the second half, the Maroons nearly doubled that lead in the third quarter opening minutes by sharing the ball and establishing a comfortable tempo.

During the run, guard Robert Hatchett tossed an alley-oop to Hood, who caught the pass above his head with two hands and glanced it off the glass for two points.

Shortly thereafter, Williams took control for Webster and brought his team right back into contention. The senior converted six straight field-goal attempts and tied North in points during the third quarter with 11.

Trojan shooting guard Logan Stull's three-pointer with 6:30 cut the deficit to 49-40.

"They knocked them down and they were able to make it a half-court game," Cline said of Webster's play during the comeback. "They're as good as a half-court team as there is in the Second Region. They run good stuff, they're well-coached and they had the tempo where they wanted it."

North increased the lead back to 16 shortly thereafter.

L.J. Gregory made a key steal after the Trojans had just swiped the ball away from North. Gregory picked the ball from the opposition and ran out for a fastbreak lay-up.

The Maroons knocked down six-of-eight free throws down the stretch to cement the win.

Hood finished the night with a game-high 28 points. Gregory joined him in double-digits with 11.

For Webster, Williams posted a team-high 19 points after a slow start.

WCHS (7-11) 9 9 15 17 - 50

MNHHS (7-10) 22 11 11 22 - 66

WCHS: LaBrice Williams 19, David Stubblefield 8, Logan Stull 7, James Winstead 7, Drew Dement 6, Taylor Turner 2, Jonathan Darnes 1

MNHHS: Jon Hood 28, L.J. Gregory 11, Robert Hatchett 8, J.C. Wade 6, Carl Hatchett 5, Joe Kington 4, Ryan Robinson 2, Darin Tomblingson 2

Central, North looking ahead after matchup

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Thursday, January 22, 2009 3:13 AM CST

In the aftermath of Hopkins County's most anticipated high school boys' basketball matchup of the year, neither Hopkins County Central nor Madisonville-North Hopkins celebrated or dwelled on the game's result for too long.

Central (14-5) overcame a seven-game losing streak to North (6-10) with its thrilling 66-62 victory on Tuesday evening and earned a clear right to bask in the accomplishment, but shortly after the game coach Matt Bell said it was already time to move on.

"We'll celebrate until we get on the bus, but then it's time to get ready for Trigg County," Bell said in reference to the Storm's 7:30 p.m. game on Friday.

Maroon senior Jon Hood also downplayed the rematch game set for Jan. 29 and instead focused on ways North must improve in its next two games against Webster County and at Union County.

"We just need to play more physical and rebound better," Hood said. "They had a bunch of garbage, trash baskets at the end, run-out stuff and we just have to eliminate some of those things and we'll look to get them again."

The Storm outrebounded the Maroons 37-26, led by Chuck Jones' 19 boards, 10 of which came on the offensive end.

Jones made short work of North early in the first quarter as he established his 6-foot-9 frame. The senior scored Central's first 10 points of the game en route to a team-high 29.

North's defense clamped down on Jones in the second and third quarter by limiting him to five points, but Jones found his touch again in the fourth and scored 12 points in the final 7:32.

A Jones stick-back with six minutes remaining in the game put the Storm ahead 12 points, but the Maroons ripped off a 9-0 run to race back into the contest. Two steals by Robert Hatchett and one from Ryan Robinson provided the bulk of the rally.

In addition to the comeback attempt, Central had to work past some foul trouble. Guard Cory Coble, one of the Storm's key ball-handlers and assist men, fouled out with 4:07 left in the game.

Bell said he knew just who the team needed to step up.

"I looked over at Cameron (Tabor) and Josh (Riley) early in the third quarter and I looked them dead in the eye and said, 'We need both of you to win this game,' " he said.

Tabor's only points came with 1:08 to go when he sank a pair of free-throws to put Central ahead 63-60. Riley nailed key 3-pointers throughout the game, but his breakaway layup with less than 15 seconds to play increased the Storm's advantage once again to three points.

Hood brought the ball up the floor for a possible game-tying shot and released the ball from just beyond the 3-point arc, but the attempt missed.

"I was defended pretty well, (but) I had an open look," Hood said. "I just have to hit that. I didn't knock it down. I had some lapses and it really shouldn't have been that close. We had the last shot, and I took it to tie it up. I thought I was pretty open, but it rimmed out. I thought it was going in."

Three and one-half minutes earlier, another Hood 3-pointer went halfway down the net before popping out.

Luckily for Central, those two Hood misses proved the difference in a four-point win.

The Storm's win increased Central's winning streak to seven games and marked the seventh time this season the squad has won by five or fewer points.

"This is just another step forward for us and we have to continue," Bell said about the latest victory. "Our quote for this month and the rest of the season is 'What can we do better today?' to make ourselves better and I thought we did that tonight."

Following the stunning loss, Hood said his team will be more than ready in the rematch at Central.

"We have nine days to prepare for them again and then we have the region," he said. "We haven't lost this game in a long time, home or away. Since I've been here, this is the first time we've lost, so we're going to look to make adjustments."

Past North swimmers notch top 3 showings for Transy

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Thursday, January 22, 2009 3:13 AM CST

Four former Madisonville-North Hopkins swimmers participated in a dual meet for Transylvania University on Saturday and each came away with a top-three performance.

The Pioneers lost the meet 317-195 overall to the University of the Cumberlands, but the former Maroons all had something to take pride in.

Joseph Porter claimed the lone first-place by swimming a leg of a 400-yard freestyle relay team. Joseph's brother Stephen Porter also swam in the race, and finished second.

Joseph also swam individually in the 100-yard freestyle (sixth, :54.75) while Stephen took part in the 100-yard backstroke (fourth, 1:00.33) and 200-yard backstroke (fifth, 2:13.58).

Joseph and Stephen's older brother Daniel Porter took second place in the 200-yard individual medley (2:18.82), edging former Maroon Yunan Yang by .27 seconds.

Yang earned a second and third place honor in the 200-yard medley relay and 100-yard breaststroke (1:05.13) respectively. He also took fifth in the 200-yard breaststroke at 2:28.76.

Also during the 200-yard medley relay race, Stephen swam on a fourth-place team and Daniel on a sixth-place team.

During the same dual meet with University of the Cumberlands, two North graduates swam for the Pioneers as well.

Maggie Davenport swam the first leg of a second place 200-yard medley relay and Claire Dorris was on the third-place team in same race.

Davenport garnered two third-place finishes in the 100-yard backstroke (1:06.52) and 200-yard backstroke (2:30.86). She finished fourth in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:21.49).

Dorris earned a second-place honor swimming on a 400-yard relay team and fifth place in the 500-yard freestyle (5:57.06).

Men's basketball

Albert Jackson's University of Georgia Bulldogs continued their slide by dropping two Southeastern Conference games last week to Vanderbilt University (Tenn.) and the University of Kentucky.

Jackson, who played three seasons for Hopkins County Central, scored six points and tied for a game-high rebounds with five in the 50-40 loss to the Commodores on Jan. 14.

The 6-foot-11 Jackson helped his team outrebound Vanderbilt 39-28. Georgia trailed by 11 with 8:55 to go, but mounted a small comeback. Jackson's lay-up with 3:06 cut the deficit to four, but the score marked the Bulldogs' last points of the game.

Georgia (9-9, 0-3 SEC) lost its fifth game in a row on Sunday when Kentucky defeated the Bulldogs 68-45. Jackson posted two points, two rebounds and two steals in the loss.

Transylvania University handed Heartland Conference foe Franklin College (Ind.) its first league loss of season on Jan. 14 by defeating the Grizzlies 87-72.

