BY GEARY DENISTONFOR THE SOUTHERN

CarbondaleThe Terriers return only

two and a half starters fromlast year’s 14-13 team thatfinished tied for third in theconference at 5-5.

Coach Jim Miller lost two starters to graduationin honorable mention all-conference forwardBrandon Reno and forwardDeVonte Ramey, but unex-pectedly he will also have toreplace All-South and all-conference guard ConnorWheeler, who transferredto Du Quoin, and keyreserve Judious Kizeart.

“It’s not always the bestplayers that make the bestteam, and it’s been reallynice not having drama sofar,” Miller said. “Good

chemistry makes averageteams better and badchemistry makes goodteams average.”

Miller does have first-team All-South and all-conference guard Ty Nealback as well as center BruceDay and guard TyroneDavis.

“Ty is a four-year starterfor us,” Miller said. “Brucestarted last year, andTyrone was a part-timestarter. We’re real excited to have their leadershipback.”

Vying for the open jobsare seniors guard GaryDysart, forward ArtemusBurnett and forward WillKuykendoll and junior for-ward Edwin Harris.

Coach: Jim MillerSeniors: TY NEAL, 5-10, g; TYRONE DAVIS, 5-9, g/f;BRUCE DAY, 6-6, c; Gary Dysart, 5-10, g/f; ArtemusBurnett, 5-11, f; Will Kuykendoll, 5-11, f; Tre Wright,6-0, f.

Juniors: Edwin Harris, 6-2, f; Chris Williams, 5-10, f.Sophomores: Marqui Edmonds, 6-0, f/c; JarronWarren, 6-0, f.

Marion Last year, Marion had a

hard time in the SouthSeven, finishing last with a1-9 record. The Wildcatswere much better outsidethe conference, going 13-7to finish just under .500 at14-16.

“We were counting onNick Lewis last year, butwhen he got hurt, we wereforced to move some guysin who hadn’t played varsi-ty before,” said coach AaronMattox. “This year we mayhave only two starters back,but we have seven guys whoplayed significant minuteslast year.”

Mattox needs to findthree new starters withonly second-team all-con-ference 6-foot-7 forwardsenior Aaron Adeoye andsenior guard Troy Stuckyback as starters. Six-foot-

eight junior Jared Ellis willtake over the post position.

“I think we can be gooddefensively,” Mattox said.“Offensively, we think withour size up front it will bedifficult for teams to matchup with us if we can get thebasketball inside. We’ve alsogot guys who can run thefloor, so I’m excited aboutour level of athleticismcompared to years past.”

Stucky will move to pointguard with seniors BlakeGibbons and Jeff Clark,juniors Cody Luckett andJay Riley and sophomoresEddie Webb and JuwanTucker in the mix at thethree guard spots.

Coach: Aaron MattoxSeniors: AARON ADEOYE, 6-7, f; TROY STUCKY, 5-10, g; Jeff Clark, 6-1, g; Blake Gibbons, 5-10, g;Devante Payne, 6-2, f.Juniors: Brody DeMattei, 6-1, f; Jared Ellis, 6-8, c;Cody Luckett, 6-0, g; Jay Riley, 6-0, g; GabeAttkinson, 5-11, g; Jacob Ross, 5-11, g; ShawnBowen, 6-2, f.Sophomores: Eddie Webb, 5-8, g; Juwan Tucker,5-11, g.

Page 22 Friday, November 19, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan

South Seven: Boys

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CarbondaleThe Carbondale Terriers

return three starters fromthe team that went 15-12and finished fourth (4-6) inthe South Seven.

“We still are thin in thepaint so, as always, we’regoing to be an up-tempoteam and have to find kidswho are willing to spot upand try to nail some 3s forus,” said coach MarialiceJenkins.

Jenkins returns All-Southsecond-team, all-confer-ence shooting guard juniorElaina Robinson, along withjunior forward Ryley Millerand sophomore point guardSarah Goodale.

“Elaina has proven she isa very consistent outsideshooter,” Jenkins said.“Sarah handles the ball forus 90 percent of the time,but we want her to be moreof a shooter. Ryley is downthere in the trenches doingall the dirty work — gettingloose balls, rebounds andgetting the ball to the rightpeople.”

Jenkins will be looking tofind replacements for wingguard Alexa Miller andshooting guard MarissaFulk in senior Lacey Armit,junior Loren Scott, sopho-mores Bobbie Harris andZamorrow Glispie, andfreshman McKena Miller.

Coach: Marialice JenkinsSeniors: Lacey Armit, 5-8, f/c; LaTrae Feaster, 5-8,f.Juniors: ELAINA ROBINSON, 5-8, g; RYLEY MILLER,5-7, f; Loren Scott, 5-6, g.Sophomores: SARAH GOODALE, 5-8, g/f; BobbieHarris, 5-8, f/c; Zamorrow Glispie, 5-6, g; KristyScally, 5-7, f.Freshmen: McKena Miller, 5-11, g/f.

MarionLast year, Jeff Tarlton

took over the reins of theMarion Lady Wildcats afterbeing an assistant on theboys team. He had to watchhis new team go through

some growing pains.Marion finished dead last inthe South Seven (0-10), butshowed progress at the endof the season to finish 10-19.

“We started competingdown the stretch and beatMount Vernon after threelosses to them in the firstround of the regionals,”Tarlton said. “So we feltgood about the futureknowing we were only los-ing three players, no matterhow good they were.

This year, Tarlton has fourstarters back in All-South,first-team all-conferenceguard senior LindsayLenon, senior guard MalloriChamness, senior forwardBrittany Rooney and juniorpoint guard Ieasha Clark.

“Lindsay is a very giftedplayer and a good shooter,”Tarlton said.

Coach: Jeff TarltonSeniors: LINDSAY LENON, 5-8, g; MALLORICHAMNESS, 5-5, g; BRITTANY ROONEY, 5-9, f; ShyMofield, 5-7, f.Juniors: IEASHA CLARK, 5-5, g; Mistiree Stanley, 5-6, f.Sophomores: Zhate’ Jackson, 5-5, g; CortneyWilliams, 5-4, g; Dailey Williams, 5-4, g.Freshmen: Montana Schafer, 6-0, f; AsiahKendrick, 5-10, f; Cydney Paul, 5-5, g; EmilyDickman, 5-4, g; Megan Lewis, 5-6, f; Jessica Rauch,5-5, f.

Belleville AlthoffThe Belleville Althoff

Crusaders (24-8) havedominated the SouthSeven, winning the title sixyears in a row while sweep-ing the league the past threeyears. Coach Lori Crunklost only two seniors andreturns a young team thatincludes only two seniors.

Crunk has big shoes to fillin replacing her daughter,Jordyne, the South SevenMVP, at point guard andfirst-team all-conferenceshooting guard Jazmin Hill.

“A lot of people thinkwe’re going to be down, butI disagree because we have apretty good returningthree,” Crunk said. “Wealmost made it to state lastyear and that helped the

younger girls grow and beready.”

Coach: Lori CrunkSeniors: AMARAH BROOKS-WILLIAMS, 6-2, c;JANEL WHITWORTH, 5-9, g.Juniors: ALECE SHUMPERT, 5-7, g; Abby Allard, 5-3,g; Heather Dudon, 5-6, g.Sophomores: Mary Cardines, 5-7, g/f; WhitneyHarris, 6-2, f; Kimber Hill, 6-2, f; JazmineStubblefield, 5-7, g; Hailey Schlett, 5-9, f; La’QuitaBostitch, 5-4, g.

CahokiaThe Cahokia Comanches

(16-12) return four startersfrom last year’s team thatfinished third in the SouthSeven (6-4). Coach FredDancy will have to replacehis starting backcourt inpoint guard Patria Hill andshooting guard KandiceTravis.

Dancy returns four girlswho started some last yearincluding first-team all-conference forward juniorWhitney Henderson andsecond-team all-confer-ence senior forwardFredrika Walker along withsenior forward CarmellaCollier and junior guardDiamond Suggs.

“We look for our top threereturning starters Whitney,Fredrika and Carmella to bea force defensively,” Dancysaid.

Coach: Fred DancySeniors: FREDRIKA WALKER, 5-11, g; CARMELLACOLLIER, 5-10, f; Jessica Long, 6-0, c; JasminePrather, 5-6, f; Amber Williams, 5-6, g.Juniors: WHITNEY HENDERSON, 6-0, c/f;DIAMOND SUGGS, 5-10, g; Machalia Dew, 5-8, g/f;Takesha Gibson, 6-0, c; Shyniece Manuel, 5-0, g;Mitanesha Moffett, 5-8, f; Deairelle Ivy, 5-10, g/f.Sophomores: Tekia Cooper, 5-11, c; Daria Dills, 5-10, f; Danielle Hooch, 5-8, g.

CentraliaThe Centralia Orphan

Annies lost three startersfrom last year’s team thatfinished 19-12 and secondin the South Seven with an8-2 record. The OrphanAnnies’ only losses were tosix-time defending cham-pion Belleville Althoff.

Coach Roger Stieg mayhave to find three newstarters, but his tworeturnees, All-South andfirst-team all-conferenceguard senior HannahShores and honorable men-tion all-conference for-

ward/center senior SadieTaylor, have both qualityand experience.

“We lost two players who gave us an inside pres-ence and rebounding inCiera Cunningham andSamantha Gierten,” Stiegsaid.

Coach: Roger StiegSeniors: HANNAH SHORES, 5-8, g; SADIE TAYLOR,5-9, f/c; Shamirah Willis, 5-1, g; Caitlin Hermeling, 5-7, g/f; Lindsey Branson, 5-6, g.Juniors: Khadija Brown-Haywood, 5-8, g; DarrylLusch, 5-7, f/c; Ashton Doza, 5-7, f; Kaitlin Murphy, 5-4, g.Sophomores: Danielle Meadows, 5-7, f.

Mount VernonJeff Lonnon’s first year

after taking over SaraRennie wasn’t easy. TheLady Rams finished fifth inthe South Seven at 2-8 and5-19 overall.

“Last year was rough witha lot of growing pains,”Lonnon said. “This year Ihave as young a team as I’veever had. But the girls I haveback gained a lot of charac-ter persevering through itall and want nothing to dowith that kind of yearagain.”

Lonnon has one starterback in All-South and sec-ond-team all-conferenceforward senior Ronita Longand two sophomores,Cheyene Piper and JessicaGreen.

Coach: Jeff LonnonSeniors: RONITA LONG, 5-7, f; Alli Reed, 5-8, f.Juniors: CHEYENE PIPER, 5-8, g; JESSICA GREEN,5-5, f; Morghan Zedalis, 5-11, c; Alexis Rollinson, 5-8, f.Sophomores: Hailey Lockhart, 5-9, c; KelbyKujawa, 5-9, f; Aaliyah Palmer, 5-7, f; Betsy Kueker,5-3, g; Natalie Williamson, 5-11, c; Whitney Warner,5-5, f; Julia NcCrary, 5-5, g.

The Southern Illinoisan Friday, November 19, 2010 Page 33

South Seven: Girls SOUTH SEVEN: Boys ready FROM PAGE 2

Belleville AlthoffLast year, the Crusaders

won their first South Seventitle, almost sweeping theboard (9-1), losing only tosecond-place Centralia.Althoff then lost theregional final to Cahokiaand finished 21-9.

“Winning the SouthSeven for the first time inschool history was special,especially how good ourconference is,” said coachGreg Leib.

Coach: Greg LeibSeniors: CARSON SONNENBERG, 6-5, f; DavidFranklin, 6-4, f; Tyler Francis, 6-2, f; Jerry Costello,6-3, f; Keith Sanders, 6-1, g.Juniors: Nesh Quarles, 6-2, f/c; Eldon Salmond,5-10, g.

CahokiaEven though Cahokia

had trouble in the SouthSeven, finishing tied forthird with Carbondale at5-5, the Comanches (24-10) had a great finish,winning their thirdstraight regional title andadvancing to the super-sectional for the first timesince 1985.

Coach Darian Nash has abig task after losing fivekey players.

“It’ll be hard to replacethose guys, but we’ll becompetitive,” Nash said.

CentraliaLast year, Centralia won

its first regional title since2003 and finished secondin the South Seven (8-2)before advancing to thesectional final where theylost to Cahokia. TheOrphans finished 25-7.

Coach Lee Bennett has arebuilding job to do.

“I really don’t know whois going to be on the courtthis year,” Bennett said.

oach: Lee BennettSeniors: R.J. KWIATKOWSKI, 6-2, g; DesmondRush, 5-10, g; Alex Fritch, 6-2, f; MarkMcConnaughay, 6-2, f; DeVontre Whitelow, 6-0, f;Tyler Obermeier, 6-3, f.Juniors: DANIEL WESTBROOK, 5-9, g.Freshmen: Jake Wood, 6-1, f.

Mount VernonThe Mount Vernon Rams

are coming off a down year,finishing 2-8 in the confer-ence and 11-18 overall.However, with seven sen-iors and four starters back,coach Scott Gamber hopesthings will be better thisyear.

“Last year was a disap-pointment, but hopefully,we gained a lot of experi-ence,” Gamber said. “Wewere in a lot of games, butwere unable to finish thedeal and we struggled onthe road.”

Returning to the startinglineup are four seniors.

Coach: Scott GamberSeniors: KELLIN EDWARDS, 6-1, g; KEVONFORTNEY, 6-1, g; DORVONTOUS GORDON, 6-4, c;CAMERON TUCKER, 6-3, f; Davonte Brooks, 5-10,g/f; Ian Randolph, 6-4, f/c; Blake Deaton, 5-11, g.Juniors: Tyril Trimble, 5-9, g; Clay Payne, 6-3, g;Zach Jones, 5-11, g.Sophomores: Travis Mitchell, 6-0, g; ColtonMeader, 6-3, f.

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Anna-JonesboroAlthough hired a bit late,

new Anna-Jonesborocoach Mike Chamnesshopes to improve on lastseason’s 16-14 record.Promoted to the head rolein mid-August, he willhave three starters to workwith in his first seasonwith the Wildcats.

“They’re looking prettygood,” Chamness said ofhis players. “I thought lastyear, at times, we didn’tpractice the way we shouldhave. I think we’re goinghard and not just goingthrough the motions.”

Tylor Duckworth, CodyLivesay and Brady Wrightwill have the most respon-sibility as the team’s

returning starters, butleadership shouldn’t be aproblem with 14 upper-classmen.

