2005 Fifth Third Bank Classic Participating Teams
© 2005 Ron Harrison
American Division
Apollo – Coach Jason Power’s E-Gals finished 25-4 last season and should contend for the 3rd Region title this season. While Apollo lost three seniors they return two of the premier players in the region in 5-7 Sr. Latoshia Lawrence and 5-7 Jr. Whitney Odom. Lawrence averaged 15 ppg last season and Odom averaged 14 ppg and 7 rpg. The E-Gals are also expected to get help from 6-1 So. Ranisha Cason.
Ballard – Coach Ken Smith’s Lady Bruins finished 23-7 last season and will once again be among the top teams in the always tough 7th Region. The Lady Bruins suffered a blow when 6-4 Sr. Alicia Bunton transferred to Warren Central, but the cupboard is hardly bare. Ballard is extremely deep and should be led by 5-7 Sr. Erin Rogers (12 ppg), 5-10 Sr. Reena Haliburton (11 ppg), and 5-5 Jr. Teadra Elliott (11 ppg). Other players expected to contribute include 5-7 Sr. Aurelie Derenoncourt (9 ppg), 5-6 Jr. Petre Freeman, and 5-5 Sr. Jenine Walker.
Calloway County – The Lady Lakers finished 11-15 last season and Coach Scott Sivills’ team should be very competitive in the 1st Region this season. The Lady Lakers should be led by 5-7 Sr. guard Chelsea Morris (11 ppg). Other players expected to be key contributors this season include 6-1 Fr. Kayla Cunningham, 5-9 Jr. Beth Ross, 5-5 So. Sam Butts, 6-1 So. Rachel Adams, and 5-6 So. Meagan Starks. This is a talented team with several promising young players.
Christian Academy of Louisville – The Lady Centurions finished 30-5 last season playing in the tough 7th Region, but Coach Don Rice must replace four graduated starters. CAL should play a more up-tempo style this season and will be led by a very talented point guard, 5-9 Sr. Merideth Marsh (15 ppg). Other players expected to be key performers include 5-7 So. Brookie Willoughby, 5-9 Jr. Abby Tappendorf, 5-8 Jr. Courtney Smith, 5-8 Sr. Molly Magee, 5-10 Jr. Molly Newman, and 5-10 Fr. Clair Buchanan.
Clay County – The Lady Tigers finished 26-6 last season and Coach Donnie Gray’s squad should challenge for the 13th Region crown this season. They will be led by 5-7 Sr. Jayme Gilbert (20 ppg). Other players expected to start include 5-8 Fr. Gemma Gray (7 ppg), 5-10 Jr. Maleah Roberts (6.4 ppg 4.6 rpg), 5-6 Jr. Page Jackson (6.8 ppg), and 5-8 Sr. Mariah Aubrey (4.0 ppg). 5-6 So. Stephanie Jackson and 5-5 So. Sarah Burchell are also expected to contribute. Clay County also has some excellent players in their middle school system waiting in the wings, including 6-0 7th grader Whitney Jackson.
Highlands– Coach Jamie Richey’s Bluebirds finished 15-13 last season and will compete in the balanced 9th Region. Coach Richey should get key contributions from 5-8 Sr. guard Kara Dickerson and 5-11 Jr. Shayna Crowley. The Bluebirds also have come help coming from the freshman class.
Lexington Catholic – Coach Greg Todd’s Lady Knights finished 36-1 last season, captured the state championship, and should enter the season ranked number one. 5-8 Sr. Nikki Davis averaged 10.9 ppg and 6.8 rpg last season. 6-0 Sr. Anaris Sickles (10.7 ppg 7.2 rpg), 5-7 So. Briana Green, 5-7 Jr. Keyla Snowden(deadly outside shooter), and 5-11 So. Natalie Novosel (9.0 ppg) will be key contributors. Also expect a good year from 5-11 Jr. Kellie Cash. 5-11 Jr. Elizabeth Elam will provide key minutes and Lexington Catholic has two very talented freshmen in 6-0 Malik Stevenson and 5-8 Maggie Wilson. The Lady Knigts have a tough schedule but should be up to the task. Their chief rival will be fellow 11th Region member Scott County.
Magoffin County – Coach Steve Miller’s Lady Hornets finished 24-6 last season and should be a top contender for the 15th Region title this season. Magoffin County averaged 70 ppg last season and returns all five starters from last season. The returning starters are 5-6 Jr. Ashley Jade Howard (16.1 ppg 7.3 rpg), 5-4 Jr. Brittany Manns (18.6 ppg), 5-8 Michaela Howard (15.8 ppg 8.0 rpg), 5-9 Sr. Calloray Howard (12 ppg 7.4 rpg), and 5-10 So. Megan Powers. 5-7 Fr. Ashley Hall (5.1 ppg) is also expected to be a key player.