Madisonville-North Hopkins graduate Brock Jones tallied seven points and four rebounds. Jones, a senior, knocked down a three-pointer with 8:21 left in the game to give his team a 59-50 advantage.

On Saturday, the Pioneers defeated Anderson University (Ind.) 80-69. Jones recorded eight points and five boards. He was five-of-six from the free-throw line.

Women's basketball

Caitlin Owen, a 2006 Webster Count grad, helped Brescia University snap its 15-game losing streak on Jan. 13 as the Bearcats defeated Oakland City University (Ind.) 66-64.

Owen mustered six points, five rebounds and two steals in the victory. Brescia's win was its first since Nov. 14.

During the Bearcats previous two games, Owen posted a total nine points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Lee University (Tenn.) split a pair of close contests last week against two tough Southern States Athletic Conference squads in a battle for the league's top spot.

Kari Jo Harris, a 2008 Central graduate, provided three points for the Lady Flames in their 65-57 win against Berry College (Ga.) on Jan. 15.

Two days later, Lee (14-4, 7-2) dropped a 70-63 game to Shorter College (Ga.) and fell to second place in the SSAC. Shorter shot 61 percent from the field in second half and overcame a 10-point deficit with five minutes remaining to win.

Harris posted six points, three rebounds and two steals.

Murray State University captured its sixth straight win by trumping Tennessee Tech University 69-47 on Saturday.

Former Central standout Angela Mullins finished the game with six points and four rebounds.

Murray's record currently stands at 11-6 overall and 6-1 in Ohio Valley Conference play.

Storm defeat North

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 3:12 AM CST

When playing rivalry games, exciting finishes become the norm and Tuesday's annual basketball matchup between Hopkins County Central and Madisonville-North Hopkins did not disappoint.

The Storm (14-5) entered Maroon Gym and led by as many as 13 points during the second half, but the game's outcome did not crystallize until the final seconds when Josh Riley converted on a fastbreak layup and Central beat North (6-10) by a score of 66-62.

"This win means everything," Riley said. "This is what we have been working for all year long. We haven't won a game here in four years and that's what we were looking for."

Ahead by just a single point with less than 30 seconds to go, Central's defense faced a tall task to stop Jon Hood and the Maroons, though North's Ryan Robinson took the possible game-winning shot.

The rebound eventually bounced into the hands of Central's Je'Vonte Hughes, who sent an outlet pass to Riley well ahead of the North defenders.

Riley accepted the pass and off-balance in the air, the junior softly placed the ball off the glass and into the rim as his body twisted.

"I saw Je'Vonte pushing the ball, so I just ran up the floor as fast as I could," Riley said. "I just caught it. I knew I was going to get contact, I just had to finish strong."

The Maroons quickly pushed the ball back up the floor following the converted basket and Hood attempted a three-point shot with six seconds remaining, but could not find the mark.

Storm center Chuck Jones added a lone free-throw with 3.6 seconds for the final score.

Central held a double-digit advantage as late as six minutes left in the game, but North mounted a rally led by three consecutive steals. The trio of takeaways all occurred within 32 seconds and cut the deficit to 54-51.

Hood, a senior, scored eight points in the final quarter and finished with a game-high 32.

"We want to give credit to North for putting that run together," Central coach Matt Bell said. "When you got a kid like Jon Hood that's Mr. Basketball, he can single handedly beat you and he just about did.

"Our kids were courageous and never quit. They believed in themselves and we've talked about it all year, this team is poised and persistent."

Maroon guard Robert Hatchett launched a three-pointer with 1:20 in regulation and hit nothing but net to pull North within one point. Hatchett raised his arms, encouraged fans to stand up as they wildly cheered and bumped chests with his teammates in celebration.

The two squads traded baskets when Central's Cameron Tabor knocked down a pair of free-throws and Hood nailed a pull-up jumper to make the score 63-62 in favor of the Storm.

Central led by 10 entering the final quarter, but neither team clearly established itself in the first half. North trailed 27-24 entering the intermission.

The Storm came out in the third quarter and worked to create a presence inside. Central's 6-9 duo of Croft and Jones cleaned up inside along with Nikee Caldwell, who got to the line multiple times.

Jones posted a team-high 29 points and 19 rebounds to go with two blocks.

"I haven't beat them until tonight, my whole high school career," Jones said. "I'm 1-7 against them and the only one I care about is this one."

The two teams will face off again in a rematch on Jan. 29 at Central.

HCCHS (14-5) 15 12 21 18 - 66

MNHHS (6-10) 14 10 14 24 - 62

HCCHS: Chuck Jones 29, Josh Riley 13, Dan Croft 8, Nikee Caldwell 7, Je'Vonte Hughes, Cameron Tabor 2

MNHHS: Jon Hood 32, Robert Hatchett 9, J.C. Wade 6, L.J. Gregory 4, Isiah White 4, Carl Hatchett 3, Ryan Robinson 2, Joe Kington 2

Webster sends another solid team packing

By Nick Brockman
Messenger Sports Reporter, nbrockman@the-messenger.com

DIXON -- The competition has been nothing short of stellar when it comes to the Webster County girls basketball team's schedule during the last week.

Four straight winning programs have entered the Lady Trojans' gym and for the fourth consecutive time, Webster (15-4) sent the visitors packing with a loss when the squad defeated Calloway County (12-5) 60-43 on Monday evening.

The Lady Trojans maintained a healthy advantage throughout after a superb shooting performance in the first quarter, but the Lady Lakers did not gather their gear and leave without a small late scare.

"I felt like our girls did a good job consistently in the game," coach Christina Whitsell said. "We got a little shaking at times, made some adjustments defensively... We made some adjustments and got the ball in the middle and at the end did a good job of knocking down some free-throws."

Webster struggled at first against the frenetic fourth-quarter pressure from Calloway and succumbed to turnovers by an inability to escape traps.

Once the Lady Trojans unlocked the key to the press, the home team utilized its own suffocating defense to ice the game. Calloway scored its last field goal with 3:10 to play.

Down the stretch, Webster drained five-of-eight free-throws.

In the first half, the Lady Trojans erupted to a 24-5 lead by taking advantage on the glass and preventing the Lady Lakers from making entry passes into the lane. By game's end, Webster outrebounded Calloway 38-15.

Lady Trojan center Lynette Harris snagged 12 rebounds to accompany her game-high 22 points for a double-double. Forward Stephanie Householder scored nine points in the first quarter alone en route to 12 and tacked on seven rebounds.

Webster's guards also helped out by battling for the ball. Junior Kerstin Hayes corralled three defensive rebounds in the first six minutes of action.

"That's something we really hit hard in practice," Whitsell said about the rebounding effort. "Against our zone defense, we've been struggling with second and third chances to the other opponent, not boxing out consistently, so we put some new drills in and really stressed that.

"Tonight, I felt like we did a good job boxing out on that zone and my guards did a good job of going in and helping out on the boards."

Calloway cut the deficit to single digits in the second quarter, but Harris amassed six straight points to keep the Lady Lakers at bay. Harris' spinning one-hander in the paint with one minute left in the first half put Webster up by 13.

During the third quarter, Harris' hot streak continued. At one point, the 6-2 junior scored 11 of her team's last 14 points.

Despite Harris' offensive output, the Lady Trojans defense had plenty of work to do against Calloway's Averee Fields and Kayla Cunningham. The duo combined to score 39 of their team's 43 points.

Webster's defense accepted the task though in the fourth quarter and never let the Lady Lakers close within eight points.