“I expect to be competi-tive,” Chamness said. “Itold the kids that I wasprobably the most com-petitive person out ofeverybody out there. Iexpect us to be in the thickof things.”

Height shouldn’t be anissue either, not with the6-foot-7 Duckworth beingcomplemented by 6-3 AlexLefevre and the 6-3Wright.

Coach: Mike ChamnessSeniors: TYLOR DUCKWORTH, 6-7, c; BradyCarter, 5-11, g; Alex Lefevre, 6-3, f; CODY LIVESAY5-11, g; Eric Flamm, 5-9, g; Chad Mayes, 5-8, g.Juniors: Jaden Ayers, 6-0, g; BRADY WRIGHT, 6-3, f; Travis Smith, 6-1, g; Dalton Baker, 6-1, g; CodyGarver, 5-8, g; Brent Goforth, 5-10, g; Caleb Mixen,5-7, g; Jarid Veronesi, 5-11, g.Sophomores: Josh Belford, 5-9, g; Evan Hughey,6-1, f.Freshmen: Tyler Vaughn, 6-0, g; Ben McFarland,

6-3, c; Jay Kemp, 6-2, f; Colton James, 5-11, g; TreyPender, 5-6, g, Sammy Houseright, 5-5, g.

CartervilleCarterville begins its

first season in the confer-ence with a group of sixplayers who all saw somesort of starting time lastseason as part of the Lions’13-18 campaign.

Ryan Bonifield is one ofthe impact playersCarterville has back, andDrew Bonner, ZachWatson, Zach Halterman,Logan Mann and NickBonner all return for theirsenior year. Bonifield wasthe Lions’ lone representa-tive on the Black DiamondWest all-conference teamlast season.

“Ryan has become such abig rebounder,” saidCarterville coach Scott

Burzynski of his 6-foot-4senior forward. “He’smade big strides. He wasdecent at (rebounding) hissophomore year and had agood year last year.”

The Lions won six moregames last season opposedto 2008-09 and hope toreturn to a more physicalstyle of play to contendwith their tough SIRRMississippi conferencefoes.

Coach: Scott BurzynskiSeniors: RYAN BONIFIELD, 6-4, f; DREW BONNER,6-0, g; NICK BONNER, 6-1, g; ZACH HALTERMAN,6-2, c; LOGAN MANN, 5-10, c; ZACH WATSON, 6-5,g.Juniors: Zach Bollman, 5-10, g; Curtis Pitt, 6-2, f;Dalton Samuel, 6-3, c.Sophomores: Kyle Adams, 5-10, f; Dalton Brown,5-10, g; Tyler Horn, 6-3, c; Lucas Hunter, 5-11, g;Travis Kidd, 6-2, g.Freshman: Michael Ascherman, 5-10, g.

Du QuoinJust one starter and three

lettermen return from lastyear’s 25-6 team that wonthe conference with a 9-1record. New coach GabeSveda takes over for Mike

Crews, and he’ll have sen-ior J.C. Davis, who recentlysigned to play baseball at Southern IllinoisUniversity, to build aroundin 2009-10.

“So far, so good,” Svedasaid. “Our goal is to just getbetter every day and playas hard as we can in thetime we have together.”

The Indians graduatedseven seniors after lastyear’s run, and will look toa group of four seniors andseven juniors to defendtheir conference title thisseason. Du Quoin has solidsize at the center position,with Jesse McDicken andBrandon Williams.

Coach: Gabe SvedaSeniors: J.C. DAVIS, 5-11, g; Seth Baxter, 6-0, g;Connor Wheeler, 6-1, g; James Williams, 5-11, g.Juniors: Jonathon Boss, 6-2, f; Cayle Diggins, 6-1,g; John Galik, 6-2, g; Sam Gossett, 6-3, f; JesseMcDicken, 6-5, c; Levi Porter, 5-10, g; BrandonWilliams, 6-4, c.

NashvilleNashville begins the sea-

son with one of its most

important pieces alreadyon the shelf.

Senior guard GannonMamell tore his lateralmeniscus during footballseason and had surgeryNov. 12 with a recoverytime of four to six weeks.That means that theHornets will have to rely ontheir other five returningplayers with starter’s expe-rience to keep the shipafloat until Mamellreturns.

“We expect Mamell to bea big cog in the machinethis year,” said Nashvillecoach Brad Weathers.“We’ve got some depth,which will compensate forthe loss of Gannon, and arelooking at nine people tocontribute this year.”Coach: Brad WeathersSeniors: GANNON MAMELL, 5-10, g; TYLERMEYER, 5-11, g; Daniel Huge, 6-0, g; ZACH FIEBER,6-0, g; SCOTT POLCZYNSKI, 6-2, f; SAM BROWN, 6-2, g/f; Alex Lietz, 6-0, f; Jared Meier, 6-3, f;DONOVAN HOLLE, 6-6, c.Sophomore: Scott Brown, 6-1, g.

Page 44 Friday, November 19, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan

SIRR Mississippi: Boys

SIRR MISSISSIPPI / PAGE 14

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Anna-JonesboroFormer Cobden coach

Brian Clark takes the reinsin Union County, hoping totake a Lady Wildcats group with four retur-ning starters to the nextlevel.

“Right now, we’re aboutwhere I expected us to be,”Clark said. “Everything isnew for these girls, andthey’ve had to backpedal alittle bit and learn all theseschemes.”

Destiny Dillow, JessiStone, Emma Basler andChandra Parr will lead theAnna-Jonesboro attackthis season.

Dillow is a three-yearstarter and Stone is a two-year starter.

“I do have a good coregroup of girls to work with,”said Clark, who will haveformer Cobden shortstopand 2008 state championJenna Lehr as an assistantcoach.Coach: Brian ClarkSeniors: DESTINY DILLOW, 5-9, g; Tina Grant, 5-4,g.Juniors: EMMA BASLER, 5-7, g; JESSI STONE, 6-1,c; Valerie Pender, 5-10, f.Sophomores: CHANDRA PARR, 5-8, g; Kim Mixen,5-4, g; Rebecca Mitchell, 5-8, g/f; BrookeChamness, 5-4, g; Katie Grant, 5-7, g/f; BeccaKristoff, 5-4, g.Freshmen: Erica Friebel, 5-8, f; J.J. Ford, 5-9, f;Krista Pender, 5-10, f; Rikki Stone, 5-10, f; CaraFarris, 6-0, c; Courtney Kendrick, 5-5, g; KatieEdwards, 5-7, g; Kylie Foster, 5-6, f; Courtney Root,5-6, g.

CartervilleMaking its conference

debut, Carterville returns asolid nucleus from last sea-son’s 16-13 campaign.

The Lady Lions have 22players out, but only sevenof them are upperclass-men. Carterville graduatedonly one senior in KelseaAshton, who is currentlyplaying softball forSouthern IllinoisUniversity, but likePinckneyville, it is one sen-ior the team will miss.

“We’re still trying tolearn the identity of thisteam,” said Cartervillecoach Todd Rogers. “We’regoing to have to scratch andclaw to get any victory inthis conference and all thekids that I dress on varsitywill get see some sort oftime.”

Ashton averaged 18.5points per game as an All-South pick last season.

Coach: Todd RogersSeniors: HANNAH WOOD, 5-7, g/f; MEREDITHBROWN, 5-6, g; MOLLIE THOMAS, 5-7, f.Juniors: Andrea Kesler, 5-6, g; Lauren Sherry, 5-7,g/f; SIDNEY BROTHERS, 5-7, f; Shelby Bush, 5-7, f.Sophomores: Jennifer Skinner, 5-10, f; NinaSkinner, 5-5, g; Sydney Michael, 5-4, g; BrigetteGentry, 5-10, f; Courtney Lam, 5-6, f; Cierra Charles,5-4, g; Huntar Monje, 5-7, f.Freshmen: Savannah Jones, 5-8, g/f; Kelli Hicks,5-7, g; Jordan Gaston, 5-10, f.

Du QuoinAfter years of building,

Du Quoin coach Shawn Filemay finally have the group

he’s been waiting for.The Lady Indians wel-

come back four startersfrom last year’s 11-14 team,including all-conferenceguard Jessica Hirsch and 6-foot sophomore forwardRebekah Maddox. Thisyear’s bunch is much moreexperienced with sevenupperclassmen among 16players.

“The practice intensityhas been great, now it’s justputting it all together,” Filesaid. “It’s time to produce,they’re not underclassmenanymore.”

Du Quoin has beefed upits schedule as well, withthe Lady Indians gettinginto the Herrin HolidayHoops Classic and theCarbondale Old NationalBank Mid-Winter tourna-ment.

Coach: Shawn FileSeniors: Ashley Ward, 5-4, g; Curry Emling, 5-6, g;Steffanie Gates, 5-4, g.Juniors: JESSICA HIRSCH, 5-6, g; Keawna Anders,5-8, f; Magen Edwards, 5-6, fl Shelby Presley, 5-9, f.Sophomores: REBEKAH MADDOX, 6-0, f; CassidyRice, 5-7, g; Taylor King, 5-6, f.Freshmen: Hailey Stewart, 5-5, g; Abby Myers, 5-5, g; Bailie Caldwell, 5-6, f; Katrina Whitley, 5-3, g;Morgan Dennis, 5-10, f; Ashanti Warren, 5-8, f.

NashvilleThe Hornettes return a

significant chunk of a pro-gram that has won back-to-back Class 2A third-place trophies at the IHSAstate tournament inBloomington.

Jenna Morris, Melanie

Rhine, KourtneyHeggemeier and JenniferMoeller are all back fortheir senior year atNashville, which only lostone starter to graduation inAnnie Borowiak.

“A lot of them haveplayed since their sopho-more year and have been tothe state tournamenttwice,” said Nashville coachWayne Harre. “They stillhave to have drive (to suc-ceed) and I’ve got to try andmake sure we keep thatdrive going.”

Nashville finished 28-7last season.

Coach: Wayne HarreSeniors: JENNA MORRIS, 5-8, g; MELANIE RHINE,5-7, g; Paige Schwartzkopf, 5-8, f; KOURTNEYHEGGEMEIER, 5-10, f; Breanne Pelker, 6-0, f;JENNIFER MOELLER, 6-0, c.Juniors: Jolie Wall, 5-5, g; Keisha Setzkorn, 5-7, f;Mollie Borowiak, 5-7, f; Jaysie Bower, 5-6, g.Sophomores: Callie Schwartzkopf, 5-7, g; ShayeHarre, 5-10, c; Erica Brown, 5-11, f.Freshman: Shawn Rennegarbe, 5-9, f.

PinckneyvilleAfter several years of 20-

plus wins, last season’s 19-

10 result was a bit of a dis-appointment toPinckneyville coach AlanEngelhardt.

“Last year, I don’t thinkwe guarded the way wehave in the past,”Engelhardt said. “We’vemade a concentrated effortto be a defense-first teamthis year.”

Pinckneyville lost onlyone senior to graduation,but that senior was All-South and IBCA all-stateselection Emily Miller.Miller averaged 15 points-per-game for the LadyPanthers and was one oftheir defensive leaders aswell.

But a bumper crop ofnine freshmen will look tohelp offset the loss of Millerand the eight seniors on thecurrent roster.

Coach: Alan EngelhardtSeniors: DANI JENKEL, 5-7, f; TAYLOR CICARDI, 5-9, f; MADDY KEITH, 5-10, g; MO RAMSEY, 5-9, f;Kortney Crawford, 5-4, g; Katrina Henson, 5-4, g,Taylor Kuhnert, 5-6, f; Tyler Flowers, 5-6, f.Juniors: Lindsey Winter, 5-9, g; Emma Opp, 5-9, c.

Sophomores: Heather McDaniel, 5-1, g; DaniSchoenbacher, 5-5, g; Haley Simpson, 5-9, f.

SpartaOnly Jessica Robinson

returns as a starter from a17-7 team that graduatedeight seniors in 2010, leav-ing new coach April Yorkwith some rebuilding to do.

“We’re going to be veryyoung this year,” York said.“We’re also not very big,but I’m hoping we can useour quickness to ouradvantage.”

York, who was the LadyBulldogs’ junior varsitycoach last season, takesover for Jim Jeffers in thelead role.

“The transition is a littledifficult, but it’s goinggood,” York said.

Coach: April YorkSeniors: JESSICA ROBINSON, 5-11, c; CorrieOpolka, 5-5, g.Juniors: Jenalee Stine, 5-5, f; Mariah Aponte, 5-3,f; Jade Vaughn, 5-4, g; Kassy Stamp, 5-8, f.Sophomores: Victoria Ward, 5-3, g/f; AlexisKohrs, 5-8, g/f.Freshmen: Katelyn Blount, 5-4, f; Kendra Kessler,5-3, g; Jannice Edmonson, 5-6, f.

The Southern Illinoisan Friday, November 19, 2010 Page 55

SIRR Mississippi: Girls

Page 66 Friday, November 19, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan

BY SCOTT MEESTHE SOUTHERN

BentonThe Rangers have five

starters back from last sea-son’s 10-20 squad, andcoach Ron Winemiller islooking for improvement.

Caleb Suver, the team’sleading scorer andrebounder, returns at for-ward, and Cody Smith isback at point guard. Smithhas started since he was afreshman.

“Cody has a lot of experi-ence, and I hope he’s run-ning the team by the end ofthe year,” Winemiller said.“We turned the ball over tohim when we got here. Ithink he’ll have a great two-year run at the point.”

Benton should have plen-ty of depth as well. TylerLeffler is back at shootingguard, and Winemiller willbe relying on him for somescoring.

“These are a couple ofgroups that people havebeen excited about for along time, but we play in avery difficult conference,”Winemiller said. “We haveto elevate ourselves abovesome teams in our confer-ence. We’ll have to reallylean on our defense .”

Coach: Ron Winemiller.Seniors: CALEB SUVER, 6-3, f; Nick Price, 6-2, f;Hunter Kerley, 6-0, g; KYLER SMITH, 5-11, g; Jalen

Heil, 6-3, f.Juniors: CODY SMITH, 5-9, g; TYLER LEFFLER, 6-3,g; MASON CHILDERS, 6-2, f; Trey Garrett, 6-1, g;Jared Johnston, 6-0, g; Dylan Hartley, 5-10, g;Landon LaBuwi, 6-3, f.Sophomores: Cole Forby, 6-2, f; Dalton Ward, 6-5,f; Dylan Sheeks, 6-3, f.

HarrisburgThe Bulldogs had a solid

season a year ago and won aregional, but they lost CainSheldon, Lucas Elverd andReid Roper to graduation.