Monroe County – The Falcons finished 21-9 last season and Coach Dwayne Murray’s squad should contend for the 4th Region title this season. Monroe County will be led by 5-7 Sr. Kenzie Rich, who averaged 24 ppg last season. 5-6 Jr. Laura Anderson, will join Rich in the backcourt and is an excellent outside shooter.
Newport Central Catholic – Coach Christie McDonald graduated some key players from last season’s 21-7 team, including 5-7 Jayme Thiem who averaged 24 ppg last season. The Thoroughbreds will be young this season with no seniors and only three juniors in the program. This team should have the talent and athleticism to again be a contender in the 9th Region. NCC will be led by 5-8 Jr. Shannon Klei (13.2 ppg 4.9 rpg) and 6-0 So. Whitney Cundiff (9.8 ppg 4.5 rpg). ppg). Other players expected to help include 5-9 Jr. Mallory Dunn, 5-10 So. Mariah Cutter, 5-3 Jr. Lacy Mile, and 5-5 Savannah Simms.
Ohio County – The Lady Eagles finished 26-6 last season and captured the 3rd Region title last season. Coach Brad Johnson lost region player of the year Julie Leach but returns three key performers from last year’s squad. The Lady Eagles return 5-10 Jr. Kirsten McDaniel (9.9 ppg), 5-6 Jr. Lauren Goff (7.4 ppg), and 5-9 Jr. Erin Adams (6.4 ppg).
Paducah Tilghman – Coach Allison Graham’s Lady Tornado finished 29-6 last season and captured the 1st Region title. Although Paducah Tilghman suffered some key graduations losses, they return enough talent to contend for the regional championship. 6-2 Sr. Pam Bell averaged 14.9 ppg and 9.1 rpg last season and has one of the best outlet passes in the game. Bell underwent ACL surgery after the season and hopes to be fully recovered. 5-7 So. Ali Watson (6.5 ppg) is capable of manning either guard position, and 5-0 Fr. Natalie Shumpert (who played at Lone Oak last season) can also run the point. 5-10 Jr. Jeriesha Hayes (7.2 ppg 5.5 rpg) and 5-10 So. Jarobia Hill are also important cogs in the Lady Tornado machine.
Paris – Coach Terence Brooks Ladyhounds finished 20-10 last season and despite graduating three starters should have one of the better teams in the 10th Region. 5-7 Sr. guard Taylor Christman averaged 13 ppg and 5 rpg last season. Other key performers include 5-8 Sr. Alishia Tucker (8 ppg 5 rpg), 5-10 Jr. Myia Stout (sat out last season after transferring from Bourbon County), 6-1 So. Lauren Forsythe, 5-5 Sr. Tristen Brown, 5-6 Sr. Whitney Mitchell, 5-7 Sr. Laurie Mitchell, and 5-7 So. Nakita Jones. Coach Brooks also has more young players who could step up this season. The inside game will be improved this season.
Rose Hill – Coach Pam Euton’s Lady Royals finished 12-12 last season and appear to be poised for a run at the 16th Region championship this season. 6-1 Jr. Emily Queen averaged 22.7 ppg last season and is considered one of the premier players in the state. 6-1 Jr. Laura Terry is a very solid post player. 5-8 Kala Faulkner and 5-5 Jr. Britt Faulkner transferred from Russell and are expected to be key contributors this season. This could be a big year for the Lady Royals as they are believed to have three of the top players in the 16th Region in Queen, Terry, and Kala Faulkner.
Rowan County – Coach Troy Thomas’ Lady Vikings finished 23-8 last season and captured the 16th Region title in a year in which the Lady Vikings overcame numerous injuries to win the title. Rowan County graduated four seniors but should get contributions from several players including 5-5 So. Nicole Barr (8 ppg), 5-3 Sr. Lindsay Wientjes, and 5-5 So. Cassidi Spurlock.
Sacred Heart Academy – Coach Donna Moir graduated nine seniors from last year’s 24-5 team but there is still talent returning on the roster. 6-2 Jr. Elizabeth Campbell averaged 6.7 ppg and 5.6 rpg last season. Campbell is an excellent shooter and this could be a breakout year for her. 5-6 Lindsay Boling is the lone senior on the squad and will run the show this year. 6-1 Jr. wing player Caroline Klein is an excellent long-range shooter and could be the Valkyries’ most improved player. 5-10 Jr. forward Katie Kopple is expected to fill the power forward slot and 5-6 So. Kathryn Denbow will play one of the guard positions. Other players expected to contribute include 5-9 Jr. Sarah Miles, 5-7 Jr. Sarah Askin, 5-6 So. Whitney Ising, and 5-10 So. Liz Wasz. 5-8 So. Megan Moir, and 5-7 So. Danielle Lavender are a talented duo who should add depth to the team. The Valkyries will be one of several talented squads competing for the 7th Region title.