With the win, the Lady Trojans have won five consecutive games, tying the squad's longest winning streak of the year. Webster opened the season on a five-game win streak before losing 72-45 to Iroquois on Dec. 19 in the Lady Panther Winter Classic at Pleasure Ridge Park.

The win also marked the fourth time since Jan. 12 that Webster has defeated a team with 12 or more victories.

The Lady Trojans return to action 7:30 p.m. Friday at Henderson (14-3) in a rematch of Webster's 60-59 win on Jan. 12.

CCHS (12-5) 5 17 10 11 - 43

WCHS (15-4) 22 11 11 16 - 60

CCHS: Averee Fields 22, Kayla Cunningham 17, Brittany Fox 3, Karra Jones 1

WCHS: Lynette Harris 22, Stephanie Householder 12, Kerstin Hayes 9, Ellie Steiner 9, Keri Wright 5, Caylee Duncan 3

LC too much for Lady Maroons

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

GREENVILLE - A hot-shooting offense and aggressive defense from Lexington Christian spelled more problems than the Madisonville-North Hopkins girls basketball team could handle on Saturday evening.

The Lady Eagles (12-3) dashed to a 17-0 lead before the Lady Maroons (9-7) tallied their first basket and despite showing flashes of success later in the game, North fell 63-40 in the Lady Star Classic.

"A, they're really good," coach John Paul Cummings said of Lexington Christian after the game. "B, take away the first quarter and I was really proud of our kids.

"You have to give Lexington Christian credit. We're hurt a little bit, but we're coming around. I thought we showed a couple spurts there that we looked like we could play and I thought we did play well in those spurts."

Lexington Christian forced North into committing numerous turnovers in the first half to take a sizable lead and the Lady Eagles' three-point shooting increased the lead even more.

Cummings said the key was Lexington Christian's ability to keep North from building any self-assurance.

"I think it goes back to our confidence," he said. "If we have that, we're pretty good and when we don't the light just goes off. We'll just keep working hard and I think we'll be fine."

At halftime, Lexington Christian made 15-of-29 field goals including four from beyond the arc while North amounted just six made field goals.

"Their defense was good and then they hit some big three-point shots and that took the air out of our sails," Cummings said.

Lady Maroon Tayla Foster converted on back-to-back offensive possessions in the paint to begin the third quarter, taking the feed from point guard Heidi Clayton on the second bucket. At that point, North trailed by 17, but it was the closest the team would come to getting back in the contest.

Lexington Christian's Sarah Beth Barnette and Anna Martin turned up the defensive pressure once again to create consecutive steals and manufacture fastbreak points. During the final minute of the third quarter, Barnette swiped another ball away from the Lady Maroons and gave her team its largest lead of the game, 59-24, to start the fourth quarter.

Despite the deficit, North's players did not quit and outscored Lexington Christian in the last eight minutes.

"That's what we wanted to see," Cummings said about the late rally. "We have a lot of players that are stepping up and I'm real excited about it. Last night, Brittany Elliott came in and tonight I thought she got better. I'm just real proud of our depth that we're starting to develop."

North closed the game on an 11-2 run that spanned the final 5:18.

Sophomore forward KeKe Drake amassed eight points during the streak. Drake continued to battle in the final minute of the game as she worked the baseline, spun and accelerated to the basket for two points.

By game's end, Drake paced her team offensively with 17 points. Foster also reached double-digits with 12.

The Lady Maroons' team total of 40 points marked its lowest output of the season, but Cummings said he's not too worried about his offense heading into Tuesday's meeting with Hopkins County Central.

"Any time you come out and get beat I think it makes you a little hungrier," he said. "If you can't get up for the cross-town rival game, what is there to say? Both teams will be fired up."

LCHS (12-3) 17 19 23 4 - 63

MNHHS (9-7) 2 14 8 16 - 40

LCHS: Courtney Clifton 20, Anna Martin 16, Sarah Beth Barnette 14, Caitlin Dorton 5, Kelli Rhineheart 4, Kristin Jacob 2, Kendall Pennington 2

MNHHS: KeKe Drake 17, Tayla Foster 12, Barrett McCracken 5, Lyndi Tedder 3, Brittany Elliott 2, Mikuel Harris 1

Steiner helps lift Webster to win over Daviess

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

DIXON -- Determination and grit pulsed through Webster County guard Ellie Steiner's body and mind as the clock turned to the fourth quarter during the Lady Trojans' contest with Daviess County on Friday evening.

Up by one point to begin the final eight minutes, Steiner put Webster (14-4) in the driver's seat when she scored nine straight points to fend off the visiting Lady Panthers (12-6) in a 68-57 victory.

Steiner, a junior, scored off a miss, then, on the next Lady Trojan possession, with her back turned to the basket, she hoisted a shot high off the glass and drew contact for a three-point play. Next, Steiner swiped the ball from Daviess County for a breakaway layup and then finished her run by converting on an outlet pass during another fast break.

At the end of the rally, Steiner amassed nine points in 65 seconds.

"It just clicked," Steiner said of her outburst. "I don't know what really happened, it just clicked. I just knew we had to pick it up and I had to help my team. If I'm not playing hard -- my team relies on me. When I get hot, my team feeds off that."

The Lady Panthers converted on consecutive offensive trips to cut the deficit to five, but never came any closer.

Webster began the game on a 6-0 in the opening minutes by penetrating the opposing Lady Panther defense and working the lane.

Daviess County quickly secured the gaps down low though and found its own groove on the offensive end of the floor. The Lady Panthers utilized a 21-0 run that spanned 6:04 to jump ahead.

During the second quarter, Webster faced a large deficit and had to work hard to erase the hole.

Steiner said coach Christina Whitsell told the players not to bow down just yet.

"She told us to pick it up basically because our heads weren't in the game at first," Steiner said. "She said just keep your composure and keep your head in the game and we got this."

An 8-0 run midway through the quarter undoubtedly put the Lady Trojans back in contention, down 26-22 with 4:20 left before halftime.

Back-to-back steals, which were converted into four points, fueled the rally.

Lynette Harris and Stephanie Householder manufactured the bulk of Webster's offense by pivoting for open space in the paint. The duo combined for 20 points in the first half and Harris' lay-up in transition late in the second quarter cut the home team's deficit to two points.

The Lady Panthers increased their lead once again in the half's final minutes though. Senior Demi Wendt's three-pointer at the buzzer gave her 19 points in the game and Daviess County held a 40-33 lead at the break.

Webster's defense allowed three field goals in the first two and one-half minutes of the second half, but secured a scoreless streak the rest of the third quarter.

"We came back in the second half and some of their shots weren't falling early, so I felt like we should transition into a zone and see if we could get any stops like that," Whitsell said. "Once we went zone, I think they didn't know what to do. It gave them a different look and they got stagnant on offense."

No Lady Panther struggled more than Wendt, the team's leading scorer for the season. The Lady Trojan defense held the senior forward to just four second-half points.

Meanwhile, Steiner and company cruised. Steiner doubled her season average (10.4 points per game) and posted a team-high 21 points. Harris and Householder also reached double-digits with 18 and 12 points respectively.

With the win, Webster has won four straight games. The Lady Trojans return to action at 7:30 p.m. on Monday against Calloway County.

DCHS (12-6) 22 18 6 11 - 57

WCHS (14-4) 8 25 14 21 - 68

DCHS: Demi Wendt 23, Lauren Foreman 8, Sarah Martin 8, Shaina Tinnell 8, Jenifer Foreman 6, Lydia Stallings 4.

WCHS: Ellie Steiner 21, Lynette Harris 18, Stephanie Householder 12, Natalie Stone 7, Kerstin Hayes 6, Keri Wright 4.