But Keelin Rasch returnsat guard, and CapelHenshaw is back at forwardfor the squad, which does-n’t have much size.

“We lost some really goodplayers, we’re inexperi-enced and we’ll go throughsome growing pains,” saidHarrisburg coach RandySmithpeters. “We are fairlyskilled and athletic, and Ithink we have a lot of peoplethat can score.”

Harrisburg should alsoget some positive contribu-tions from its underclass-men. Henshaw, TylerSmithpeters and RyneRoper are all sophomores,and 6-foot-3 center EliScott is only a freshman.

“Ryne is a tremendousshooter, and I think he’smatured physically and willhelp us out,” Smithpeterssaid. “He has as much rangeas anybody on the floor.Our strength is we don’thave a go-to guy. Whoeveris left open is the guy that

will put it in the hole.”

Coach: Randy Smithpeters.Seniors: KEELIN RASCH, 5-11, g; Jalen Stewart, 6-0, g; Caleb Gooch, 6-2, f.Juniors: Brandon Gibbs, 6-2, c; Tyler McGowan, 6-1, f; Tyler Short, 6-2, c; Caleb Goldman, 6-1, f.Sophomores: CAPEL HENSHAW, 6-2, f; TylerSmithpeters, 6-3, g/f; Ryne Roper, 6-2, f. Freshmen: Eli Scott, 6-3, c.

HerrinThe Tigers will be leaning

on 6-3 forward DeMarloHarris and point guard Jo JoHart this season. The squadalso has guard Jamie Jonesback.

Harris, a junior, has start-ed since he entered highschool, and coach IrvLukens is expecting to seethat experience pay off thisseason.

“Hopefully, he’ll showwhat he has learned in threeyears because I want someleadership out of him,”Lukens said of Harris. “He’sstrong and very talented.He’s been playing withsome good players, and nowhe will be the main one andhopefully he can handle thetransition.”

The Tigers have 6-7 cen-ter Vennis Brown in themiddle. He was pretty rawas a junior so it’ll be inter-esting to see how much he’sprogressed.

“Vennis saw some varsityaction last year, but nowhe’ll be put to the test,”Lukens said. “He had a goodsummer and has recoveredfrom knee surgery.Hopefully, this year he canget up there, stay active andtake of things inside for us.”

Lukens plans on usingJakob Caldwell at guard andhopes to get some goodoutside shooting fromJones as well.

Coach: Irv Lukens.Seniors: Vennis Brown, 6-7, c; JO JO HART, 5-7, g;Jacob Caldwell, 6-1, g; Ben Wayer, 6-4, f; DylanOrso, 6-1, g; JAMIE JONES, 6-1, g. Juniors: DEMARLO HARRIS, 6-3, f; Bobby Manning,5-10, g; Alex Davis, 6-0, g; Nathan Lukens, 5-10, g.

Massac CountyThe Patriots are hoping

for a big year from guardCorey Ayala, who is one ofthe most talented players inthe area. The 6-2 seniormissed a good chunk of lastseason because of an injury,but he’s back to lead a tal-ented squad for his finalyear.

“Corey has been on amission with his condition-ing and has worked reallyhard on his outside gameand his strength,” saidMassac County coach JoeHosman. “I look for him tohave a real big year for us.”

Massac County also hasQuincy Glass back at guard,and he’s a solid long rangeshooter. Hayden Farmer (6-4) and Griffin Bazor (6-5)give the Patriots a goodinside presence as well.

Malcolm Amos, a junior,really came on strongtoward the end of last sea-son. Hosman believes he’llbe a difference maker thisyear.

“He is really a gamer anddoesn’t shy away from tak-ing some big shots andbeing aggressive,” Hosmansaid.

Coach: Joe Hosman.Seniors: COREY AYALA, 6-2, g; QUINCY GLASS, 6-1,g; HAYDEN FARMER, 6-4, f; Tyler Lee, 6-0, f; O’SheaEverett, 5-9, g.Juniors: Malcolm Amos, 6-1, g; Griffin Bazor, 6-5, f;Dalton Stoner, 6-1, g; Shequille Moore, 5-11, g;Kelvin Skinner, 6-2, f.Sophomores: Ethan Schulte, 6-6, f; Ryan English,6-2, f; Andrew Cromeenes, 6-3, c; Ross Devers 6-2,f.

MurphysboroThe Red Devils have five

of their top six players backfrom last year’s super-sec-tional team that wentundefeated in the confer-ence.

It all starts with pointguard Jerrod Gaston, whohas a tremendous skill setthat may have been over-shadowed by the team’soverall balance last season.He’ll be in the backcourtalong with Orlando Jarrettand Pierre House.

“Experience is alwaysgood and it gets you out ofthe gate faster,” saidMurphysboro coach DarylMurphy. “Kids are familiarwith plays and defenses andthings like that. We alwayswant to work on funda-mentals, but you can getinto more of the gamecoaching sooner. The firstday of practice you’re moreadvanced than other years.”

Dylan Craig (6-3) andEben Brooks (6-3) return atthe post positions. Craigcan pretty much do it all,and Brooks is usuallyassigned to guard theopposing team’s biggestplayer down low.

Coach: Daryl Murphy.Seniors: DYLAN CRAIG, 6-3, f; EBEN BROOKS, 6-3,f; ORLANDO JARRETT, 6-0, g; JERROD GASTON, 6-1,

g; Cameron Greer, 5-9, g; Jordan Stanton, 6-5, c. Juniors: Pierre House, 6-1, g; Mitchell Rose, 6-1, f;Zane Heller, 5-9, g; Mitch Maloney, 5-9, g; DrewNovara, 6-0, g; Kyle Miller, 6-1, g.

West Frankfort The Redbirds had a

another tough season lastyear at 2-25, and DanDeWerff has taken overcoaching duties from KevinToney, who resigned.DeWerff compiled a 70-41record with two regionaltitles as the coach atPawnee High School overthe past four years.

West Frankfort can onlygo up from here, andDeWerff is hoping to seeimprovement this season.

“We are going to putpressure on the ball defen-sively and play man-to-man,” DeWerff said.“Offensively, we need ballmovement with screensand cutting. It’s not reallyrun and gun but workingthe ball to get a good shot.”

The squad has three sen-ior starters returning inTaylor Cash, Dylan Vaughnand Nathan Butler. Thattrio will be relied upon quitea bit, and the Redbirds havenine seniors on the roster.

Junior forward AddisonEggertsen is also expectedto be a key contributor.

Coach: Dan DeWerff.Seniors: TAYLOR CASH, 6-0, g; DYLAN VAUGHN, 6-0, g; NATHAN BUTLER, 6-2, f; Dalton Woolard, 5-11,g; Austin Allen, 5-10, g; Derek Davis, 5-8, g; CodyElders, 5-8, g; Major McKeithen, 6-3, c; ChaseRiddle, 6-3, f.Juniors: Addison Eggertsen, 6-2, f; Jarod Dial, 6-1,f; Joe Burgess, 6-1, f; Koty Rains, 6-2, f; NathanDodd, 6-1, g; Jeremy Harris, 6-0, g. Sophomores: Nick Korolenko, 6-0

SIRR Ohio: Boys

GGoo RReedd DDeevv ii llss !!Good Luck

Red Devils!

The Southern Illinoisan Friday, November 19, 2010 Page 77

BY SCOTT MEESTHE SOUTHERN

BentonThe Rangerettes should

be much improved withthree sophomores back thatstarted as freshmen.

Junior Sara Miller returnsat point guard along withsophomores EvelynMendez, Morgan Corn andMakala Carney. SophomoreBrittany Pedigo was injuredfor part of last season butsaw plenty of playing timeas well.

“We bring back a lot ofexperience, but we’ll still beyoung,” said Benton coachSeth Tate. “There are someexpectations around theprogram, so our girls have tolearn how to deal with that.I think we can be real com-petitive.”

The four sophomoreswere part of a really goodeighth grade team but had to learn on the flyagainst some players thatwere four years older lastseason. A full year of varsityexperience should show on the court this timearound.

Coach: Seth Tate.Seniors: Alyssa Williams, 5-6, g. Juniors: SARA MILLER, 5-6, g. Sophomores: MORGAN CORN, 5-11, g; EVELYN

MENDEZ, 5-7, g; MAKALA CARNEY, 6-1, c; BrittanyPedigo, 5-6, g; Taylor Williams, 5-9, f. Freshmen: Kristin Odom, 5-8, f; Ashtyn Ward, 5-10,f; Logan Buckner, 5-4, g; Sami Minor, 5-7, g; KaitlynBiddle, 5-8, f.

HarrisburgHarrisburg co-head

coaches April Horning andDenise Clayton enter theirsecond year at the helm ofthe Lady Bulldogs and arehoping to see improvementfrom last season’s 8-15squad.

The team doesn’t haveany returning starters andwill have six underclassmenon the varsity roster.

“Not having any startersback is tough, and it’s hardto fit fundamentals in,”Horning said. “We onlyhave two weeks to prepareand we’re kind of still put-ting our motion offense in.”

The Lady Bulldogs dohave a trio of seniors withsome experience on theteam. Hillary Shires andAlex Morgan both sawplaying time in the post,and Vicki Korschegenreturns at guard.

“Morgan is a hustle playerwho can defend well evenon the perimeter,” Horningsaid. Although she’s just afreshman, Ashley Ferrellwill need to contribute in the backcourt this sea-son.

Coaches: April Horning and Denise Clayton.Seniors: Hillary Shires, 5-11, f; Alexa Morgan, 6-0,f; Vicki Korschegen, 5-5, g.Juniors: Lexi Griffin, 5-8, f; Tracey Wallace, 5-5, g;Saddie Goodwin, 5-5;Sophomores: Shelby Boer, 5-9, f. Freshmen: Ashley Ferrell, 5-2, g; Lindsey Murray,5-1, g; Malayna Douglas, 5-5, f; Hayley Thompson, 5-8, f; Hannah Walker, 5-9, f.

HerrinBill Green, who has

coached this team in thepast, is taking over for MikeNewbold this season. TheLady Tigers lost their best,Austyn Ridings, to gradua-tion.

But the team will have thebest frontcourt in the divi-sion. Haley Elders and AbbyHorn, who are both six feettall, return to the startinglineup.

“Haley is just like herolder sister, Heather, andyou won’t find a hardernosed kid,” Green said. “Shecan move out 14 feet andshoot and take you inside.We are expecting big thingsout of her.”

The Lady Tigers are goingto need a big dose of Elders

this year, and if she staysaggressive she is the bestplayer in the conference.

Horn did a solid job as afreshman last season, butshe’ll need to step up hergame this season, too. TheLady Tigers need a goodchunk of points andrebounds from the sopho-more.

Coach: Bill Green.Seniors: HALEY ELDERS, 6-0, f; Kim Deming, 5-8,g; Stephanie Diaz, 5-7, g/f; Sarah Alongi, 5-7, f;Katelynn Knight, 5-9, f.Juniors: Olivia Caldwell, 6-0, f; Tessa Forquer, 6-0,f; Mikala Lunsford, 5-8, f.Sophomores: ABBY HORN, 6-0, f; Jessica Alongi,5-4, g; Alexis Yates, 5-6, f.Freshmen: Tori Johnson, 5-7, g/f.

Massac CountyThe Lady Patriots are

looking for improvementfrom last year when theteam started slow but fin-ished pretty well.

It all starts with juniorforward Kristina Henley (5-10), who has two years ofvarsity experience underher belt.

“I expect she will step upfor us this year because weneed that,” said MassacCounty coach KeithShelton. “She has to be aleader for us this year anddo a lot for us. She’s got tobe our leading scorer orright at it. If she doesn’taverage double figures wecould be in trouble.”

Shelton said Henley hasbeen hitting the weightroom, but she’ll need somehelp from her teammates.Chesley Burnham, a 5-8junior guard, could make an

impact for the squad thisseason.

Coach: Keith Shelton.Seniors: Brittany Bush, 5-6, g; Neka Lee, 5-6, g.Juniors: KRISTINA HENLEY, 5-10, f; KARSEN SMITH,5-11, f; Morgan McCutcheon, 5-11, f; Becca Reames,5-9, g; Chesley Burnham, 5-8, g; Shawnie Weaver, 5-8, f; Brittany Keith, 5-7, g; Destiny Turner, 5-6, f;Ashleigh Kendall, 5-8, g.Sophomores: Kaylee Childers, 5-6, g; LaurenBunting, 5-11, c.

MurphysboroThe Lady Red Devils are

looking to make some noisein the conference, andHalylie Hines is a goodplace to start.

The 5-7 senior guardplays tough defense and canscore some points as well.Hines and senior forwardShelby Mileur will be reliedupon to lead this team.

“Halylie will be our floorgeneral, and I think the twoof them will work very welltogether,” saidMurphysboro coach StaciHickam. Halylie plays oldschool basketball and willput a hand on you until thereferees tell her to stop. Ifshe stays out of foul troublewe should be in pretty goodshape.”

Mileur is a talentedmulti-sport athlete whohas been a positive mark onthe program in general. Shecan score in the paint andplays solid defense as well.

“She normally leaves animpression with anybodyshe’s around,” Hickam saidof Mileur. “She reallyexpects herself to do every-thing very well and shedoes. She is a little under-

sized for her position, butshe plays bigger than whather height.”

Coach: Staci Hickam.Seniors: Kaitlyn Kemp, 5-9, f; HALYLIE HINES, 5-7,g; SHELBY MILEUR, 5-8, f; Hailey Klink, 5-7, f. Juniors: Katy Flanagan, 5-7, g/f; Christina Smith, 5-5, g; Jasmine Gaines, 5-3, g; Chelsea Gillespie, 5-5,g; Rosie Hines, 5-5, g; Jennifer Roseberry, 5-6, g;Kelsea Fark, 5-9, f; Sophomores: Tori Conover, 5-8, g.

West FrankfortThe Lady Redbirds

weren’t expected to be real-ly good last season afterlosing a talented seniorclass, but the squad stillwound up winning aregional. The same could besaid this year.

Coach Matt Hamplemanhas one of the top players inthe area back in JasmineChromchak, a 5-10 for-ward.

“She’s played quite wellfor us, and she’s worked onher game a lot,”Hampleman said. “She canhit the big shots and thedeep 3. I look for her to stepup and take a leadership rolethis season.”

The team should have asolid presence in the paintwith Aarika Twist (6-0)and Nicole Frey (6-0) com-ing back.

“Twist played extremelywell for us in the regionallast year,” Hampleman said.

