IMPORTANT NOTES

• Varsity and JV teams will play on the same day in two different gyms at the same site.  The JV game will begin one hour prior to the varsity game.
• Varsity games will be two twenty minute halves for a total of 40 minutes with the clock stopping on dead balls, free-throws, etc. (Note: due to KHSAA rules, the scoreboard will be erased at halftime)
• JV games will consist of two twenty minutes halves for a total of 40 minutes but the clock will be running continuously in order for JV players to join the varsity teams by varsity game tipoff time.
• 15 free T-shirts for members of varsity squad
• MVP award for a player for each team in varsity games only
• Gift for each varsity coach
• Hospitality room for both varsity/junior varsity teams and staff members
• Over 2,000 colleges nationwide will be informed of this event
• Coverage of this showcase in Rick Bolus' High Potential Basketball Recruiting Service newsletters that will go out to his college subscribers
• Internet coverage (pre and post game coverage) by Ron Harrison at http://www.kyprephoops.com

Participating teams capsules will be added when information becomes available.  Game coverage will be provided upon completion of event.

PARTICIPATING TEAMS

Shelbyville Shelby County

Coach Sally Zimmerman's Lady Rockets finished 26-9 last season and captured the 8th Region title.  Although Shelby County must replace three starters, they should again be one of the contenders for the top spot in the region.  5-5 Sr. Raechele Gray possesses good quickness, shoots the three, and will be a top contender for the 8th Region player of the year.  5-9 Sr. post player Karissa Nicholson is also a returning starter.  Other key players returning are 5-10 Sr. Jennica Garitty, 5-6 Sr. Allison Morris, and 5-7 Jr. Haleigh LeCompte.  Other players expected to see varsity minutes are 5-6 So. Dee Dee Davis and 5-7 Jr. Laney Hinkle.  While the 8th Region appears to be balanced this season, the Lady Rockets will be looking for a third straight trip to Bowling Green for the state tourney.

Louisville Fairdale

Coach Larry Bruner's Lady Bulldogs finished 21-12 last season and will once again be among the top teams in the 6th Region.  Fairdale lost 5-8 Whitley Briggs but they return one of the top players in the state in 5-9 Sr. guard Ceira Ricketts.  Ms. Ricketts has put up some amazing numbers in her career, including 2390 points, 638 steals, and over 800 career rebounds.  Other key returnees include 5-4 Sr. Brooke Thompson, 5-7 Jr. Kayla Thompson, 5-9 Sr. Brittany Wieber, and 5-9 Sr. Nicole Mills.

Louisville Butler

Eddy Wilson takes over as coach of the Bearettes and inherits a team that was 23-8 last season and should compete for the 6th Region crown.  5-8 Sr. Tia Gibbs has led the Bearettes in scoring the last three seasons and can score both inside and out.  5-11 Jr. Tiara Hopper is a very athletic inside player.  Other players expected to contribute include 5-6 Sr. Kara Pile, 5-9 So. Blake Schweitzer, 5-5 Sr. Kirsten Snyder, 5-9 Sr. Jordan Pearson, 5-11 Sr. Kayla Douglas, 5-3 Jr. Shontel Bates, and 5-6 Fr. Megan Cuerton.  5-8 Sr. Brittany Harris has rejoined the team for her senior year and will be a key contributor.

Louisville Sacred Heart Academy

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

Sacred Heart has a mixture of older players and some very talented young players.  The Valkyries, as usual, play a brutal schedule but the team will be solid fundamentally on both ends of the court.  Sacred Heart has a veteran, hard-nosed coaching staff that will expect and get effort.  This team should continue to improve throughout the season.

Middlesboro

Coach Elgie Green's Lady Jackets finished 9-17 last season.  They were supposed to be one of the top teams in the 13th Region but injuries and departures took their toll.  However the future is brighter this season and the Yellowjackets should be led by 5-11 Sr. Brooklynn Jimison, who averaged 17.2 ppg and 8.3 rpg last season.  Other players expected to contribute include 5-11 Sr. Ashley Williams, who averaged 6 ppg and 7.5 rpg, and 5-8 So. Mallory Shoffner, who averaged 10.3 ppg.  Jr. guard Sophie Robinson is a welcome addition, back after suffering an ACL injury last season.  5-11 Fr. Carissa Overbay is also expected to log quality playing time.