Pirates sign three pitchers

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Staff Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

The Tradewater Pirates pitching staff continued to take shape with the club's latest addition of three hurlers this week.

Tradewater's most recent announcement pushed its roster size to 16 players with a maximum of eight more places to fill.

Ryan Tabor and Shane Waller headline the newest group to join the Pirate squad. Tabor, a junior, and Waller, a sophomore, each bring experience to an otherwise young Tradewater team.

Assistant coach Brad Cowan will assume pitching responsibilities of the bullpen for the upcoming season and said it's pivotal to have a couple seasoned arms on the staff.

"We like to have young guys because they're eager to win and they want to learn, but at the same time you have to have some of that veteran leadership too," Cowan said.

"A lot of these guys by the time they get to us, they're coming off their first (collegiate) season, whether they played in the season or redshirted, they're still young to it. These (older) guys can voice things to the other guys that may be different, like maybe something they learned from their own pitching coach."

Tabor, a reliever from the Georgia College and State University, will enter the 2009 collegiate season after redshirting the previous year. In 2007, the 6-1, 195-pound left-handed Tabor made 15 appearances and posted a 2-0 record with a 3.19 earned run average. During his 36.2 innings on the mound, Tabor struck out 20 batters.

With Tabor's addition, the Pirates currently boast two left-handed pitchers, something Cowan said he appreciates greatly since he was also a lefty in his playing days.

"I love having left-handers," he said. "They're hard to come by, hard to get. I feel very fortunate to have the ones we have."

Cowan also said Tabor brings solid summer ball experience to the team after previously playing in Virginia's famed Shenandoah Valley League.

"His coach told me he's going to the their No. 1 guy out of the pen," Cowan said. "He's a mid-to-upper 80s guy who played in the Valley League a couple years ago.

"He's got some experience in the Valley, which is a little bit older league. He's going to be a good guy for us. He's a junior and he's played summer ball before, so he's going to be a good addition."

Waller, a 6-0, 190 pound pitcher, will also provide leadership from a starting role. After beginning his college career at the University of North Florida, Waller transferred to Northwest Florida Community College.

Cowan said he has not met the right-handed Waller, but his reputation precedes him.

"He's a strike-thrower, I can tell you that much," Cowan said. "He goes after guys and that's what I want, especially with it being a wood-bat league. We have the ability to pitch in on these guys a lot."

Reliever Christian Stutts rounds out Tradewater's group of most recently signed pitchers. Stutts graduated from South Aiken High School (SC) and will enter his freshman season at the University of South Carolina-Aiken this spring.

Cowan pitched during his college career at Aiken and said he has a solid relationship still in place with his former coaches, which led to Tabor's signing.

"Me and the pitching coach over there talk on a regular basis and he's a good kid," Cowan said. "He was a catcher and they converted him to a pitcher because he's got a good arm. I think that will help him a lot too because he's going to be a smarter pitcher because of the fact he was a catcher at one time."

Stutts has a 6-0, 230 pound frame and uses an 86-88 mile per hour fastball with a good slider, Cowan said.

Ewing helps Auburn take first place in 400-yard freestyle relay

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Emile Ewing added another first-place honor to her collegiate résumé when the Auburn University (Ala.) swimmer helped her 400-yard freestyle relay team triumph in a dual meet against the University of Texas on Jan. 8.

Ewing, who swam at Madisonville-North Hopkins, carried the third leg as her relay team defeated its closest competition by seven seconds. Auburn claimed first through fourth place in the event with two Texas teams not qualifying.

In addition to the relay win, Ewing picked up a pair of third-place finishes. The senior swimmer participated on the 400-yard medley relay team, which earned two points and swam individually in the 50-yard freestyle (:23.47). Ewing missed a first-place win by .46 seconds.

Despite Ewing's solid races, the seventh-ranked Tiger women's team fell short to the No. 4 Longhorns, 129-109.

Men's basketball

Transylvania University sixth man Brock Jones entered Saturday's game against Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (Ind.) and finished with a game-high 17 points.

Jones' effort propelled the Pioneers to a 67-55 over the Fighting Engineers. The senior, who graduated from North, made 5-of-7 shots from the field and hauled in five rebounds.

During Transylvania's previous game, a 56-54 thrilling win at Bluffton University (Ohio), Jones notched 10 points, two assists and one steal.

The Pioneers escaped with a victory after converting on a three-point play with two seconds remaining in the game. Early on, Transylvania fell behind by as many as 16 before rallying to tie the game at 30 at halftime.

With last week's two victories, Transylvania's record stands at 9-4 overall and 3-2 in Heartland Conference action.

Women's basketball

Kari Jo Harris and the Lee University Lady Flames (Tenn.) collected their eighth straight win last week when the squad defeated Brenau University (Ga.) 80-63 on Saturday.

After the latest victory, Lee moved up one spot to No. 5 in the NAIA national rankings released Monday.

During the Lady Flames' most recent game, Harris, a 2008 Hopkins County Central graduate, hit 2-of-3 shots from beyond the 3-point arc and ended the evening with eight points, two rebounds and one assist.

The win improved Lee's seasonal mark to 13-3 and 5-1 in the Southern States Athletic Conference, placing the team in a three-way tie for first place.

Harris and the Lady Flames will have a chance to separate themselves from the pack because the squad will play each of the other two first-place teams this week. Lee will play at Berry College (Ga.) at 5 p.m. today and will return home at 4 p.m. Saturday for a matchup with Shorter College (Ga.).

Angela Mullins, a 2003 Central grad, continued to excel in her senior campaign at Murray State University as the Racers snatched up back-to-back victories last week.

Mullins posted a well-rounded game in the team's 82-73 win against Tennessee State University on Jan. 8 with seven points, four rebounds and two blocks.

The lead changed 17 times before Murray eventually pushed past the visiting Tigers. The game marked the Racers' first home Ohio Valley Conference contest of the season.

Two days later, Mullins recorded six points and one block in her team's 87-77 conquest of Austin Peay State University (Tenn.). The Racers led by as many 16 with 2:51 remaining.

Murray (9-6, 4-1) has won three consecutive games and five of its last six.

Storm notch win over UHA

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter
nbrockman@the-messenger.com

HOPKINSVILLE -- When describing the Hopkins County Central boys' basketball team's latest game at University Heights Academy on Tuesday night, nice or neat would not have been adjectives used to discuss the Storm's play.

Nonetheless, Central (12-5) utilized a tenacious game-long effort to overcome less-than-stellar shooting and ball-handling, as well a scrappy Blazer squad, for a 54-49 victory.

"I don't know how the kids are doing it, but they're finding ways to win and that's all that matters," Central coach Matt Bell said. "It seems like we make plays when we need to make plays."

Pitted in a matchup that saw 12 lead changes and seven ties, Central made its move in the fourth quarter. Ahead by two points with 2:23 remaining, guard Je'Vonte Hughes provided the eventual game-winning shot when he dribbled down the court, drove into the lane and put the ball on his hip as he drew contact. The shot fell, and so did the ensuing free-throw to put the Storm up 51-46.

Blazer baller Jordan Grace answered with a 3-pointer from the right corner on the next University Heights possession, but it was the home team's last field goal. Central's defense stifled the Blazers in the final 6:05, limiting them to just two made field goals.

Blazer baller Jordan Grace answered with a 3-pointer from the right corner on the next University Heights possession, but it was the home team's last field goal. Central's defense stifled the Blazers in the final 6:05, limiting them to just two made field goals.