Coach: Matt Hampleman.Seniors: Aarika Twist, 6-0, c; Molly Hood, 5-9, g;Christi Bromley, 5-6, f; Hali Holland, 5-9, g. Juniors: Nicole Frey, 6-0, f; Kaitlyn Glodich, 5-5, g;JASMINE CHROMCHAK, 5-10, f; Kendall Presley, 5-5,g; Rachel Edwards, 5-10, f; Briyunna Kohel, 5-10, f;Yulia Cool, 5-5, g.Sophomores: Rebecca Cunningham, 5-10, f.

SIRR Ohio: Girls

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOHaley Elders of Herrin grabs arebound last season.

Go Rangers! Go Go

HerHerrinrinTTigeigers!rs!

Page 88 Friday, November 19, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan

BY PHILIP KOWALISTHE SOUTHERN

Carmi-White CountyCoach Jarrod Newell’s

Carmi-White CountyBulldogs returns startersLawson Warren, a firstteam all-conference pick,and Josh Capps from ateam that finished 8-2 inconference and shared thetitle with HamiltonCounty.

The Bulldogs, who fin-ished with 17-13, alsobring back LaramieImmel, Jacob Cox andTrent Thompson, all ofwhom played major min-utes a year ago.

Newell said it will beimportant for the team toestablish an identity asthe season moves along.

“We have size andquickness and have theability to score both insideand outside,” he said. “Wewill have to decide whatkind of team we want to beand work on that style ofplay to have a successfulseason.”

Coach: Jarrod NewellSeniors: LAWSON WARREN, 6-5, f; JOSH CAPPS,6-2, g; Cody Masterson, 5-10, f; Laramie Immel,5-10, g; Jacob Cox, 5-10, g; Trent Thompson, 5-10,g.Juniors: Trenton Veach, 5-8, g; Dalton Bartley,6-2, f; Lukas Matsel, 5-10, f; Isaac Hayse, 6-4, f;Patrick McKenzie, 6-4, f.Sophomores: Dylan Rankin, 5-8, g; Colin Winter,6-0, f; Gregory Dillman, 5-10, g; Ryan Farr, 5-10,f; Tyler Cushman, 6-0, f.

EldoradoCoach T.J. Zurliene’s

Eldorado Eagles returnthree starters from a teamthat finished with a 6-4conference mark and 16-15 overall.

The Eagles return 6-foot-5 forward CodyJohnson who was a firstteam all-conferenceselection last season.Johnson averaged 13 points per game a yearago but closed the seasonaveraging 20 points and 10 rebounds over the final

10 games.Also returning for the

Eagles are senior NickStewart and junior LucasWeir.

“The strength of thisteam will be its size,”Zurliene said. “We will betaller than most of ouropponents, which willgive us an advantageinside.”

The key to the Eaglesimproving on last season’srecord and challenging fora conference title will beimproved play on thedefensive end andpatience on offense.

Coach: T.J. ZurlieneSeniors: CODY JOHNSON, 6-5, f/c; NICKSTEWART, 6-0, g. Juniors: LUCAS WEIR, 6-4 f/c; Ryan Langley, 6-3, f.Sophomores: Devin Aldridge, 5-11, g.

FairfieldThe Fairfield Mules

return two starters from ateam that finished 7-22overall and 4-6 in theBlack Diamond East.

The Mules return sec-ond-team all-confer-ence selection AndrewAtteberry, who averagedeight points a contest lastseason.

The Mules other return-ing starter is forwardTyler Hutcheson.

Hutcheson will becounted on to providesome muscle inside forthe Mules who have onlyone player taller than 6-0.

“We will have to spreadthe floor to utilize ourquickness,” Fairfieldcoach Scott McElravysaid. “We will have to playan up-tempo stylebecause of our lack of size,but we have the quicknessto put pressure on ouropponent both offensivelyand defensively.”

Coach: Scott McElravySeniors: ANDREW ATTEBERRY, 5-9, g; TylerVaughn, 5-9, g; Victor Skaggs, 5-10, f. Juniors: Tyler Hutcheson, 5-11, f; Zane McMeen,6-2, f; Cody Bailey, 5-11, g; Derik Hutson, 5-9, g;Colton Slover, 5-10, g .

Hamilton CountyCoach Curt Reed’s

Hamilton County Foxesreturn just one starterfrom last year’s 16-14squad that shared theconference title withCarmi-White County.

The Foxes return seniorguard Clint Hopfinger toprovide leadership to ateam that has lost its topfour scorers and rebound-ers to graduation.

“It will be hard toreplace the scoring andrebounding that we havelost,” Reed said. “Ourbiggest loss will be theexperience we will bemissing on this team.”

In addition toHopfinger, the Foxes willhave junior Aaron Cravensback as the team’s topreturning scorer, and jun-ior post player ChadFlannigan to provide somestrength inside. AdamRubenacker will run thepoint for the Foxes thisseason.

Coach: Curt ReedSeniors: CLINT HOPFINGER, 5-10, g.Juniors: Adam Rubenacker, 5-9, g; C.J.Lemmons, 6-0, g; Chad Flannigan, 6-4, f/c;Aaron Cravens, 6-0, g.Sophomores: Levi Leuke, 6-1, f; GarrettBiggerstaff, 6-3, f.

Johnston CityJohnston City coach

Wade Thomas will lookfor his Indian squad tocontinue to build on theimprovement the teamshowed in his first year atthe helm.

“I think we made somepretty good strides lastyear,” Thomas said. “Weplayed better and becamemore competitive as theseason moved along. Theteam has been workinghard, and I feel we aremoving in the right direc-tion.”

The Indians, who fin-ished 6-22 overall and 3-7

Black Diamond East: Boys Black Diamond East: GirlsBY PHILIP KOWALISTHE SOUTHERN

Carmi-White CountyFirst-year coach Scott

Conner takes over atCarmi-White County andinherits a team that doesnot return a starter from ateam that finished 15-13overall and 6-4 in the con-ference a year ago.

Conner will look for sen-ior Hannah Kuykendalland junior AnniqueStubblefield to lead a teamthat he expects to be able tocontend for the conferencechampionship.

Kuykendall and Stubble-field will be looked upon tosupply the bulk of the scor-ing for the Lady Bulldogs.

Conner will look to sen-iors Tailor Frymire andWhitney McKenzie as wellas sophomore EmmaBachman to fill out a rota-tion at the guard spot, andsophomore post playerSydney Clark to add depthand scoring punch to thefrontcourt.

Coach: Scott ConnerSeniors: Hannah Kuykendall, 5-8, g; WhitneyMcKenzie, 5-8, g; Tailor Frymire, 5-6, g.Juniors: Annique Stubblefield, 6-0, f.Sophomores: Emma Bachman, 5-8, f; SydneyClark, 6-0, c.

EldoradoEldorado coach Josh

Bradley will look to seniorAly Mahoney to provideleadership for a very youngsquad that does not includeanother upperclassman onthe roster.

“We will have to rely onthe young girls to grow upfast,” Bradley said. “I hopewe can finish around .500as we gain experience and build depth for thefuture.”

Mahoney the Lady Eaglesonly returning starter aver-aged five points and threeassists per contest last yearfor a team that finished 14-14 overall and 5-5 in theconference, good for a

fourth-place finish.Mahoney, the team’s best

perimeter defender, will beasked to defend the oppo-nent’s top perimeter threatas well as provide more ofan offensive punch this sea-son.

Eldorado will look tosophomore guards AshtonUnthank and KourtneyPhillips to pick up some ofthe scoring the Lady Eagleslost to graduation.

Both Unthank andPhillips are good shootersfrom the perimeter and alsohave the ability to drive tothe basket.

Bradley expects sopho-mores Cassidy Morris, ElsieTalkington and CharlyLowery ato be in the mix.

Coach: Josh BradleySeniors: ALY MAHONEY, 4-9, g.Sophomores: Cassidy Morris, 5-9, f; ElsieTalkington, 5-10, c; Charly Lowery, 5-7, g; AshtonUnthank, 5-8, g; Kourtney Phillips, 5-7, g.Freshmen: Erica Gracyzk, 5-11, c.

FairfieldFairfield coach Tonya

Conrad welcomes backsenior Shelbi Simpson andjunior Kelsey Sarles as

returning starters for a LadyMules team that finishedlast season with a 15-12record overall and 4-6 inthe Black DiamondConference.

Simpson is the team’s topreturning scorer havingaveraged 15 points a contestlast season.

“The key to our successthis season will be ourdefense and rebounding,”Conrad said. “We don’thave much size so we willreally have to battle on theboards and look for ourdefense to cause turnoversthat we can use to createoffensive opportunities outof.

We have the potential tobe a good offensive team aswe have several goodshooters from the 10-15foot range, but we need topush the ball every chancewe have to get some easybaskets in transition.”

Coach: Tonya ConradSeniors: SHELBI SIMPSON, 5-7, g; Alyssa Lang, 5-11,g/f.Junoirs: KELSEY SARLES, 5-8, g; Brittani Cherry, 5-8, g/f.

SEE BOYS / PAGE 9 SEE GIRLS / PAGE 9

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOVienna’s Hannah McGinnis competes for a rebound last season.

The Southern Illinoisan Friday, November 19, 2010 Page 99

BOYS: Trico is the favorite GIRLS: BDC East defending champion ready for another runFROM PAGE 8

Hamilton CountyThe Hamilton County Lady Foxes

return three starters from a team thatfinished last season 17-12 overall.Their 6-4 conference mark was goodenough to finish second behind con-ference champ Vienna.

Hamilton County returns startersEmma Moreton, Laci Laughard andAlyssa Winemiller to a team thatcoach Clint Winemiller expects tochallenge for the conference title.

“We return a lot of experience,”Winemiller said. “We only lost twoplayers from last year’s team. Thesegirls are a very competitive groupthat does not like to lose. They have achance to do something special thisseason if they can stay healthy.”

Winemiller will look to three-yearstarter Laughard and Emma Moretonto provide the bulk of the scoring forhis team but the Lady Foxes also haveother weapons in forward MarciNiekamp and guard Winemiller.

Coach: Clint WinemillerSeniors: Sara Scott, 5-10, c/f, Natalie Anselment, 5-10, c/f; KrystalKnight, 5-7, g; Anna Moreton, 5-8, g. Juniors: EMMA MORETON, 5-9, g/f; ALYSSA WINEMILLER, 5-6 g;LACI LAUGHARD, 5-8, g; Ali Zachman, 5-6, g; Marcie Niekamp, 5-8, f.

Johnston CityFirst-year Johnston City coach

George Lenon takes over team thatreturns just two starters from a teamthat finished 5-22 last year, finishingthe season with a 22-game losingstreak.

“We will be very young and veryinexperienced,” Lenon said. “I had apretty good turnout but the majorityof the girls are freshmen and havevery little experience but I have agood start at building for the future.”

The Lady Indians return seniorsMarissa Montgomery and CarleyBunting but Bunting will be out forfive or six weeks with a broken footsuffered during volleyball season.

Sophmores Rowdy Sanders andKelsie Nagrodski and freshmanMolly Price will join Montgomery inthe starting lineup with Lenon still

looking to find a fifth starter toreplace the injured Bunting.Coach: George LenonSeniors: MARISSA MONTGOMERY, 5-8, g; CARLEY BUNTING, 5-10, f.Sophomores: Rowdy Sanders, 5-9, f; Kelsie Nagrodski, 5-, g.Freshmen: Molly Price, 6-0, c.

ViennaDefending conference champion

Vienna returns three starters fromlast year’s team that finished with a9-1 conference record and at 24-7overall.

The Lady Eagles return seniorsHanna McGinnis and Emily Hornand sophomore point guard CarleyChildress as starters from last sea-son’s conference champs.

Senior Taylor Hoffman and juniorBrooke Childress look to step in andfill out the starting five.

“The strength of this team is ourexperience,” coach Brannon Waterssaid. “They are all used to playingwith each other.”

Coach: Brannon WatersSeniors: HANNAH MCGINNIS, 5-10, f; EMILY HORN, 5-7, g; TaylorHoffman, 5-, f.

in the conference a yearago, return two starters.

Back for the Indians areseniors Brandon Criderand Daniel Davison.

Crider a second team all-conference pick averaged13 points and eightrebounds last season,and Davison chipped ineight points and fiverebounds per game for theIndians.

Johnston City will alsolook for contributionsfrom Jessi Jeffords, AngeloHightower and TylerJohnson.

The key to any successJohnston City will havewill be their work at the defensive end of thefloor.

Coach: Wade ThomasSeniors: BRANDON CRIDER, 6-2, f; DANIELDAVISON, 6-2, f; Jesse Jeffords, 6-1, f. Juniors: Angelo Hightower, 5-10, g; Cody Watkins,5-9, g; Taylor Kirkman, 5-10, g.Sophomores: Tyler Johnson, 5-10, g; Jory Kee, 5-10, g; Devin Glisson, 5-10, g.

ViennaCory Waters takes over as

coach of the Vienna Eaglesafter spending five seasonsas an assistant.

Waters inherits a teamthat finished 1-9 in confer-ence and 3-23 last season.

Vienna returns startersAaron Kirby, Trae Fosterand leading scorer MarcusStramm.

Kyle Bollman, StevenSullivan, Clayton Smithand Drew Kirby also look to see significant playingtime for the Eagles thisseason.

Waters said the key toimprovement will be pro-tecting the basketball andplaying tough defense.

Coach: Cory WatersSeniors: AARON KIRBY, 6-0, g; MARCUS STRAMM,5-11, g; TRAE FOSTER, 5-11, f; Kyle Bollman, 6-1, f;Steven Sullivan, 6-0, f; Clayton Smith, 6-2, f; DrewKirb, 5-11, g.Juniors: Clayton Wright, 6-1, f.Sophomores: Blake Gray, 5-10, g.

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Page 1100 Friday, November 19, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan

BY PATRICK ERICKSONTHE SOUTHERN

ChesterIt will be a new look and a

new conference for Chesterthis year. The YellowJackets move from the SIRRMississippi over to theBlack Diamond, switchingplaces with Carterville.

The switch should helpChester. The Yellow Jacketswill be competing againstschools of similar size.Coach Robert Bell said thiswill give his team a chanceto win every night.

“I feel we will be moreenergized and upbeat eachgame,” he said, “We won’thave to face the Nashvillesand Pinckeyvilles night inand night out.”

The Yellow Jackets shouldalso be boosted by thereturn of three starters,Zach Lochhead, JustinWoodward and MattChandler. They also returna key reserve in BrandonYoung and get Seth Johnsonback from a knee injury.

