ij_sports

ij-track-king-wins-regional-400meter-dash-three-others-from-lincoln-qualify-for-state-20130515 Track: King wins regional 400-meter dash, three others from Lincoln qualify for state May 15, 2013 SOMERSET — Lincoln County’s Katie King expected to compete against a strong field in the 400-meter dash at regionals. What she didn’t expect was to win the event. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-5193ec6b/turbine/ij-track-king-wins-regional-400meter-dash-three-others-from-lincoln-qualify-for-state-20130515/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-5193ec6b/turbine/ij-track-king-wins-regional-400meter-dash-three-others-from-lincoln-qualify-for-state-20130515/400/16x9 SOMERSET — Lincoln County’s Katie King expected to compete against a strong field in the 400-meter dash at regionals. What she didn’t expect was to win the event. King ran a personal best of 1:04.10 to claim the Class 3A, Region 7 Championship title at Southwestern High School, and earn an automatic berth in this weekend’s state track and field championships. “I was really shocked,” the Lincoln freshman said. “I had only run the 400 one time before so I didn’t know what to expect. I knew that if I kept my speed up the whole lap I had a better chance of making it (state). But I didn’t expect to win.” King advanced to the state meet by outrunning 12 other competitors to the finish line in the one-lap event, beating out Madison Central junior Shadae Bosley and Pulaski County sophomore Allie Stevens in a close finish. Bosley earned the second automatic state berth by claiming the runner-up spot in 1:04.82 while Stevens took third in 1:04.91. The Lady Patriot runner took the lead on the backstretch of the track and her strategy was simply to just keep running. “I was in the sixth lane and there was one or two girls in front of me, and I passed them up after about the first 100 and I got the lead and just kept going,” King said. “I knew she (Bosley) was coming, I just didn’t know how close she was. I just kept going as hard as I could trying to finish.” That extra push trimmed three seconds off King’s only other time in the 400, a 1:07, and qualified her for her first state meet. “This is my first time ever running at state so I don’t really know what to expect, but I know I will have some hard practices this week,” King said. “I’m still just shocked that I made it.”  King will not be alone as she makes her first trip to the KHSAA Class 3A Track and Field State Championships in Louisville. Morgan Gourley, also a freshman, earned her first-ever spot in the state finals by placing second in the 1600-meter run and Brian Carlson, a sophomore, earned another trip to state by taking second in the boys’ 1600 and also earned a right to compete in the 3200-meter run on time. Senior Alex Bunch, who has qualified for state since she was a seventh-grader, will make one final trip to state to compete in the 800-meter run. Gourley, who turned in one of her best competitive seasons to-date in the 1600, assured herself of a state berth with her personal best time of 5:43.15. “I’ve had a good season and it feels good to make it (state),” Gourley said. “Rodney (Bunch, girls track coach) has been telling me to do big arms and stuff and breath so I don’t get cramps or anything, and I can tell it’s been helping me out a lot. And I have to sprint when I’m at the finish line so nobody will pass me. That’s helped my time.” While acknowledging the strength of the competition at the state meet – and her fears in facing that competition – Gourley said she hopes to strengthen her chances in the field with another PR. “I got my PR at regionals so I want to try to do better at state and get in the 5:30s,” she said. “Oh yeah, I’m very scared about state, but I’ll just do my best. That’s all I can do.” While King and Gourley anticipate making their first appearance at state, Carlson isn’t so sure he’ll even show up for his second state berth. The Lincoln sophomore who placed second in the 1600 at regions with a time of 4:31.74 said a prior commitment may keep him away. “I’m not actually sure that I’m going to go,” he said. “I thought the meet was last Saturday for some reason so I had already made plans for an all-day trip that day with Upward Bound.” For Carlson, who initially thought he had no automatic state berths, the thought of possibly competing in two meets at state may have changed his mind. Carlson’s time of 10:08.07 in the 3200-meter run at region made him one of the 10 extra qualifiers advancing on their time.  “In the mile and two-mile I wasn’t actually sure I was going to make it at first,” Carlson said. “I got third in the mile and the two-mile originally but in the mile someone got disqualified in front of me. I wasn’t sure until I heard over the announcements at the track meet that I was placed second so I went to check the results and I found out that the guy in front of me had been disqualified. Then in the two-mile my coach said I got accepted based on my time. Since I found out I got accepted in two events I may go anyway.” Pulaski County junior Mason Blevins won both the 1600 and 3200 runs. Blevins won the 1600 in 4:29.80 and the 3200 in 9:54.15. Mason Crump of Madison Central was the second-place runner disqualified in the 1600 which assured Carlson the automatic berth.  Unlike King, Gourley or Carlson, senior Lady Pat Alex Bunch had no state berth to celebrate during the regional meet, placing third in the girls 800-meter run in 2:26.21. “I was very concerned,” said Bunch, who has already committed to run at Louisville. “I knew the rule about the next 10 fastest times getting in, but I also knew that in AAA the next 10 fastest times could have been 2:20. I really didn’t know whether I’d been in or not.” The uncertainty kept Bunch on watch.  “There are seven regions in AAA and six of them had finished by Friday night, so I was fifth on the list of ten after that,” she said. “I knew I had a good chance but there was still one region left to report. I was constantly checking the internet to see results from the region. (Saturday night) my parents texted me and said ‘You’re in. You made it.’” That message from her parents left Bunch with mixed emotions. “I’m excited but I’m sad. It’s my last state meet,” she said. “I’m excited that  I get to be at UofL and run my last state meet there. It’s a fun experience just getting to watch, but it’s really exciting to run. It’s a big track, a lot of people and good competition.” 2013-05-15 13:23:20.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-track-king-wins-regional-400meter-dash-three-others-from-lincoln-qualify-for-state-20130515,0,3465624.story

ij-baseball-lincoln-county-ky-rallies-late-but-falls-1310-to-somerset-20130515 Baseball: Lincoln rallies late, but falls 13-10 to Somerset May 15, 2013 STANFORD — Baseball fans had to do a double take when they looked at the scoreboard Monday after Lincoln pinch hitter Tyler Poynter banged out a grand slam home run in the bottom of the sixth inning. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-5193eb23/turbine/ij-baseball-lincoln-county-ky-rallies-late-but-falls-1310-to-somerset-20130515/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-5193eb23/turbine/ij-baseball-lincoln-county-ky-rallies-late-but-falls-1310-to-somerset-20130515/400/16x9 STANFORD — Baseball fans had to do a double take when they looked at the scoreboard Monday after Lincoln pinch hitter Tyler Poynter banged out a grand slam home run in the bottom of the sixth inning. Was the scoreboard correct? Had the Patriots actually battled their way back from an 11-1 deficit to challenge Somerset 11-10? The answer to both questions was yes. Lincoln had almost erased the 10-run deficit with nine runs over the fifth and sixth innings, however, the Patriots came up short in the rally effort, falling 13-10 to the visiting Briar Jumpers. “The fight we had coming back was impressive,” Lincoln coach Brad McNew said. “That’s something we hadn’t seen much this year. It was good to see that tonight. We really came back and made it a game.” Somerset (20-10) scored 11 runs over the second, third and fourth innings to jump out to a 11-1 lead. But instead of letting the Briar Jumpers walk away with a five-inning win Lincoln (9-21) averted the 10-run mercy rule with a four-run effort in the bottom of the fifth. Austin Greer was hit by Somerset starter Jacob Pelson to lead off the bottom of the fifth. Taylor Edwards came on to run for Greer, moved to second on a Tanner Leigh single and then to third on a Josh Wilson ground out before John Day tagged a single to deep centerfield to score him and Leigh. After a strikeout, Dylan King, who hit a solo home run in the second inning, walked on, and he and Day moved around when Pelson hit Zach Brown to load the bases.  Day walked home when Pelson hit Austin Smith then Nolan Sanders singled to left field to plate King and make it 11-5. The Sanders hit marked the end of Pelson’s stint on the mound, with Jared Farris coming on. Farris got out of the inning on a Greer infield fly. The Somerset pitching staff continued to hit and walk Lincoln in the bottom of the sixth inning, allowing the Patriots to cut further into the Briar Jumpers’ lead. Lincoln batters were walked eight times and hit seven. After a leadoff pop out, Farris hit Wilson, walked Day and hit Boone Baird in order to load the bases.  Wilson scored on a wild pitch with King at the plate then Farris walked King to reload. That’s when Poynter, who had not taken a swing  all day, stepped up to the plate and delivered his grand slam shot over the left-field fence to make it an 11-10 ballgame. McNew has cited Lincoln’s inability to get timely hits in past games, but the Patriots came through Monday despite getting just six hits for the game. “We got some of those big hits tonight and that got us right back in it,” he said. “Poynter hadn’t swung all night then steps up there and hits the ball out of the ballpark. He got his chance to step up and did what he needed to do, and that was his first one of his varsity career. And John Day got a hit that scored runs. We just had a lot of fight. They put a lot of runners on, walks and hitting guys, and we were able to get some of those across. Here lately we hadn’t been able to do a lot if that.”   Somerset added to its lead in the top of the seventh, with Pelson and Charlie Dishman scoring a run apiece. Pelson doubled to reach and Dishman, who had a solo home run in both the third and fourth innings, was intentionally walked. With two outs, Bryson Jones, who was 3-for-4, singled to center to drive in both runners to give the Briar Jumpers a 13-10 lead. Somerset thwarted Lincoln’s comeback effort in the bottom of the seventh, with Dishman coming on in the inning and striking out the Patriots in order to end the game. “To win games you’ve got to get big hits, and we made it a game there. And then he brings Charlie in and Charlie’s a pretty good arm. He hit the two home runs, and he pitches as well as he hits,” McNew said. Somerset banged out 13 hits off Sanders and reliever Tanner Leigh, including nine hits as they jumped ahead 11-1. Jones led off the top of the second with a double, advanced on a Heath Ehrsam bunt then scored on a Kenny Spear fly out. Logan Ramsey, who walked on, scored on a Lincoln throwing error off a Chandler Purcell hit. Ehrsam scored on a Caleb Dockery hit and Purcell made it 4-0 with a steal off a wild pitch. After King’s solo home run for Lincoln in the bottom of the second, Somerset went back to work cushioning its lead. Dishman led off with a home run, Spear connected for a double to score Logan Combs, and Purcell drove in Ehrsam and Spear with an RBI-double. Dishman repeated with a home run in the top of the fourth then Spear collected two more RBIs, scoring Combs and Ramsey. “We played about as bad as we could have for two or three innings, and Somerset is another good-hitting team we bring in here,” McNew said. “We faced them in the region tournament last year. They hit the ball. I know that they are going to score runs, it’s just a matter of keeping them at bay. We made a few blunders that gave them some extra runs.” The Lincoln mentor said he was pleased with the effort by the Patriots against the Briar Jumpers, with the district tournament just days away. Danville is hosting the tournament and Lincoln plays the district’s top seed, Boyle County, Monday at 5:30 p.m. “It’s all about preparing this week for next Monday,” he said. “We knew we wanted to have a good game, and we fought hard. We really came back to make this a game tonight. Hopefully next Monday we’re celebrating a win.” 2013-05-15 13:27:25.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-baseball-lincoln-county-ky-rallies-late-but-falls-1310-to-somerset-20130515,0,2726797.story

ij-lincoln-kys-emily-fox-named-to-second-allstate-basketball-team-20130515 Lincoln's Emily Fox named to second All-State basketball team Sydney Harris earns honorable mention May 15, 2013 Lincoln County girls basketball senior Emily Fox added a final award to her career, as she was named to Kentucky’s 2013 All-State Basketball Second Team. She was one of just five regional players named to an All-State team and the only one on the Second Team. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-5193a44f/turbine/ij-lincoln-kys-emily-fox-named-to-second-allstate-basketball-team-20130515/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-5193a44f/turbine/ij-lincoln-kys-emily-fox-named-to-second-allstate-basketball-team-20130515/400/16x9 Lincoln County girls basketball senior Emily Fox added a final award to her career, as she was named to Kentucky’s 2013 All-State Basketball Second Team. She was one of just five regional players named to an All-State team and the only one on the Second Team. The Austin Peay signee averaged 16.9 points in her senior season and surpassed 2,000 points in scoring to become Lincoln County’s all-time leading scorer. Fox shot 43 percent from the field and 78.1 percent at the foul line and had 81 3-point goals this past season. Fox was a key player in Lincoln’s six straight 45th District Tournament championships as well as back-to-back appearances in the Girls Sweet 16 State Tournament as champions of the 12th Region. Fox’s teammate and fellow senior, Sydney Harris, who also played on those same six district championship teams and back-to-back regional champion teams, did receive All-State Honorable Mention. Harris, who has already signed with King College, averaged over 15.9 points and 7.2 rebounds per game and had 47 blocked shots. Mercer County senior Cassidy Martin and Wayne County senior Jessica Hardin represented the 12th Region on the Third Team All-State. Other regional players receiving All-State Honorable Mention honors were Michaela Hunter of Rockcastle County, Brittany Warren of Pulaski County and Kasey Young of Danville. The All-State First, Second and Third Teams were: First Team Makayla Epps, Marion Co.5-11, Sr., G Tearra Banks, Ballard, 6-3, Sr., C Larryn Brooks, Madison Central, 5-5, Sr., G China Dow, Christian Acad., 5-11, Sr., G Ashton Feldhaus, Madison Central, 6-2, Sr., G/F Kyvin Goodin-Rogers, Marion Co., 6-2, Sr., F Becca Greenwell, O-boro Catholic, 6-1, Sr., G Chelsey Shumpert, Paducah Tilghman, 5-3, Sr., G Whitney Hartlage, Mercy, 5-7, Sr., G Kayla Styles, Manual, 6-1, Sr., G/F   Second Team Ivy Brown, LaRue Co.,6-0, Jr. Kayla Rankin, Perry Co. Central, 6-0Jr. Makenzie Cann, Anderson Co., 6-0, Jr. Taylor Porter, Lawrence Co., 5-9, Sr. Emily Fox, Lincoln Co., 5-7, Sr. Aareon Smith, Butler, 5-10, Sr. Serena Sandusky, Bryan Station, 5-9, Sr. Ellie Fruit, Henderson Co., 5-9, Sr. Leah Schaefer, Highlands, 6-1, Sr. DaiJia Ruffin, Sacred Heart, 5-9, Jr.   Third Team Alexis Robinson, Ashland, 5-9, So. Olivia Voskuhl, Notre Dame, 5-10, Sr. Janssen Starks, Murray,5-7, Sr. Erin Boley, Elizabethtown, 6-1, Fr. Maci Morris, Bell Co., 5-11, So. Destony Curry, Manual, 5-8, Sr. Cassidy Martin, Mercer Co., 5-8, Sr. Jessica Hardin, Wayne Co., 5-11, Sr. Eriel McKee, Anderson Co., 5-10, Jr.Kelah Eldridge, Letcher Co. C., 5-5, Sr.  2013-05-15 08:04:32.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-lincoln-kys-emily-fox-named-to-second-allstate-basketball-team-20130515,0,478415.story