National Division
Assumption – The Rockets finished 19-10 last season and Coaches Bob and Martha Todd return the talent to contend for the 7th Region crown and state honors this season. 6-1 Sr. Amber Norton averaged 18 ppg and 10 rpg last season. 6-1 Jr. Thia Gholson (9.0 ppg 8.0 rpg) is a force in the middle and the Rockets should get solid perimeter play from 5-8 Sr. Liz Todd (6.0 ppg), 5-8 Jr. Eileen Kennedy (7.0 ppg), and 5-11 Sr. Kelly Mitchell (11.2 ppg). Other players expected to contribute include 5-4 Sr. Becca Tougher, 6-1 So. Lauren Huter, 5-9 Sr. Amy Crush, 5-6 Jr. Amanda Stovall, 5-8 So. Lauren Schmeing, 5-11 Jr. Kelsey Smith, 6-0 So. Carrie Minogue, and 6-3 Sr. Claire Noltemeyer.
Butler – Coach Terri Keown’s Bearettes finished 22-10 last season and should be a top contender for the 6th Region title this season. 5-8 So. Tia Gibbs averaged 18 ppg and 8 rpg last season. 5-3 Sr. Nicole Holman averaged 13 ppg last season and is considered one of the best point guards in the state. 5-9 So. Brittany Harris (10.1 ppg), is considered among the top players in the region. The Bearettes added another excellent player in 5-10 Fr. Tiara Hopper who played at Iroquois last season. Other players expected to contribute include 5-11 So. Kayla Douglas, 5-6 So. Kara Pile, and 5-9 So. Jordan Pearson. This is a very talented albeit young squad with only one senior and no juniors on the roster.
Christian County– Coach Don Dillard got a bad break when 6-1 Sr. Lydia Watkins found out she had to sit out this season with a back injury. However, the Lady Colonels, who finished 25-4 last season, have enough talent returning to challenge for the 2nd Region title and state honors. 6-1 Sr. Arnika Brown averaged 21.7 ppg last season and is considered a leading contender for Miss Basketball this season. 5-7 Shana McCombs is an athletic young guard who averaged 9.9 ppg last season. Other players expected to be key contributors include 5-8 Fr. Shatera Lewis, 5-7 Fr. Danisha Mumford, and 6-1 So. Rikiah Gatlin.
Covington Holy Cross – Coach Rob Kues’ Indians finished 27-6 last season and graduated some key performers from last year’s team. Coach Kues enters the 9th Region wars with a top player in long-range bomber 5-11 Sr. Rachel Lantry who averaged 18 ppg last season. 5-10 So. Katie Behrens and 5-8 Sr. Brittany Burk are also expected to be key contributors this season. 5-10 Fr. Anna Noll should also help this season.
Dixie Heights – Coach Holly Spritzky’s Lady Colonels finished 20-10 last season and despite suffering graduation losses should again be competitive in the 9th Region this year. The Lady Colonels held opponents to 38.1 ppg last season and were 9th Region semifinalists. Key players returning for the Lady Colonels include 5-10 Fr. Shanece Miller (8.4 ppg), 5-9 Sr. Emma Miller (5.8 ppg), and 5-7 Jr. PG Carmen Firth (8.3 ppg).
Eastern – Coach Steve Ward’s Lady Eagles finished 18-10 last season and will compete in the tough 7th Region. Coach Ward graduated several seniors but return some talented players this season. 5-10 Sr. Dymon Rondo (17.5 ppg) can score either off the drive or beyond the arc. Other players expected to contribute include 5-10 Jr. Tesha Wright, 5-5 Jr. Sher’ri Jenkins, 5-10 Jr. Jamie Williams, and 5-10 Sr. Ciera Chisholm.
Elizabethtown – Coach Tim Mudd’s Lady Panthers finished 19-6 last season but graduated several key players. Coach Mudd returns one of the bet players in the 5th Region in 6-1 Sr. Kabrenda Warfield. Other players expected to contribute this season include 5-6 So. Jenna Goblirsch, 5-10 So. Alisa Dickerson, and 6-0 Jr. Angel Lucas.