“He (Johnson) was sup-posed to play a role off thebench for us last year beforehis injury, “Bell said, “And,unfortunately, he was notable to fully get back to thevarsity level. But he hasrecovered well and lookedgood this summer.”

The Yellow Jackets will

try and slow things down abit year as they have somegood size.

Coach: Robert BellSeniors: ZACH LOCHHEAD, 6-2, g. JUSTINWOODWARD, 6-1, f. MATT CHANDLER, 6-7, c. Juniors: Brandon Young, 6-2, g/f.

ChristopherChristopher welcomes a

new look and a new coachfor the 2010-11 season. EricStallman takes the reins forthe Bearcats after havingpreviously coached at thefreshman and junior-varsi-ty levels.

He inherits a team thatlost five seniors, includingthree starters from a squadthat finished 7-17 and 2-8 inconference. On the plusside, he returns seven sen-iors, including his leadingscorer.

Steven Dial averaged 10points per game a year agoand will be tasked withleading the offense again.He will be supported by fel-low senior Devin Austill.Austill, 6-2, along with 6-5senior David Ragan and 6-5sophomore Kevin Merckswill provide the size downlow.

Coach: Eric StallmanSeniors: STEVEN DIAL, 6-0., g; Ryan Dawson, 6-0,g; Taylor Calloni, 5-, g; Joey Bailey, 5-10, g; DEVINAUSTILL, 6-2, f; DAVID RAGAN, 6-5, f; Mardi Nikolich,6-0, g. Juniors: Kolten Pedigo, 5-10, g; Scott Marchetti, 6-0, g.Sophomores: Tyler Atchison, 5-10, g; KevinMercks, 6-5, f.

ElveradoElverado returns three

starters from a year ago andlooks to improve from pastseasons. The Falcons fin-ished 0-10 in conferencelast season, but 4-24 over-all, a three-win improve-ment from 2008-09, andhope to show similarimprovement this year.

Though they lost theirleading scorer from lastyear, the Falcons possess astrong junior class and asophomore class that totalseleven players. Coach JohnHarrison said these classeswill help set the tone.

“We are going to be veryimproved from a year ago,”he said, “I think we will beable to compete a lot morethis season.”

The Falcons will relyoffensively on senior guardDylan Hasty, one of thethree returning starters. Hewill get support from juniorDalton Porter and seniorBen Kempfer.

Elverado doesn’t have aplayer over 6-2, but they arehoping to rely on quicknessand depth to wear downopponents and createturnovers.

Coach: John HarrisonSeniors: Sean Harrison, 6-1, f; BEN KEMPFER, 6-0,g;DYLAN HASTY, 6-0, g. Juniors: DALTON PORTER, 5-11., g; Bryce Mathis, 5-7, g; Wade Bowlin, 5-7, g; Skyler Roach, 5-5, g;Branden Lewis, 5-8, g.Sophomores: Jake Lipe, 6-2, f; Brian McClanahan,5-8, g; Kyle Whittington, 5-9, g; Josh Saransen, 6-2,

f; Josh Stuva, 5-3, g; Stevon Sedillo, 5-5, g; MarshallBell, 5-9, g; Kody Ellet, 5-5, g; Casey Hicks, 6-2, f;Andrew Jeschke, 6-1, f; Zack Hanks, 5-11, g. Freshmen: Christian Kistner, 5-6, g; Eli Fennell, 5-4, g.

Sesser-ValierLast year was a banner

season for Sesser-Valier.The Red Devils followed astrong regular season, withan even stronger postsea-son, making it all the way tothe Class 1A state finalbefore falling to Salt Fork.

Gone is a talented seniorclass which included thetop seven players from lastseason, including first teamall-stater Justin Matyi. Butthat doesn’t mean Sesserwill be down this year.

“We have a lot of talent,”said coach Chip Basso,“Our JV last year was excel-lent. We have a very goodjunior class and a couple ofgood juniors. They justneed some experience.”

Curtis Edwards andDustin Hicks will beexpected to lead the team asit transitions into a new era.The seniors played somevarsity minutes last yearand will be expected to helpthe strong junior class. Lastyear’s deep run should alsoprove to be beneficial.

“Anytime you do what wedid last year, it can only helpyou grow,” Basso said.

Coach: Chip BassoSeniors: Dustin Hicks, 6-1, g; Alan DelBene, 5-8, g;Dakota Ellison, 5-8, g; Curtis Edwards, 5-10, g; CalebSpann, 5-10, c.JJuunniioorrss:: Kyle Stanley, 6-0, g; Greg Jenkins, 5-10, g;Tim Witcher, 6-4, f; John Vercellino, 6-0, f; DylanRock, 6-1, f; Drew Dorris, 6-3, c.SSoopphhoommoorreess:: Justin Kulich, 6-5, c.

TricoExpectations are high at

Trico as the Pioneers returnnearly every key player froma team that went undefeat-ed in the Black DiamondConference last season.

All five starters and 11 ofthe top 12 players return ayear after having their sea-son come to a prematurehalt in the playoffs. With somuch experience and talentback, coach Shane Hawkinssaid big things should beexpected.

“When I arrived here fiveyears ago, this is the classwe were looking to buildfor,” said Hawkins, the for-mer Southern IllinoisUniversity guard, “Theseguys have been together fora long time, and the experi-ence and chemistry shouldpay off.”

The Pioneers will be leadby Logan Thies, the BlackDiamond West Co-MVPlast season. The senioraveraged nearly 20 pointsper game a season ago.Thies will be joined by fel-low three-year startersJesse Smith and ChaseHeins.

Coach: Shane HawkinsSeniors: LOGAN THIES 6-1, g.; JESSE SMITH, 6-0, g;Dennis Froemling 5-11, g; Patrick Heller, 5-10, g;Tyler Coleman, 6-1, g. Juniors: CHASE HEINS, 6-6, f; Dylan Withoff, 6-0, g;Daron Meyerhoff, 6-0, g; Kaleb Koester, 6-4, f;Trevor Compton, 6-3, f.

Zeigler-RoyaltonZeigler-Royalton will

have to replace seven sen-iors and its entire starting

cast from a year ago, a sea-son which saw theTornadoes finish 17-14.

The Tornadoes do havesix seniors who they willrely on, but most of themlack significant varsityexperience. Coach JaimeMoyers said a big key will behow quickly his teamadapts.

“I think a big question ishow will these guys matureon the floor,” he said. “Ifthey can adjust to the high-er level of play it will help alot.”

Leading the way for Z-Rwill be Dylan Arvai, a 6-2 guard coming off a sea-son lost to injury.

He had been expected tobe a key varsity reserve lastyear, but after missing timewas not able to be con-tribute.

Still, he will be reliedupon heavily.

“I think Dylan has to be aleader in all categories,”Moyers said,

“Statistically and as aleader.”

Payton Clark and JordanDominick will be taskedwith supporting Arvai.Clark is a junior who will beexpected to play the bulk ofthe minutes at center. Hewill be joined in the front-court by Domineck, a sen-ior.Coach: JAIME MOYERSSeniors: Dylan Arvai, 6-2, g; Jordan Domineck, 5-11f; Tyler Slomka, 5-11, f; Wyatt Underwood, 6-1, c;Travis Minton, 6-2, g; Sean Masters, 6-2, c.Juniors: Ron Kaegi, 5-7, g; Payton Clark, 6-2, c;Ryan Leposky, 6-0, f; Jamie Hargraves, 5-6, g. Sophomores: Jeffrey Pedigo, 5-8, g.Freshmen: Nick McPhail, 5-9, g.

Black Diamond West: Boys

GoFalcons!

MemberFDIC

BY PATRICK ERICKSONTHE SOUTHERN

ElveradoElverado has an advan-

tage over much of the BlackDiamond West. They returnfour starters including apair of seniors and a juniorfrom a team that finished6-25 and 1-7 in conference ayear ago.

With so many playersdeparting the conference,the Lady Falcons will have asignificant experienceadvantage. Coach LanceBedar said the experienceshould help.

“I think with all the lossesfrom last year, the confer-ence is pretty wide open,”said Bedar. “Factor in ourexperience, and I think wehave a great chance to com-pete pretty well in confer-ence play.”

Leading the way for theLady Falcons will be thethree upperclassmen.Seniors Sami Hicks andChelsea Cochran will leadin the backcourt. LaceyQualls will help out on theinside and out. But Bedarsaid the key will be thesophomore class.

“It’s a very big class (sixplayers) and a very goodclass,” he said. “We aregoing to rely on them andthe sophomore class defi-nitely has to step up.”

Four of those sopho-mores will see significanttime, and Bedar hopes thedepth will be there to get upand down the floor.

Coach: Lance Bedar.Seniors: CHELSEA COCHRAN, 5-5, g; SAMI HICKS, 5-4, g.Juniors: LACEY QUALLS, 5-6, g. Sophomores: Jennifer Sarensen, 5-7, f; CorrineWilson, 5-5, g; Rebecca Koranado, 5-, f;. MeghannTrammel, 5-5, g; Hannah Rawson, 5-5, g; KelseyLeland, 5-0, g. Freshmen: Allecia Cross, 5-4, g; Lindsay Hasty, 5-3, g; Alicen Torres, 5-2, g; Tori Porter, 5-2, g.

Sesser-ValierSesser-Valier returns just

one starter from last year’s18-8 team that went 8-0 in

the Black Diamond West.The Red Devils have no sen-iors and only one junior. Butyouth will not be an excusethis season.

A year after winning theconference, expectationswill be high. A big reasonwhy is sophomore guardChelsea Miller.

Standing at 5-9, Millerpossesses great size for aperimeter player. A tena-cious defender, Miller willbe asked to lead Sesser-Valier. She started everygame last year as a fresh-man.

Supporting Miller will bethe team’s lone upperclass-man, Tasha Doerr. Standingat 5-10, Doerr is among thetallest of the Lady RedDevils. Coach Brian Gibsonsaid Doerr is ready for astarting role.

“She is very athletic andquick for a big girl,” Gibsonsaid, “She is in only herthird year of basketball, andshe now has a grasp ofthings and is reading to stepinto a key role.”

Rae Lappin, a sophomore,will be responsible for run-ning the point. Lappin sawa little over 10 minutes agame as a freshman, and theexperience should help hermake a smooth translationinto a starting spot.

A guard-oriented squad,the Lady Red Devils will runa mixture of up-tempo andset offenses while relyingon pressure defense to cre-ate turnovers and addition-al scoring opportunities.Gibson said that while histeam is young he stillexpects them to compete.

Coach: Brian Gibson.Juniors: Tasha Doerr, 5-10, f.Sophomores: Rae Lappin, 5-8, f; CHELSEA MILLER,5-9., g; Callie Stanhouse, 5-5, g; Maegan Eskew, 5-7.,g; Hannah Newell, 5-8, f. Mariah Miller, 5-10, f.Freshmen: Bailee Jones, 5-9, f; Maty Garner, 5-8, f;Claire Pytlinski, 5-8, f; Mikala Williams, 5-10, f;Rachel Marlo, 5-10, f; Kayla Kulinski, 5-7, g.

TricoAfter a down year, Trico

will try to return to the form

that earned a conferencetitle in 2008-09. The LadyPioneers return threestarters, including a pair ofseniors, from last year’s 9-18 squad that went 2-6 inconference.

Trico is so young thatseven freshman will gracethe roster. But they will belead by a standout returnerin Beth Daniels.

Daniels, who was all-conference in volleyball, isthe leading returning scorerfor the Lady Pioneers andthe 6-1 forward will beasked to lead the way again.

“We will rely on Beth for alot,” said coach Steve Vogt.“She will be important toour success with heractions on and off thecourt.”

The Lady Pioneers pos-sess pretty good size: Alongwith Daniels they run outfour other starters who areall 5-7 or taller. But Tricowill also be quick.

“We think we’ll be quick-er than last season,” Vogtsaid. “We are going tochange our philosophy a lit-tle and want to get up anddown the floor.”

Coach: Steve Vogt.Seniors: BETH DANIELS, 6-1, f/g. Autumn Petroske,5-8, f/c.Juniors: Kendra Williams. 5-9, g/f: Rebekah Dilday,5-8, f. Sophomores: Katelyn Thies, 5-9, f; Levi Gall, 5-2, g;Lisa Luehr, 5-2, g.Freshmen: Kourtney Bunselveydr, 5-6, g; JordanLodge, 5-7, g; Ashley Modglin, 5-8, f; MadisonKranawetter, 5-6, f/g; Paige Ebers, 5-4, g; RayannaMoore, 5-6, f/g; Maddi McMillan, 5-5, f.

ChesterA different look awaits

Chester as they move fromthe SIRR Mississippi to theBlack Diamond West.

Once a Class 1A schoolamong others with Class 2A enrollments, Chesterwill now compete againstteams that are similar insize.

While coach Rick Powleysaid the change shouldhelp, it also breeds unfamil-iarity.

“You’re stepping into

something you haven’t seenbefore,” he said. “We’veseen a few of the schools intournaments, but not all. Itwill be an interesting chal-lenge.”

One thing that won’tchange much is theapproach.

Chester returns threestarters and a total of sevenseniors.

With four juniors also onthe roster, the Lady YellowJackets appear deep.

Powley said he hopes tobe able to go 10 or 11 deepand have his depth to allowhis squad to get after itdefensively.

On offense, Chester willtry and mix it up, looking torun at times, but othertimes operate out of half-court sets.

Coach: Rick Powley.Seniors: HILARY BEST. Jordan Clendenin. ArielGates. Jade Jolly. SHELLY LYONS. Kristy Pulliam.Rebecca Young.Juniors: Kelli Dillow. Shelby Helmers. MeganMarcinkowska. Raelyn Rosendohl. Sophomores: Chelsea Schroeder.

Zeigler-Royalton-Christopher

Z e i g l e r - R o y a l t o n -Christopher lost four seniorstarters from a team thatfinished 9-11 and 3-5 inconference a year ago, butmany are viewing theTornadoes as the favoritesto win the Black DiamondWest.

One reason for that is thereturn of senior guard StacyHolland. Holland is the onlyreturning starter from lastseason and will be reliedupon heavily to contribute.Waiting to fill the vacantstarting roles are a wholehost of players.

Juniors Allie Mayer andChelsey Greenwood andsophomores Brandy Mifflinand Maddy Caruso are fourthat coach Jeremy May islooking to have step up. Allfour played some varsityminutes a season ago. Butperhaps more important isthe depth the Tornadoes

expect to have.“Our JV lost only one

game last year,” May said,“And we went undefeatedin conference. We expect toget help from there and Iexpect we will be verydeep.”

