2003 Prime Time Classic Participating Teams

© 2003 Ron Harrison

American Division

Barren County – The Trojanettes are coached by John Butler and finished 24-6 last season.  They are expected to challenge Clinton County for 4th Region supremacy.  The Trojanettes return three starters, including 5-6 Sr. Patrika Barlow (20 ppg, 8.5 rpg), who has committed to play her college ball at Louisville.  5-6 Sr. Piper Lindsey (7 ppg) and 5-10 Jr. Molly Perkins (8 ppg, 8 rpg) also return, but Perkins is recovering from ACL surgery.  5-10 Jr. Lindsey Williams and 5-7 Jr. Lacey Williams also had ACL surgery and hopefully all will be at full strengths at some point during the season.  

Boyd County – Coach Pete Fraley’s Lady Lions finished 24-7 last season, winning the 16th Region crown, and should battle East Carter for the crown again this season.   5-8 Jr. Kasi Mullins-Galloway is a gifted player on both ends of the court.  Coach Fraley should get key contributions from several players including 5-7 Sr. Jennifer Swann, 5-9 Sr. Ashley Caniff, 5-7 Jr. Brandi Mahar, 5-8 So. Megan Brown, and 5-10 Sr. Jessica Easterling.   

Cawood – Coach Bucky Burkhart’s squad finished 22-7 last season.  Cawood graduated three starters, including forward Savanna Wynn, who earned all-state honors.  Coach Burkhart has talent returning to once again battle their competitive foes in the 13th Region.  6-0 Sr. Amanda Miracle (8.2 ppg) and 5-7 Sr. Natasha Boggs (9.4 ppg) are returning starters.  5-10 So. Sierra Wynn (7.4 ppg), 5-8 Sr. Jeri Lynn Howard (3.3 ppg), and 5-8 Jr. Whitney Rhymer (1.2 ppg) are expected to fill the remaining starting positions.  5-8 So. Tiffany Brock, 5-4 Jr. Sarah Simpson, and 5-4 Sr. Ashley Powell are some of the other players competing for playing time. 

Christian County – Coach Don Dillard’s Lady Colonels finished 29-4 last season and should compete for the Sweet 16 title this season.  6-1 So. Arnika Brown can play anywhere on the floor and is one of the best underclassmen in the country.  5-9 Sr. Corkey Stiger can run and jump and is absolutely super in the open court.  5-5 Sr. Shaleea Petty is a playmaking guard who has committed to Murray State.  6-1 So. Lydia Watkins transferred from Florida and is expected to be an important addition to the team.  5-10 Sr. Jana Betts, 5-7 Jr. Ashley Briggs, and 5-5 Shana McCombs will also log important minutes this season.  The Lady Colonels will compete with Henderson County for 2nd Region supremacy and both teams should be ranked among the state’s elite this season. 

Clinton County – The Lady Bulldogs finished 34-2 last season and won the 4th Region crown for the second consecutive year.  They lost three starters and Coach Gary Abbott who became the boys coach at Monticello.  The new coach will be a familiar face—Ronnie Guffey, the father of Clinton County’s returning stars Amber and Paige Guffey.  Amber is a 5-7 Jr. while Paige is a 5-8 Jr. and both can hit the outside shot as well as penetrate.  Despite their size, both are very effective in the paint.  Coach Guffey should get contributions from several players, including 5-8 Jr. Leslie Brown, 5-8 Jr. Jessica Curry, 5-10 Jr. Dorothy Papineau, 5-6 So. Jessica Cummings, and 5-10 So. Rachel DeForest.

Covington Holy Cross – The Lady Indians finished 21-9 last season and coach Rob Kues returns seven of his nine top players as they battle Newport Central Catholic and Boone County for 9th Region supremacy.  Coach Kues has a lot of talent returning including 6-0 Jr. Brittany Bass (14.2 ppg, 9.1 rpg).  The Lady Indians have a strong junior guard combination in 5-9 So. Rachel Lantry (11.8 ppg) and 5-8 Jr. Amie Noll (10.2 ppg).  5-8 Sr. Jenny Lea (7.8 ppg) will be a welcome addition after suffering a season-ending ACL injury last season.  5-10 Sr. Amanda Hinkel will be counted on to provide strength in the paint. 

