Two of the premiere basketball programs in the 15th Region will be on display in Louisa and could contend for a Regional Title before the season is over.
The Lawrence County Lady Bulldogs were one possession away from a Regional Title last season. Coach Melinda Feltner has brought Lady Dawg Basketball to a new level in the past few years. The Lady Dawgs were 27-8 on the season only a year ago.
KEY PLAYERS RETURNING – When you think Lawrence County Lady Dawgs basketball one player comes to mind, Kensley Feltner. Feltner a contender for the coveted Miss Basketball is a phenomenal athlete. She has size, speed, agility not seen by many in the 15th Region. Feltner averaged 26.9 points and 9.2 rebounds per game her Junior season.
The Lady Dawgs also return Senior Kaison Ward. Ward averaged over 10 points and 7 rebounds per game for Lawrence County.
Sophomore Sophie Adkins has developed into a big time player. Her shooting performance at the Regional Tournament was a small sign of what she can do. Adkins finished the season averaging 9.6 points per game.
The Lady Dawgs also have two additional guards that will play big minutes for Coach Melinda Feltner. Leandra Curnette joined the Lady Dawgs team midway through the season and finished by scoring 7.3 points per game. The Lady Dawgs also hope to get Brooke Neal back after her second ACL tear of her career. When she comes back she will provide another outside threat for Lawrence County.
KEY LOSSES – Lawrence County only graduated one Senior last season Tyra Hammond. Hammond averaged just under 4 points per game her Senior season. Hammond was a physical interior defender.
FINAL THOUGHTS – This is the year all Lawrence County fans have been waiting for. The now Senior class has been groomed since the 8th grade for this moment. The Lady Dawgs will continue to be one of the elite programs as they attempt to make it to the Sweet 16.
Great programs don’t rebuild they just reload. Lawrence County Coach Chandler Thompson looks to bring his team back to the 58th District Championship. Speaking of Championships, Lawrence County coming off of a 24-8 season that saw them finish runner up in the 58th District.
KEY PLAYERS RETURNING – The Bulldogs will be led by a pair of Seniors this season. Will Lafferty, the smooth southpaw, is the teams leading returning scorer with a 7.3 point per game average. Kaden Gillispie, the heart and soul of the Dawgs, averaged 6.3. Both players generated their offense from their defense. Under Coach Thompson, the press and up tempo style is a must and players like Gillispie and Lafferty are key. It is unclear if Gillespie will return this season after the injury he sustained during football season. If he returns it will be a huge boost to Lawrence County.
Point Guard Andrew Bloomfield came into the Bulldog starting lineup at the end of last season when Tyler Johnson was injured. He showed all of Bulldog nation that he is ready to lead this team. He finished with an average of 6.7 points per game.
Logan Ratliff is primed for a big season. He really worked hard during the off season and expanded his game. We look for his minutes to increase tremendously.
KEY LOSSES – The “Big Three” Cody Maynard, Trent Adkins and Tyler Johnson all graduated. Maynard has played significant minutes for Lawrence County since his 7th grade year. Maynard ended his career as the 58th District Play of the Year while averaging 22.4 points per game and shooting 42.9% behind the arc.
Trent Adkins averaged 15.6 points per game all while grabbing 9 rebounds a contest. Adkins was a long and athletic “3” that was forced to play the center position.
Tyler Johnson transferred from Tolsia, WV last season and immediately took over the point guard position. The move allowed Maynard to move off the ball and really enabled him to excel. Johnson was an excellent scorer and playmaker who averaged 16 points per game.
FINAL THOUGHTS – Athletes, Athletes, Athletes that is what Lawrence County has on their side. So many different combinations that Coach Thompson can select. If they can gel and develop a true inside threat, Lawrence County could make a run in the Regional Tournament.