The depth will help Z-R-C push the tempo. Maywants his team to throw inpresses and createturnovers to fuel hisoffense. The offense will begenerated by the defensivesuccess.

One key will be replacingtwo all-conference postsfrom a year ago. The open-ing day starter will be 6-foot senior Ashleigh Opp,but she will draw help fromfellow 6-footers KaleighPerry and Racheal Grear.

Coach: Jeremy May.Seniors: STACY HOLLAND, g; Ashleigh Opp, f;McKenzie Arondelli, g.Juniors: Chelsey Greenwood, f; Allie Mayer, f;Kaleigh Perry, f; Kiley Wagner, g; Racheal Grear, f. Sophomores: Brandy Mifflin, f; Maddy Caruso, f;Marrisa Battaglia, g; Kaleigh Cole, f; Breanna Price,f. Freshmen: Ashton Beaver, c.

The Southern Illinoisan Friday, November 19, 2010 Page 1111

Black Diamond West: Girls

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Page 1122 Friday, November 19, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan

BY LES WINKELERTHE SOUTHERN

CenturyCentury posted a 15-12

mark last season, butcoach Tyson Bormann hasjust one player back fromlast year.

Josh Wright, a 6-foot-1senior returns to the pointguard position.

“He’s a true 6-1,”Bormann said. “For thisarea, the teams he will beplaying, he’s a good-sizedguard. He sees the floor.He’s kind of a streakyshooter, but he’s a goodpasser.”

The only other playerwith limited varsity expe-rience is Cordon Hight, asophomore. Other playerslikely to see playing timeare senior Ryan Wilson,juniors Chance Butler,Jaron Brust, AnthonyKimmins and freshmanDevontay Pullett.

Coach: Tyson BormannSeniors: JOSH WRIGHT, 6-1, g; Ryan Wilson, 5-11,g.Juniors: Chance Butler, 6-4, f; Jaron Brust, 6-3, f;Anthony Kimmins, 6-2, f.Sophomore: Cordon Hight, 6-0, g.Freshman: Devontay Pullett, 6-3, f.

CobdenRhett Barke takes over

the reins as head coach atCobden this year. He hasthree returning starters inguards Rob Lehr, BoGearhart and Josh Aspen.

Lehr was the leadingscoring last year, averagingnearly 20 ppg.

“He can shoot outside,and he’s got some gooddriving abilities,” Barkesaid.

“He’s got quick handsand he’s quick off the drib-ble.”

In the meantime,Gearhart is expected tohold down the post.

Coach: Rhett BarkeSeniors: BO GEARHART, 6-4, c; ROB LEHR, 6-0, g;Juniors: R.J. Millis, 5-10, g; R.J. Bridges, 6-3, f.Sophomore: JOSH ASPEN, 6-0, g.

Freshmen: Austin Flamm, Tyler Lewey.

DongolaThere are no starters

returning from last year’s2-28 squad, but coach RussMarsh has several playerswho saw extensive varsityaction last year.

Senior Darin Gibson,juniors Tyler Thompsonand Jordan Edds and soph-omores Clay Harris, BrockPatterson and TylerEddleman all played at thevarsity level last year.

Although he does havesome experience, Marshsaid this season could stillbe a learning experience.

“It’s still growing pains,”he said. “A lot of them gotvarsity playing experience,that helps.”

Coach: Russ MarshSenior: Darin Gibson, 6-2, f.Juniors: Tyler Thompson, 6-0, g; Jordan Edds, 6-0, g; Justin Simms, 5-10, g.Sophomores: Tyler Eddleman, 6-4, c; Clay Harris,6-1, f; Brock Patterson, 5-11, g; Bradley Ralls, 6-0,g; Darius Schaure, 6-0, g.Freshman: Donnie Gibson, 5-11, g.

EgyptianEgyptian’s Matt

Mandrell is in reload modethis year. The Pharaohs lost10 players to graduationlast year.

Starters JhermarienTerry and Marcus Marablereturn, and DarmezNelson, KeyontaeWoodson and DevantaePrice all saw some varsityaction.

“Those five, they did getsome varsity experience,”Mandrell said. “They’vedone fairly well at the lowerlevels. Hopefully, as theseason goes on we can becompetitive.

Coach: Matt MandrellSeniors: JHERMARIEN TERRY, 5-8, g.Juniors: MARCUS MARABLE, 6-1, f; DarmezNelson, 6-0, g; Keyontae Woodson, 6-3, c.Sophomore: Devantae Price, 6-0, g.

GorevilleGoreville coach Todd

Tripp hopes the Blackcatsfinal year in the South

Egyptian Conference ismemorable. Goreville ismoving to the BlackDiamond Conference nextyear.

“We’ll miss the SEC,”Tripp said. “We’ve alwaysgotten along with everyonein this conference. It’swhat I played in andcoached in, but we’re alsolooking forward to being inthe Black Diamond.”

Goreville returns startersLee Sopczak (5-11 senior)and Caleb Kinder (6-3 sen-ior) from last year’s 22-8team.

Coach: Todd TrippSeniors: CALEB KINDER, 6-3, f; LEE SOPCZAK, 5-11, g; Nick Andros, 6-6, f; Alex Stout, 6-2, f; CodySmith, 5-9, g; Dakota Runge, 6-1, f; Jordan Madden,6-2, f.Juniors: Nate Webb, 6-2, f.

JoppaJoppa’s Rangers are hop-

ing to turn last year’s 10-16mark around.

There are just tworeturning starters, butTravis Beck and DakotaParker, both 6-2, were the team’s leading scorerslast year. Beck, a junior,averaged 16 ppg last year, and Parker, a senior,averaged just less than 13 points.

Two other seniors, JakeWolfe, a guard-forward,and Tucker Harris, a guard,both averaged close to sixpoints last year.

Coach: Trebor HillSeniors: DAKOTA PARKER, 6-2, f; Jake Wolfe, 6-0,g-f; Tucker Harris, 5-10, g. Carson Godfrey, 5-10, g;Kasey Garris, 6-0, g.Juniors: TRAVIS BECK, 6-2, g, Jeremy Gurley, 5-9,g; Dalton Godfrey, 6-3, f.Sophomore: Alex Copley, 5-11, g; Jon Harris, 5-9,g; Austin Arrison, 5-10, g.Freshmen: Andy Walquist, 6-4, f; Trey Sharp, 6-1, f; Tyler Castleman, 5-8 g; Justin Harvill, 5-9, g.

MeridianJeff Mandrell has just

two starters returning fromlast year’s 29-2 squad thatlost to Sesser-Valier in thesectional finals.

South Egyptian: BoysBY LES WINKELERTHE SOUTHERN

CenturyKayla Eddington will be

the headliner for Centurythis season.

Eddington, a 5-foot-5senior guard, is the onlyreturning starter fromDavid Dexter’s 15-122009-10 club.

“She’s a heckuva player,”Dexter said. “She’s rightunder 1,400 points goinginto her senior year. She’shit close to 200 3-pointersgoing into her senior sea-son. She’ll have to have abig year. She’s just a reallygood player.”

Moving up from the jun-ior varsity will be LaurenTaake, a 5-8 junior, whogot some playing time lastyear. Raven Merryman andChelsea Ruffo, both 5-5juniors, will also make thetransition to varsity ball.Coach: David DexterSeniors: KAYLA EDDINGTON, 5-5, g.Juniors: Lauren Taake, 5-8, f; Raven Merryman, 5-5, g; Chelsea Ruffo, 5-5, g; Kayla Reagan, 5-8, f.Sophomores: Natalie Hubbard, 5-5, g; KellyAnderson, 5-6, g.Freshmen: Morgan Atherton, 5-9, f; AmandaCheek, 5-7, g; Shelby Penrod, 5-4, g; Amber Davis,5-11, c.

CobdenCobden advanced to the

Salem Supersectional lastyear, but has just onestarter, Kayla Quertermous,returning from that 26-6club.

“Kayla is the one we’relooking to pick up some ofthe scoring load we lost lastyear,” said coach TravisFoster. “She’s a hard work-er. She’s going to have to bethe go-to scorer this year.She was the third leadingscorer last year, so she’llhave to be the No. 1 optionthis year.”

Quertermous was alsothe team’s second leadingrebounder last year. She is a5-8 senior.

Three other players,Bekah Russell, a 5-4, junior,

Maria Piper, a 5-9 senior,and Alysha Bottje, a 5-6senior, all saw some playingtime last year.

Coach: Travis FosterSeniors: KAYLA QUERTERMOUS, 5-8, c; MariaPiper, 5-9, f; Alysha Bottje, 5-6, g, Jordyn Grey, 5-7, f.Juniors: Bekah Russell, 5-4, g.

DongolaThe good news for Lady

Demons’ coach PrestonHall is he has six startersreturning from last year’steam. On the other hand,Dongola finished just 2-20last year.

“We should have won 6-8games last year,” Hall said.“We lost about five gamesin the last few minutes. Lastyear we were in a bunch ofgames, but we had troublefinishing.”

The Lady Demons hadjust seven players at timeslast year. Basketball was re-instated two years ago afterthe program had beendropped.

Coach: Preston HallSeniors: DOMINIQUE SCHOUER, 5-6, f; JODYSCHULTZ, 5-5, g.Juniors: EMILY TERBAK, 6-1, c-f; MICHAELAPENROD, 5-4, g.Sophomores: HALEY FULLER, 5-4, g; Katie Latham

EgyptianBalance and effort will be

the key for Erin Jackson’sLady Pharaohs this year.

Jackson has three startersreturning in DominiqueRoss, a 5-4 senior;Samantha Hill, a 5-7, junior,and Morgan Busby, a 5-7,sophomore. AmethystMassie, a 5-9 senior,returns after a one-yearabsence and KatieHeinrich, a 5-3 sophomore,got some playing time lastyear.

Two freshmen that couldhave an impact are KaydeWood and JimberleaBledsoe.

“They’re hard workers,”Jackson said. “Talent-wise,it’s not like this is one play-er that stands out. Height is

a problem.”

Coach: Erin JacksonSeniors: DOMINIQUE ROSS, 5-4, g; AmethystMassie, 5-9, f.Juniors: SAMANTHA HILL, 5-7, f.Sophomores: MORGAN BUSBY, 5-7, f; KatieHeinrich, 5-3, g.Freshmen: Kayde Wood, 5-9, f; Jimberlea Bledsoe,5-4, g.

GorevilleWith four starters return-

ing from last year’s 25-3team, the GorevilleBlackcats appear to bet theteam to beat in the SouthEgyptian Conference. Thisis the final year Gorevillewill be in the SEC. TheBlackcats will be moving tothe Black Diamond nextyear.

“We would want to win itno matter what,” saidGoreville coach MikeHelton. “I can’t say there isany more incentive therebased on the experience wehave coming back. It wouldbe much nicer to win it aswe leave than lose it as weleave.”

The returnees includeseniors Cayla Harner,Caitlyn Parmalee and JodieWright and junior ShelbeyMiller.

“Experience is not anissue,” Helton said. “The-y’re all played in conferencechampionship games,regional final games.”

Coach: Mike HeltonSeniors: CAYLA HARNER, 5-9, f; CAITLYNPARMALEE, 5-8, f; JODIE WRIGHT, 5-6, g.Juniors: SHELBEY MILLER, 5-4, g; Chiara Hall, 5-6,g; Ashley Webb, 5-2, g.Sophomores: Alison Webb, 5-11, c; Jesse Wright, 5-9, f.

MeridianDawn Turner will have

four starters returning fromlast year’s squad.

The Bobcats will besomething of an anomalythis year – they’re short,but rebounding will be oneof their strong suits.

“Oddly (one of the team’sstrengths) is our size,”Turner said.

South Egyptian: Girls

SEE SEC BOYS / PAGE 11 SEE SEC GIRLS / PAGE 11

The Southern Illinoisan Friday, November 19, 2010 Page 1133

BY JEREMY JOFFRAYTHE SOUTHERN

Carrier MillsFor the past five years,

Carrier Mills has dominat-ed the Greater EgyptianConference.

The Wildcats have lostjust two conference gamesduring that span, and haveaveraged more than 20wins a season. Over thepast two years, CarrierMills has won 51 games.Just two seasons ago, theWildcats made to the sec-tional round.

Coach: Mark MotsingerSeniors: DILLON HARRISON, 5-11, g; J.R. Brown, 5-11, wing; Josh Smith, 6-3, f.Juniors: Gabe Morgan, 6-4, wing; Colin Crim, 5-10, g.

Crab OrchardComing off a 26-5 sea-

son, including a 12-2 markin the GEC, Crab Orchardwill look to dethronedefending conferencechampion Carrier Mills.

Crab Orchard returnsthree starters, including 6-5 center Ben Kissing and5-10 guard Drew Johnson,perhaps two of the topplayers in the conference.

Coach: Jon BrownSeniors: Brandon Boester, 6-0, f; Dylan Hutson, 5-11, gJuniors: DREW JOHNSON, 5-10, g; BEN KISSING,6-5, f; COTY WECE, 5-8, g.Sophomores: Clinty Emery, 5-9, f; Ty Bailey, 6-2, c.

GalatiaGalatia will lean on sen-

ior guards Denton Reed andKody Tennison as theBearcats try to competeconference.

Reed, a three-yearstarter, is a returning all-conference point guard.The Bearcats will look forstrong perimeter defensefrom both Reed andTennison.

Coach: Bob BelfordSeniors: DENTON REED, 5-11, g; KODY TENNISON,5-8, g; Tyler McCormick, 6-4, f; Clayton Baggett, 6-4, f; Weston Fulkerson, 6-2, f; Damon Jackson, 6-0,f; James Lynn, 5-11, f.Juniors: Josh Moore, 6-1, f; Tyler Goldsberry, 5-9,g; Travis Bond, 5-9, g.

Gallatin CountyGallatin County will

sport one of the tallestsquads among local small schools, with a start-ing lineup that fea-tures 6-11 sophomoreAndrew Drone and threeother players 6-2 or tall-er.

Drone averaged 13 pointsas a freshman starter.Fellow sophomore DaneHish, the lone starter undersix feet, averaged sevenpoints a game.

Coach: Robert PattonSenior: Adam Westbrook, 6-3, f.Juniors: ANDREW COX, 6-2, f; Drake Patton, 6-0,f; Brian Aud, 5-10, g.Sophomores: ANDREW DRONE, 6-11, c; DANEHISH, 5-10, g; Patrick Lowe, 6-4, f; Anthony Storto,5-7, g.