Elizabethtown – Coach Tim Mudd’s Lady Panthers finished with a 20-9 record last season and despite graduating three starters should challenge for the 5th Region crown this season.  5-11 Jr. forward Robyn Jennings (11.0 ppg, 8 rpg) scores on the mid-range jumper and also has the ability to take the ball to the basket.  Jennings also is an aggressive rebounder.  5-7 Jr. guard Lara Donnelly (7.0 ppg) and 5-8 Sr. guard/forward Megan Hatfield (5.0 ppg) are also key personnel and 5-11 Jr. Sara Sexton (6.5 ppg 5 rpg) is an aggressive force in the paint who can also knock down the mid-range jump shot.  Other key players include Jr. Tasha Turner and So. Kabrenda Warfield.

Lexington Catholic – Coach Greg Todd’s Lady Knights finished 32-5 last season and despite graduating stars Sarah Schell and Chelsea Chowning are favored to capture the 11th Region crown this season.  The Lady Knights should be led this season by 6-1 Jr. Shannon Novosel who averaged 14 ppg last season.  Coach Todd will also get help inside from 5-11 Sr. Laura Bell, 6-0 So. Anaris Sickles, and 5-11 Fr. Kellie Cash.  5-8 So. Nikki Davis and 5-6 Fr. Keyla Snowden are expected to be key contributors.  5-8 Jr. Lesley Server is a deadly three point shooter.  5-9 Jr. Adaeze Azubuike transferred from Paul Dunbar and if declared eligible by the KHSAA will be another weapon in Coach Todd’s arsenal.  Lexington Catholic has a tough schedule but this is a team that should peak by tourney time.

Louisville Central – Coach Damon Cobble’s Lady Yellowjackets finished 13-8 last season and could be a sleeper in the 6th Region this year.  5-7 Jr. guard Kandy Baines (13 ppg) and 6-1 Sr. Tenise Williams (12.6 ppg, 8.5 rpg) should lead Central this year.  The Lady Yellowjackets will get inside help from 6-1 Jr. Ciarra Gibbs (9.4 ppg, 10.3 rpg).  Coach Cobble will also get help from several players including 5-5 Jr. Lasasha Hamilton-Sloss and 5-9 Jr. Danielle Bonds. 

Louisville Mercy Academy – Coach Mark Evans’ squad finished 20-10 last season playing in the very competitive 7th Region.  Coach Evans graduated five players but you can never count Coach Evans or his squad out of the title chase.  Mercy has enough talent returning for a banner season.  6-0 Sr. Katie Willinger (12.5 ppg) returns and should be effective again in the paint.  Several players logged quality time last season and should step up this season.  Some of these players include 5-11 Sr. Kate Ulanowski, 5-8 Sr. Laura Rather, 5-8 Sr. Anna Mehr, 5-7 Sr. Ashley Mannel, 5-6 So. Mallory Luckett, and 5-8 Jr. Courtney Hall.

Muhlenberg North – The Lady Stars, coached by Mike Harper, finished 26-6 last season and return the talent to challenge for their fifth consecutive 3rd Region crown this season.  6-2 Sr. Jade Perry (21 ppg, 11 rpg) returns for her senior campaign and is one of the leading contenders for Miss Basketball.  Perry has committed to play her college ball at Maryland.  Other returning starters include 5-7 Sr. Megan Whitaker, 5-6 So. Lauren Tatum, and 5-11 So. Candace Garrett.  Other key players include 5-7 Jr. Veronica Peercy, 5-9 Jr. Heather Oglesby, 5-7 Fr. Heather Mitchell, and 5-10 Sr. Jillian Fortney.  It was reported that a couple of players had suffered injuries that may limit their play but hopefully everyone will be healthy for the late season tourney runs.