"At the five-minute mark when we called timeout, we challenged them defensively a little bit and really wanted to know who wanted to play defense and more importantly who wanted to guard (Matt McGowan), and Nikee (Caldwel) said 'Me,' " Bell said.

McGowan finished with a game-high 20 points, but made just one shot in the final five minutes.

"We needed defense to win the game because our offense wasn't there, but we're a good team," Caldwell said of his team's effort down the stretch. "We have high hopes for this year."

University Heights pulled within two points with two minutes to go in the game, but did not come any closer.

In the first half, the Storm quickly found themselves in an unfavorable tempo, which led to four turnovers in just the first two minutes of action.

"They're a real quick team and they made us play quick and we fell into that the first half," senior Chuck Jones said. "We knew that slowing it down near the end of the game and making some key plays on offense (was going) to get us going."

After initially making some ill-advised passes, Central settled down and committed just four turnovers over the next 14 minutes of play as Bell shouted "keep working" from the sidelines.

One telling play of the Storm's constant aggressiveness occurred in the final two minutes of the first half. Following a missed Central shot, senior Corey Coble flew to the ground to smother a rebound. Coble wrestled the ball away from a couple of University Heights players and found an open Cameron Tabor to take a 22-20 lead.

Jones finished with 19 points, 14 rebounds, five blocks and three assists. Hughes (11) and Dan Croft (10) joined Jones in double-figures. Caldwell and Coble recorded seven and six rebounds, respectively.

Central has won five straight games since a 49-37 loss on Dec. 30 to Newport Central Catholic at the Republic Bank Holiday Classic at Lexington Catholic.

In junior varsity action, University Heights defeated Central 54-40.

HCCHS (12-5) 11 14 16 13 - 54 

UHA (4-11) 14 8 15 12 - 49 

HCCHS: Chuck Jones 19, Je'Vonte Hughes 11, Dan Croft 10, Nikee Caldwell 4, Corey Coble 4, Cameron Tabor 4, Josh Riley 2. 

Central falls to Lady Blazers

By Nick Brockman
Messenger Sports Reporter, nbrockman@the-messenger.com

HOPKINSVILLE -- Three individuals reached the double-digit scoring mark for the Hopkins County Central girls basketball team on Monday night at University Heights Academy, but still lacked enough offense to overcome the Lady Blazers.

Senior Whitney Orange collected a career-high 11 points to lead the way, but a slew of first-half turnovers created an insurmountable hole for the Lady Storm (2-12) in a 56-40 loss.

The Lady Blazers (4-8) rushed out to an early 10-0 lead. Central labored to track down rebounds on both ends of the floor while University Heights made the most of its chances.

Forward Hadley Burns scored eight of the Lady Blazers first 10 points and continued to burn Central in the paint throughout the night. Burns finished the evening with 16 points and nine rebounds.

Despite falling behind quickly and committing seven turnovers, the Lady Storm battled as the quarter winded down to finish the first eight minutes behind just 16-10.

Central cut the deficit to as few as six points late in the second quarter, but turnovers continued to plague the Lady Storm in the half's final minute.

Senior Amber Coakley struggled from the field, but the forward's first made field goal of the night, a jumper with 1:00 remaining, pulled Central to 25-19.

University Heights took advantage of the Lady Storm's ill-advised passes to take firm control heading into halftime. Back-to-back Central turnovers allowed the Lady Blazers to build a 31-19 advantage at the intermission.

By game's end, the visiting Lady Storm fell victim to 23 turnovers.

The late first-half run from University Heights rolled into the following half as the home squad employed a 14-0 scoring streak and ran out to a commanding 39-19 lead. Forward Brittney Orten ended the Central drought when she nailed a three-pointer from the left wing.

Down by as many as 25 points in the third quarter, the Lady Storm maintained a strong effort to outscore the Lady Blazers 18-9 in the last 10 minutes and at one point came as close as 14 points behind.

Coakley sank back-to-back shots in the paint on consecutive possessions to twice pull Central within 14, its closest mark of the second half.

Although University Heights outrebounded Central 24-21, Orange nabbed seven boards for the contest to pace her squad.

Joining Orange in double-digits, Orten finished with 11 points as well and Coakley posted 10 after a slow start.

In junior varsity action, the Lady Storm defeated the Lady Blazers 38-34.

HCCHS (2-12) 10 9 6 15 -- 40

UHA (4-8) 16 15 16 9 -- 56

HCCHS: Brittney Orten 11, Whitney Orange 11, Amber Coakley 10, Shalara Wells 4, Cshana Matchen 2, Ashley Flener 2

UHA: Hadley Burns 16, Sara Allen 11, MacKenzi Adams 9, Cache Richardson 7, Jennifer Hanks 6, Sarah Covington 4, Jessica Hanks 2, Isabell Park 1

Pitcher added to staff

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

The Tradewater Pirates pitching corps grew once again this week when the organization announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Nolan Mullaney on Thursday.

Mullaney, a freshman at San Bernadino Valley College (Calif.), represents the team's fourth signed pitcher thus far and the first commitment to be locked down by assistant coach Brad Cowan, who will assume responsibility for Pirate hurlers.

Cowan said he extended a contract offer to Mullaney, who graduated from Fontana High School (Calif.), after learning of the young pitcher's upper 80s fastball and 12-to-six curveball, a pitch that appears to roll off a table when it breaks.

"I'm big on trying to get different styles of pitchers," Cowan said. "That 12-6 curve gives hitters a hard time sometimes. He's something different, so I figured he would be a good fit."

When Cowan talked with Mullaney's college coach, the California skipper said Mullaney, at 6-0, 190 pounds, was projected as the team's No. 1 or 2 starting pitcher.

With Mullaney's addition, Tradewater's roster now stands at 13 players with 11 spots to fill.

Cowan said he's awaiting a signed contract from a starting pitcher at Northwest Florida State College and has received verbal commitments from other pitchers.

Although Cowan has focused his attention thus far on starters, he understands the importance of a quality bullpen.

"The relievers usually come (into the summer) and they don't have the innings that some of the starters do," he said of pitchers playing in summer leagues after the collegiate season ends. "These guys throw a lot of innings if they're one of the top three or four guys.

"They might be a little tired come summer ball. It's good for the relievers to get some more innings in the summertime."

Like Mullaney, many pitchers in the K.I.T. League will enter the summer fresh from their collegiate debuts.

Such inexperience can prove difficult to work with occasionally, but Cowan said he plans to help his staff to adjust and learn the mental aspects of pitching.

"A lot of these guys are throwers, especially the young guys," he said.

"They don't know how to spot, command their pitches. You have to teach them how to pitch. You're not going to throw a guy a fastball right down the middle on an 0-2 count. You don't do stuff like that. The pitch has to be off the plate and out of their reach."

Central outlasts Trojans

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

MORTONS GAP -- Tensions could not rise any higher during Friday night's Hopkins County Central and Webster County boys basketball match-up as a crowded Storm Gym featured two teams locked in an intensely heated game.

Central (11-5) trailed the first 29 minutes of play and fell behind by as many as 12 points, but a tenacious fourth-quarter effort proved just enough to outlast the visiting Trojans (7-8) 51-46.

Both teams entered the game's final minute tied 45 all. That's when Storm guard Josh Riley provided the eventual game-winning shot.

Junior Je'Vonte Hughes drove the lane and sent a floater sailing to the basket, but missed. Dan Croft's tip bounced off the rim and then Riley crashed the boards from the left side, jumped, tipped the ball toward the bucket and converted on the team's third chance.

The Storm controlled the ball after a foul on the Trojans during a Webster in-bounds attempt. Hughes and teammate Chuck Jones each sank a pair of free-throws down the stretch to seal the victory.