ij-tennis-lincoln-ky-patriot-boys-girls-pick-up-five-wins-in-regional-tournament-20130508 Tennis: Patriot boys, girls pick up five wins in regional tournament May 8, 2013 BEREA — Lincoln’s Ethan Smith said prior to the 12th Region Tournament that he was embarrassed with his first-round loss at last year’s event. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-518a6b12/turbine/ij-tennis-lincoln-ky-patriot-boys-girls-pick-up-five-wins-in-regional-tournament-20130508/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-518a6b12/turbine/ij-tennis-lincoln-ky-patriot-boys-girls-pick-up-five-wins-in-regional-tournament-20130508/400/16x9 BEREA — Lincoln’s Ethan Smith said prior to the 12th Region Tournament that he was embarrassed with his first-round loss at last year’s event. The Lincoln County junior had nothing to be embarrassed about in his return trip to regionals, as Lincoln’s number one singles player fared well against some of the region’s best in this past weekend’s tournament at Berea College and Madison Southern High School. Smith, who was unseeded, saw his 12th Region run cut short in the quarterfinal round as Berea’s Sam Jackson lived up to his number two seeding by beating Smith 6-1, 6-1 in the quarterfinal round Saturday. Jackson, who finished as runner-up to Lincoln’s Colin Hart in last year’s regionals, was not invincible this year either, falling to the tourney’s number one seed, and his teammate, Steven Gadd 3-6, 6-1, 1-0 (10-5) in Monday’s championship match. “Sam Jackson is a very good player ... and Ethan played him tough,” Lincoln coach Allen Lewis said. “I can’t say enough about the way Ethan Smith played this year. He really gained a lot of confidence by playing at No. 1 all year.” Smith showed his confidence at the start of the regional tournament, doling out a big win Friday over Wayne County’s John Dalton. Smith handed Dalton a 6-2, 6-1 loss in the first round matchup. Smith also scored big in Friday’s second round, ousting Danville’s Jake Rankin 6-2, 6-2 to set up his quarterfinal match with Jackson. “We were disappointed he didn’t get seeded, but he ended up in the quarterfinals,” Lewis said of Smith. “He played very good the whole tournament.”  Smith wasn’t the only Lincoln athlete to court victory in the region tournament. Lincoln’s number two girls singles player Alyssa Turner, the Lady Patriots’ top seeded doubles team of Kristalynne Reynolds and Kendra Mullins and the Patriots’ number one doubles team of Connor Playforth and Daniel Cain all notched court wins in the opening round. Turner had to face off with a seeded player in her opening-round match, taking on number eight Jodi Gay of Danville, and the Lincoln junior prevailed in the morning match knocking out Gay 6-0, 6-1. An afternoon match with Maxi Marigener of Somerset would not produce the same results. Marigener marched on to the next round with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Turner. “Alyssa Turner really turned on at the end of the year,” Lewis said. “She played great at the net which is her strength, but she added some very consistent ground strokes.”  Reynolds and Mullins got Lincoln off to a good start, posting the team’s first win in an early-morning match. The Lincoln duo defeated Shasta Bowlin and Savannah Upchurch of Wayne County 6-2, 6-1 in the first round of doubles. Reynolds’ and Mullins’ regional run reached its end in the next round, though, as Madison Loy and Rachel McFall of Russell County beat the Lincoln team 6-1, 6-1. Playforth and Cain did not get through the first round without a strong challenge from J.T. Holt and Cody Roberts of Russell County. Playforth and Cain took the first set 6-2 but let Holt and Roberts back in the match in the second set, falling 7-5. To speed up play, all split sets in the tournament were decided by super tiebreakers, and that’s where Lincoln clinched the win. Playforth and Cain outpointed Holt and Roberts 10-1 in the tiebreaker to advance in the tourney. The Lincoln pair was no match for Casey County’s Taylor Leigh and Skyler Wright in the second round, with Leigh and Wright easily defeating Playforth and Cain 6-0, 6-0. Lincoln’s only seeded player in the tournament, Cassie Smith, saw an early exit from the tournament. Smith, seeded number five in girls singles, was defeated by Mey Mey Kong of Danville 6-0, 6-2 in the first round.  The Patriots’ number two singles player Ethan Lasure and the number two doubles teams of Ashley Barnett and Makayla Campbell and Santana Hocker and Brandon McMullen also bowed out in the first round of the tourney. Lasure was defeated 6-0, 6-1 by Reza Katanbaf of Somerset, Barnett and Campbell fell 6-0, 6-1 to Jessica Dominguez and Jasmin Garcia of Southwestern  and Hocker and McMullen lost to Brandon Patterson and Ryan Weddle of Somerset 6-0, 6-0. “I am very proud of my players with the success they had in the region tournament this year.  We had a lot of first year players, so to have had so many win their first round matches is impressive,” Lewis said. “All the players represented LCHS very well and I am proud to have been able to coach them.” Gadd and Jackson’s 1-2 finish and Berea’s performance as a team gave the Pirates the boys team title (11 points) earning each member a trip to state. Casey County was second with eight points and third was split four ways with Boyle, Garrard, Mercer and Wayne counties getting six points apiece. Lincoln was eighth with three points. Wayne County’s Austin Kirksey and Corbin Kirksey, the top seeded team, claimed the boys doubles title with a 7-6 (3), 6-2 win over the number two team, Garrard County’s Spencer Anderson and Ethan Smith. On the girls side, Emily Majors of Garrard County, seeded third, took the singles title 7-5, 6-4 over Haley Owens of Casey County, the fourth seed. Mercer’s Christy Ingram and Kyleigh Murray lived up to their number one seeding, capturing the doubles title with a 6-4, 7-5 win over Sara Coffman and Chelsey Lynn of Casey, the six seed, in the championship match. Casey County won the girls team title with 14 points. Mercer was second with 11 points and Garrard and Somerset were tied for third with six points each. Lincoln was ninth with three points. 2013-05-08 08:23:56.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-tennis-lincoln-ky-patriot-boys-girls-pick-up-five-wins-in-regional-tournament-20130508,0,7726071.story

ij-ky-baseball-garrard-rallies-in-last-inning-to-beat-lincoln-county-ky-52-20130508 Baseball: Garrard rallies in last inning to beat Lincoln 5-2 May 8, 2013 STANFORD — The Lincoln County baseball team was just two outs away from victory when Garrard County started waving the rally cap. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-518a6a17/turbine/ij-ky-baseball-garrard-rallies-in-last-inning-to-beat-lincoln-county-ky-52-20130508/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-518a6a17/turbine/ij-ky-baseball-garrard-rallies-in-last-inning-to-beat-lincoln-county-ky-52-20130508/400/16x9 STANFORD — The Lincoln County baseball team was just two outs away from victory when Garrard County started waving the rally cap. The Golden Lions clawed their way back after six scoreless innings to deny the Patriots, with J.T. Lyon banging out a three-run home run to highlight a five-run seventh inning as Garrard defeated Lincoln 5-2 in the final 45th District game of the regular season. “It’s disappointing and it’s frustrating,” Lincoln coach Brad McNew said. “But it’s hard to win a game 1-0. I told them you treat that inning totally different if you’re up two or three runs, and we weren’t.” Lyon’s three-run shot gave Garrard its first lead of the game and helped the Lions avenge an earlier 10-2 loss to Lincoln. The finish also set the final standings for the 45th District Tournament later this month. Boyle is the number one seed with Garrard (14-12, 3-3) and Danville tied for second. Lincoln (8-17, 1-5) finished fourth.  Logan Teague reached on a Lincoln fielding error to open the seventh-inning Garrard rally. After a ground out by Chris McSorley, Lincoln starter Nolan Sanders was replaced by Zach Brown. Brown gave up a single to Evan Smith then Garrard evened the game up at 1-all when McSorley scored on a TJ Midkiff ground out.  Garrard had runners on the corners after McNew intentionally walked Ronnie Saylor for a second time in the game. That’s when Lyon stepped to the plate and delivered his three-run shot over the left field fence to clear the bases and make it a 4-1 ballgame. Seth Murphy then reached on a double to left and was driven in by a Matt Wilburn double to the same spot for a 5-1 Lion lead. “We had a play there to end it, and that didn’t happen,’ McNew said. “We walked Ronnie there then J.T. came up and he made a big hit. They got a big hit when they really needed it. When they turned the order there, we were already planning to bring Zach in. He left the ball up there and J.T. just hit it right out.” Lincoln scored one run in the bottom of the inning, with pinch runner Logan Young scoring on a Tanner Leigh single, but Garrard’s Logan Teague came on after 6-1/3 innings to shut down Lincoln and earn the save for Matt Wilburn with a strikeout and a fly out. Wilburn and Teague gave up just three hits to Lincoln. Garrard got eight hits off Sanders and Brown, including two doubles by Murphy and a single and a double by Wilburn. Lincoln ended a defensive standoff in the bottom of the fourth to take the lead. Sanders led off the at-bat with a walk and moved around to second on a ground out before he was replaced by pinch runner Nate Benson. Benson advanced to third base on a Josh Wilson single then was driven in by Dylan King.  Wilson went out on a force out off an Austin Greer blooper then Wilburn got out of the inning on a ground out. Lincoln’s 1-0 lead would only hold until the top of the seventh when Garrard pulled out off comeback effort. “Nolan pitched his tail off. Our defense was exceptional,” McNew said. “That’s been our backbone, pitching and defense. We had another good game tonight until that very last inning when they just came up with some big hits.” With the district regular season behind them, McNew said the Patriots can concentrate on preparing for Boyle in the tournament.  “We know who we’ve got now and that’s all we were looking for. It’s all about getting prepared for Boyle County right now,” he said. “Right now we are focused on improving the best we can from here to there. Hopefully that one night we’re better than them.” 2013-05-08 08:23:09.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-ky-baseball-garrard-rallies-in-last-inning-to-beat-lincoln-county-ky-52-20130508,0,4448634.story

ij-lincoln-county-kys-belcher-to-play-basketball-for-st-catharines-20130508 Lincoln's Belcher to play basketball for St. Catharine's May 8, 2013 STANFORD — The color of the uniform may change but Kourtney Belcher will still be a Patriot when she makes the leap from high school to college basketball this fall. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-518a6912/turbine/ij-lincoln-county-kys-belcher-to-play-basketball-for-st-catharines-20130508/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-518a6912/turbine/ij-lincoln-county-kys-belcher-to-play-basketball-for-st-catharines-20130508/400/16x9 STANFORD — The color of the uniform may change but Kourtney Belcher will still be a Patriot when she makes the leap from high school to college basketball this fall. The LCHS senior traded her typical red, white and blue attire for a purple and gold St. Catharine’s College Patriot t-shirt as she committed to play basketball for the Springfield college Thursday afternoon. Belcher’s parents, Lee and Vicky Belcher, her grandmother, Peggy Simpson, her former coaches Cassandra McWhorter, Rebecca Garcia and Billy Harris as well as her former teammates were on hand as she signed the papers brought in by St. Catharine College assistant coach Tyler Campbell.  Belcher said she was thrilled to get to still be a Patriot. “As a matter of fact I said, I’ve been a Patriot since eighth grade so why stop now,” Belcher said. But it was not the nickname that drew Belcher to sign with St. Catharine’s. No, after a long period of getting no responses from colleges, it was St. Catharine’s prompt attention that piqued Belcher’s interest. “I was kind of discouraged because nobody really offered me anything,” Belcher said. “It was like, ‘Oh, you can come try out.’ or ‘You can come to open gym and play.’ I’d go and then I never heard anything back. Nothing.” “It was really good to see that when I went to their (St. Catharine’s) open gym there was instant feedback. They kept up with me. They called. They texted me. ‘How’s your day going?’  ‘How are things at school? ‘How are your finals?’ ‘Have you thought anything about us?’ They continuously kept up with me. They are like a big family.” Belcher says she has those colleges that never responded to her visits or contacts to thank for helping her find her way to St. Catharine’s. “When I hadn’t gotten any offers from anybody by Spring Break, my dad said, ‘Why don’t you just look online at different colleges and see what you’ve got going on.’ So I went on and looked through all the colleges in Kentucky, and the third one I found was St. Catharine’s,” she said. “I emailed them and sent in my recruit request at 12:24 (p.m.). I got an email back at 12:34 (p.m.) saying, ‘We’re having open gym at 4. Why don’t you come down and you can visit the college.’ So at 2 o’clock I was down there.” Belcher spent some time walking around St. Catharine’s, familiarizing herself with the campus. She said she liked what she saw and felt comfortable at the school, but that that comfort took a backseat when she entered the open gym – at least temporarily. “When I went to go try out with  the girls I got so intimidated at first,” Belcher said. “When I got to playing with them, they started joking around with me, calling me nicknames. The boys basketball team was off to the side and they started aggravating me, just kidding around with me. It was so much fun the environment I was in. It just reminded me of home. I loved it.” Belcher and her mom paid another visit to the campus last Tuesday and Belcher’s college choice was set. “I went down there and got to meet with the head coach (Lena Bramblett),” Belcher said. “As soon as I met with her and talked with her more and got to walk around the campus one more time, I decided I have to sign. I texted them Tuesday night and said I’m signing. You have me.” Belcher, who averaged 9.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game and shot 53 percent from the floor this past season as Lincoln won its second straight 12th Region title, is the third Lady Patriot to sign to play college basketball. Emily Fox is going to Austin Peay and Sydney Harris will play at King College in Tennessee. Campbell said St. Catharine’s was glad Belcher made the effort to get in touch with them. “She’s the kind of athlete we look for,” he said. “Work ethic was the main thing. She’s the epitome of a student/athlete. She’s going to work hard on the floor and work even harder in the classroom and that’s what a program like ours needs. Down the road I see her being a pretty integral part of our program.”  Belcher is joining a program coming off a winning season as St. Catharine finished 19-10 and earned its first trip to the NAIA national tournament. Belcher, who plans to pursue a degree in nursing with a career goal as a pediatric nurse, says she knows the transition from high school to college basketball will be challenging but that she’s more than ready to meet that challenge. “I personally am okay with starting over. My motto is ‘Dig deeper and work harder than you ever have before. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard,’” she said. “That motto carried me to success in high school, and I feel like it should carry over into my college career.” 2013-05-08 08:01:11.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-lincoln-county-kys-belcher-to-play-basketball-for-st-catharines-20130508,0,6852502.story

ij-ky-softball-lincoln-county-lady-pats-leave-rockets-in-the-dust-crush-castle-151-20130508 Softball: Lady Pats leave Rockets in the dust, Crush 'castle 15-1 May 8, 2013 Lincoln County took advantage of 11 walks and three errors to defeat Rockcastle County 15-1 in five innings Thursday night at Stanford. http://www.trbimg.com/img-518a5d79/turbine/ij-ky-softball-lincoln-county-lady-pats-leave-rockets-in-the-dust-crush-castle-151-20130508/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-518a5d79/turbine/ij-ky-softball-lincoln-county-lady-pats-leave-rockets-in-the-dust-crush-castle-151-20130508/400/16x9 Lincoln County took advantage of 11 walks and three errors to defeat Rockcastle County 15-1 in five innings Thursday night at Stanford. Gabby Gabriel went 3-for-4 with four RBIs for host Lincoln (9-13), which also had eight hits. Kristin Meece scored four times for the Lady Patriots, who scored four runs in each of the first two innings and five more in the third. “We had really good at-bats tonight for the first time in a long time and demonstrated patience at the plate. It sure helps your offense when you bat through the lineup each of the first three innings,” Lincoln coach Kevin Bandura said. “I was very pleased with how we worked deep counts and when (Rockcastle pitcher Hailey) Harper threw a strike, we hit it hard.” Gabriel held Rockcastle (3-19) to one unearned run on three hits and two walks. “Gabriel had pretty good command of her curve and curve-drop, which helped work the outside corner. It was a great team performance tonight,” Bandura said. 2013-05-08 07:11:51.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-ky-softball-lincoln-county-lady-pats-leave-rockets-in-the-dust-crush-castle-151-20130508,0,1092731.story