Newport Central Catholic – Coach Christie McDonald’s squad finished 25-9 last season and will be back to defend both their 9th Region title as well as their 9th Region All-A title.  The Thoroughbreds return nine of their top 11 players and have one of the best backcourts in the state.  5-11 Sr. Nicole Chiodi (18 ppg) can play any position on the floor and 5-8 Jr. Jayme Thiem can score from either outside or off penetration to the basket.  5-8 Sr. Jenny Prigge is an excellent three point shooter.  NCC also should get help from 5-8 Sr. Danielle Schout, 5-11 Sr. Jenna Ziegler, and 5-9 Sr. Tricia Bertke.  The Thoroughbreds have excellent team chemistry and could be very good if they can defend against dominant centers in the paint.

Paris – The Lady Hounds finished 21-6 last season and longtime assistant Terence Brooks takes over the program this season.  Coach Brooks has little size but a lot of talent on a team that could challenge for the 10th Region crown.  Paris has four starters returning, including 5-7 Jr. Natalie Tubbs (15 ppg) and 5-7 So. Taylor Christman (15 ppg).  5-7 Sr. Jessica Williams (5.0 ppg) returns at center and 5-5 Jr. Iona Caulder (6.0 ppg) returns at guard.  Several other players will contribute to the team including 5-7 Jr. Sarah Yeiser, 5-7 So. Tristen Brown, 5-6 So. Whitney Mitchell, and 5-7 So. Laurie Mitchell.  Although this team is small, they are fundamentally sound, quick, and have some excellent outside shooters.

Presentation Academy – The Toppers finished 15-14 last season.  Coach David Jackson graduated six seniors but has enough talent returning to have a good season.  5-6 Sr. Khristina Greenwell averaged 14 ppg and can create off the dribble as well as nail the outside shot.  Greenwell will be slowed early due to ankle surgery in early August but is expected to have a banner season.  5-5 Sr. guard Frannie Brohm averaged 7 ppg last season and is a capable scorer and a good defensive player.  5-11 Sr. forward Audrey Gray is strong in the paint.  Sr. forward Amy Gassman and Sr. guard Jamie Barker are coming off ACL injuries but are expected to challenge for starting positions.  Sr. forwards Lisa Boucher and Julia Durbin both had good summers and should contribute.  Seniors Ashleigh Black (forward), Amber Mink (guard), and Jessica Wilson (guard) should provide valuable minutes.   

Somerset – Coach Judie Mason led the Lady Briar Jumpers to an 18-11 record last season but departed to take the coaching position at Boyle County.  Jim Brown, who was an assistant under Mason is the new head coach at Somerset.  5-8 Jr. Madison Flowers averaged 18 ppg last season, possesses a nice shooting stroke, and finds a way to get to the foul line.  6-0 Sr. Meg Stevenson had a good summer and should be solid in the paint.  5-9 Sr. Katie Irvine had ACL surgery in May but hopes to be ready for the season.  5-7 Cati Cowan is a freshman guard who should be another key contributor.

Whitesburg – The Lady Jackets are coached by Dickie Adams and finished 24-6 last season while competing in the 14th Region.  Coach Adams lost two veteran starters in the backcourt but return a strong nucleus of players.  They also have a bright future as their JV team finished with a 14-2 record last year and the freshman team finished 9-1.  5-10 Jr. Camille Cook (15 ppg, 10 rpg) is a presence in the post and 6-0 Sr. Ashley Stidham (8 ppg, 6.8 rpg) is also effective in the paint.  5-9 Jr. Whitney Hogg (11 ppg) and 5-7 Sr. Cassie Whitaker (5.2 ppg) will be at the guard position and 5-6 So. Autumn Morris will take over at the point.  Other players expected to contribute this season include 5-10 Jr. Chasity Watts, 5-3 Jr. Bethany Banks, 5-7 Jr. Natasha Lowe, 5-5 Jr. Amanda Adams, 5-7 So. Amber Cornett, 5-7 So. Tiffany Lowe, and 5-10 So. Stephanie Whitaker (transferred from Cumberland).