Louisville Fern Creek

Coach Michelle Fries' Lady Tigers finished 12-14 last season but return two of the best players in the 7th Region.  6-1 Sr. Monique Reid swingman averaged 30 ppg and 16 rpg and has given a verbal commitment to Louisville.  5-8 Sr. Sherrice Gaines is returning after ACL surgery and when healthy is one of the best players in the state.  5-5 Sr. Ceondra Palmer is expected to contribute and Coach Fries expects help from a deep sophomore and freshman class.

Manchester Clay County

Coach James Burchell's Lady Tigers finished 28-6 last season, captured the 13th Region crown last season, and are favored to repeat this season.  5-8 Sr. Gemma Gray (8.1 ppg) is coming off an injury last season and is poised for an excellent season.  6-1 Fr. center Whitney Belle Jackson averaged 8 ppg and 6 rpg and has rapidly improved.  5-4 Sr. Sarah Burchell will move to the point this season and seems very comfortable at the position.  Sarah Burchell is an excellent on-ball defender.  5-10 So. Jordan Phillips came on late and is expected to be a key contributor.  5-5 Jr. Morgan Mills came on this summer as a three point shooter.  6-0 Sr. Jessica Mosely had a good summer and will challenge for a starting job.  The Lady Tigers, as usual, have a group of talented youngsters vying for quality minutes.  Some expected to contribute include 5-9 So. Danielle Fox, 5-6 Fr. Kayla Smith, 5-6 Fr. Blake Smith, 5-6 Fr. Tiffany Smith, and 6-1 Fr. Whitney Shell.  Two talented 8th graders, 5-4 Alisha Mitchell and 5-7 Ashley Hinkle, could also earn varsity minutes. 

Louisville Assumption

Coaches Bob and Martha Todd's Rockets finished 27-7 last season and captured the 7th region crown.  While they graduated six seniors and four starters, they return a nice blend of experience and talented young players.  6-2 Sr. Lauren Huter is a versatile inside player who will improve her numbers this season.  5-4 Sr. Claire Elliott and 6-0 Sr. Carrie Minogue are also expected to be key contributors.  The Rockets also have the services of two tall and talented sophs in 6-1 Molly Ernst and 6-2 Lexi Krall.

London North Laurel

Coach Roy Bowling came out of retirement and led North Laurel to a 15-13 record (the first winning season in 12 years) in the balanced 13th Region.  Coach Bowling expects this team to be quicker, with more depth and the ability to be a good defensive team.  5-7 Jr. PG Caitie Jackson returns this season after suffering a torn ACL last season.  5-9 Sr. Casey Jo Karr is a team leader who can nail the three point shot.  5-10 Jr. Makenzie Prichard has the ability to score both inside and out.  5-10 Jr. Kayla Bargo can play anywhere on the floor and is an excellent rebounder.  5-6 So. Rachel Seidel is expected to start and is a good shooter and rebounder.  Other players expected to see action include 5-5 Jr. Rachel Akins, 5-6 Sr. Morgan Emery, 5-7 So. Katie Hartney, 5-8 Fr. Kelsie Smith, 5-7 8th grader Samantha Proffitt, 5-7 8th grader Alex Napier, 5-8 So. Kelsie Burkhart, and 5-9 Fr. Christin Prince.