Lexington Christian Academy – Coach Donna Murphy’s Lady Eagles finished 21-11 last season and was runner-up in the 11th Region tournament, but this year’s team will have a new and different look. LCA graduated four seniors and several key players decided not to return this season. Coach Murphy has a proven floor leader in 5-7 Jr. Emily London. Other returnees include 5-9 Sr. Noell Jones, 5-10 Jr. Marckia Wilson, 5-8 Jr. Sakia Hanson, and 5-5 So. Hillary Thornton. The Lady Eagles have a group of talented youngsters including 5-9 Fr. Courtney Clifton, 5-9 Fr. Anna Martin, 5-9 Fr. Kelsey Ach, 6-1 Fr. Clara Mitchell, and 5-11 8th grader Sara Beth Barnette. Expect Mitchell to be a force in the paint.
Mason County – Coach Paula Buser’s Lady Royals finished 25-8 last season and should contend for the 10th Region title this season. Mason County returns all five starters from last season. Mason County’s top returning players will be 5-6 So. Lacey Cline, 5-9 So. De’Sarae Chambers, 5-7 So. Kasey Litzinger, 5-6 Jr. Megan Reese, and 5-7 Jr. Torrey Chambers.
Mercer County – Coach Chris Souder’s Lady Scotties finished 28-5 last season and should be one of the top contenders for the 12th Region championship this season. Although the Lady Scotties graduated several players they have a lot of returning talent. They return an excellent guard combo in 5-4 Sr. Chrystal Claunch and 5-7 Sr. Chelsea Goodman. 5-10 Sr. Sabrina Manning is a versatile performer who can score both inside and out. Mercer County has very capable players in the paint in 5-10 Sr. Lindsey Alford and 6-1 So. Tara Camden. Coach Souder has a talented group of sophomores that will be counted on to contribute.
Mercy Academy – Mercy Academy finished 22-10 last season and despite graduation losses coach Mark Evans as usual will have one fo the most competitive teams in the 7th Region. Coach Evans has a solid senior class consisting of 6-0 Jenny Petrie (15 ppg), 5-7 Mallory Luckett (9 ppg), 5-8 Brittany Buss, 5-9 Megan McGuire, and 5-8 Melissa Schindler. 5-8 Jr. Shawna Culver will be a key player and Coach Evans has a talented sophomore class that will have to step up this season. Mercy has a pressing up-tempo style of play that creates problems for any opponent.
Owensboro – Coach Tom Campbell’s Lady Devils finished 15-15 last season and should be a top contender for the 3rd Region crown this season. The Lady Devils should have a formidable inside game with 6-2 So. Janae Howard, and 6-0 Jr. Ashley Prince. Howard averaged a double-double last season with 13.2 ppg and 10.1 rpg. 5-3 So. Inglish Hunter and 5-5 Fr. Nikki Johnson should be key contributors for Coach Campbell.
St. Mary – Coach Staci Averill’s St. Mary Lady Vikings finished 20-10 last season and return everyone, which should make them a contender in the 1st Region. 6-3 Sr. Angela Roof averaged 22 ppg and 9 rpg last season, and shot 70% from the field. 5-9 Sr. Danielle Averill averaged 14 ppg and can shoot the trey. 5-8 Jr. Abby Townzen averaged 11 ppg last season and is an athletic performer who can score both inside and out.
Shelby County – Coach Sally Zimmerman’s Lady Rockets finished 24-4 last season and should be a top contender for the 8th Region title this season. The Lady Rockets will be led by 5-8 Sr. Amanda Green who averaged 17 ppg last season and can score either off the drive or with her jump shot. 5-9 Jr. Amber Morrison (9.0 ppg) and 5-4 So. Raechele Gray (7.0 ppg) also return at the guard positions. Other key returnees include 5-10 Sr. Tara Milburn, 5-9 Sr. Krystina Silverhorn, 5-10 Jr. Heather Axline, 5-7 Jr. Ashley Ford and 5-6 Sr. Ashley Gibbs.
West Carter – Coach Von Perry’s West Carter Lady Comets finished 26-7 last season and should be a contender again in the 16th Region this season. 6-0 Sr. forward Brandi Rayburn averaged 14.9 ppg and 8.2 rpg last season. 5-9 Sr. Leigh Audra Perry is a threat from outside the arc. The Lady Comets only graduated one senior from last season and return a good blend of experience and promising underclassmen, including 5-8 So. Sydnie Cox.
Washington County – Coach J. T. Burton’s Commanderettes finished 18-17 last season and are the defending 5th Region champions. 6-0 Sr. Brittany Edelen averaged 22 ppg and 13 rpg last season. Other players expected to be key include 5-10 Jr. Stacy Tope, 5-10 So. Jane Goatley, and 5-11 So. Lee Goatley. Jane Goatley averaged 11 ppg last season.
Please send your comments and questions to Ron Harrison at prephoops@yahoo.com.
Ron Harrison’s reports on this and other basketball events appear on http://www.kyprephoops.com.