Hardin CountyHardin County will have

to rely on a young squad incoach Rodney Lane’s firstyear at the helm.

Lane inherits a squadthat has just one senior onthe roster, starter AustinGerman. German, and jun-ior Kyle Holloman, are thelone returning starters.

“We’re trying to get a lit-tle spark in the program,and some discipline,” Lanesaid.

Coach: Rodney LaneSeniors: AUSTIN GERMAN, 5-11, f.Juniors: KYLE HOLLOMAN, 5-9, g; JoeMcClenahan, 6-2, c; Brandon Flemmings, 6-1, f;Garrett Flemmings, 5-9, g; Tony Parkinson, 5-10, g;Kyle Spurr, 6-0, f; David Thornton, 6-0, c/f.Sophomores: Skyler Williams, 5-11, f; DaltonVaughn, 5-10, f; Cody Crider, 5-7, g; Skyler Duncan,5-6; g.Freshmen: Jeremy Hicks, 6-0, f; Garrett Walker,5-4, g; DJ Crider, 5-8, f.

NCOEAfter averaging 19 wins a

season over the past threeyears, Norris City-Omaha-Enfield will be in a rebuild-ing year this season follow-ing the graduation of allfive starters.

The Fighting Cardinalslost about 97 percent oftheir scoring from a yearago.

Coach: Doug MillerSeniors: Cody Sutton, 5-10, g; Randy Stecyk, 5-7, g;Kalin Brinkley, 5-9, g; Colby Payne, 5-10, g.Sophomores: Justin Knight, 6-1, c; Luke Marsh, 5-11, f; Jordan Gwaltney, 5-6, g; Matt Frymier, 5-11, f;Chayce Cowlings, 5-11, g; Rowdy Damm, 5-11, f;Caleb Brown, 5-10, g; Devin Bowman, 5-11, f.

Freshmen: Briar Short, 5-6, g; Cole Tucker, 5-10,g; Dakota Wheeler, 5-11, c.

Pope CountyFormer standout athlete

Cody Dunbar will take overa Pope County squad thatmanaged just two wins ayear ago.

Dunbar comes into hisfirst coaching job with a bigchallenge in front of him.

Whether the Pirates havemuch success in the wincolumn this season is yet tobe determined, butDunbar’s presence hashelped spark the program.

Coach: Cody DunbarSeniors: Stephen Simmons, 6-3, f; Jacob Dunning,6-1, f; Cole Jackson, 6-0, f.Sophomores: Cory Rison, 6-1, f; Tyler Thompson,5-10, g; Bruce Dunlap, 5-11, g; Dallas Cockrum, 6-1,f; Kyle Wise, 5-9, g.

ThompsonvilleAfter taking their lumps

as juniors, the Tigers willfeature a senior-ladenstarting lineup. ScottGaither, Zach Lindsey,Zach Fisher and Dale Packall return from a team thatfinished 3-23 last year.

“These guys last year were thrown into the fire,” Thompsonvillecoach Brandon Chaplainsaid.

Coach: Brandon ChaplainSeniors: SCOTT GAITHER, 5-8, g; ZACH LINDSEY, 5-11, g; ZACH FISHER, 6-3, f; DALE PACK, 6-2, f; RileyTaylor, 6-2, g.

Greater Egyptian: Boys

BY JEREMY JOFFRAYTHE SOUTHERN

Galatia-ThompsonvilleFirst-year Galatia coach

Josh Summers has highhopes for a squad withthree returning starters.

The Lady Cats returnseven players in all from lastyear’s squad. Galatia’sexperience, which includesa total of four seniors,should help the transitionof a new coach.

“I have a high level ofexcitement about the startof a new era at Galatia,”coach Josh Summers said.“The team has shown lotsof promise and potential tohave a great season.”

Coach: Josh SummersSeniors: AMANDA GARDNER, 5-3, g; HANNAHCOCHRUM, 5-5, g; KANDI GULLEY, 5-9, f; BrandiPritchett, 5-7, f.Juniors: Ally Nolen, 5-6, g; Amber Stevens, 5-5, g.Sophomore: Tayler Sweet, 5-1, g.Freshmen: Layna Bond, 5-5, g; Courtney Tennison,5-7, f; Kasey Bowlin, 5-4, g; Kelsey Nolen, 5-5, g.

Gallatin CountyIf nothing else, Gallatin

County’s girls basketballteam will be fit.

With new head coachChuck Ingram at the helm,Gallatin County will look touse its fitness level to wearteams down. Ingram spent

the first week of practice onfitness.

“We’re not very big, butthey are pretty quick, andthey can shoot the ball a lit-tle better than I thought wewould,” Ingram said. “Wecan get up and down thefloor.”Coach: Chuck IngramSeniors: Taylor Williford, 5-8, f; Meagan Milburn,5-11, f.Juniors: Rebecca Bourland, 5-3, g; Casey Crissup,5-3, g; Marie Tipton, 5-6, g; Carrie Abell, 5-11, f.Sophomores: Lexi Prince, 5-2, g; Emily Logsdon,5-7, f; Kailyn Wead, 5-6, g; Kacy Speer, 5-3, g

Pope CountyPope County will have to

rely on youth this season, asthe Lady Pirates do nothave a senior on the roster.

While the squad may beyoung, the Lady Pirateshave seen their numbersincrease from last year.After finishing the seasonwith just seven players lastseason, Pope County has 11girls out this season. Thatwill allow coach Jessi Hallto field a junior varsitysquad at times this season.

“In the long run it willmake us better,” Hall said.Coach: Jessi HallJuniors: SARAH FERGUSON, 5-9, f; Ashley Morris,5-9, f, Jaclyn Kingsley, 5-5, gSophomores: SAMMIE VALESTIN, 5-8, f; SARAHMAYNOR, 5-7, g; Audrey Harris, 5-3, g.Freshmen: Tori Vaughn, 5-9, g; Brittany Noel, 5-5,g; McKenzie Schutt, 5-6, g; Jessica Morris, 5-8, f;Hannah Trammel, 5-10, f.

Greater Egyptian:Girls

FROM PAGE 12

“We’re short, but we’rebig, strong girls. We’ll beboxing people out.”

None of the four return-ing starters – JazmineMeeks, Sklar Blake, JaneBusby or Tasha Dixon –are taller than 5-7.

“Our tallest girl will be5-8, and that’s her basket-ball height,” Turner said.

Coach: Dawn Turner

Seniors: JAZMINE MEEKS, 5-6, g; LaquishaAnderson, 5-6, f; Kristian Smith, 5-5, g.Juniors: SKLAR BLAKE, 5-5, g; JANE BUSBY, 5-7,f; TASHA DIXON, 5-5, g; Sarah Fletch-Moore, 5-5,g; Rashida Earl, 5-7, f; Jamilla Valentine, 5-7, f.

ShawneeThree starters and six

part-time players returnfrom Shawnee’s 13-10squad last year.

“They’re all hard work-ers,” said coach ChadPitts. They’re willing tolearn different things

throughout the season.They learn from their mis-takes and keep gettingbetter.”

Kaylee Boston, a 5-6 senior guard, was theleading scorer last year, averaging about 15ppg.Coach: Chad PittsSeniors: KAYLEE BOSTON, 5-6, g; MorganneKennedy, 5-7, f.Sophomores: JORDAN JOHNSON, 5-9, f; TAYLORELLIS, 5-9, f; Bethany McMahan, 5-5, g; AprilKutak, 5-3, g; Gwen Kuehne, 5-8, f; TaylorLoveless, 5-6, g.

SEC BOYS: Eight teams duke it out for top spotFROM PAGE 12

Returnees include 6-3junior Jerry Johnson, a cen-ter, and guard BrentKennedy, a 6-1, senior.

“He (Johnson) really hasa nose for the ball as far asrebounding,” Mandrellsaid. “He blocks a lot ofshots. He has the ability tobe a defensive presence.”

Coach: Jeff MandrellSeniors: BRENT KENNEDY, 5-10, g; BrandonMadison, 5-10, g.

Juniors: JERRY JOHNSON, 6-3, c, CameronBallard, 5-9, gSophomores: Josh Jones, 6-3, f.

ShawneeShawnee’s Redskins are

starting with a clean slatethis year.

First-year coach TimEllis has no returningstarters from a squad thatwon just five games lastyear.

“It’s going to be a totalrebuilding year,” Ellis aid.

“I have three players thathave some varsity experi-ence. We lost six seniors.”

The three players withsome varsity experience areseniors Ty McMahan andDylan Smith and juniorAndrew Livesay.

At 6-1, Livesay is the tallest player on thesquad.

Coach: Tim EllisSeniors: Ty McMahan, 5-5, g; Dylan Smith, 6-1, f.Juniors: Gage Shelton, 5-5, g; Andrew Livesay, 6-1, f.

SEC GIRLS: Shawnee looks to improve

Page 1144 Friday, November 19, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan

BY CHUCK HIGHLANDTHE SOUTHERN

CairoThere will be a new face

patrolling the sidelines anda fresh outlook for thePilots as Rich McBride, aformer basketball standoutfor University of Illinois,takes over the reins of theprogram from Tommy Ellis.

He returns two starters,sophomore Devin Mayfieldand senior Mark Jones, andis looking to build a pro-gram that lost a lot of sen-iors and is looking to find itsway.

“We have enough talentto overcome youth. We losta lot of seniors and are veryyoung,” McBride said.

Coach: Rich McBrideSeniors: MARK JONES, 6-0, g; Herschel Graham, 6-1, g; RaKeem Dossie, 6-1, f; Lamarqus Woods, 5-10,g, Correy Wilson, 5-9, g; Danoin Smith, 6-1. f.JJuunniioorrss:: Allen Crutbird, 6-3, c; Stevieon Houston, 5-11, g; Cori Williams, 5-7, g; NeKuma Johnson, 6-2, f;Cordell Johnson, 6-5, f; Darrel Jackson, 5-5, g; JalenChilds, 6-3, f.Sophomores: DEVIN MAYFIELD, 5-10, g; DevanteJohnson, 5-8, g; Lamont young, 5-11, f.

CarlyleSeventh-year coach Andy

Palmer hopes youth will beserved as the Indians playeda lot of underclassmen lastseason, and he said that isgoing to pay dividends.

“I think our depth isgoing to be better eventhough we’re young (onlythree seniors),” Palmer said.

Returning from last year’s6-24 team is senior guardJared Linton, junior guardJordan Smith and juniorforward Jordan Ledbetter.

Coach: Andy PalmerSeniors: Joe McGee, 6-1, f; JARED LINTON, 5-10, g;Brady Hempen, 6-3, c.Juniors: Hunter Hartung, 6-2, f; JORDAN SMITH, 5-11, g; Zach Voss, 6-5, c.Sophomores: Cody Huels, 6-0, g; Nathan Miller, 6-4, f; JORDAN LEDBETTER, 6-0, g; Tyson Boehne, 6-0, g; Karnealus Walker, 6-0, f. Freshmen: John Becker, 6-1, f; Matt Hilmes, 6-2, g;Logan Zachry, 5-10, g.

Christ Our Savior Lutheran

Second-year coach

Jonathan Mehring’s teamwill rely on defense andtransition offense to help aSoldiers team that finished5-6 last season and returnsone senior, Cory Rehmer.

“We have a good defenseso we will rely on transitionoffense to score a lot ofpoints,” said Mehring.

COSL has only six play-ers, and Mehring said histeam will rely on intangi-bles.

Coach: Jonathan MehringSeniors: Eric Jolly, 6-0, gJuniors: CORY REHMER, 6-2, f; Jeremy Rogers, 6-1,g Sophomores: Luke Boeder, 6-3, c; Marcus Delre, 5-7, g Freshmen: Kyle Wandro, 5-8, f

OkawvilleThe Rockets returns three

starters from last year’s 18-15 team, and coach JonKraus will rely a combina-tion youth and experiencemore than ever.

“We play pretty hard. Westarted two freshmen and asophomore, and theyplayed a tough schedule andwent through some grow-ing pains, and they gained alot of experience,” Kraussaid.

Kraus is hoping thatexperience translates intobetter decision making.

Coach: Jon KrausSeniors: Cameron Obermeier, 6-2, g-f.Juniors: TAYLOR WALTON, 6-2, f; Ryan Holtgrave,6-1, f; Bryce Kolweier, 6-2, f; Bennett Brown, 6-1, f;Carl Gaebe, 6-0, g; Brandon Buss, 6-0, f; JaredBlumhorst, 6-0, f.Sophomores: Connor Obermeier, 5-9, g; JEREMYWEEKE, 6-2, f; RYAN BURROUGH, 5-11, g.Freshman: Jacob Brammeier, 5-9, g.

SteelevilleSteeleville returns four

starters, seniors ColinSmith, AndrewPokrzywinski, Coire Reel,and Nick Potter, from lastyear’s 17-18 team that fin-ished second in the CahokiaConference. Thus, expec-tations are high for coachGerald Mumbower.

“We’re good enough tobeat anybody, and we’realso bad enough to lose to

anybody. We only lost onesenior last year. We havenine seniors, and we need tohave a good year,”Mumbower said.

Coach: Gerald MumbowerSeniors: COLIN SMITH, 6-2, g-f; NICK POTTER, 6-0,g; James Hall, 5-11, g; COIRE REEL, 6-5, f; JoeyWittenbrink, 6-1, g; Kris Beshears, 5-10, g; JeremyWilson, 6-0, f; ANDREW POKRZYWINSKI, 5-11, g;Torrey Gerberding, 6-3, g.Juniors: Jacob Combs, 5-10, g; Jeff Wilson, 6-4, f.Sophomores: Dylan Wesbecher, 6-0, g; DarinWinkelman, 6-4, f; Reid Wilson, 6-2, g-f.

WaltonvilleThere will be a lot of

changes in Waltonville asChad Harper, a four-yearassistant for the Cardinals,takes over the reins of theboys program.

His first year inWaltonville presents somechallenges as the Cardinalsreturn no starters from a22-7 team.

“We will be all right byChristmas. As the seasonprogresses, the kids willhave to adjust to the pace ofthe game,” Harper said.