In the first half, Webster appeared poised for a win in a low-scoring, slow-tempo game.

The Trojans jumped out to an early 12-2 lead while the Storm struggled with their shot selection and labored for second chances on the offensive end.

Central cut the deficit to four at the end of the first quarter, but Webster used another run in the second quarter to increase its lead back to double-digits. The Trojan defense also helped to stifle the Storm by hustling back in transition and preventing Central from any fast-break points. By halftime the Trojans led 26-17.

Webster maintained an eight-point advantage heading into the fourth quarter, but that's when Hughes propelled Central for a comeback. Hughes scored nine straight points for the Storm, including back-to-back three-point attempts to pull his team within one at 41-40 with 6:32 remaining.

Storm and Trojans fans yelled and jumped throughout the rest of the quarter as each team's players scrambled to the floor for loose balls, battled for rebounds and created shots.

With 5:49 left, a scrum developed on the Webster offensive end of the floor and several players from each team dove to the floor to fight for the ball. Central eventually picked up the loose ball and passed ahead to Croft who was fouled at the opposite end of the court.

Beneath the pile, Webster's LaBrice Williams lay on the court clutching his arm in pain. Williams , the team's leading scorer, left the game and did not return.

Faced to stave off the Storm without its go-to offensive threat, Webster struggled to find a rhythm and scored just five points from that mark in the game.

Down 44-41, Central made its move with three minutes left in the game. Croft sank a bucket and stepped to the line to finish off a three-point play. His free-throw missed, but the ball eventually landed in teammate Nikee Caldwell's hands. Caldwell corralled the board and converted on the stick back to go ahead 45-44.

Webster later tied the game with 1:03 on a Logan Stull free-throw. Stull fouled out shortly later and the Trojans lost their long-range shooter.

Riley's tip combined with Hughes and Jones' free-throws provided the difference.

WCHS (7-8) 14 12 13 7 - 46

HCCHS (11-5) 10 7 14 20 - 51

WCHS: James Winstead 14, LaBrice Williams 9, David Stubblefield 8, Logan Stull 8, Drew Dement 7

HCCHS: Chuck Jones 18, Je'Vonte Hughes 17, Josh Riley 4, Cameron Tabor 4, Nikee Caldwell 3, Corey Coble 3, Dan Croft 2

Thursday's action

The Hopkins County Central boys basketball team (10-5) took to the road on Thursday evening for the first time of the new year and returned with a 72-43 win at McLean County (3-10).

The victory marked the Storm's third in a row as Central remains undefeated (3-0) in 2009.

Central held a slim 25-21 advantage at halftime, but a decisive 27-3 run during the third quarter broke the game wide open. By game's end, three Storm ballers finished with double-digits in points.

Dan Croft led the way with 16 points. Guard Je'Vonte Hughes followed with 15 and Chuck Jones ended his night with 13. In addition to their scoring efforts, Croft and Jones each grabbed eight rebounds.

Nikee Caldwell (nine rebounds), Cameron Tabor (seven) and Corey Coble (seven) also showed their prowess underneath the basket. Caldwell and Coble also combined for 16 assists on the evening.

Central returns to action at 7:30 p.m. today against Webster County at Storm Gym.

HCCHS (10-5) 15 10 27 20 - 72

MCHS (3-10) 6 15 3 19 - 43

HCCHS: Dan Croft 16, Je'Vonte Hughes 15, Chuck Jones 13, Josh Riley 8, Nikee Caldwell 7, Cameron Tabor 7, Corey Coble 4, Connor Moore 2

Greenwood slips past Maroons

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

The Madisonville-North Hopkins swim team captured four of the last six events during Thursday evening's dual against Greenwood, yet fell four points short of winning the meet at Hopkins County Family YMCA.

North's girls team dominated the Gators 172-110, but Greenwood capitalized on the boys portion of the meet 177-111 to edge the Maroons 287-283.

The Lady Maroons boasted nine different wins led by Carli and Ellen Whittington, who each finished the meet with two individual victories.

For the boys, four individual swimmers collected first-place honors along with a relay team victory.

"As a team everybody is doing really well and swimming as hard as they can," assistant coach Jeremy Roach said. "Our practices for the last week have been our best practices of the whole year."

To begin the meet, the Lady Maroons won the first event - the 200-yard medley relay.

The victory was the first of three relay team wins for the girls.

Rachel Dorris swam the starting leg of the team's first win on the night.

Although North did not escape the meet with the overall win, Dorris said the team is in prime shape following winter break workouts.

"These past two meets, you can really see an improvement in the team," she said. "It's pretty impressive.

"It's actually surprising to see how good our boys are doing this year and all of our new girls are doing real well, so that's impressive too."

Dorris claimed a second-place (500-yard freestyle) and third-place (200-yard IM) individually to go along with her two first-place relay team awards.

The Whittington sisters finished the night as North's lone swimmers with multiple individuals wins.

Carli captured first in the 200-yard IM and 100-yard freestyle while Ellen took the top spot in the 100-yard backstroke and 100-yard butterfly.

Although Carli secured a pair of wins, she said she doesn't typically swim those events, but understands the importance of placing various swimmers in different areas.

"It helps diversify the team because we want to be able to move people around in different events," she said.

"It helps the team overall like at regionals. That way we don't have just one person that swims freestyle."

Mary Katherine Kington (50-yard freestyle) and Hilary Fischer (one meter diving) also finished the meet with single first-place wins.

Coach Jason Clark said he was also impressed with Kaylynn Carver's 100 freestyle split times, which should put her in position for an open spot in next week's meet.

On the boys side, Maarten and Micah Adams, Zach Yonts and John Hilker each recorded individuals victories. Hilker claimed his individual win (100-yard backstroke) as well as North's 400-yard freestyle relay first place with incredible efforts in the final meters.

Fans and teammates cheered as Hilker came back from nearly five meters behind on the last leg of the 400 free relay.

After the meet, Hilker said it's difficult to understand what's going on outside the pool when individuals yell their encouragement.

"Not really, you can't hear them or see them," he said. "I can taste the water, that's about it. I just kind of look and go, 'I'm going to have to catch up,' so I just swim my hardest."

Hilker also divulged his technique on the backstroke, which he considers his best race.

"I developed a really big pull-out kind thing that gave me a lot of pull under water that other swimmers don't really have, so I don't have to take as many strokes to get as far," he said.

Hilker's final effort no doubt invigorated his teammates, but once the points were tallied North found itself just shy of the win.

Despite the overall meet loss, the swimmers are focused and committed to excellence as the season approaches regionals

"We're going to start tapering here soon at the end of the month," Carli Whittington said. "Coach Clark has put a lot of energy and effort into helping this team get faster, so hopefully his plan for tapering will pay off and our times will drop."

Madisonville-North next swims at 6 p.m. on Tuesday when the team plays host to Henderson County at the YMCA.

Transy's Jones clutch at the FT line

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Two free throws by Brock Jones proved to be the difference in Transylvania University's 81-79 come-from-behind win against defending league champion Defiance College (Ohio) on Saturday.

Jones, a Madisonville-North Hopkins product, stepped to the free-throw mark with 12 seconds remaining in the game and drained both attempts to put the Pioneers ahead by four points. Transylvania eventually won by two after a last-second two-point shot by Defiance.

Earlier in the game, Jones hit two free-throws at the 1:35 mark to put the Pioneers ahead 76-75. By game's end, Jones, a senior, accumulated nine points, four rebounds and two steals.

The win marked Transylvania's third in a row and improved the team's record to 8-3 overall and 2-1 in Heartland Conference play.