National Division

Betsy Layne – The Ladycats are coached by Cassandra Akers, finished 27-6 last season and won both the 15th Region All-A tourney and the 15th Region tourney.  The Ladycats return four of the first six players and the future looks bright again this season.  5-7 Sr. Whitney Lykens returns for her fifth year starting for the varsity.  She averaged 14.9 ppg and 6.0 rpg last season.  5-7 Jr. Kim Clark averaged 11.5 ppg last season and tallied 35 points against Magoffin County in a regional tourney game.  6-1 Jr. Kristal Daniels can run the floor and is a good shot blocker.  Other players expected to contribute include 5-8 Sr. Tabetha Witt, 5-6 Jr. Kristen Smith, 5-9 Jr. Breann Akers. 

East Carter – The Lady Raiders are coached by Hager Easterling and finished 21-9 last season.  East Carter had a good summer, finishing 40-2 and should be one of the favorites to capture the 16th Region crown this season.  6-0 Sr. Kim Stapleton, (15 ppg, 9 rpg) is very effective in the paint but can also nail the three point shot.  5-10 Sr. Amanda Prichard (10 ppg) is also effective around the basket.  The Lady Raiders have an excellent guard duo in 5-6 Sr. Molly Jackson (12 ppg) and 5-6 So. Ashley Baldwin (10 ppg).  Other key contributors are 5-10 So. Brook McDavid, 5-9 Jr. Krista Kouns, and 5-7 Fr. Tawnee Tackett.  The Lady Raiders have a very solid seven player rotation that should be solid defensively and have the potential to also be a good shooting and rebounding team.

Greenwood – Coach Greg Dunn’s Lady Gators finished 21-10, lost three starters, but has young talent returning and could be a challenger for the 4th Region crown.  5-11 Jr. forward Katie Sanderson averaged 11 points and 8 rebounds per game last year.  Jr. Amber Huff (8 ppg, 4 rpg) will be the starting point guard.  5-11 So. Cali Carter started several games last season.  5-9 Jr. Brittany Fields transferred from Texas and will see action at either guard position.  5-11 Jr. Angela Szczapinski will see action in the post.  Devin Dewitt, Ryanne Embry, Meagan Dillihay, and Angela Kitchens are expected to provide quality minutes.  Coach Dunn should get depth from a sophomore class that includes Crystal Morrison, Lydia Glisson, Jessica Bullock, and Emily Simms.

Henderson County – The Lady Colonels are coached by Jeff Haile and finished 22-5 last season.  Henderson County returns their key personnel and should challenge Christian County for the 2nd Region crown and should be one of the top teams in the state.  The Lady Colonels return starters 5-8 Jr. Krista Hatfield, 5-8 Sr. Kera Gibson, 5-8 Sr. Courtney Buchanan, and and 5-9 Jr. Ashley Hawkins.  5-10 Jr. Whitney Waddell had her knee scoped again after last summer and if she comes back healthy Henderson County could be hard to beat.  The Lady Colonels also expect to get key contributions from several players including 5-11 Jr. Christal Floyd and 5-7 So. Aurelia Quarles, who transferred from Tennessee.

Highlands – The Bluebirds finished 14-13 last season in the very competitive 9th Region and are coached by Jaime Walz.  The Bluebirds should be led by 6-1 Sr. forward Angela Healy and 5-6 Sr. guard Abby Gibson.  Highlands should get contributions from several players, including 5-7 Jr. Mikelle Gearding, 5-5 Jennifer Ball, 5-11 Jr. Karen Keuper, and 5-8 Sr. Maggie Brown.