ij-fishing-biggs-new-reel-in-big-catch-place-11th-in-state-20130501 Fishing: Biggs, New reel in big catch, place 11th in state May 1, 2013 The Lincoln County team of Hunter Biggs and Dallas New fared well in the inaugural KHSAA Bass Fishing Tournament championships, finishing 11th out of 42 teams at Kentucky Lake. http://www.trbimg.com/img-518169fd/turbine/ij-fishing-biggs-new-reel-in-big-catch-place-11th-in-state-20130501/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-518169fd/turbine/ij-fishing-biggs-new-reel-in-big-catch-place-11th-in-state-20130501/400/16x9 The Lincoln County team of Hunter Biggs and Dallas New fared well in the inaugural KHSAA Bass Fishing Tournament championships, finishing 11th out of 42 teams at Kentucky Lake. Biggs and New, who qualified for state in the Region 3 Tournament at Lake Cumberland, caught 10 fish totaling 27 pounds, 2 ounces in the two-day tournament held this past weekend in Murray.  LCHS bass fishing coach Street Spoonamore said that the Lincoln team was in 13th place after the first day, with 12 pounds, 8 ounces, 4 pounds behind the leaders. On Saturday, they caught five fish weighing 14 pounds, 10 ounces. The Calloway County team of Bracken Robertson and Dillon Sparks won the tournament with 10 fish totaling 34 pounds, 4 ounces. Zach Warner and Ridge Porter of Muhlenberg County finished second with fish weighing 32 pounds, 7 ounces, and South Laurel’s Austin Turner and Lucas Powell placed third with a total of 31 pounds, 3 ounces. 2013-05-01 12:14:44.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-fishing-biggs-new-reel-in-big-catch-place-11th-in-state-20130501,0,1721719.story

ij-lincoln-county-ky-baseball-danville-uses-threerun-fourth-to-put-away-lincoln-20130501 Baseball: Danville uses three-run fourth to put away Lincoln May 1, 2013 STANFORD — The Lincoln County baseball team dropped its sixth straight game Tuesday afternoon, falling 5-2 to 45th District rival Danville. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-51816939/turbine/ij-lincoln-county-ky-baseball-danville-uses-threerun-fourth-to-put-away-lincoln-20130501/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-51816939/turbine/ij-lincoln-county-ky-baseball-danville-uses-threerun-fourth-to-put-away-lincoln-20130501/400/16x9 STANFORD — The Lincoln County baseball team dropped its sixth straight game Tuesday afternoon, falling 5-2 to 45th District rival Danville. The game was deadlocked at 1-1 after three innings, but the visiting Admirals broke the tie in the top of the fourth, using a three run effort to go on top to stay. Will Graham, Jack Graham and John Roney strung together three straight hits for the Admirals to lead off the inning and all resulted in runs to set Danville (18-11, 3-3 district) up for the win. Lincoln (8-13, 1-4) had nothing to answer for Danville’s breakout inning to stop the Patriots’ skid.  “We’ve just got to start getting hits with two outs. That’s the thing,” Lincoln coach Brad McNew said. “It’s been that way all year long and it’s frustrating. We had runners on, it wasn’t that at all. We’ve just got to start getting hits with two outs” Lincoln got just four hits off Danville starter Kyle Lange, Ben Mahan and Nick Serey, but was able to get more runners on off seven walks, one hit batter and an error. Nine of those runners were left standing. “It’s amazing how many guys we leave on base,” McNew said. “Paul (Morse) tried to mix us up a little bit, and it bothered us a little but nothing too bad. We just couldn’t get that big hit to fall. There’s nothing you can do about that.” It was a Danville fielding error that put Lincoln’s first run on board, with John Day making the most of the misplayed ball in the second inning. Day stole second then, with two outs, came home on a passed ball to give Lincoln a 1-0 edge.  Danville got back the run in the top of the third. Chase Ransdell tagged a one-out single to centerfield to reach, stole second base then advanced to third on  a Jason Stamm groundout. Jay Hunn evened the game up at 1-1 when he delivered a double to centerfield to score Ransdell.  The Admirals came out and really applied the pressure in the fourth when the Grahams and Roney tagged their three straight hits. Will Graham led off the fourth inning with a single to left field, Jack Graham followed with a short shot to center then Roney stepped up with an RBI-double to left to score Jack. Will later scored on a wild pitch by Lincoln’s Logan Young, and Roney made it a 4-1 ballgame when he scored on a Robert Rowland sacrifice out.  “They were in a bunting situation then the guy pulls the bat back and hits a nice ball out there in the outfield. That’s the big hit we don’t get,” McNew said. “They got that hit and then were able to put a few more up off of that and get a little cushion. Those were the big hits, and we haven’t gotten them all year.” Lincoln made it a 4-2 ballgame in the bottom of the fourth, with Boone Baird reaching on a two-out single and speedup Nate Benson scoring on a wild pitch. But Lincoln would not score again. Austin Greer, who earned a base on balls after Baird’s hit, threatened to put up another Lincoln run in the fourth. Greer stole his way to third off wild pitches only to be tagged out while trying to steal home after a Nolan Sanders walk.  “We take a shot there with Greer trying to run home,” McNew said. “That’s from not being productive offensively, and we’re trying to do things  to get runs. That could have been a momentum changer if the throw is high or is off, but they got him.” Lincoln had runners on second and third in the fifth off a Dylan King fielder’s choice and a Day double and  runners were on first and second in the sixth after a Baird walk and Sanders single. All runners were left standing. The Patriots threatened to score in six of the seven innings played, beginning in the first. Sanders was hit by Lange on the game’s first pitch then Josh Wilson walked on. With one out, King hit a fly ball to second and Hunn made the catch. Hunn dropped the ball but not before umpire Adam Gooch called it out. Danville then tagged out Wilson at second to end the inning. Tanner Leigh singled to center in the third inning and made it all the way to third base only to have Mahan get out of the inning on two pop outs.    Danville had runners left on third base in the third, sixth and seventh innings. Logan Young started on the mound for Lincoln and gave up five runs with seven hits and one hit batter in six innings up. He had seven strikeouts. Aaron Estes pitched the seventh with one hit and one strikeout. Danville’s Lange gave up one unearned run, with two walks, one hit batter and one strikeout before he was replaced by Mahan in the second inning. Mahan allowed one hit. Serey came on in the fourth and gave up one run with three hits, four walks and three strikeouts. With the district tournament just a few weeks away, McNew says the Patriots need to put the Danville loss behind them and work on getting better. “The calendars turned now and it’s May. It’s almost that time,” he said. “I still say that the main thing is to ‘Be great by May.’ We’ve got to be better that one night. It doesn’t matter who we play, we’ve got to be better that night. That’s what we’re working for.” 2013-05-01 12:11:28.0 2013-10-31 21:00:00.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-lincoln-county-ky-baseball-danville-uses-threerun-fourth-to-put-away-lincoln-20130501,0,482700.story

ij-softball-lincoln-county-ky-lady-pats-fall-to-district-foe-garrard-50-20130501 Softball: Lady Pats fall to district foe Garrard, 5-0 May 1, 2013 STANFORD — Lincoln County and Garrard County squared off on the softball diamond Monday with the No. 2 seed in the 45th District on the line. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-51816862/turbine/ij-softball-lincoln-county-ky-lady-pats-fall-to-district-foe-garrard-50-20130501/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-51816862/turbine/ij-softball-lincoln-county-ky-lady-pats-fall-to-district-foe-garrard-50-20130501/400/16x9 STANFORD — Lincoln County and Garrard County squared off on the softball diamond Monday with the No. 2 seed in the 45th District on the line. When the final out was registered, it was the Garrard Lady Lions securing the No. 2 spot, shutting out the host Lady Patriots 5-0.    The Lady Lions (15-11, 3-1 district) scored one run in the top of the third inning to give starting pitcher Kenlea Norton all the help she would need. Norton got the complete-game win, limiting Lincoln to just four hits and not allowing a single runner past third base. “I really thought Kenlea Norton did a great job tonight in the circle for them,” Lincoln coach Kevin Bandura said. “She threw off-speed pitches well. She kept us off-balance and really hit her spots. She didn’t give us anything. She may have walked a couple, but really didn’t give us anything.”  Norton, who had five strikeouts with two walks and two hit batters, did have to pitch out of a few jams, with Lincoln (8-12, 1-2) getting runners on base in six of the seven innings played.  Jaylan Sowders and pinch runner Christine Hebrock were the only Lady Patriots to make it to third base. Sowders led off the second with a double and moved to third on a Maggie Taylor sacrifice out. Hebrock, who was running for Alyssa Meece who got hit by Norton to open the fifth, stole second then went to third on an Olivia Owens blooper. Norton got out of those jams and also left runners stranded on second base in both the first and sixth innings. “We let them wiggle off the hook a couple times when we had runners on,” Bandura said. “I think we got our leadoff runner on the first three innings, and we never scored. We had second and third (fifth) with nobody out and we don’t score. Take your hats off to Garrard. They made plays. They got great pitching and we got ourselves out on a lot of pitches.” Lincoln had runners in scoring position in both the first and second inning. Leadoff batter Morgan Cooper was hit by Norton in the first inning to reach then took second on a Hannah Brown groundout and Sowders took third on a steal after her second-inning leadoff double. But Norton left both runners on with three straight fly outs in the first and three groundouts in a row in the second. Freshman starter Gabby Gabriel went the distance for the Lady Patriots, giving up eight hits with two walks and one hit batter. She pitched four strikeouts.  The first of Gabriel’s two walks given up went to Breonna Hocker to lead off the top of the third inning. She stole second and moved on around to third when an Elizabeth Padgett hit was misplayed by Lincoln. Hocker completed her trip around the bases off a Hayley Hamilton ground out.  Padgett took third on the Hamilton ground out and Sydney Pozzuto reached on a hit by pitch, but Lincoln left fielder Maggie Taylor denied Garrard any additional runs when she spun around near the outfield fence to glove a Norton hit and end the inning. Hocker’s third-inning run proved to be the only one Garrard needed to earn the win. The Lady Lions did score another run in the top of the sixth then put the game away with a 3-run seventh inning. Pozzuto, who doubled to left to reach in the sixth, made it a 2-0 ballgame when she scored on a Rachel Lyons’ single. Lyons got as far as third in the frame and Morris reached on a single before being left on. Hocker got her second walk off Gabriel to start the seventh. She then stole second base, moved to third on an Olivia Morton groundout and was driven in by Padgett’s one-out RBI-double. Garrard had the bases loaded after Hamilton and Pozzuto both reached on fielding errors then Norton singled to left to send both Padgett and Hamilton home.  “Garrard really took advantage in that one inning. We made some mistakes defensively today, but in that inning it really came back to haunt us,” Bandura said.  The Lady Lions were held to three runs in the seventh, with Lyons popping out and Morris going down on a strikeout. “I thought Gabby pitched really well today. We just put her in a bad spot in the seventh inning and made her throw some extra pitches because there were some plays that weren’t made,” Bandura said. “She’s getting tougher in the circle and she’s starting to hit her spots. I’d like for her to improve with the off-speed pitches. She’s improved with it and we’ve got to continue with that.” Lincoln would not recoup from the 5-0 deficit in its final at-bat. Owens reached with a one-out walk for the Lady Patriots, but she was left all alone on base with Norton sealing the Lady Lion win with an infield fly and two strikeouts. “Offensively, we’ve just got to get better,” Bandura said. “We’re not having good at-bats right now. We’re going to have to go back to work on our offense. Fortunately we’ve still got life in us. We’ve got Garrard in the district (end of May) and they’re a good team. Hopefully we can learn something from this game, and come back and try to beat them in the district tournament.” 2013-05-01 12:07:56.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-softball-lincoln-county-ky-lady-pats-fall-to-district-foe-garrard-50-20130501,0,5488327.story

ij-tennis-southwestern-takes-down-lincoln-boys-and-girls-20130501 Tennis: Southwestern takes down Lincoln boys and girls May 1, 2013 The Lincoln County boys and girls tennis teams closed out the regular season Thursday, but neither had a good run, with both the Patriots and Lady Patriots bowing to Southwestern. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-518167f3/turbine/ij-tennis-southwestern-takes-down-lincoln-boys-and-girls-20130501/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-518167f3/turbine/ij-tennis-southwestern-takes-down-lincoln-boys-and-girls-20130501/400/16x9 The Lincoln County boys and girls tennis teams closed out the regular season Thursday, but neither had a good run, with both the Patriots and Lady Patriots bowing to Southwestern. The Patriots had a close call in their final regular-season match, with the host Warriors edging out a 5-4 win. The Lady Warriors didn’t give up much ground to the Lady Patriots, walking away with an 8-1 win. Ethan Smith, Lincoln’s top seed, scored an 8-5 win over Southwestern’s Anand Prabhu to get the Patriot’s started. The Warriors had taken a 2-1 edge midway of the match, however, with Kagan Brainard and Aaron Schmidgall beating Lincoln’s Ethan Lasure and Connor Playforth. Brainard defeated Lasure 8-3 at the two seed and Schmidgall was a 6-4 winner over Playforth at three. Lincoln moved ahead after match wins by Daniel Cain and Levi Humes, but singles play ended with the teams deadlocked at 3-3, with Southwestern’s Henry Phan taking the final math. Cain defeated Chris Orantes 7-5 at the four seed and Humes topped Travis New 6-3- at five. Phan collected his win over Lincoln’s Brandon McMullen at six, 6-0.  Smith and Lasure’s 8-5 win over Prabhu and Brainard at the one seed in doubles edged Lincoln ahead 4-3. The Patriots would not escape with the win, however, with the doubles team of Playforth and Cain falling 6-4 to  Schmidgall and Orantes at the two seed, and Humes and McMullen losing 6-3 to New and Phan at three. Cassie Smith scored the lone victory for the Lady Patriots at Southwestern, winning 8-5 over  Amanda McAuliffe at the one seed in singles. Smith and doubles partner Kristalynne Reynolds put up a tough fight in the doubles top-seeded match before bowing 8-5 to Marie Angeles and Rheanna New. No more than one game would be given up by the Southwestern girls in six of the other seven matches played. Ashley Barnett did pick up three games in her loss to Jessica Dominguez, but Southwestern just gave up one game in two matches and shut Lincoln out in four. Results from the Southwestern match follow:  Thursday, April 25  GIRLS Southwestern (SW) 8 Lincoln Co. (LC) 1 Singles No. 1 - Cassie Smith (LC) def. Amanda McAuliffe (SW) 8-5; No. 2 – Marie Angeles (SW) def. Kristalynne Reynolds (LC) 8-1; No. 3 – Rheanna New (SW) def.Makayla Campbell (LC) 6-0; No. 4 – Jessica Dominguez (SW) def. Ashley Barnett (LC) 6-3; No. 5 – Jasmin Garcia (SW) def. Alyssa Shofner (LC) 6-1; No. 6 – Chantella Corder (SW) def. Tori Hubble (LC) 6-0. Doubles No. 1 - Angeles/New (SW) def. Smith/Reynolds (LC) 8-5; No. 2 –&ensp;Dominguez/Garcia (SW) def. Campbell/Barnett (LC) 6-0; O. 3 – Brittany Combs/Brooklyn Jamison (SW) def. Hubble/Gentry Cain (LC) 6-0.  BOYS Southwestern (SW) 5 Lincoln Co. (LC) 4 Singles No. 1 – Ethan Smith (LC) def. Anand Prabhu (SW) 8-5; No. 2 – Kagan Brainard (SW) def. Ethan Lasure (LC) 8-3; No. 3 – Aaron Schmidgall (SW) def. Connor Playforth (LC) 6-4; No. 4 – Daniel Cain (LC) def. Chris Orantes (SW) 7-5; No. 5 – Levi Humes (LC) def. Travis New (SW) 6-3; No. 6 – Henry Phan (SW) def. Brandon McMullen (LC) 6-0. Doubles No. 1 – Smith/Lasure (LC) def. Prabhu/Brainard (SW) 8-5; No. 2 – Schmidgall/Orantes (SW) def. Playforth/Cain (LC) 6-4; No. 3 – New/Phan (SW) def. Humes/McMullen (LC) 6-3. 2013-05-01 12:06:05.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-tennis-southwestern-takes-down-lincoln-boys-and-girls-20130501,0,2992497.story