On Dec. 30, Jones helped propel the Pioneers to a 74-66 victory against Bridgewater State University (Mass.) to claim third-place in the Cactus Jam tournament hosted by Phoenix College.

Jones came off the bench to score 13 points and ended the game six-of-11 from the field.

Earlington native Albert Jackson established single-game career highs for blocks and rebounds when the University of Georgia men's basketball team defeated Kennesaw State University (Ga.) on Dec. 31.

he Bulldogs prevailed 72-52 and Jackson, who attended Hopkins County Central for three years, tallied 10 rebounds and four blocks.

Offensively, Jackson recorded 12 points as well to post the game's lone double-double. The 6-11 center made three of four field-goal attempts and was a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line.

Georgia's win pushed the team's record to 9-4, but the Bulldogs dropped back-to-back tough losses against Missouri (12-2) and Georgia Tech (9-5) following the Kennesaw victory.

During Saturday's 83-76 loss to Missouri, Jackson amounted five boards, two points and one block in 14 minutes of action.

In Monday's 67-62 loss to rival Georgia Tech, Jackson, a junior tri-captain, finished with eight rebounds, four points and two assists.

Jackson and the 'Dogs next play 11 a.m. Saturday when the team plays host to Tennessee.

Women's basketball

Midway through the college basketball season, Webster County graduate Caitlin Owen has played in each of Brescia University's 18 basketball contests.

Although Brescia (2-16) has not enjoyed the most successful season, Owen, a Providence native, has made the most of her time on the court as both a starter and substitute. Owen has shot 44 percent from the field on the season and ranks fourth on the Bearcats with four rebounds per game.

The 5-9 guard tallied a personal season-high eight points in Brescia's 72-60 loss to the University of the Cumberlands on Dec. 20.

Since recording back-to-back wins against Midway College and Mid-Continent University in mid-November, the Bearcats have dropped 13 consecutive games.

Owen will try to lead Brescia back to winning ways at 4 p.m. on Friday against Lindsey Wilson College in a rematch of the Bearcats' season-opener, a 56-45 defeat.

Kari Jo Harris and the Lee University Lady Flames continued to climb the NAIA national rankings with Monday's latest release.

Lee improved to No. 6 in the country with the team's latest victory, a 99-68 win against Brewton-Parker College (Ga.).

During the Lady Flames win, Harris, a 2008 Central graduate, made three of her four field-goal attempts for six points. Harris also posted three assists, two rebounds and two steals in 23 minutes.

Lee has won six games in a row since losing 74-66 to Vanguard University (Calif.) on Nov. 28.

Angela Mullins, also a Central grad, notched four points and two rebounds in Murray State University's 64-62 win against the University of Tennessee at Martin on Monday.

The Racers led by as many as 11 points in the second half, but had to defend against a late Skyhawk comeback attempt.

Murray senior Ashley Hayes provided the game-winning shot on a tip-in with less than two seconds.

The win pushed the Racers over the .500 mark at 7-6 overall and 2-1 in Ohio Valley Conference action.

Colonels run past Trojans

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

DIXON - High school basketball has reached its midway point of the season, but the lessons continue and the Webster County boys basketball team learned speed trumps experience, at least Tuesday night against Christian County.

Pitted against one of the region's quickest teams, the Trojans (7-7), led by four senior starters, could not devise a game plan to overcome Christian's (7-3) full-court press and transition baskets and lost 84-64.

Webster hung close at first, but as soon as Christian employed its full-court press defense the Trojans' deficit increased dramatically.

Ahead 9-6 in the first quarter, the Colonels dialed up the heat on Webster and instituted the press. By the end of the first, Christian forced seven turnovers and held a 10-point advantage.

Webster improved on its turnovers and shooting percentage during the second quarter, but could not keep up with Christian County's rate.

A James Winstead free-throw just inside the second brought the home team within nine points, but after an ensuing Donovan Kates bucket, Webster never cut the lead to single-digits again.

The Trojans continued to fall behind as the Colonels raced ahead in transition and found open areas beyond the three-point mark. Christian County made four three-point shots in the quarter to break out to a 45-27 lead by halftime.

Entering Tuesday night's contest with Christian, Webster averaged just 50 points per game in its previous eight contests. The Trojans posted a 3-5 record during that streak.

Center Drew Dement scored five points in the third, including the quarter's final basket to pull the Trojans to 61-45.

Webster breached the 50-point mark early in the fourth quarter against Christian, but its offense could not match the effort of the opposition.

Despite losing by 20 points, Webster outscored Christian 50-46 from the field inside the arc. The Colonels ability to earn opportunities at the free-throw line and hit from outside propelled the squad to a decisive victory.

Senior guard LaBrice Williams represented the Trojans' lone consistent scoring threat on the night. Williams, the team's leading scorer, finished with a game-high 22 points, just ahead of his season average (18.4 points per game).

Dement joined Williams in double-figures with 11.

For Christian, five players reached double-digits led by junior guard Shaquile Wilson with 15.

Webster will look to get back above .500 at 7:30 p.m. on Friday when the Trojans visit Hopkins County Central.

CCHS (7-3) 18 27 16 23 - 84



WCHS (7-7) 8 19 18 19 - 64



CCHS: Shaquile Wilson 15, Veontae Lewis 14, DaQuan Murden 13, Donovan Kates 12, Corey Wilford 10, Anthony Hickey 9, Bubba Tandy 7, Malcolm McDuffen 2, Jermichael Ray 2

WCHS: LaBrice Williams 22, Drew Dement 11, James Winstead 9, Trey Tapp 7, David Stubblefield, Taylor Turner 4, Logan Stull 3, Tyler Harting 2

Tradewater announces seven additions

By Nick Brockman

Messenger Sports Reporter

nbrockman@the-messenger.com

The Tradewater Pirates have wasted little time assembling their 2009 roster and the team announced its seven newest additions on Friday.

Most notable among the latest signees is left-handed pitcher/outfielder Sean Mahley, who played on the 2008 Pirate crew and helped lead Tradewater to a K.I.T. League regular season championship.

Mahley represents one of three listed pitchers thus far, and assistant coach Brad Cowan said Mahley's experience in the league will no doubt help the Pirates.

"If there are some returning guys that he recognizes on the other squads, he can give me some insight on them, how to pitch them and stuff like that," Cowan said. "As far as the rest of the team goes, same thing. He can let the other guys know what to expect from the league. It's always good to have a veteran around because they can help everybody else adjust."

Last season, Mahley, at 6-0, 167 pounds, posted a 1-2 record in four starts on the mound. By season's end, Mahley recorded 40 strikeouts in 402/3 innings pitched and a 2.21 earned-run average.

At the plate, Mahley, a sophomore at University of the Cumberlands, compiled a .296 batting average and .395 on-base percentage in 47 games played. Mahley contributed run production and speed as well with his 21 RBIs and 14 stolen bases. Of his 42 hits on the season, 15 went for extra bases.

Joining Mahley on the mound this season will be right-handed pitchers Ben Riggins (Indiana University) and Drake Huggans (Northeastern Junior College, Colo.).

Like Mahley, Huggans will platoon as a pitcher and outfielder. Riggins, however, will be used strictly as a pitcher.

During his senior season at Bloomington South High School (Ind.), Riggins led his team in wins, innings and strikeouts as a captain. The 6-1, 175 pound Riggins also hit .277 with three home runs.

Behind the plate, Miquel Vasquez (University of the Cumberlands) will split time with the earlier signed Michael Cagley of Nicholls State University (La.). At 5-10, 194 pounds, Vasquez's frame will provide a solid target for the Pirate pitching corps and as a junior, his experience will also help him command the game.