Louisville Male

Coach Leslie Scully's Lady Bulldogs finished 8-17 last season playing in the very competitive 7th Region.  Male should be improved as several young players gained valuable experience last season.  Returning starters include:  5-11 Jr. Brea Petty who has improved her outside shot, 5-9 Fr. Shelby West should be a scoring and rebounding leader with the ability to score both inside and out, 5-8 Jr. Natasha Janes is the point guard who has improved in all areas of her game, and 5-10 Jr. Candace Mosby who is a rebounding machine and defensive specialist.  The return of 6-0 Sr. center Blayke Herman will add greatly to the inside game.  Other players expected to contribute are 5-8 Sr. guard Jasmine Hamilton, 5-4 Sr. guard Porshia Hutcherson, 5-6 Jr. forward Taryn Moran, 5-11 Jr. forward Maleshia Gilcrease,5-4 Jr. guard Gillian Griggs, 5-5 Jr. guard Whitney Payne, and 5-7 Fr. guard Ashley Spratt. . 

Mt. Washington Bullitt East

Coach Chris Stallings' Lady Chargers finished 22-10 last season competing in the tough 6th Region.  5-9 Sr. Whitney Hanley has recently signed with Austin Peay, shoots the ball well, and is a good ballhandler.  5-10 Sr. Kelly Harrod is a combo forward who defends, rebounds, and can get to the basket.  5-7 Sr. guard Leah Wright transferred in from Bullitt Central.  5-10 So. Kayla Thacker is expected to start this season.  The Lady Chargers are athletic and will play a faster pace this season.  Coach Stallings would like to play a lot of people this year and develop depth.

Louisville Mercy Academy

Coach Mark Evans' Jaguars finished 15-15 last season but will be one of the top competitors for the 7th Region title this season.  Last year the Jaguar locker room resembled a M.A.S.H. unit as injuries plagued the team.  Coach Evans played a lot of his younger players, which should pay dividends this season.  The jinx appears to continue as star guard 5-9 So. Therese Montano tore her ACL this summer and will be sorely missed, although she could possibly return late in the season.

5-10 Sr. Paige Kaelin suffered her third ACL tear last season but will return to work with the younger players.  5-9 Sr. Katie Wiedmar, 5-9 Sr. Amy Wimsatt, and 5-7 Sr. Lara Protenic are solid returning veterans.  6-1 Sr. Hope Thomas is back from a broken leg and is a shot blocker who runs the court and scores in transition.  5-11 Sr. Kelly Cox is back from an ACL tear and can score both inside and out.  5-7 Sr. Liz Allen is a swingman who shoots the three and works extremely hard.  5-8 Jr. Catherine Montano has rapidly improved and added an outside shot.  5-7 Jr. Shelby McGuire is a quick and aggressive swing player who has improved her shooting touch.  5-10 So. Madison Hardy is a very aggressive competitor who gets the job done.  5-7 So. Malisa Cruz is an excellent long-range shooter who rebounds well for her size.  5-8 So.Ellen Sholtes is a combo guard who played well this summer.  As usual, Mercy will have some freshmen who will play varsity ball.

This team could be special if they can avoid the devastating array of injuries that hampered them last season.

RESULTS

Games consisted of two twenty minutes halves for a total of forty minutes with the clock stopping on dead balls, free-throws, etc.  The scoreboard was erased at halftime per KHSAA rules.  I will, for the sake of clarity, give scores for both halves plus a combined score.  Any stats included are not official but were recorded by me personally.  Please understand that these are scrimmages and coaches are experimenting with substitution rotations and using this event as a teaching tool and to prepare for the upcoming season.  Please note that players' heights vary from program to program. 

Game No. 1    Shelbyville Shelby County vs. Fairdale

Fairdale captured the first half 41-27 but Shelby County rallied to capture the second half 34-31.  Fairdale held a 72-61 advantage in the combined score.  Ceira Ricketts was named game MVP for Fairdale and led them with 20 points.  Brittany Wieber, Kayla Thompson, and Nicole Mills added 16, 12, and 11 points respectively.  Raechele Gray was named game MVP for Shelby County and led the Lady Rockets with 22 points.  Jennica Garitty added 11 points and was absolutely amazing on the boards.  The Shelby County coaching staff charted the game and Garitty was credited with 21 rebounds.