ij-lincoln-ky-grad-frith-named-athlete-of-the-week-by-collegiate-conference-20130501 Lincoln grad Frith named athlete of the week by collegiate conference May 1, 2013 INDIANAPOLIS – Bellarmine University sophomore runner Emily Frith and University of Indianapolis senior high jumper Sydney Weinart were selected Wednesday as Great Lakes Valley Conference Women's Outdoor Track and Field Athlete of the Week, respectively. http://www.trbimg.com/img-51816765/turbine/ij-lincoln-ky-grad-frith-named-athlete-of-the-week-by-collegiate-conference-20130501/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-51816765/turbine/ij-lincoln-ky-grad-frith-named-athlete-of-the-week-by-collegiate-conference-20130501/400/16x9 Emily Frith INDIANAPOLIS – Bellarmine University sophomore runner Emily Frith and University of Indianapolis senior high jumper Sydney Weinart were selected Wednesday as Great Lakes Valley Conference Women's Outdoor Track and Field Athlete of the Week, respectively. Frith, a former standout runner at Lincoln County High School, recorded an NCAA provisional-qualifying effort  of 17:08.74 as the top collegiate finisher in the 5,000 meters at the University of Kentucky’s Heart of the Bluegrass competition.  The performance earned the Crab Orchard native the GLVC’s leading mark this season and also set a new outdoor school record. Her time currently ranks her 22nd nationally. Frith earns the first weekly honor of her career and is the first Knight trackster to be recognized by the conference since Kaysee O’Bannon on April 10, 2013. Weinart’s nod from the conference coaches makes it three straight Field Athlete of the Week honors for the Greyhounds, and marks her second in three weeks as she was tabbed on April 10. The Fort Wayne, Ind., native won the high jump at the Dave Rankin Invitational this past weekend on the campus of Purdue University.  Her season-best effort of 1.72 meters is currently ranked first among GLVC competitors and tied for ninth overall among NCAA qualifiers. 2013-05-01 12:03:36.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-lincoln-ky-grad-frith-named-athlete-of-the-week-by-collegiate-conference-20130501,0,6778048.story

ij-baseball-boyle-clinches-top-district-seed-in-40-win-over-lincoln-20130501 Baseball: Boyle clinches top district seed in 4-0 win over Lincoln May 1, 2013 Boyle County assured itself of the top seed in the 45th District Tournament by shutting out Lincoln 4-0 at LCHS Monday. http://www.trbimg.com/img-518163ff/turbine/ij-baseball-boyle-clinches-top-district-seed-in-40-win-over-lincoln-20130501/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-518163ff/turbine/ij-baseball-boyle-clinches-top-district-seed-in-40-win-over-lincoln-20130501/400/16x9 Boyle County assured itself of the top seed in the 45th District Tournament by shutting out Lincoln 4-0 at LCHS Monday. Junior pitcher Micah Miniard helped lead Boyle over Lincoln, striking out 13 batters and allowing only two hits for the Rebels (12-6, 5-0 district). Casey Whittle hit a three-run home run and drove in all four of the Rebels’ runs, Brady Wehmiller went 4-for-4 and Connor Blevins had two hits. Whittle’s homer in the fifth inning off Lincoln reliever Zach Brown gave Boyle, which has won five of its last six games, a 3-0 lead. Brown allowed five hits in five innings in relief of starter Logan Young, who threw only one inning. Young and Josh Wilson had the only hits for Lincoln (8-15, 1-3), which has lost five straight games, including two to Boyle, and nine of 10. 2013-05-01 11:49:13.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-baseball-boyle-clinches-top-district-seed-in-40-win-over-lincoln-20130501,0,596510.story

ij-baseball-lincoln-ky-taken-down-by-titans-72-20130501 Baseball: Lincoln taken down by Titans, 7-2 May 1, 2013 STANFORD — The Lincoln County baseball team brought home a “W” in its early season meeting with Mercer County, but it was the Titans, and not the Patriots, that came up victorious in the rematch. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-518163a9/turbine/ij-baseball-lincoln-ky-taken-down-by-titans-72-20130501/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-518163a9/turbine/ij-baseball-lincoln-ky-taken-down-by-titans-72-20130501/400/16x9 STANFORD — The Lincoln County baseball team brought home a “W” in its early season meeting with Mercer County, but it was the Titans, and not the Patriots, that came up victorious in the rematch. The Mercer pitching staff allowed just three hits and the offense pounded out 14 hits as the Titans defeated the Patriots 7-3 Thursday at LCHS. Senior starter Jon Banks gave Mercer (15-5) four strong innings, allowing just one run off three hits with three walks and four strikeouts. He hit one batter.  Logan Horn came on in relief in the fifth and struck out three Lincoln batters and hit one. Russell Sims handled the pitching duties in the seventh, getting one strikeout. The Titan offense came out swinging immediately, collecting three of its 14 hits, which included six doubles, in the team’s first at-bat. John Ingram and Layne Peavler got the hitting started with back-to-back doubles in the top of the first, with Ingram scoring on the Peavler hit.  It wasn’t until the top of the fourth inning, however, when the Titans started to open up the game, scoring three runs to go up 5-1.  Dylan Logue tagged a one-out single down the third-base line to get Mercer started then scored when Ingram connected for his second double of the game. Ingram scored on Peavler’s second straight double and Peavler moved on over to third on a Lincoln fielding error. Sims made it a four-run ballgame with his RBI single past short which plated Peavler. Lincoln (8-13) struck back quickly in the bottom of the fourth, getting two runs. John Day led off the inning with a walk but was tagged out on a steal attempt at second base. Tanner Leigh followed with a walk then moved around to third on a Dylan King double to centerfield. Taylor Edwards had just come on to pinch run for King when Austin Smith connected for an RBI-double to score him and Leigh, and make it a 5-3 ballgame. That would be as close as Lincoln would get.  In the fifth inning, Curry Brown drew a walk to reach, advanced to second on a throwing error, then scored on a two-out double to left by Logue. Logue stole third base then came in on a wild pitch to score the final run.  Mercer’s defense kept Lincoln from threatening the Titan lead in its final two at-bats. The Patriots did get two runners on base in the sixth, one off a Mercer error and one hit by a pitch, but Horn got out of the inning with two strikeouts and a ground out. Sims then put the Patriots down 1-2-3 in the seventh to end the game. Mercer threatened to add to its lead in the sixth, with Sims, Jacob Long and Banks stringing three hits together to start the inning. But the Titans failed to score, with Sims being thrown out at home and Lincoln’s King getting out of the inning with a strikeout and ground out.   Lincoln broke onto the scoreboard in the bottom of the first with Edwards, who was pinch running for Nolan Sanders, scoring to tie the game at 1-1. The game was tied until the top of the third when Mercer took the lead for good. Long, who was 3-for-4, singled to right center to reach and moved to second on a Banks hit before he was driven in by a Trevor Tate hit.  Sanders got the start for Lincoln then was relieved by King in the fourth. Sanders gave up five runs off nine hits with two strikeouts. King allowed two runs off five hits with two walks and two strikeouts. 2013-05-01 11:47:44.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-baseball-lincoln-ky-taken-down-by-titans-72-20130501,0,4722217.story

ij-track-lincolns-carlson-wins-at-boyle-and-pulaski-counties-ky-20130501 Track: Lincoln's Carlson wins at Boyle and Pulaski counties May 1, 2013 Sophomore runner Brian Carlson was the lead runner in his last two 3200-meter races, capturing first place in the event at the Boyle County Invitational and the Pulaski County All-Comers meet. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-51815e3f/turbine/ij-track-lincolns-carlson-wins-at-boyle-and-pulaski-counties-ky-20130501/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-51815e3f/turbine/ij-track-lincolns-carlson-wins-at-boyle-and-pulaski-counties-ky-20130501/400/16x9 Sophomore runner Brian Carlson was the lead runner in his last two 3200-meter races, capturing first place in the event at the Boyle County Invitational and the Pulaski County All-Comers meet. Carlson racked up his latest win at Danville Friday night, covering the 3200 distance in 10:06.86. The Boyle finish was an improvement in time from his win at the meet in Somerset, almost 21 seconds faster than his finish on the Pulaski County High track. Carlson won that event in 10:27.1.  Lincoln’s top male runner didn’t have to fend for first in his win at Pulaski, with Southwestern’s Corey Owens six seconds back in a time of 10:33.8. But Travis O’Dell of Spencer County nearly nipped Carlson at the finish at Boyle, crossing in 10:07. The next closest runner, Austin Anderson of Boyle County, finished in 10:33.03. Additional points were earned by Carlson in the 1600-meter runs as he finished second in both meets. His time at Boyle was 4:40.40 and at Pulaski, 4:39.0.  Carlson was not the only Patriot racking up points in track and field this past week. Luke Shofner did not claim any wins but he picked up points in three different events at Pulaski and in four events at Boyle. Shofner jumped 17-04 in long jump at Boyle to place fifth in the event and he added sixth-place finishes in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes and triple jump. His time in the 100 was 12.02 seconds and he ran the 200 in 24.38 seconds. In the triple jump, he went a distance of 35-03. At Pulaski, Shofner got his high of fifth-place in triple jump with 36-05.50. He was seventh in long jump with 17-07.50 and ninth in the 200 in 24.6 seconds. For the Lady Patriot athletes, Morgan Gourley and Alex Bunch had the high finishes, with Gourley taking second in the 1600-meter runs at Boyle and Pulaski and Bunch claiming the runner-up spot in the 800-meter run at Pulaski.  Gourley ran the 1600 in 5:58.24 at Boyle and 5:45.5 at Pulaski. Bunch’s time in the 800 was 2:29.0, less than three seconds behind winner Alyssa Hyden of Pulaski who finished in 2:26.9  2013-05-01 11:24:33.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-track-lincolns-carlson-wins-at-boyle-and-pulaski-counties-ky-20130501,0,4093400.story

ij-softball-lincoln-snaps-sixgame-skid-with-73-win-over-danville-20130424 Softball: Lincoln snaps six-game skid with 7-3 win over Danville April 24, 2013 DANVILLE — If Danville was going to hand Lincoln County runs, the Lady Patriots were gladly going to take them. By Hal Morris http://www.trbimg.com/img-51780dd1/turbine/ij-softball-lincoln-snaps-sixgame-skid-with-73-win-over-danville-20130424/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-51780dd1/turbine/ij-softball-lincoln-snaps-sixgame-skid-with-73-win-over-danville-20130424/400/16x9 DANVILLE — If Danville was going to hand Lincoln County runs, the Lady Patriots were gladly going to take them. Lincoln scored four unearned runs in the first inning off of four Danville errors and that proved to be enough for the visiting Lady Pats in a 7-3 victory Tuesday in 45th District play. “I think that let us breathe a little bit. We were focused coming in and I think that showed early in the game. We took advantage of their mistakes and that got us out to that early cushion,” Lincoln coach Kevin Bandura said. “I’m not pleased with how we lulled back to sleep in those middle innings, and I felt we had a chance to put them away early and we didn’t do that.” Morgan Cooper went 2-for-4 with a double and had a two-run home run in the second inning to help Lincoln (7-11, 1-1 district) snap a six-game losing streak.  Taylor Estes was 2-for-3 with a home run for Danville (4-13, 0-3), which outhit Lincoln 5-4, but committed five errors to the Lady Patriots’ one. And it was the early ones which helped decide the game. Cooper opened the game by reaching on an error and later scored, and Hannah Brown had a bunt single and scored. Chelsea Marcum and Jaylan Sowders also reached by errors and scored to make it 4-0 after half an inning. “We’re making a habit of that for some reason. We start late, we’ve got to start early,” Danville coach Kenny Young said. “We’re just digging ourselves a hole from the start. That’s what we talked about after the game, why are we starting so slow  mentally.  “It’s all mental, you’re just not ready to play. We’ve got to be ready to play at the start of the game.” Cooper’s opposite field blast to left field off of Bailey Carson scored Olivia Owens in the second inning and pushed the Lady Patriots’ lead to 6-0. It stayed that way until the fourth when Danville sliced the Lincoln lead in half. Kayla Breitenbach led off with a bunt single, then Estes drilled Gabby Gabriel’s low pitch over the centerfield wall. Kasey Young followed with a single and went around to third on a wild pitch. She then came home on Emma Breitenbach’s groundout to short to make it 6-3 before the Danville surge ended. “When you let a team like Danville hang around, bad things can happen to  you,” Bandura said. “And with the middle of that lineup in this park, they can do a lot of damage.” The Lady Admirals threatened again in the fifth. Mary Proctor led off with a single and beat Oliva Owens to second on Kaitlyn Castleman’s grounder to short. Both runners moved up on Breanna Turpin’s groundout, but Proctor got caught in a rundown at third and was tagged out by catcher Hannah Brown. Gabriel, who finished with nine strikeouts, fanned Kayla Breitenbach to end the inning. “Hannah Brown made a nice attempt, there. It was a low pitch, a squeeze attempt, one of those pitches you think, ‘Oh please just block it.’ And she catches it and gets up and runs down a fast runner on the third base line,” Bandura said. “So that’s a huge play for us right there. Then Gabby gets the final out with Estes on deck.”  Gabriel helped her own cause in the top of the seventh, delivering a two-out single to center to score Cooper, who had doubled, to make it a 7-3 game. Danville again threatened to cut into the lead in the bottom of the seventh. Castleman drew a two-out walk and Turpin reached on an error. Then, Kayla Breitenbach ripped a liner to left, but Maggie Taylor made a running catch to end the game. Bandura said that was a huge out because Estes was waiting on deck. “With Estes and Kasey Young waiting, that’s a big play by Maggie Taylor. That’s a tough play in the sun, a sinking line drive, to make that catch. She’s really worked herself into a fine starting left fielder for us,” the Lincoln coach said. “(Earlier), Estes hits a changeup that’s at her ankles out of the park. She’s a really good hitter, and I was glad to get that last out before we had to face her one more time.” Young knows his team had a chance to take it extra innings, but wasted it early on. “I think it should have been a 3-3 game going into the eight inning, if you take away the errors,” he said. “But unfortunately, you can’t do that.” 2013-04-24 09:51:20.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-softball-lincoln-snaps-sixgame-skid-with-73-win-over-danville-20130424,0,2137518.story