Brock Green, a freshman from Ouachita Baptist University (Ark.), will battle for time with Beau Faulk. Both players are listed at the corner infield positions, first and third base.

Green, a 6-2, 195 pound all-state (Ark.) selection in 2007 and 2008, was also a member of his high school's 2008 conference championship chess team.

Rounding out the latest additions to the Tradewater lineup are two players who hail from colleges in Oklahoma, Joe Halley (Vernon College) and Jordan Hughes (Oklahoma City University). Halley will be used both in the outfield and infield while Hughes will work solely in the outfield.

Whether it's infield, outfield or on the mound, one thing the Pirates and other KIT teams will have in common is a core of young players.

Cowan said there are both positives and negatives that accompany having an inexperienced squad.

"There's advantages in the fact that they're young and they're eager to learn because they're new into the college spotlight," he said. "Disadvantages, there is more to teach them. Some of these guys don't know as much about the game as the veteran guys. They don't have the experience. It should be a challenge, but it should be a fun challenge."

The challenge begins with Tradewater's season-opener on May 29 against the Marion Bobcats at Riverside Park.

Caldwell's buzzer-beats lifts Storm, 70-69

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter
nbrockman@the-messnger.com

MORTONS GAP - Down one point with less than 10 seconds, the Hopkins County Central basketball team faced do or die, and they survived.

Storm forward Nikee Caldwell watched as his last-second shot circled around the cylinder on Saturday night and with its final rotation, the ball dropped through the net for a 70-69 Central (9-5) victory over Hopkinsville (6-5).

Tiger guard Dee Freeman stepped to the line with 9.9 seconds for a pair of free-throws with his squad leading by one. Central's Je'Vonte Hughes collected Freeman's second missed free-throw though to begin the game-winning play.

Hughes, falling out of bounds, passed to teammate Cameron Tabor, who pushed ahead to Caldwell as he rushed down the court.

Caldwell put the shot up with 2.7 seconds while players and fans alike waited to see the result.

"I was hoping it would go in because I missed two lay-ups earlier," Caldwell said. "I was hoping it would go in because I missed a free-throw too."

Despite his earlier misses, Caldwell said he felt comfortable taking the last shot because he wanted redemption.

"Just get the ball and go, we had to get the last second shot and take whatever we could get," he said.

Central trailed by 20 points to begin the second half, but overcome improbable odds with a "never say never" attitude.

"I didn't know if it was going to go in or not, but the good Lord was good to us and allowed that ball to fall in and reward these kids for their great effort on the floor in the second half," Bell said.

Caldwell scored just eight points on the night, but made all of his buckets in the final 1:35 of the game. Before his winning heroics, Caldwell brought Central within one point on three different occasions in the game's final minutes.

The junior's performance was just one of many that allowed the Storm to pull out the comeback.

"I told them I believed in them and they knew what to do to get into the game," Bell said of his halftime motivation speech. "Everybody that played that second half gave us what we needed. These kids are fighters, they're warriors."

The Storm appeared closer to a blowout loss than a thrilling win during the first half due to poor shot selection.

Central's shooting woes hit its toughest stretch during the second quarter when the Storm scored five points and made just one field goal.

"We really couldn't have played any worse in the second quarter," senior Chuck Jones said. "It was probably the worst quarter that we've played."

After struggling from three-point range, Central attempted to pass the ball into the post to 6-9 twin towers Dan Croft and Jones. That strategy did not prove any more efficient.

On three consecutive Storm possessions, a pass was made into the paint only to be deflected and converted into points on the opposite end of the floor. The final of the three steal and conversion plays put Hopkinsville ahead 36-20.

Croft, a junior, collected a rebound and raised above the defense for a stick back and Central's only field goal of the second quarter with 1:17 remaining in the half.

The Tigers took a 43-23 lead into the intermission, but the second half proved fertile grounds for a Storm comeback.

Central opened the third quarter with a 15-2 run. Hughes provided plenty of spark with his improved three-point shooting.

Known for his dribbling and penetration, Hughes said he has been working on his shot beyond the arc.

"I was in a slump and I just had to get confidence in myself," he said. "The coaches told me I was a great shooter and I believed that, so I kept shooting."

Hughes final three cut Central's deficit to five at 56-51 with five minutes remaining in the game. The junior finished with a game-high 22 points, including five three-pointers.

HHS (6-5) 22 21 9 17 - 69

HCCHS (9-5) 18 5 20 27 - 70

HHS: Raphael Catlett 20, Stephen Lovan 18, Leon Swope 13, Marshall Stewart 10, Dee Freeman 6, Javarius Bussell 2

HCCHS: Je'Vonte Hughes 22, Dan Croft 14, Chuck Jones 14, Nikee Caldwell 8, Corey Coble 8, Josh Riley 4

Hoptown rips past Central

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter
nbrockman@the-messenger.com

MORTONS GAP - An inability to create go-to scoring options once again caused the Hopkins County Central girls basketball team to fight a game-long uphill climb on Saturday night.

The Lady Storm (2-10) did not score until seven minutes into the game and finding buckets did not come much easier against the Lady Tigers (4-5) in a 69-44 loss on Saturday.

Central appeared poised on multiple occasions to make a run at tying or taking the lead in the first half, but could not string together enough positive plays to overtake visiting Hopkinsville.

Down 10-0 to begin the game, the Lady Storm rallied to within seven points with 5:38 to go in the second quarter following an Ashley Flener three-point play.

Flener, a freshman forward, battled multiple defenders to power for the shot before converting on her free-throw attempt.

Later, Central guard Cassandra Haley knocked down a conventional three-pointer to keep the Lady Storm deficit to seven.

Hopkinsville increased its lead to as many as 15 in the first half's final minute. Central guard Chshana Matchem picked the pocket of a Lady Tiger ball-handler in the half's last 10 seconds though and the Lady Storm trailed 35-23 at halftime.

Flener began the third quarter with a lay-up to pull within 11 points, but Central never got any closer.

While the Lady Storm shooters labored to create scoring opportunities, the Lady Tigers struggled to miss and led 52-29 at the end of three quarters.

Although Central fell far behind, it continued to provide effort throughout and completed several positive possessions in the final quarter and nearly outscored Hopkinsville in the final eight minutes of play.

With 6:55 remaining in the game, guard Krhea Orten directed the ball into the post for senior Amber Coakley, who fought for position. Coakley, accepted the pass, pivoted toward the basket and went to the rim for two points.

Brittney Orten started her own string of five straight points during a 36-second stretch midway through the fourth. After knocking down a pair of free-throws, the senior successfully converted on a three-pointer.

By game's end Orten paced Central squad with 15 points, the team's only double-digit scorer.

Saturday's loss marked the second time Central lost to Hopkinsville this season. On Dec. 19, the Lady Tigers defeated the Lady Storm 65-39 during the Hopkins County Central Holiday Classic.

Central will look to snap its three-game losing streak at 6 p.m. Friday against Caldwell County.

HHS (4-5) 16 19 17 17 - 69

HCCHS (2-10) 7 15 7 15 - 44

HHS: Christy Soldo 17, Sharae Wilson 10, Jessica Hobson 9, Marla Boyd 8, Ashlee Cole 8, Shikeya Miller 7, Tori Beth Nolen 5, Desherica Edwards 2

HCCHS: Brittney Orten 15, Amber Coakley 8, Ashley Flener 7, Cassandra Haley 5, Chshana Matchem 3, Krhea Orten 3, Shalara Wells 2, Courtney Snodgrass 1