Coach: Chad HarperSeniors: Luke Stanhouse, 5-11, f; Brandon McCoy,5-9, c; Travis Beppler, 5-10, f; Bryce Askew, 5-10, f;Levi Kabat, 5-7, g.Juniors: Levi Rapp, 5-10, f; Dan Halleran, 6-1, c.Sophomores: Jordan Hale, 6-5, g; Trey Witges, 6-3, g; Matt Rodgers, 6-0, f; Patrick Buza, 6-1, f; DerekWhisenant, 5-9, g; Taylor Ellison, 5-8, g; BrendanBarva, 6-0, g; Aaron McCoy, 5-9, g; Levi Laird, 5-8,g.Freshmen: Austin Zahm, 6-2, c; Justin Winchester,5-9, g; D.J. Nelson, 5-6, g; Hunter Coggins, 5-9, g.

WoodlawnThe Cardinals return two

starters from last year’s 26-6 team that made it all theway to the SalemSupersectional. To dupli-cate that feat, Woodlawnwill have to have differentpeople step up for coachShane Witzel.

“Once the younger play-ers gain varsity experience,we have the chance to be apretty good team,” Witzelsaid.

Coach: Shane WitzelSeniors: JOSH WIGGS, 6-8, c; DAWSON VERHINES,6-3, g; Jeremy Aparicio, 6-0, g.Juniors: Christian Hollenkamp, 6-4, f; A.J. Webb,5-11, g.Sophomores: Gabe Owens, 6-3, g.

Independents: BoysSIRR MISSISSIPPI: Boys should be close raceFROM PAGE 4

PinckneyvilleThe tradition-rich

Pinckneyville Pantherswill look to six playerswith starter’s experienceto make an impact in2009-10.

Pinckneyville is upper-classmen-heavy this sea-son, with one sophomore(Dylan Hardin), six juniorsand three seniors on thevarsity roster. That’s justfine for coach BobWaggoner.

“Traditionally, wealways put an emphasis onour senior players,”Waggoner said. “Weexpect our three seniors tolead us and those will bethe ones who take us as faras we want to go.”

Steve Brueggeman,Christian Shopinski andKyle Lamb are all back for

their final season in theColumbia blue and white.Lamb is the team’s tallestplayer at 6-7, but teams will also have to contend with Keegan Kellerman’s 6-1,270-pound frame under-neath the basket.

Coach: Bob WaggonerSeniors: KYLE LAMB, 6-7, f; STEVEBRUEGGEMAN, 6-3, f; CHRISTIAN SHOPINSKI, 6-2, f.Juniors: BRYANT SHUTE, 5-8, g; HUNTERQUEEN, 5-10, g; Justin Bumann, 6-0, f; KeeganKellerman, 6-1, f; Payton Nippe, 6-2, g; C.J. Opp,6-2, f.Sophomore: DYLAN HARDIN, 5-10, g.

SpartaAfter a 10-win improve-

ment from two years ago,second-year Sparta coachRich Williams welcomesback three starters from ateam that went 18-12 lastseason.

“We’d like to put our-selves in position to win aregional championship,”

said Williams, whose teamlost to Pinckneyville in theChester regional champi-onship to end the 2009-10season.

“We got to the champi-onship game in threetournaments last year.”

Jordan Thompson,London Oliver and WeslynKiner have locked downstarting roles for theBulldogs, with four or fivejuniors in contention forthe final two spots.

Sparta will get an earlyopportunity to perma-nently fill those roles, theBulldogs visit Marissa-Coulterville to open theseason Monday.

Coach: Rich WilliamsSeniors: JORDAN THOMPSON, 6-0, g; LONDONOLIVER, 6-0, f; WESLEN KINER, 6-5, f; AdamWhite, 5-10, g; Carl Lobdell, 5-10, g.Juniors: Austin Peck, 6-0, f; Chad Hanna, 5-10,g; Trevor Morgan, 5-11, f; Tyler Morrison, 6-1, f;Darius Jackson, 6-0, f; Alek Sopiars, 6-0, g.Sophomores: Aaron Rushing, 6-7, c; SharvellAustin, 5-9, g.

The Southern Illinoisan Friday, November 19, 2010 Page 1155

Expectations high in MurphysboroBY CHUCK HIGHLANDTHE SOUTHERN

CairoCoach Jim Drew has 10

girls on the team, whichfinished 12-6 last season.

“We return two leadingscorers (Chalice Gardnerand Ortrese Bridges, cap-tains and leaders whoaveraged more than 20points per game last year),and we are going to counton them for most of ourscoring,” said Drew.

Drew feels like his team isgoing to be good, andearly-season tournamentsshould prepare it for therest of the season.

A key for the Pilots willbe getting points in transi-tion.

“We’ve got to get the ballout and push it down thefloor and get easy baskets,”said Drew.

Coach: Jim DrewJuniors: ORTRESE BRIDGES, 5-8, g; CHALICEGARDNER, 5-4, g; Kiara Jackson, 5-7, g. Sophomores: Dejahne Washington, 5-9, c; TiAnnKee, 5-7, f; Sanara Rush, 5-7, f; Jamia Kyles, 5-7, g. Freshmen: Manda Hanges, 5-2, f; Jordan Holder,5-7, f.

CarlyleA little bit of experience

returns to the Carlyle side-line as Randy Voss, aCarlyle Junior High coachfor 20 years, takes over thereins of a Lady Indiansprogram trying to find itsway after going 4-21 lastseason.

“Since we’ve had a lot ofsuccess with the kids injunior high, we’re going totake what we did in juniorhigh and use it in high-school ball. It’s kind ofbeen a growing process,”said Voss.

Carlyle has a lot of youthand experience returning.,inlcuding leading scorerPaige Rakers.

Coach: Randy VossSeniors: Paige Mueller, 5-8, g; Samantha Harlan,5-6, g.Juniors: Jenna Huels, 5-7, g; Cati Funderburk, 5-

5, f; Courtney Kern, 5-8, f.Sophomores: Taylor Aarns, 5-5, g; Taylor Rose, 5-8, g; Shaelyn Tate, 5-7, g; PAIGE RAKERS, 5-11, g;SARAH HAAKE, 5-10, f; Courtney Toennies, 5-9, f;Miranda Diekemper, 5-8, f; JESSIE BECKMANN, 5-10, c; SEDREYANA HARRIS, 5-10, f.Freshmen: Brie Paulsmeyer, 5-6, g; KyleeLedbetter, 5-6, g; Hannah Rueter, 5-8, g-f; NatalieVan Dorn, 5-6, g-f; Sarah Norton, 5-6, g; LoriWhisenand, 5-9, f; Brianna Smith, 5-9, g-f; BritlynTyberent, 5-9, c; McKenzie Magnus, 5-11, c.

OkawvilleCoach Michelle Burianek

enters her second yearhoping her team is morebattle tested after her firstseason as coach.

“Hopefully, we gained alot of experience from lastyear, and we play betterdefense,” said Burianek.

Junior AlyssaBrammeier, AlannaBergkoetter, sophomoreMegan Wienstroer, JolynLake and CourtneyLintker, who started lastseason, will most likelystart for the Lady Rockets.

There are a lot ofunknowns for Okawville,and Burianek is looking forsomeone to step up.

Coach: Michelle BurianekSeniors: COURTNEY LINTKER. 5-7.Juniors: ALYSSA BRAMMEIER, 6-1; HANNABERGKOETTER, 5-10. Sophomores: Lyndsay Fuhrhop, 5-4; JOLYNLAKE, 5-5; Ashley Garlich, 5-5; Emily Norton, 5-5;MEGAN WIENSTROER, 5-9; Janel Lake, 5-11; KeatynMeier, 6-1.Freshmen: Brooke Cronin, 5-6; Allison Koch, 5-6;Christina Hill, 5-6.

SteelevilleAn extra year of experi-

ence should help a LadyWarriors team that fin-ished its second year ofbasketball with an 11-12record, good for third placein the Cahokia Conference.

“We should have someexperience this year. Istarted four underclass-men last year, so I’ve gotexperience coming backwith senior JillWinkelman, junior NatalieRuebke and sophomoresAlex Gale and KasseeTheobald,” said Steelevillegirls’ coach DarrylWinkelman.

Also seeing significant

playing time for the LadyWarriors will be freshmenMacKenzie Doeding andSara Potter and juniorMorgan Lindner, whoplayed a lot last year.Senior Ali Byer will also seesome minutes.

“Height will be a prob-lem. I look for us to have agood year if we can shoot,rebound and take care ofthe ball,” said Winkelman.

Coach: Darryl WinkelmanSeniors: Ali Byer, 5-5, f; JILL WINKELMAN, 5-10, f.Juniors: NATALIE RUEBKE, 5-7, g; Morgan Lindner,5-6, f; Kelsey Wright, 5-6, f.Sophomores: KASSEE THEOBALD, 5-5, g; ALEXGALE, 5-8, f; Tara Stoffel, 5-6, g.Freshmen: MacKenzie Doeding, 5-8, f; AlanaGrimm, 5-7, g; McKenna Lalis, 5-7, f; Sara Potter, 5-8, g;

WoodlawnCoach Eric Helbig has

very high expectations forhis team after the LadyCardinals went 21-7 lastseason, finished in a three-way tie for first place withNorth Clay and SouthCentral and lost to Cobdenin the sectional final.

“Going to the sectionalfinal last year and havingall five starters back, wehave high expectations,and we’re hoping to com-pete for a conference titleand make a postseasonrun,” said Helbig.

A lot of the reason foroptimism in Woodlawn isthat the Lady Cardinalsreturn all five starters fromlast year.

“We’re kind of balancedand have a couple of strongguards and post players, sowe need to be flexible,” saidHelbig.

Helbig also feels his teamneeds to use their guardstrength to their advantageas well.

Coach: Eric HelbigSeniors: Tailor Renaud. 5-7, g; Bria McKinzie, 5-5,g; Brook Mitchell, 5-5, g; WHITNEY LOWERY, 5-10,f; MALLORY HAPEMAN, 5-9, f.Juniors: Harley Mullins, 5-4, g; KINZIE VERHINES,5-7, g-f; Tiffany Smith, 5-7, f; LEAH SUTTON, 5-8, g.Sophomores: ALEXA CAPPS, 5-5, g; Elesa Hefner,5-7, g-f.Freshmen: Libby Diel, 5-6, f; Sam Williams, 5-7, g;Megan Isaac, 5-10, f.

Independents: GirlsBY SCOTT MEESTHE SOUTHERN

The Murphysboro RedDevils certainly have theirbusiness faces on.

The team finished 29-3last season and made it tothe West Frankfort super-sectional. They’ll have theproverbial bull’s-eye ontheir back this year, andthat’s just fine with them.

“I think it’s great to havehigh expectations,” saidsenior point guard JerrodGaston. “Coach told us ourexpectations are probablytoo high, so we have to stayfocused no matter how wellwe do. We need to stay hun-gry and gun for other teamsand not let them do that tous. We haven’t accom-plished anything yet.”

The Red Devils have fiveof their top six players backfrom last season’s unde-feated SIRR Ohio Divisionclub. It all starts withGaston, a lightning quickguard with a great pull-upjump shot. Most teams did-n’t get to see what he’scapable of individuallybecause last year’s teamwas so balanced, and thatwon’t change this year.

“We could run with theball really well and our shotselection and execution wasvery good,” said Murphy-sboro coach Daryl Murphy.“We could force turnoversand that made our offensehighly efficient. I thoughtour defense was really goodand the kids took a lot ofpride in that as well.”

Orlando Jarrett (6-0) andPierre House (6-1) return atthe guard spots. Jarrett is atough-as-nails defenderwho can score in transitionand hit a few 3-pointers aswell. House, who was theteam’s sixth man last sea-son, is primed to have abreakout year this timearound.

“We’re not going to sneakup on anybody this year,and I thought we did that a

little bit last year,” Murphysaid. “Our expectations arereally high right now, but Idon’t think our kids willblow it out of proportion.They put pressure on them-selves every day, but wewant them to have a lot offun playing basketball, too.”

The Red Devils haven’thad a true big man in sever-al years, but the combina-tion of forwards DylanCraig (6-3) and EbenBrooks (6-3) have made upfor that. Craig can score inthe paint and drop a hand-ful of 3-pointers on anopposing team at any time.

Brooks, the starting quar-terback for the footballteam and one of the base-ball team’s best pitchers, isone of those players thatevery team loves to have.He’s not going to score 20points a game, but he doesall of the little things verywell.

“I like my role and itmakes me play harder andmore determined,” Brookssaid. “There is some pres-sure this year, but I think I’llhandle it well. I don’t thinkwe expected what hap-

pened last year, but we’reready to step up again.”

Murphysboro executedon offense and defensequite well last season.Although they do have 6-5center Jordan Stanton, whocan jump out of the gym, tohelp them this year, Craigand Brooks will need toslow down opposing postplayers.

“Those two have greatwork ethic,” Murphy said ofCraig and Brooks. “Whenyou’re shorter and giving upinches in the post you haveto hustle twice as hard andhave great footwork.They’ve displayed that andshown nothing but heart.”

The team will have toreplace its leading scorer,Dre’Shean Payne. He hadno problem taking andmaking all of the big shots.He’ll be missed for sure, butthis group was more aboutcohesiveness as a team thanone guy.

“The thing we’ll miss themost is his leadership,”Murphy said.

scott.mees@thesouthern.com 618-351-5086

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOMurphysboro’s Jerrod Gaston makes a move last season.

Page 1166 Friday, November 19, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan

COME SEE

SOME OF THE

TOP TEAMS & TALENT

IN THE COUNTRY!!

Session 1:Friday, Dec. 10, 2010

5:30 GAME 1:BREHM PREP, IL. VS.

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11:00 GAME 4:MARION, IL. GIRLS VS.

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12:30 GAME 5:

BREHM PREP, IL. VS.

RISE ACADEMY, PA.

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Session 3: Sat. Dec. 11, 2010

5:30 GAME 7:

PINCKNEYVILLE, IL. VS.

MURPHYSBORO, IL.

7:00 GAME 8:

MARION, IL. VS.

HOLT HIGH SCHOOL, MO.

8:30 GAME 9:

SIMEON, IL. VS.

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3rd Annual Best of the Midwest Shootout ScheduleMarion High School - Marion, Illinois

Aaron AdeoyeMarion High School

Sam ThompsonWhitney Young, IllinoisCommited to Ohio State

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Devin LangfordLee High School, Alabama

Recruited by Illinois,Wake Forest and Alabama

Jabari ParkerSimeon High School

Recruited by Kansas,Georgetown, Michigan State

Otto PorterScott Co.

Recuited by Missouri,Memphis, Arkansas

Dantiel DanielsHolt High SchoolCommited to SIU