ij-tennis-lincoln-girls-boys-drop-matches-20130424 Tennis: Lincoln girls, boys drop matches April 24, 2013 The Lincoln County girls and boys tennis teams battled hard on the courts Monday and Tuesday, but neither had a good run, with the Lady Patriots dropping back-to-back matches and the Pats losing their lone match of the week. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-51780c9f/turbine/ij-tennis-lincoln-girls-boys-drop-matches-20130424/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-51780c9f/turbine/ij-tennis-lincoln-girls-boys-drop-matches-20130424/400/16x9 The Lincoln County girls and boys tennis teams battled hard on the courts Monday and Tuesday, but neither had a good run, with the Lady Patriots dropping back-to-back matches and the Pats losing their lone match of the week. Lady Pat Cassie Smith got Lincoln started with a win Tuesday at Danville, knocking off the Lady Admirals’ Jodi Gay 8-2 at the one seed. Lincoln’s wait for its next win in the match went unanswered, though, as Danville swept the rest of the girls singles and doubles matches to win easily, 8-1, and the Admirals shut out the Patriots 8-0. The Lady Patriots also struggled in their match at home against Garrard County Monday, with Alyssa Turner the lone victor in the girls’ match as the Lady Lions rolled 8-1.  Turner clawed her way back to earn the “W” against Alexa Slone, rallying from being down 4-1. The LCHS junior shook off the slow start to win seven straight games and claim the 8-4 victory at the two seed. Kendra Mullins did not win either of her matches against Garrard but she did “win” some. Mullins challenged Braxton Sowder at the four seed in singles before falling 8-3 then teamed up with Kristalynne Reynolds to face off against Charity Browning and Brett Ellan in an 8-3 loss.    Smith and Turner were the only Lady Patriots able to score on Danville. Turner couldn’t turn out the win like Smith, however, she did win a few games before falling to Mey Mey Kong 8-3.  While the Patriots finished winless in the Danville outing, they did manage to earn some of their own “game” wins against the Admirals.  The doubles team of Ethan Smith and Ethan Lasure won four games before falling to Danville’s Sam Nelson and Josh Joiner 8-4 at the one seed. Lincoln’s number three team of Santana Hocker and Brandon McMullen picked up three games in an 8-3 loss to Jonathan Duvall and Jake Rankin of Danville while the two team of Connor Playforth and Daniel Cain won two games in a loss to Michael McChesney and Michael Graves. Smith, Lasure and Playforth also won two games each in their singles losses. Results from the Danville and Garrard County matches follow:    Tuesday, April 23 Lincoln Co. at Danville  GIRLS Danville (D) 4 Lincoln Co. (LC) 1 Singles No. 1 - Cassie Smith (LC) def. Jodi Gay (D) 8-2; No. 2 – Mey Mey Kong (D) def. Alyssa Turner (LC) 8-3; No. 3 – Karina Angel (D) def. Alyssa Shofner (LC) 8-0. Doubles No. 1 - Meredith Frankel/Grace Caudill (D) def. Kristalynne Reynolds/Kendra Mullins (LC) 8-0; No. 2 – Anna Frankel/Fariha Siddiqui (D) def. Makayla Campbell/Ashley Barnett (LC) 6-0. BOYS Danville (D) 8 Lincoln Co. (LC) 0 Singles No. 1 – Sam Nelson (D) def. Ethan Smith (LC) 8-2; No. 2 – Josh Joiner (D) def. Ethan Lasure (LC) 8-2; No. 3 – Michael McChesney (D) def. Connor Playforth (LC) 8-2; No. 4 – Michael Graves (D) def. Daniel Cain (LC) 8-0; No. 5 – Jonathan Duvall (D) def. Santana Hocker (LC) 8-1; No. 6 – Jake Rankin (D) def. Levi Humes (LC) 8-0. Doubles No. 1 – Nelson/Joiner (D) def. Smith/Lasure (LC) 8-4; No. 2 – McChesney/Graves (D) def. Playforth/Cain (LC) 8-2; No. 3 – Duvall/Rankin (D) def. Hocker/Brandon McMullen (LC) 8-3.   Monday, April 22 Garrard Co. at Lincoln GIRLS Garrard Co. (GC) 8 Lincoln Co. (LC) 1 Singles No. 1 - Emily Major (GC) def. Smith (LC) 8-0; No. 2 - Turner (LC) def. Alexa Slone (GC) 8-4; No. 3 - Maria Moss (GC) def. Reynolds (LC) 8-1; No. 4 - Braxton Sowder (GC) def. Mullins (LC) 8-3; No. 5 - Nicole Carpenter (GC) def. Shofner (LC) 8-1; No. 6 - Katlyn Beauchamp (GC) def. Tori Hubble  (LC) 8-0. Doubles No. 1 - Moss/Sowder (GC) def. Smith/Turner (LC) 8-5; No. 2 - Charity Browning/Brett Ellan (GC) def. Reynolds/Mullins (LC) 8-3 No. 3 - Courtney Driskell/Carpenter (GC) def. Campbell/Barnett (LC) 8-1. 2013-04-24 09:45:57.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-tennis-lincoln-girls-boys-drop-matches-20130424,0,634141.story

ij-softball-lincoln-county-ky-lady-patriots-fall-75-to-madison-southern-in-extra-innings-20130424 Softball: Lady Patriots fall 7-5 to Madison Southern in extra innings April 24, 2013 STANFORD — Twice Lincoln County and Madison Southern have met on the softball diamond. Twice it has taken extra innings to decide a winner. And twice Lincoln has come up on the wrong side of the scoreboard. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-51780b30/turbine/ij-softball-lincoln-county-ky-lady-patriots-fall-75-to-madison-southern-in-extra-innings-20130424/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-51780b30/turbine/ij-softball-lincoln-county-ky-lady-patriots-fall-75-to-madison-southern-in-extra-innings-20130424/400/16x9 STANFORD — Twice Lincoln County and Madison Southern have met on the softball diamond. Twice it has taken extra innings to decide a winner. And twice Lincoln has come up on the wrong side of the scoreboard. The Lady Patriots fell 3-2 to the Lady Eagles in eight innings back on March 22 in Berea. Madison Southern needed nine innings to take out Lincoln in the rematch at LCHS Thursday, edging out a 7-5 victory. The Lady Eagles (10-4) used a late-inning rally to force extra innings and set themselves up for the win. After four scoreless innings, Madison Southern put up two runs in the fifth to even the game at 2-all and, after falling behind 3-1 in the bottom of the inning, tallied another run in the top of the seventh to force extra innings.  The score was tied 5-5 at the end of the eighth, but Southern took a 7-5 advantage in the top of the nine after Jaycee Combs and Tara Bord scored off back-to-back pop outs. The Lady Eagle defense sealed the team’s fate in the bottom of the inning by sitting the Lady Patriots (6-10) down 1-2-3. “This is one of the best hitting teams we are going to face, 1 through 9 they put the bat on the ball,” Lincoln coach Kevin Bandura said. “They make it difficult. They make you make outs. We didn’t make enough plays tonight defensively. We threw a few things away and that was really the difference in the game.” Southern got 12 hits off Lincoln’s Gabby Gabriel, including a 4-for-5 effort from Bethany Mays with two runs scored. Mays’ first run was part of the Lady Eagles’ fourth-inning rally effort. Kelley Freeman led off the inning with a double, Mays followed with a single then Combs tagged an RBI single to center fo plate Freeman. Mays scored off a Bord pop out to tie the game at 2-2. Olivia Owens got one run back for Lincoln in the bottom of the fifth, scoring on a two-out Gabriel double to make it 3-2.  Lincoln’s 3-2 lead held until the top of the seventh when Mays went to work again. The leadoff batter got the inning started with a short shot to right field, then stole second base and advanced to third on a Combs’ groundout. Mays then completed her trip around the bases on a Bord bunt for the tie.  Southern had runners on third and first before Gabriel got out of the jam on pop outs. Gabriel got on in the bottom of the seventh inning on a two-out single off Bord but she too was left standing,  leaving the game in a 3-3 tie. Both teams scored two runs in the eighth, with Paige King and Taylor Johnson getting runs for Southern and Chelsea Marcum and Jaylan Sowders scoring for Lincoln to set up the final inning. Gabriel, who gave up 12 hits with four strikeouts, was the only Lady Patriot with two hits in the game. Morgan Cooper, Hannah Brown, Marcum, Maggie Taylor, Alyssa Meece and Owens had one each. Cooper’s lone hit was a first-inning home run and Brown’s hit which followed turned into an in-the-park home run as Lincoln got two hits and two runs off the first two pitches of the game. Cooper, the leadoff batter, sent the first pitch over the centerfield fence. Brown laid down a bunt and two throwing errors by Southern allowed her to touch all bases to put Lincoln up 2-0.  Bandura was pleased with the Lady Patriots’ start. “That’s the first time we’ve gotten that kind of start. Unfortunately it didn’t continue,” he said. “We didn’t score our third run until the sixth inning. In those middle innings, what happens is we get runners on and don’t advance them. When you lay down good bunts good things can happen – and right now we don’t do that and that’s something we need to correct.”  Lincoln’s getting eight hits off Southern’s Bord had the Lady Patriot coach feeling better about his team’s offense. “I’m really pleased offensively with how our bats came alive tonight,” he said. “Our outs were hard outs. Give them credit they made some good plays on the hard balls we hit.”  “But we’ve got to do a better job getting our bunts down. We tried several sacrifice bunts tonight that we didn’t execute and that could have made a difference early and put pressure on the defense.  You saw what they did to us with the bunts. That was the one glaring difference in the game tonight.”  Defensively, Bandura had few complaints. “We got a great performance from Gabby Gabriel again tonight,” he said. “She mixed speeds well. It’s the first time she’s worked in her off-speed stuff. You go through that lineup five times and only give up seven runs, you’ve done something. Seven runs sounds like a lot but they are such a good hitting team, I feel like we dodged a lot of bullets and that was because of her off speeds.” 2013-04-24 09:40:36.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-softball-lincoln-county-ky-lady-patriots-fall-75-to-madison-southern-in-extra-innings-20130424,0,2368288.story

ij-track-and-field-harris-wins-high-jump-in-lake-cumberland-classic-20130417 Track and Field: Harris wins high jump in Lake Cumberland Classic April 17, 2013 The Lincoln County track and field teams did not shy away from competition this past Saturday, going up against some of the top athletes in the area in the Lake Cumberland Classic Invitational at Somerset High School. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-516eea33/turbine/ij-track-and-field-harris-wins-high-jump-in-lake-cumberland-classic-20130417/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-516eea33/turbine/ij-track-and-field-harris-wins-high-jump-in-lake-cumberland-classic-20130417/400/16x9 The Lincoln County track and field teams did not shy away from competition this past Saturday, going up against some of the top athletes in the area in the Lake Cumberland Classic Invitational at Somerset High School. With many of the younger and newer team members still working on their times and distances Lincoln did not put up a lot of points, however, the Lady Patriot and Patriot veterans, and one newcomer, did come through to get the Lincoln scoring. Sydney Harris, a newcomer to the Lincoln girls team, fared exceptionally well in her first meet by winning the high jump field event.  The LCHS senior won the event by clearing 4-08. A total of five athletes cleared 4-08, with Somerset’s Maranda Mills, Casey County’s Lakken Miller, Model’s Darrian Botts and Woodford County’s Allie Roberts all getting over the high bar. When all failed at a higher height, a winner was determined on jump performance and, with the fewest amount of misses – the only one with zero misses – Harris was declared the winner.  But it was Lincoln’s veteran’s providing the bulk of the Lady Patriots and Patriots points. Alex Bunch, the Lady Pats leading distance runner, ran third in both the 1600-meter and 800-meter runs. She had a time of 5:41.08 in the 1600 and 2:31.11 in the 800. Morgan Gourley also scored in both events, finishing seventh in the 1600 in 5:55.49 and eighth in the 800 in 2:42.81. Kanesha Miller sprinted to a seventh-place showing in the 200-meter dash, covering the distance in 29.56 seconds while the 800-meter relay team of Taelor Owens, Katie King, Landrea Smith and Macy Kaiser rounded out the Lady Pats scoring with an eighth-place time of 2:02.53. The Lady Pats finished 12th overall in the team competition. Woodford County took the girls team title. The Lincoln boys top runner Brian Carlson went the distance in the 1600 and 3200 runs, placing third in the 3200 in 10:25.54 and fourth in the 1600 in 4:42.62 to lead the way. Luke Shofner would be the only other Lincoln boy to score in the meet. Shofner jumped a distance of 18-11.75 in the long jump to place fifth overall and went 36-01.00 in long jump to finish seventh. The Lincoln boys finished in 13th place in the team competition. Pulaski County was a decisive winner, outscoring the second-place team by 57 points. 2013-04-17 11:28:42.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-track-and-field-harris-wins-high-jump-in-lake-cumberland-classic-20130417,0,3451433.story

ij-softball-lincoln-girls-collapse-in-seventh-inning-lose-31-to-russell-county-20130417 Softball: Lincoln girls collapse in seventh inning, lose 3-1 to Russell County April 17, 2013 The Lincoln County softball team suffered its fourth heartbreaking one-run loss� of the season Monday, the Lady Patriots tasting the agony of defeat in cruel fashion on their home diamond. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-516ee95b/turbine/ij-softball-lincoln-girls-collapse-in-seventh-inning-lose-31-to-russell-county-20130417/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-516ee95b/turbine/ij-softball-lincoln-girls-collapse-in-seventh-inning-lose-31-to-russell-county-20130417/400/16x9 The Lincoln County softball team suffered its fourth heartbreaking one-run loss  of the season Monday, the Lady Patriots tasting the agony of defeat in cruel fashion on their home diamond. For six tight, tense innings, Lincoln denied visiting Russell County. Gabby Gabriel had given up six hits to the Lady Lakers and walked four batters over the six innings but not a single run was allowed. But then the top of the seventh inning arrived. That’s when Russell County made a breakthrough, starting with a leadoff double by Cheyenne Simpson. It was the start of a three-run rally that cost Lincoln the game, as the Lady Patriots fell 3-1. “They got some things to go their way. That’s what good teams will do,” Lincoln coach Kevin Bandura said. “From a fan’s perspective, this was a great softball game to watch, 1-0 going into the seventh inning and both pitchers had been throwing really well. Unfortunately we didn’t make enough plays to win, but I really hang this on our offense. We’ve got to produce more than one run.” Russell (11-2) had the bases loaded soon after the Simpson double, with Baylee Hadley following  with a walk and Taylor Jones hitting to single to reach. After pitching a strikeout for the second out of the inning, Gabriel appeared to be getting out of the jam when Sara Robertson popped up in the infield. But instead of getting the game-ending out, Chelsea Marcum dropped the ball at first base, allowing Simpson to score Russell’s first run. Gabriel then gave up bases-loaded walks to Katie Robertson and Raven Helm, which scored Hadley and Jones, before getting Brittany Simpson to ground out to end the inning. Lincoln (6-8) had no chance to get back the runs or the lead in the bottom of the seventh, with Russell pitcher Abby Adams getting Lincoln to pop out twice then  line out to seal the Lady Laker victory. “Defensively, for the most part, we played well tonight. We just let a play or two get away from us,” Bandura said. “We did a good job wiggling off the hook early. I know they had the bases loaded and one out earlier in the game and they didn’t score, and that comes from some really nice pitches from Gabby and some really good defensive plays.”  “If we had won this game, I think their coach would have looked back and talked about the missed opportunities, of having runners in scoring positions with less than two outs and just not being able to move runners and get that timely hit.” Lincoln led for most of the day before Russell rallied, The Lady Patriots got on the scoreboard first thanks to a first-inning run by courtesy runner Christine Hebrock. Hebrock, running for Gabriel who walked on, was up only briefly with Marcum stepping up to drill a double to centerfield and bring her home. Marcum had two hits in a five-hit effort by the Lady Patriots. Morgan Cooper also had two hits and Hannah Brown had one. The five hits and one walk given up by Adams did not allow Lincoln many base-running opportunities to build on its early lead. “It was a tough day, a tough strike zone for both sides. Both pitchers really had to throw strikes because he (umpire) wasn’t giving anything off the corner to either pitcher and we didn’t adjust to that,” Bandura said. “As hitters, we’ve got to do a better job having better at-bats when it’s a tight strike zone. We’ve got to find a way we score more than one run. We did not have good approaches at the plate today, and I thought that’s what cost us tonight. A lot of outs that we kind of gave away, we got ourselves out rather than them making tough plays. They did make a couple nice plays, but most of the outs were routine outs and that was due to us swinging at pitches we probably shouldn’t swing at.” Lincoln got six runners on base in the game, Russell got 16 off eight hits, seven walks and an error. The Lady Lakers left the bases loaded in the second, sixth and seventh innings and one runner on in all the other innings. “They are a good team. He’s got some older kids that have been in the program where they’ve won some games. They know how to win games like this,” Bandura said. “We’re still at a point in our program where we have to figure out how to do that. Once we get over that hump and we figure out how to win games like that I will feel real good about us.”  Adams pitched four strikeouts to earn the win for Russell and Lincoln’s Gabriel had six strikeouts. 2013-04-17 11:25:12.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-softball-lincoln-girls-collapse-in-seventh-inning-lose-31-to-russell-county-20130417,0,4773628.story