Lexington Christian Academy – Coach Ralph Sallee’s Lady Eagles finished 16-10 last season and return a lot of young talent this season.  LCA returns four starters in 5-4 Fr. Emily London (11 ppg), 5-9 So. Katie Brittain (7.6 ppg), 5-9 Jr. Leah Anderson (10 ppg), and 5-6 Jr. Kayla Yates (8.1 ppg).  Other key performers include 5-9 Jr. Cara Johnson, 5-8 Jr. Casey Johnson, 6-0 So. Kirby Barnhart, 5-3 Jr. Autumn Riddle, 5-11 Sr. Jenny Bunge, and 5-4 Sr. Jana Calhoun.  5-7 Fr. Sakia Hansen  and 5-9 Fr. Marckia Wilson are expected to contribute this season.  According to Coach Sallee, this team has good speed, versatility, and chemistry but must improve their rebounding. 

Louisville Butler – The Bearettes are coached by Stephanie Greathouse. They were 21-11 last season and captured the 6th Region crown, but the best could be yet to come.  The Bearettes will be led by 6-1 Sr. Ashley Lewallen who averaged 21 ppg and 9.5 rpg last season.  Lewallen plays inside but has all the tools to play forward at the next level.  She has the ability to post but can also stroke the outside jumper.  5-8 Sr. Mandy Evans (8.3 ppg) is a slasher and penetrator who is difficult to defend on the floor.  Evans is always hustling and is an excellent defender.  5-9 Sr. Megan McGrath (7.8 ppg) can nail the outside shot and also defends and hits the boards.  5-4 Sr. Jenna Hedges (6.8 ppg), 5-10 Jr. Racheal Cummings, and 5-2 So. Nicole Holman (7.2 ppg) are expected to be key contributors.  The Bearettes hustling defenders averaged 14 spg last season.  The Bearettes return all five starters and they have the talent to contend for state honors this season.

Madison Central – Coach Kent Miller’s Lady Indians finished 13-12 last season and will be led by one of the top players in the state in 5-7 Sr. Olivia Terry (24 ppg).  Other key players for Coach Miller include 5-9 Sr. Laquesha Bosley, 5-6 Ashley Wiseman, and 5-6 So. Sasha Turansky. 

Manual – The Lady Crimsons are coached by Mina Todd and finished 18-9 last season, playing in the very competitive 7th Region.  Manual will be led this year by 6-1 Sr. Candyce Bingham (15 ppg, 8 rpg).  Candyce will get special attention from opposing defenses since Sarah and Maggie McKemie have left the program.  Coach Todd should get help this season from 5-8 Jr. Dominica Blakemore, 6-1 So. Marissa Williams, 5-3 Jr. Brittany Hazelwood, 5-3 Sr. Tiffany Burton, 5-8 Sr. Kala McNally, 5-7 Sr. Nicole Patrick, and 5-11 Sr. Hussai Nadeem. 

Mercer County – Coach Chris Souder’s Lady Scotties finished 28-6 last season and this 12th Region squad enters this season with high expectations.  Coach Souder returns eight of his top 10 players and once again will pressure the ball and utilize an up-tempo style of play.  5-6 Sr. Courtney Watts (12.0 ppg) is one of the premier point guards in the state, who dished out seven assists a game last season. Watts will finish out her career with over 1000 points and a ton of assists.  5-8 Sr. Leslye Johnson (14 ppg) is a deadly outside shooter with good range.  Mercer County will also get help from 5-8 Jr. Jillian Horn, 5-5 So. Chrystal Claunch, 5-6 So. Chelsea Goodman, 5-10 Sr. Cala Alford, and 6-0 Jr. Erica Lee.  