Game No. 2    Louisville Butler vs. Sacred Heart Academy

Butler captured both halves today by narrow margins, the first by a 31-29 margin, and the second half score was 41-37.  Butler held a 72-66 advantage in the combined score.  Tiara Hopper was named game MVP for Butler and led the Bearettes with 31 points and 10 rebounds.  5-6 Sr. Kathryn Denbow led Sacred Heart with 15 points.  Sacred Heart game MVP Megan Smith recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.  Autumn Miller and Whitney Ising chipped in with 14 and 10 points respectively.

Game No. 3    Middlesboro vs. Fern Creek

Middlesboro captured the first half 39-33 but Fern Creek rallied to capture the second half 42-40.  Middlesboro held a 79-75 advantage in the combined score.  5-10 Sr. Brooklynn Jimison was named game MVP for Middlesboro and led the Lady Jackets with 23 points.  Shaleesha Coleman added 14 points including four three point baskets.  Mallory Shoffner and Sophie Robinson chipped in with 12 and 10 points respectively.  Monique Reid was named game MVP for Fern Creek and led her team with 38 points and 13 rebounds.  Sherrice Gaines and Ceondra Palmer added 15 and 10 points respectively.

Game No. 4    Clay County vs. Assumption

Clay County captured the first half 27-20 and the second half ended in a 25-25 tie, giving Clay County a combined score advantage of 52-45.  Gemma Gray was named game MVP for Clay County and led the Lady Tigers with 22 points.  Whitney Belle Jackson added 13 points.  Lauren Huter was named game MVP for Assumption and led the Rockets with 24 points. 

Game No. 5    North Laurel vs. Louisville Male

Male defeated North Laurel 26-11 in the first half 38-27 but North Laurel rallied to defeat Male 39-25 decision in the second half.  Male eked out a 51-50 combined score advantage.  5-7 Fr. Ashely Spratt and Blayke Herman let Male in scoring with eight points each.  Natasha Janes was named game MVP for Male and added seven points.  5-4 Sr. Porshia Hutcherson also tallied seven points.  Kayla Bargo was named game MVP for North Laurel and led the Lady Jaguars with 19 points.

Game No. 6    Mercy Academy vs. Bullitt East

Bullitt East captured both halves, the first 35-32 and the second 35-25 for a combined advantage of 70-57 over Mercy.  Whitney Hanley was named game MVP for Bullitt East and led the Lady Chargers with 22 points.  Kayla Thacker added 19 points.  Malisa Cruz and Kelly Cox led Mercy with nine points each.  5-8 So. Ellen Sholtes was named game MVP for Mercy and scored eight points and had a nice floor game.

CONCLUSION

This was an excellent day of pre-season basketball, with JV teams playing in an adjoining gym, giving both squads a chance to get in scrimmage time.  The coaches did an excellent job of using this event as a teaching tool.  There was some excellent talent on display today both veteran and underclassmen.

There were some excellent individual performances today and several teams introduced us to some young players who will be future stars.  Raechele Gray and Jennica Garitty (Shelby County), Ceira Ricketts and Brittany Wieber (Fairdale), Tiara Hopper (Butler), Kathryn Denbow and Megan Smith (Sacred Heart), Brooklynn Jimison and Shaleesha Coleman (Middlesboro), Monique Reid and Sherrice Gaines (Fern Creek), Gemma Gray and Whitney Belle Jackson (Clay County), Lauren Huter (Assumption), Natasha Janes (Male), Kayla Bargo (North Laurel), Ellen Sholtes (Mercy Academy), and Whitney Hanley and Kayla Thacker (Bullitt East) all had good performances today.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

A special thanks to Rick Bolus and Larry Bruner for all their hard work in making this event work.  Also, a special thanks to Bob Tonini of Sacred Heart Academy and some of the other stats people who provided me with much useful info.  I would highly recommend this event for any team looking for a quality pre-season event to prepare their team for the regular season.  Any coach wishing to inquire about next year's event may contact Rick Bolus at 502-543-7308 or by email at bolus@insightbb.com .  

Team capsules and game results are ©2007 by Ron Harrison. 
Please direct your comments to Ron Harrison at prephoops@yahoo.com.