amn-prep-tennis-loss-in-regional-tournament-drives-lincoln-countys-ethan-smith-20130417 Tennis: Loss in regional tournament drives Lincoln County's Ethan Smith April 17, 2013 Ethan Smith is looking for a little redemption this season. By HAL MORRIS http://www.trbimg.com/img-516ebf1a/turbine/amn-prep-tennis-loss-in-regional-tournament-drives-lincoln-countys-ethan-smith-20130417/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-516ebf1a/turbine/amn-prep-tennis-loss-in-regional-tournament-drives-lincoln-countys-ethan-smith-20130417/400/16x9 Ethan Smith is looking for a little redemption this season. The Lincoln County junior said he was embarrassed with his first-round loss at the 12th Region Tournament last year, and made that his driving motivation for a better showing when the regional tournament begins in two weeks. “I’m just worried about getting through the first round. Because I got the best possible draw (last year), I was in the best position, and I just choked. I didn’t play well, I was nervous and I got crushed,” Smith said. “So I’ve got to redeem myself this year at region because that was embarrassing. I just don’t want to get beat that bad again. It wasn’t pretty.” This season, Smith has taken over the top singles spot for the Patriots with defending regional champion Colin Hart not playing for the high school team. Smith may be getting on track. He beat Boyle County’s Matt Farr 8-4 on Tuesday to win his third straight match and move to 3-2 on the season. Smith’s win was one of two on the day for him, but the Boyle County boys and girls pulled off 3-2 wins over the visiting Patriots. “I knew I had big shoes to fill since we’re missing Colin this year,” he said. “I’m playing as hard as I can. I’m just pretty much trying to make Lincoln proud. That’s my main motivation. I’m very competitive and I don’t like to lose, so I knew coming in I would have to beat some of these number ones.” Lincoln coach Allen Lewis said Smith has slid into that top spot and performed well, better than he did last year even. “He improved a lot from last year. We knew we were losing Colin at the end of last year, so Ethan had all summer to prepare and he’s really taken hold of it,” Lewis said. “I”m really happy with him. He’s actually playing better this year at number one than he did last year at number two. “I think last year, he would get intimidated when he had to move up to number one when Colin was gone. And this year, he’s kind of taken that and he knows he’s our number one, and he’s trying to lead.” A lot of that leading comes form staying focused better during his matches, Smith said. “During the match, I get into the zone and play my game. But before the match, just getting into that mindset thinking about how I’m going to play. I remember some matches last year, I would be winning pretty good and it should be inevitable that I would win,” he said. “But I would lose my focus. Tennis is 50 percent focus and 50 percent skill. So I would lose my focus, and I think it was because I wasn’t thinking about why I was playing.” But things are different for Smith this season, some of which he credits to getting bigger and stronger. “I finally started to grow, so I knew I was getting bigger and I knew I could finally get stronger,” said Smith, who went from 5 foot, 6 inches to 6-1 in the past year. “I didn’t have that strength last year, but now that I have it. I know that’s a big part of the game. I had to get used to the new strength. But after you get used to it, you can kill some shots.” *** The Boyle boys won two out of three doubles matches to edge the visiting Patriots, while the girls swept doubles play. Ben Kendrick and J.T. Henderson and Luke Duncan and Ben Underwood won their doubles matches for the Boyle boys, while the duos of Anna Duncan and Nikol Pluess, Reva Toadvine and Sarah Nolan, and Kylie Cooper and Laura Nolan won for the girls. Jake Larson win in singles for the Boyle boys. For Lincoln, Smith also teamed with Levi Hume for a win at No. 2 doubles. BOYS Boyle County (3), at Lincoln County (2) Singles No. 1—Ethan Smith (LC) def. Matt Farr (BC) 8-4; No. 2—Jake Larson (BC) def. Ethan Lasure (LC) 8-2. Doubles No. 1—Ben Kendrick-J.T. Henderson (BC) def. Connor Playforth-Daniel Cain (LC) 6-0, 6-1; No. 2—Luke Duncan-Ben Underwood (BC) def. Santana Hocker-Brandon McMullen (LC) 8-1; No. 3—Levi Hume-Ethan Smith (LC) def. Tommy Toadvine-Josh Bishop (BC) 8-1. GIRLS Boyle County (3), at Lincoln County (2) Singles No. 1—Cassie Smith (LC) def. Victoria Horseman (BC) 8-0; No. 2—Alyssa Turner (LC) def. Hannah Green (BC) 8-2. Doubles No. 1—Anna Duncan-Nikol Pluess (BC) def. Krystalynne Reynolds-Kendra Mullins (LC) 6-0, 6-2; No. 2—Sarah Nolan-Reva Toadvine (BC) def. MaKayla Campbell-Ashley Barnett (LC) 8-1; No. 3—Laura Nolan-Kylie Cooper (BC def. Tori Hubble-Alyssa Shofner (LC) 5-0. 2013-04-17 11:20:02.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/amn-prep-tennis-loss-in-regional-tournament-drives-lincoln-countys-ethan-smith-20130417,0,527679.story

ij-baseball-lincoln-ky-claims-102-victory-over-district-foe-garrard-20130417 Baseball: Lincoln claims 10-2 victory over district foe Garrard April 17, 2013 LANCASTER — An all-around performance, including timely hitting and excellent defense, lifted Lincoln County to a 10-2 win over 45th District foe Garrard County Tuesday. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-516ec0e9/turbine/ij-baseball-lincoln-ky-claims-102-victory-over-district-foe-garrard-20130417/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-516ec0e9/turbine/ij-baseball-lincoln-ky-claims-102-victory-over-district-foe-garrard-20130417/400/16x9 LANCASTER — An all-around performance, including timely hitting and excellent defense, lifted Lincoln County to a 10-2 win over 45th District foe Garrard County Tuesday. The Patriots snapped a four-game skid with the victory and also earned their first district win of the season. “Hit it, pitch it, field it. We did all three, and we did it well,” Lincoln coach Brad McNew said. “That’s pretty much what happened. When you do that you’re going to win.” Lincoln (8-10, 1-1 district) pounded out 11 hits, led by Nolan Sanders’ 3-for-4 effort. Dylan King and Austin Greer both notched a multi-hit game, with King getting a single and a 3-run home run and Greer getting two singles for 2 RBIs. Zach Brown had a solo home run in the win and Tanner Leigh, Austin Smith and Tyler Poynter added base hits. Leigh also had two RBIs. “That was the best we’ve hit it all year,” McNew said. “I keep telling the guys the schedule we’re playing is paying off for our district games. We’ve been seeing some good arms, and (Seth) Murphy is a good arm. We just came out and swung the bats well.” The Patriots wasted little time setting the tone for the district contest, pouncing on Garrard’s Seth Murphy to score an unearned run in the first, then racking up seven more runs in the second. Lincoln got five of its 11 hits in the second inning, along with two walks and a hit batter.  Garrard coach CJ Lynn  had no excuses for his team in its third loss in district play. “We didn’t come out ready to play and they did,” said the first-year coach. “We were still riding last night’s win (3-2 over Southwestern). That was a great game and we played hard to get the win. Today, we just didn’t show up to play.”  Garrard (9-9, 0-3) never challenged the Patriot lead. Lincoln starter Logan Young, a sophomore, only faced two more batters than the minimum, putting the Lions down 1-2-3 in five of the seven innings played. He allowed only three hits in the complete-game win and struck out five. “We got a great effort out of Logan tonight,” McNew said. “He threw the ball excellent and got us a big district win. This was kind of a must-win district game for us, and we came over here and got it.” “When we got ahead and got that big cushion, it made it so much easier for Logan to pitch. At that point, he’s just got to go pound the strike zone and that’s what he did tonight. I don’t think he walked anybody and when you don’t give up free bases you’re going to win the ball game.” Lincoln scored an unearned run in the top of the first inning to get the scoring started. After a Sanders’ ground out, John Day reached on a walk, slid into second on a steal then jumped up and ran the rest of the way home. Day went for the steal with Tanner Leigh at bat and, when Justice Lyon’s throw from home to second was underthrown, Day jumped up and took off for third then home. Murphy got out of the inning with two pitched strikeouts, but Lincoln came back to really rough up the Lion starter in the second.  Josh Wilson led off the top of the second inning for Lincoln with a strikeout, and closed the inning the same way. In between the two strikeouts, Lincoln blew the game wide open. Austin Smith reached on a walk, Brown was hit by a pitch and Poynter reached on an infield hit to load the bases. Greer delivered a shot past short to score both Smith and Brown. Poynter got caught on a force out when Sanders connected for a hit but Lincoln had the bases loaded again after Murphy walked Day. Leigh hit an RBI single to left to drive in Greer and Sanders then King cleared the bases with his 3-run shot over the left centerfield fence which put Lincoln up 8-0. “All respects to them. They came out and beat our tails from the start,” Lynn said. “Every pitch they were ready to play. Every at-bat they were ready to swing the bat. They were just ready to play and battle. We didn’t battle.” Garrard knocked the goose egg off its side of the scoreboard in the bottom of the second, with Ronnie Saylor tallying the run. Saylor reached on a single to center, advanced on a Matt Wilburn ground out, moved to third on a balk then finally crossed home plate on a Lyon sacrifice out. Saylor scored both of Garrard’s runs in the game, adding a solo home run in the fourth inning. The second and fourth innings were the only innings where Lincoln’s Young faced more than three batters. The Patriots’ seven-run second inning marked the end of Murphy’s time on the mound, with Chris McSorley coming on in relief for the Lions in the third. Murphy allowed eight runs off five hits in his two innings up with three walks and four strikeouts. McSorley, who was replaced by Logan Teague in the seventh inning, gave up one run and six hits, with one walk, two hit batters and two strikeouts. Teague gave up one run off one walk. “All the things we did right last night, we did wrong tonight,” Lynn said. “We’re a young team and we’ve got to learn how to overcome coming off a big win. We’ve got to put the past game behind us and get ready for the next game. We’ve got to be ready every day. We weren’t ready tonight.” 2013-04-17 08:40:04.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-baseball-lincoln-ky-claims-102-victory-over-district-foe-garrard-20130417,0,1287577.story

ij-softball-boyle-routs-lincoln-county-ky-122-in-five-innings-20130410 Softball: Boyle routs Lincoln 12-2 in five innings April 10, 2013 DANVILLE — The Lincoln County girls had Boyle County right where they wanted it. But not for long. By Mike Marsee http://www.trbimg.com/img-51657828/turbine/ij-softball-boyle-routs-lincoln-county-ky-122-in-five-innings-20130410/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-51657828/turbine/ij-softball-boyle-routs-lincoln-county-ky-122-in-five-innings-20130410/400/16x9 DANVILLE — The Lincoln County girls had Boyle County right where they wanted it. But not for long. The Lady Patriots had gained the upper hand against the 12th Region’s top-rated softball team with two first-inning home runs Tuesday night, but Boyle doubled their score in the bottom of the inning and shut their offense down for the rest of the night. No. 7 Boyle used timely hitting, sound defense and solid relief pitching to defeat Lincoln 12-2 in five innings at Rebel Stadium in the 45th District opener for both teams. Lincoln (6-6, 0-1 district) led 2-0 after its first at-bat, but that lead was short-lived. Boyle (8-4, 1-0) scored four runs in the bottom of the inning, wiping out the momentum the Lady Patriots had gathered with back-to-back home runs by Gabby Gabriel and Chelsea Marcum. “I felt like if we could’ve gotten out of that first inning tied or with the lead, maybe a little bit of pressure starts to build on them,” Lincoln coach Kevin Bandura said. “But they did what good teams do: They gave up two runs in the first and come in and get four in the bottom and they’re right back where they wanted to be.” Boyle had some help from the Lincoln defense, which committed two errors that led to three unearned runs in the first two innings, helping the Lady Rebels take a 5-2 lead. “When you give good teams extra outs, they’re going to cost you, and they did tonight,” Bandura said. Meanwhile, Lincoln got only one hit after its opening salvo, in which Gabriel and Marcum belted the team’s first two fence-clearing homers of the season. Kristen Meece walked and Alyssa Meece singled to open the second inning, prompting Boyle coach Brian Deem to replace starting pitcher Elysse Petrie with Hannah Miniard. Miniard struck out Olivia Owens, and a line-drive out by Christine Hebrock led to a double play that ended a threat that would be the Lady Patriots’ last. No one else reached base against Miniard, who retired all 11 batters she faced, struck out six of them and didn’t allow a ball out of the infield. Boyle did much of its damage in the first four innings with bunts, choppers and infield hits. Six of the eight Lady Rebels who made contact and reached base did so on balls that didn’t leave the infield. Many of those plays came from Boyle’s fastest players. Its top three hitters and its No. 9 hitter combined to reach base 12 times in 15 plate appearances “Their top-of-the-lineup speed, it’s hard to handle. ... And I didn’t have us ready to defend the small ball,” Bandura said. “I’ve got to figure out as a coach how we can use our speed a little bit better, too. I’m more disappointed in myself tonight, not being prepared for their speed and not using our speed like we should.” Boyle finished off Lincoln with a six-run fifth inning in which the Lady Rebels had seven of their 11 hits off Gabriel, who struck out two batters and walked three. The Lady Patriots play at Southwestern on Friday in what will be the teams’ second meeting in seven days; Lincoln won 8-0 on Saturday in Clarksville, Tenn. “It’s a tough task to come over here on the turf and play a very good Boyle County team, but we’re not going to make any excuses; we’re going to go back to work.” 2013-04-10 07:31:57.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-softball-boyle-routs-lincoln-county-ky-122-in-five-innings-20130410,0,4007198.story

