Floyd Central Basketball Preview

The Floyd Central basketball program is looking for a break through year for both programs.

Photo Credit Stacy Shannon

The Floyd Central Lady Jags are back for another run toward a Regional title. The Lady Jags return their top 2 scorers from last years squad that went 20-10 for Coach Justin Triplett. The Lady Jags lost in the District Championship in Overtime 67-62 to Lawrence County.

KEY PLAYERS RETURNING – Kennedy Harvel, a Kentucky Christian University commit, led the scoring for the Jags last season with a 16.8 point per game average. She has always been a consistent outside threat. Last season she shot 35% from behind the arc. The big improvement in Harvel’s game last season was the way she now attacks the basket. We look for a big season from Harvel.

Also returning is Senior Forward Jada Johnson. Johnson, also a KCU commit, was the teams 2nd leading scorer from a year ago with a 11.4 point per game. Johnson was also third on the team in rebounding with 6.4 rebounds per game.

Madi Meade, the transfer from Betsy Layne joins the Jags for her Senior season. Madi brings another offensive weapon to Coach Triplett’s team. She averaged 19.6 points per game for her former team. Meade is the third KCU commit playing for the Lady Jags this season.

KEY LOSSES – The Lady Jags lost a trio of Seniors a year ago that had been a fixture for their program for several years. First we will start with Grace Martin. Martin had played big minutes for the Lady Jags since her 7th grade season. Martin averaged 7.9 PPG and 8.4 RPG a year ago.

Kamryn Shannon ran the point guard position for the last two season. Shannon was steady and never rattled as she controlled the tempo on most nights. Shannon averaged 7 point and nearly 5 rebounds per game. Finally, Natalie Hollie broke into the staring lineup her Senior season averaged nearly 5 points per game a year ago.

FINAL THOUGHTS – The Lady Jags have the offensive weapons with Harvel, Johnson and Meade but for them to make that next step, they must see consistent play from Chelsea Johnson Riley Jo Compton, and Chloe Crase .

Photo Credit Stacy Compton Shannon

Jag fans feel this is the year their young Jaguars move to a district contender. With a talented Junior class, the Jags have now added arguably the best incoming freshman class of any school in the D&D coverage area. Let’s learn more about these Jags.

KEY PLAYERS RETURNING – Junior Ronnie Samons looks to conitnue to light up the scoreboard. A true throwback player, Samons does it all. He can score inside and out and this trait led him to a 18.5 PPG average. Samons shot 36.5% from behind the arc and grabbed over 5 rebounds per game as a Sophomore.

Junior Braden Moore continued his progress last season. Moore an athletic guard that slashes his way to the basket averaged 11.7 points per game. Moore was also the teams best on the ball defender last season.

Junior Eric Burke continued to perform well. Burke average 9 points per game. Rounding out the Junior class is last years 6th man Brody Buck. Buck a long athletic “stretch 4” brings a high level of energy and basketball IQ when he enters the game.

Chris Spriggs, the D&D Sports 8th grade co-player of the year, brings his swagger to the Jags. A true point guard, Spriggs can take over a game offensively like he did setting the D&D All Star game scoring record or get others involved as a pass first point guard. He will be needed to fill the void by several transfers.

KEY LOSSES – The Jags only lost one Senior last season, Jake Rainey. I was averaging 7 points an 6.5 rebounds a game before my season was cut short due to an automobile accident.

The biggest battle the Jags faced this summer was transfers. The Jags lost two guards to transfers over the summer. Point Guard Tanner Hall transferred to cross county rival Betsy Layne. Hall averaged just under 7 points per game last season for the Jags. Also, backup point guard, Conner Hopkins transferred to Johnson Central. Hopkins was a tenacious defender and sharp shooting PG last season.

FINAL THOUGHTS – The Jags have the athleticism and potential to win the district and possibly make a run in the regional tournament. But potential doesn’t win championships. They must gel as a team and understand individual success will come when the team accomplishes their goal. Finally, for the Jags to reach this goal several others must step up. Grant Wright must control the boards inside and the freshman class must grow up quick . It should be an exciting season and I cant wait.

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