Ohio County – The Lady Eagles finished 27-4 last season and new coach Brad Johnson has enough talent to challenge for the 3rd Region title.  Ohio County should be led by 5-11 Jr. Julie Leach, who averaged 19 ppg and 12 rpg last season.  The Lady Eagles also have three other returning starters in 5-2 Sr. Amber Hamilton, 5-7 Sr. Lauren Maddox, and 5-7 Jr. Amanda Critchelow.  According to Coach Johnson, these three players are hard-nosed, unselfish players who should average 10-12 points per game.   Ohio County lacks size, but should have a good shooting squad that plays an up-tempo style.

Owensboro Catholic – The Lady Aces are coached by Tom Campbell, made it to the regional finals last season, and should be one of the best teams in the 3rd Region again this season. Owensboro Catholic graduated five seniors but return 6-4 Sr. center Rachel Howard who has been a double figure scorer for the last three seasons.  They also expect to get key contributions from Sr. Natalie Kaelin, Lindsey Durbin, 5-10 Jr. Kathryn Howard, and So. Brittany Rumage.

Rockcastle County – Coach Chrysti Noble’s Lady Rockets finished 26-7 last season and hope to break Jackson County’s hold on the 13th Region crown this season.  Rockcastle County will be led by the excellent junior guard duo of 5-5 Johnna Abney (17.5 ppg) and 5-10 Tara Rowe (13.3 ppg).  5-10 Jr. Heather Hammond is a very athletic forward who plays well on both ends of the floor and should increase her scoring this season.  Other players expected to contribute include 5-6 So. Ashley Lunsford, 5-11 Jr. Rachel Stocker, 5-9 Jr. Katie Parsons, 5-9 Jr. Sara Parsons, and 5-10 Sr. Lauren Clontz. 

Sacred Heart Academy – Coach Donna Moir’s Valkyries finished 37-1 last season and captured their second consecutive Sweet 16 championship.  They are favored to win the 7th Region crown this season and will begin the season ranked No. 1 in the state.  6-3 Sr. Crystal Kelly, another leading Miss Basketball candidate, does it all for the Valkyries.  Kelly is an excellent scorer and rebounder with her quick outlet passes triggering the fastbreak.  Kelly  controls the paint with her defense and ranks high at SHA in career steals.  5-8 Jr. guard Carly Ormerod is a very intense player who gets the job done on both ends of the floor.  She can score off the dribble or nail the jump shot.  5-6 Sr. Connie Ferch is jet-quick, and excellent defender, and is an excellent shooter who has played in the shadows of her more heralded teammates.  5-10 Jr. Taylor Kopple is an outstanding athlete who can score, rebound, and defend.  The Valkyries have several players who will contribute this season, including 5-8 Jr. Jackie Distler, 5-9 Jr. Kelsey McCarty, 5-9 Jr. Meredith Wade, and 5-5 Jr. Allison Denbow.  Sacred Heart won their third consecutive State AAU championship this summer and is poised to defend their Sweet 16 championship despite some formidable competition.

Wayne County – The Lady Cardinals are coach by Tim Pyle and finished 23-7 last season.  Coach Pyle’s has enough talent returning to challenge for the 12th Region crown this year.  They should be led this season by 5-11 Jr. Ashley Bell.  6-1 Sr. center Sarah Wixon should be solid in the paint for the Lady Cardinals this season.  Other players expected to contribute include 5-6 Sr. Kenita Ball, 5-9 So. Latoyia Green, 5-5 So. Lindsey Dishman, and 5-5 So. Kara Gothrup. 

West Carter – Von Perry takes over as the head coach this year and she has a very young team with only one senior and one junior on the roster.  They return 5-7 Sr. Stephanie Hall who averaged 11 ppg last season, shot 41% from the three point line and 81% from the free throw line.  6-0 So. Brandi Rayburn is an effective inside player who averaged 10 ppg last season, shot 49% from the field and connected at an 84% rate from the free throw line.  The Lady Comets should get contributions from several players including 5-7 So. Leigh Audra Perry. 

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

Ron Harrison’s reports on this and other basketball events appear on https://www.angelfire.com/ky/prephoops.