ij-lincoln-ky-race-for-a-cure-raises-nearly-4000-for-the-american-cancer-society-20130410 Lincoln's Race for a Cure raises nearly $4,000 for the American Cancer Society April 10, 2013 STANFORD — There were no people declared “cancer free” on the streets of downtown Stanford Saturday morning, nor were there any cures discovered� for the disease, but over 100 runners and walkers did take steps to help in fighting the disease by participating in the American Cancer Society Race for a Cure 5K/3K Run Walk. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-516576ce/turbine/ij-lincoln-ky-race-for-a-cure-raises-nearly-4000-for-the-american-cancer-society-20130410/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-516576ce/turbine/ij-lincoln-ky-race-for-a-cure-raises-nearly-4000-for-the-american-cancer-society-20130410/400/16x9 STANFORD — There were no people declared “cancer free” on the streets of downtown Stanford Saturday morning, nor were there any cures discovered  for the disease, but over 100 runners and walkers did take steps to help in fighting the disease by participating in the American Cancer Society Race for a Cure 5K/3K Run Walk. The 5K runners and 3K walkers left the starting line at the corner of Mill Street and Main Street amidst the applause and cheers of onlookers, heading along West Main to Danville Avenue and a winding route that stretched into the back streets of Stanford before ending back on East Main. While some participants entered to improve on their running and walking times, the main purpose of the Race for Cure event was to raise money for the American Cancer Society to help in its fight for a cure with research. And a good deal of money was raised.  A total of 191 people forked over entry fees of $25 and $20 to participate in this year’s Race for a Cure. There were 109 registered for the 5K run and 41 registered for the 3K walk. There were 41 “Skip the Race” entrants and eight cancer survivors. If all 191 entrants were pre-registered for the event, the funds raised would be $3,820. However, all were not early entries and there is sponsor money still to be included. Plus there is also the cost of holding the event to consider in the finally tally. “We are still waiting on some sponsor money to come in and a few more bills to pay, but we are expecting to clear a little over $4,000, which will be shared between the teams who helped and had registered participants,” Race for a Cure chair Charlotte Kirkpatrick said.  All profits from the event will benefit Relay for Life, which is set for Friday, June 7 at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds, and the American Cancer Society. Kirkpatrick said she was pleased with the 191 registered participants and all those who actually participated in this year’s Race for a Cure. “We feel like this is great considering we had to compete with Spring Break and another race the day after ours,” she said. “We appreciate all the support received from our teams, sponsors, participants, and the city of Stanford Police Department.” Just over 21 minutes after the start of the Race for a Cure, Shane Peck was all alone as he rounded the final turn back onto Main Street and headed down the final stretch. The 42-year-old Stanford runner was the overall winner in the race, covering the distance in 21:27. Ada Benson, 13, of Danville was the overall female winner and the second to cross the finish line. Benson completed the race in a time of 23:27. Special awards presented post-race included:  Most Participating (from a Relay for Life team) – Stanford Christian Church and Stanford Presbyterian Church, 30. Oldest Survivor: Bill Ed Leedy, 84, Stanford Christian.  Youngest Survivor – Linda Nutgrass Cantrell, 47, Past Time Crew. Youngest Participant – Stella Beth Hart, 2, Stanford Christian.  Oldest Participant – Bill Ed Leedy, 84, Stanford Christian.  Final results for the 5K portion of the ACS Race for a Cure follow in order of finish. Dozens of walkers also participated in the event and contributed to the cause, but their times were not recorded.   Overall Results *Overall male/female winners 1. *Shane Peck, 4221:27 2. *Ada Benson, 1323:27 3. Sheryl Downs, 4723:30 4. Jeremy Blanton, 3224:16 5. Mike Lee 4224:41 6. John Friend, 3124:50 7. Luke Smith, 1424:53 8. Russell Woods, 3625:06 9. Jefferson Calico, 4225:08 10. Clark Bridgman, 1625:19 11. Jacob Baird, 1325:23 12. Ashlyn Liddle, 1125:54 13. Sarah Bowden, 2325:55 14. Noah Peck, 1626:03 15. Todd Kirkpatrick, 4726:26 16. Linda Cantrell, 4727:22 17. Terri Green, 4327:23 18. Bob Rankin, 4327:32 19. Kristin Hendren, 1827:51 20. Jennifer Gover, 4927:51 21. Gavin Paynter, 1228:05 22. Kelley Bastin, NA28:06 23. Jared Hardwick, 2428:27 24. Colin Green, NA28:52 25. Tommy Hayes, 5029:13 26. Kent Ellis, 5429:33 27. Betty Lewis, 6429:54 28. David Burton, 1430:16 29. Mark Thompson, 3930:30 30. Clara Lawson, 3230:38 31. Jessica Wigginton, 2631:25 32. Tina Benson, 4531:35 33. Daniel Pence, 1131:37 34. Tessa Walls, 2431:41 35. Kristen Adams, 2331:44 36. Maggie Peck, 1431:47 37. Olivia Calfee, 1431:50 38. Lauren Story, 2732:12 39. Carrie Smith, 3532;19 40. Max Hester, 5632:26 41. Megan Richardson, 3032:37 42. Jesslyn Long, 2232:52 43. Heidi Crutchfield, 4832:54 44. Kacie Adams, 1933:04 45. Erika Perry, 2233:05 46. Dana Cornelius, 3233:19 47. Landrea Smith, 1533:21 48. Katie King, 1533:22 49. Carrie Williams, 3733:32 50. Evelyn Barker, 3933:46 51. Joe Lee, 5734:05 52. Linda Rudolph, 5934:09 53. Bridget Lynn, 3034:34 54. Bonieta Kolasa, 5335:17 55. Laura Hatmaker, 3536:05 56. Heidi Pence, 3937:26 57. Kristie Beyersdoerfer, 3537:43 58. Marquita Thompson, 4738:13 59. Jennifer Campbell, 4438:14 60. Glenda Houser, 5938:19 61. Katie Farthing, 3338:21 62. Karla Adams, 4538:29 63. Pat Adams, 4738:33 64. Brandon Malone, 1438:50 65. MaKayla Campbell, 1539:05 66. Delorise Bunch, 6139:11 67. Charlotte Hunter, 6339:13 68. Lindsay Spears, 3439:56 69. Shelby Kyle, 1440:20 70. Darbie Clark, 1440:23 71. Pam Snow, 4540:26 72. Nitze Stinnett, 5241:22 73. Van Munford, 7742:14 74. Jessica Snow, 2742:45 75. David Bridgman, 4544:25 76. Jennifer Dixon, 4946:17 77. Renee Miracle, 2646:17 78. Sue Russell, 6647:47 79. DeVonda Griffin, 6248:06 80. Jan Whitis, 5648:06 81. Logan Lawson, 649:57 82. Mollie Lair, 2349:58 83. Julie Lair, 3849:59 84. Ed Lawson, NA50:02 85. Marsha Kyle, 3452:52 86. Jessie Wilcher, 2952:52 87. Kristen Lucas, 3052:53 88. Kesna Todd, 1152:58 89. Sharon Todd, 2852:59 90. Clayton Hart, 3253:52 91. Stella Beth Hart, 253:52 92. Mary Friend, 2959:27 93. Jesse Friend, 359:23 94. Adele DeFosset, 651:01.02 2013-04-10 07:25:58.0 2013-10-09 21:00:00.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-lincoln-ky-race-for-a-cure-raises-nearly-4000-for-the-american-cancer-society-20130410,0,6377315.story

ij-lincoln-ky-softball-patriots-edge-east-jessamine-32-20130410 Softball: Patriots edge East Jessamine 3-2 April 10, 2013 The Lincoln County Lady Patriot softball team avenged an early-season loss to East Jessamine Monday night, defeating the visiting Jaguars 2-1. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-516575c3/turbine/ij-lincoln-ky-softball-patriots-edge-east-jessamine-32-20130410/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-516575c3/turbine/ij-lincoln-ky-softball-patriots-edge-east-jessamine-32-20130410/400/16x9 The Lincoln County Lady Patriot softball team avenged an early-season loss to East Jessamine Monday night, defeating the visiting Jaguars 2-1. East Jessamine, which defeated Lincoln 3-2 in the second game of the season, had an early 1-0 lead in Monday’s rematch, but Lincoln got the run back in the bottom of the second inning then Morgan Cooper drove in the go-ahead run with a two-out double in the fourth inning.  “I've been waiting for us to put together a complete seven-inning game, and we did tonight,” Lincoln coach Kevin Bandura said. “We were due to win a close game finally and hopefully this will give us a boost as we hit the middle of our season.” East Jessamine (7-3) jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Sarah Rainwater, who reached on an error, scored on a Haley Hamm single. Lincoln (6-5) answered with a run in the second to tie the game at 1-all. Jaylan Sowders led off the inning with a double, advanced to third on a Kristin Meece sacrifice bunt then came home  on an RBI groundout by Alyssa Meece.  The Lady Patriots broke the tie in the bottom of the fourth when Cooper connected for her two-out RBI double which scored Alyssa Meece. Meece singled to start the inning. Gabby Gabriel got the complete-game win, giving up only four hits and one unearned run, with one walk and three strikeouts. Haylee Hamm took the loss for East Jessamine, allowing two earned runs off six hits, with one walk and three strikeouts. “Our defense was very solid even with two errors, and Gabriel pitched a fantastic game,” Bandura said. “When you can hold their top five hitters to one unearned run on one hit, you have done something.”  Bandura also credited the Lincoln offense for its effort in the win. “Sowders and Cooper had huge hits and Alyssa Meece was a factor as well with an RBI and a run scored,” he said. “It was a total team effort and I’m really proud of them.” 2013-04-10 07:21:47.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-lincoln-ky-softball-patriots-edge-east-jessamine-32-20130410,0,878108.story

ij-baseball-model-wins-battle-of-patriots-shuts-out-lincoln-60-20130410 Baseball: Model wins battle of Patriots, shuts out Lincoln 6-0 April 10, 2013 STANFORD — Missing out on key scoring opportunities, the Lincoln County baseball team was shut out by visiting Richmond Model 6-0 Monday afternoon. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-51657529/turbine/ij-baseball-model-wins-battle-of-patriots-shuts-out-lincoln-60-20130410/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-51657529/turbine/ij-baseball-model-wins-battle-of-patriots-shuts-out-lincoln-60-20130410/400/16x9 STANFORD — Missing out on key scoring opportunities, the Lincoln County baseball team was shut out by visiting Richmond Model 6-0 Monday afternoon. As early as the first inning, the Patriots had a runner in scoring position, with John Day on third and Dylan King on first after walks. However, Model starter A.J. Hammons got Lincoln to fly out to end the threat. With seven hits and seven walks off Hammons and reliever Jesse Middleton, Lincoln (7-7) got runners in scoring position in six of the seven innings played Monday, but ended up with a total of 11 runners left on base. “Seven walks and seven hits in seven innings of baseball and we can’t push one run across. Seven walks and you don’t score a run – that’s killer,” Lincoln assistant coach Daryl Day said. “If you’d told me before the game that we would have taken seven walks, then I  say we score four or five runs at a minimum, and we can’t put one on the board.” The Bat Patriots looked to have the bases loaded in the second inning after a one-out single by Austin Greer, but Tyler Poynter was taken out at third after overrunning the base. Lincoln would get runners on first and third in the third inning, first and second in the fourth and seventh innings and one on second in the sixth. Again, no runs in. “It was not a very well-played game from an offensive standpoint for Lincoln County High School,” Day said. “When you’ve got runners on first and third, you’ve got runners on second and third, you’ve got to get those guys home. We never got a one of them home.” Model (4-8) also got runners in scoring position in six of the seven innings played, and the visiting Patriots delivered with all the scoring they would need to earn the win in the top of the first. Leadoff Ray White took first base on a walk off Lincoln’s Tanner Leigh, stole his way to second then came home on a Middleton double to left field. Middleton tried to steal his way home but Greer got him out in a run down at third base. Leigh pitched two strikeouts to end the inning. Jared Adams threatened to add to Model’s scoring in the second, reaching on a hopper past short then stealing his way to third. But Leigh left Adams standing with three straight strikeouts.  Model used a two-out double in the third inning to cushion its lead. Trey Baker connected for the extra-base hit to plate Turner Curtis, who singled to reach, to make it 3-0. Middleton, who ripped two doubles off the fence in four at-bats, dinged one off the fence in the fifth inning but was held at first. He was held there at least until Lincoln started throwing the ball around, allowing him to steal his way to third base. Middleton then scored on a wild pitch for the first of two Model runs in the inning.  “We made the same mistakes that my 8, 9 and 10-year-old little league teams made,” Day said. “When a guy hits the ball off the wall and we hold him to a single, but then we throw it around until he gets to third base. It’s like being down at the old Harmon Heights field and watching (little league) baseball. There’s no explanation for it.” Cody Jones scored Model’s second fifth-inning score and Middleton added a final run in the seventh. Hammons gave up five hits with five walks and three strikeouts in four innings on the mound for Model. Middleton came on in the fifth and allowed two hits with two walks and three strikeouts. Leigh started for Lincoln and gave up five runs off nine hits with three walks and six strikeouts. Day came on in the sixth and gave up one run off one hit with a walk and two strikeouts. “Tanner Leigh pitched five great innings. John Day pitched two good innings,” said Day. “Yeah, they had some hits, but its the game of baseball and teams are going to get some hits. We didn’t make many errors in the field, we made a few, but not enough to overcome a seven-walk game.” “All-in-all we pitched the ball pretty well and played defense pretty well,” he said. “They just got timely hits and we didn’t. They get a guy on second, they get a base hit and the guy scores. They get a guy on third, they get a base hit and the guy scores. We get a base hit with nobody on base.” Josh Wilson, Poynter and Greer each had two hits for Lincoln. Wilson also reached once on a walk. Nolan Sanders had one hit.  John Day, Dylan King and Tyler Edwards all reached base twice on walks. Cody Jones had two hits for Model. 2013-04-10 07:19:15.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-baseball-model-wins-battle-of-patriots-shuts-out-lincoln-60-20130410,0,2287120.story

ij-softball-lincoln-county-ky-lady-pats-go-32-in-tennessee-sports-classic-20130410 Softball: Lady Pats go 3-2 in Tennessee sports classic April 10, 2013 The Lincoln County softball team went 3-2 in the Play It Again Sports Classic at Clarksville, Tenn. over Spring Break, finishing 16th out of 40 teams in the silver division.� By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-516573dd/turbine/ij-softball-lincoln-county-ky-lady-pats-go-32-in-tennessee-sports-classic-20130410/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-516573dd/turbine/ij-softball-lincoln-county-ky-lady-pats-go-32-in-tennessee-sports-classic-20130410/400/16x9 The Lincoln County softball team went 3-2 in the Play It Again Sports Classic at Clarksville, Tenn. over Spring Break, finishing 16th out of 40 teams in the silver division.  The Lady Patriots earned their three wins of the tournament against McEwen (Tenn.), Station Camp (Tenn.) and Southwestern. The Lady Patriots got the tournament started with the McEwen win, downing the Lady Warriors 3-1. Lincoln had six hits in the win. Hannah Brown had two hits and two runs and Chelsea Marcum had a triple. Gabby Gabriel allowed one unearned run on two hits, walking one, and striking out four to get the win.  Lincoln stood at 2-0 after the second round of games, following the McEwen win with a 3-2 victory over Station Camp. Jaylan Sowders had two hits and scored the game-winning run for Lincoln in the victory and Morgan Cooper belted out a two-run triple. Gabriel picked up the win, allowing two unearned runs off six hits and no walks. She struck out eight Station Camp batters to earn the win. Things did not go so well for Lincoln in game three, with NE Clarksville handing the Lady Patriots a 5-0 loss. Brown and Gabriel had Lincoln’s only hits in the loss. Cooper absorbed the loss for the Lady Patriots, giving up five runs, three earned, off nine hits, with one walk and three strikeouts. Lincoln redeemed itself in game four, coming out on the winning side of an 8-0 rout over Southwestern. Marcum and Sowders each drove in two runs. Marcum finished 3-for-3 with two runs and a double. Gabriel doubled and Sowders had a triple. Gabriel pitched the no-hit win. She walked two batters and struck out six. Lincoln closed the Play It Again Sports Classic with a loss, falling to Carmi-White of Illinois. (Results unavailable) “I was pleased overall with how we played in Clarksville, getting three wins,” Lincoln coach Kevin Bandura said. “Gabriel pitched great and we ran the bases extremely well. I would like for us to string together more hits, and there were a few defensive mistakes, but we were able to move runners with sacrifice bunts and stolen bases enough to score runs in time shortened games.” Despite finishing on a loss, Bandura says he likes the direction the team is going. “We have definitely improved since the beginning of the season, but we still haven’t put together a complete seven-inning game yet,” he said. “We got solid contributions from every player during the tournament. I would have liked to gone deeper in the tournament, but we ran into an outstanding team from Illinois that put us out.”  2013-04-10 07:13:54.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-softball-lincoln-county-ky-lady-pats-go-32-in-tennessee-sports-classic-20130410,0,4068228.story

amn-prep-baseball-lincoln-county-cant-capitalize-on-western-hills-miscues-lose-32-20130404 Prep Baseball: Lincoln County can't capitalize on Western Hills miscues, lose 3-2 April 4, 2013 Lincoln County definitely had its chance against Western Hills on Wednesday. By HAL MORRIS http://www.trbimg.com/img-515d900f/turbine/amn-prep-baseball-lincoln-county-cant-capitalize-on-western-hills-miscues-lose-32-20130404/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-515d900f/turbine/amn-prep-baseball-lincoln-county-cant-capitalize-on-western-hills-miscues-lose-32-20130404/400/16x9 Lincoln County definitely had its chance against Western Hills on Wednesday. The Wolverines committed eight errors, but the Patriots managed just four hits and wasted scoring chances in a 3-2 loss in the Danville Spring Break Invitational. “We missed a lot of opportunities and we made an error or two that gave it back to them as well,” Lincoln coach Brad McNew said. Lincoln’ best chances at a big inning came in the top of the fifth and sixth innings. In the sixth, Dylan King led off with a solo home run to left to cut Western Hills’ lead to 3-2. After that, Austin Smith and Tyler Poynter reached on errors and Austin Greer had a bunt single to lead the bases. But Tanner Leigh hit a grounder to third and Smith was forced out at home. Wolverines’ starter Kyle Fisher than struck out Zach Brown and got John Day to ground out to second to end the scoring threat. Lincoln also had the bases loaded in the fifth, but again came away with just one run. Greer reached on an error and Leigh reached on a fielder’s choice. Josh Wilson had a bunt single to load the bases. Day’s sacrifice fly to right scored Greer, but Fisher then struck out Brown and Nolan Sanders to end the innings. “That’s kind of been the thin all year. Some night we do it and some nights we don’t. Today was one of those day we don’t do it. And we’ve got to start putting runs across when we’ve got guys on base,” McNew said. “Defensively and pitching-wise, we’re usually pretty good, we just did not execute it at the plate today. When you get guys on and you can’t get them in, you’re not going to win many ballgames.” Western Hills got on the board first when Seth Roush singled and later scored on Kyle Stevens’ double to center for a 1-0 lead. After Lincoln tied things up in the fifth, the Wolverines got the lead back for good with two runs in the bottom of the inning. Sanders started and allowed two runs over 4 1/3 innings. Aaron Estes came in with one out in the fifth, and gave up one run to suffer the loss. Despite the loss, McNew said this week was good for his kids in that they saw good pitching which will pay off later in the year. “That Fisher kid threw a good game for them. He’s a good arm and that’s good for us. We’ve been seeing those a lot and that’s good for us right now. When it comes May that’s a great things to have seen arms like that,” McNew said. “We go 2-2 we saw Mason County’s number one and one of Wayne’s best pitchers. And we keep seeing those guys day in, day out, it’s going to pay off.  “I tell the guys every day, it’s a good thing we’re seeing those good arms.” Danville Spring Break Invitational At Admiral Stadium Lincoln County    000    011    0    —    2    4    4 Western Hills      001    020    x    —    3    4    8 Nolan Sanders, Aaron Estes (5) and Austin Greer. Kyle Fisher, Chase Conner (7) and Christian Kinder. W—Fisher. L—Estes. S—Conner. 2B—Kyle Stevens (WH). HR—Dylan King (LC) 2013-04-04 09:56:38.0 2013-10-03 21:00:00.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/amn-prep-baseball-lincoln-county-cant-capitalize-on-western-hills-miscues-lose-32-20130404,0,4513429.story

ij-tennis-lincoln-drops-four-matches-by-tiebreaker-in-loss-to-pulaski-county-ky-20130404 Tennis: Lincoln drops four matches by tiebreaker in loss to Pulaski County April 4, 2013 STANFORD — It doesn’t get much closer than the Lincoln County boys tennis team’s loss to Pulaski County Friday at LCHS. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-515da950/turbine/ij-tennis-lincoln-drops-four-matches-by-tiebreaker-in-loss-to-pulaski-county-ky-20130404/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-515da950/turbine/ij-tennis-lincoln-drops-four-matches-by-tiebreaker-in-loss-to-pulaski-county-ky-20130404/400/16x9 STANFORD — It doesn’t get much closer than the Lincoln County boys tennis team’s loss to Pulaski County Friday at LCHS. The Maroons defeated their hosts 6-3, but it took four tiebreaker matches to decide a winner. Lincoln’s Ethan Smith emerged as a victor in one of the four tiebreaker matches, all in singles competition. However, teammates Ethan Lasure, Conner Playforth and Austin Grigsby came up short in their tiebreakers. Smith defeated Pulaski’s Brandon Lorman 7-6 in a 7-5 tiebreaker for the Lincoln boys’ lone singles win. The other singles tiebreakers were decided by a score of 7-2, with Lasure falling to Brett Phelps, Playforth going down to Brandon Matthews and Grigsby bowing to Bradley Correll, “The match had four singles matches go into a tiebreaker, the most I have ever seen in one match,” Lincoln coach Allen Lewis said. “This was a heartbreaking loss because we played so well. Several of the boys had leads and just didn’t hang on.” Lewis said the youth of the Patriot team may have factored into Lincoln’s dropping the close matches.  “We are young and haven’t developed that killer instinct yet to finish out matches,” he said. “I am proud of the progress we are making as a team. We will continue to develop and get better.” Lincoln played a total of six singles matches Friday, with Logan Smith and Daniel Cain also taking the court against Pulaski. Smith won four games in his match with Pulaski’s Greg Avina before falling 4-6 while Cain was defeated 6-0 by Noah McAlpin. The Patriots edged the Maroons 2-1 in doubles play. Lincoln’s “Ethans”, Smith and Lasure, teamed up to beat Lorman and Phelps 6-2.  Santana Hocker and Brandon McMullen earned the other doubles win for the Patriots, beating Micah Adkins and Dylan Wilson of Pulaski 7-5. The outcome would be the same in the girls competition, with Pulaski winning 6-3 over Lincoln. Cassie Smith and Alyssa Turner got the Lincoln girls off to a winning start, as Smith defeated Pulaski’s Katherine Stockom 6-4 and Turner topped Yasmine Sadrina 6-1. But Pulaski swept the next four matches, giving up only two games to Lincoln. Kendra Mullins and Kristalynne Reynolds both fell 0-6, but MaKayla Campbell and Ashley Barnett each took one game before dropping their matches. Campbell fell 1-6 to Sydney New and Barnett lost 1-6 to Hannah Isaacs.  Smith and Turner were victorious in both singles and doubles play in the loss. They followed their singles wins with a victory in doubles, taking down Stockom and Sadrina of Pulaski 6-4.   Pulaski Co. at Lincoln Co. BOYS Pulaski Co. (PC) 6, Lincoln (LC) 3 Singles Brandon Lorman (PC) def. Ethan Smith (LC) 7-6 (7-5); Brett Phelps (PC) def. Ethan Lasure (LC) 7-6 (7-2); Brandon Matthews (PC) def. Conner Playforth LC) 7-6 (7-2); Bradley Correll (PC) def. Austin Grigsby (LC) 7-6 (7-2); Noah McAlpin (PC) def. Daniel Cain (LC) 6-0; Greg Avina (PC) def. Logan Smith (LC) 6-4. Doubles Smith/Lasure (LC) def. Lorman/Phelps (PC) 6-2; Matthews/Correll (PC) def. Playforth/Grigsby (LC) 6-1. Santana Hocker/Brandon McMullen (LC) def. Micah Adkins/Dylan Wilson (PC) 7-5. GIRLS Pulaski Co. (PC) 6; Lincoln (LC) 3 Singles Cassie Smith (LC) def. Katherine Stockom (PC) 6-4; Alyssa Turner (LC) def. Yasmine Sadrina (PC) 6-1; Holly Estes (PC) def. Kendra Mullins (LC) 6-0; Noar Al-Qubandi (PC) def. Kristalynne Reynolds (LC) 6-0; Sydney New (PC) def. MaKayla Campbell (LC) 6-1; Hannah Isaacs (PC) def. Ashley Barnett (LC) 6-1. Doubles Smith/Turner (LC) def. Stockom/Sadrina (PC) 6-4; Estes/New (PC) def. Mullins/Reynolds (LC) 6-3; Al-Qubandi/Ana Boero (PC) def. Tori Hubble/Alyssa Shofner (LC) 6-0. 2013-04-04 09:34:43.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-tennis-lincoln-drops-four-matches-by-tiebreaker-in-loss-to-pulaski-county-ky-20130404,0,7507684.story

ij-track-and-field-lincoln-countys-bunch-wins-at-boyle-ky-20130404 Track and Field: Lincoln County's Bunch wins at Boyle April 4, 2013 Alex Bunch led the Lady Patriots and the entire field Friday at Danville as she captured first place in the 800-meter run in the Boyle County All-Comers meet. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-515da85c/turbine/ij-track-and-field-lincoln-countys-bunch-wins-at-boyle-ky-20130404/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-515da85c/turbine/ij-track-and-field-lincoln-countys-bunch-wins-at-boyle-ky-20130404/400/16x9 Alex Bunch led the Lady Patriots and the entire field Friday at Danville as she captured first place in the 800-meter run in the Boyle County All-Comers meet. Bunch, a senior,  did not have to battle for position at the finish in the run, finishing almost six seconds ahead of the second-place runner. Her time in the 800 was 2:31.3. Lincoln took two of the top three spots in the 800, with Morgan Gourley racing to a third-place finish. Gourley claimed third in a time of 2:40.2. Hannah Robertson of Boyle County finished as runner-up in the event in 2:37.2. Bunch was the lone Lincoln winner at Boyle, but she was just one of seven individuals and two teams scoring points in the meet which drew 12 girls teams and 13 boys teams. Bunch and Gourley made up half of Lincoln’s fourth-place running 1600-meter relay team, joining Briana McKenzie and Mahaley Long to post a time of 5:01.3. Taelor Owens, Landrea Smith, Sydney Harris and Macy Kaiser hit the track in the 800-meter relay for Lincoln. The foursome added to the Lady Patriots’ point total by running sixth overall in a time of 2:08. Kanesha Miller rounded out the Lady Patriots scoring in the 200-meter dash. Miller covered the distance in 29.7 seconds to place seventh overall. As a team, the Lady Patriots finished eight out of 12 teams with 22 points. Host Boyle County won the girls team trophy with 141 points. Madison Southern placed second overall with 133 points. Sophomore distance runner Brian Carlson had the high finish for the Lincoln boys, taking third in both the 1600-meter and 3200-meter runs. Carlson finished the 1600 in 4:56.1 and the 3200 in 10:40.2. Nathan Riggs of Campbellsville won both events, taking the 1600 in 4:30.6 and the 3200 in 10:00.6. It was a 3-4-5 finish for the Lincoln boys at the meet, with Luke Shofner and Blake Henderson following just behind Carlson’s placement in their respective events. Shofner earned a fourth-place finish in field competition at the Boyle meet, going a distance of 35-04.00 in the triple jump event while Henderson raced around the track for fifth in the 800-meter run in 2:15.4. The final point tally for the Lincoln boys was 18 points, which placed them 12th overall. Mercer County took the boys division with 98 points and Boyle finished second with 86 points. 2013-04-04 09:23:01.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-track-and-field-lincoln-countys-bunch-wins-at-boyle-ky-20130404,0,7477598.story

ij-softball-madison-central-rallies-late-beats-lincoln-43-20130404 Softball: Madison Central rallies late, beats Lincoln 4-3 April 4, 2013 RICHMOND — Fresh off wins over Lexington Christian and Mercer County, the Lincoln County softball team was looking to extend its winning ways Friday. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-515da614/turbine/ij-softball-madison-central-rallies-late-beats-lincoln-43-20130404/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-515da614/turbine/ij-softball-madison-central-rallies-late-beats-lincoln-43-20130404/400/16x9 RICHMOND — Fresh off wins over Lexington Christian and Mercer County, the Lincoln County softball team was looking to extend its winning ways Friday. Madison Central denied the visiting Lady Patriots their third straight win, however, rallying from a 2-0 deficit to beat Lincoln 3-2. Gabby Gabriel held Madison Central scoreless through the first five innings, but the Lady Indians put three runs on the board in the bottom of the sixth and held on for the win.  “This seems to be the story we continue to write, where we get a lead and we give it up,” Lincoln coach Kevin Bandura said. “We got some great plays defensively. We got another great pitching performance. Gabby’s (Gabriel) been solid all year and continues to get better. We’ve just got to figure out how we can make one more play to win that game.” Gabriel had given up just three hits and two walks before Madison Central’s comeback effort. Katie Brock started the game-winning rally for Madison Central with a walk. Emily Frakes got on base when her shot to centerfield was dropped, then Summer Fleeman banged out a two-run double to left field to tie the game at 2-all. Winning pitcher MacKenzie Wilder put down a sacrifice bunt then Fleeman scored the go-ahead run on a squeeze bunt by MacKenzie Humphrey. “We made some really good plays tonight. Kristen Meece makes a great almost catch in centerfield. I thought she had it,” Bandura said. “That’s a good team over there. They were pre-season top 25 and we’re hanging right there toe-to-toe with them. We’ve just got to figure out a way to finish. We’re one hit away from scoring more runs early. We’re one play away from keeping them from getting three runs in that inning.” Lincoln (2-4) got no chance at regaining the lead in the seventh inning, going down 1-2-3 in the final at-bat. “We played better together today than we have all season and we really competed hard,” Bandura said. “It’s just a matter of fine-tuning things now. I like where we are in terms of our attitude, our effort and our heart. We’ve just got to figure out a way to win that game.” Lincoln scored its runs in the second and fourth innings.  Chelsea Marcum got the game scoring started in the top of the second inning. Marcum delivered a one-out triple to centerfield to reach, then stole home off an errant pitch by Wilder. An extra-base hit also set up Lincoln’s score in the top of the fourth. Gabriel connected for the triple to right field with one out and, after a Marcum strikeout, came on around on a Kristen Meece single.     Lincoln had the potential to add more runs in the fourth, with Alyssa Meece and Kristen Meece on first and third only to have Wilder get out of the jam when Christine Hebrock grounded out. “It’s another close game, and that kind of seems to be the way we go right now,” Bandura said. “At end of last year and the beginning of this year including this game, we’ve lost seven one-run games in the last nine games. From a coaching perspective. I’ve got to find a way to get us over the hump.  We’re one timely hit away from just breaking  a game wide open. We got that last night (Mercer win) and I thought it might carry over into today. The attitude and the effort definitely carried over to today, we just came up a little short against a very good team.” Wilder earned the complete-game win, giving up six hits while striking out seven Lincoln batters. Gabriel gave up five hits, walked three and struck out two. Alyssa Meece was 2-for-3  for the Lady Patriots. 1234567RHE Lincoln0101000    —  261 MadCent000003  X    —320 LINCOLN – Gabby Gabriel and Hannah Brown. MAD. CENTRAL – MacKenzie Wilder and Jadelyn Rice.  W – Wilder. L – Gabriel.  2B – Jaylan Sowders (LC), Summer Fleeman (MC), MacKenzie Humphrey (MC), Rice (MC). 3B – Gabriel (LC), Chelsea Marcum (LC). 2013-04-04 09:20:37.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-softball-madison-central-rallies-late-beats-lincoln-43-20130404,0,4221401.story

ij-baseball-lincoln-county-ky-falls-to-unbeaten-wayne-64-20130404 Baseball: Lincoln County falls to unbeaten Wayne 6-4 April 4, 2013 DANVILLE — Lincoln’s bid to defeat the unbeaten Wayne County Cardinals fell flat Monday as the Patriots stumbled 6-4 in the Danville Spring Break Invitational.� By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-515da341/turbine/ij-baseball-lincoln-county-ky-falls-to-unbeaten-wayne-64-20130404/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-515da341/turbine/ij-baseball-lincoln-county-ky-falls-to-unbeaten-wayne-64-20130404/400/16x9 DANVILLE — Lincoln’s bid to defeat the unbeaten Wayne County Cardinals fell flat Monday as the Patriots stumbled 6-4 in the Danville Spring Break Invitational.  The Patriots (4-5) opened a 2-0 lead over the Cardinals in the first inning, but Wayne (7-0) put up runs in the second through fifth innings to earn the win. “Honestly, we just came out a little flat. We didn’t pitch as well, and we didn’t get hits with runners on base, and you can’t win ball games when you do that,” Lincoln coach Brad McNew said. “That wasn’t our best fielding game either. We just didn’t do the essential stuff. Wayne County’s been playing well and putting up a lot of runs, but that’s a game we’ll look back on and know we should’ve got.” Tanner Leigh and Josh Wilson scored a run apiece in the bottom of the first to get Lincoln on the scoreboard. Leigh singled to left centerfield to reach and Wilson was walked on. Leigh stole his way to second then scored on a Wayne fielding error. Wilson advanced on the error, stole third and came home on a wild pitch for the 2-0 lead. Dagan Shelton got back one run for Wayne in the top of the second. Shelton walked on in the inning, stole second then scored on a Trey Blevins’ double. With no runners out, Wayne threatened with Blevins on third and Ryan Corder at second, but Leigh got out of the inning with a ground out and two strikeouts.  Shelton banged out a two-run home run in the third inning to ease Wayne ahead 3-2, plating Kyle Gehring with the homer. “He hit a good pitch there and that was a big momentum change for them,” McNew said. “We got two (runs) in the first inning. We probably should have got a few more.” The lead was back in Lincoln’s favor at the end of the third, with John Day scoring on a wild pitch and Zach Brown coming in on a Dylan King double. Both walked on. Corder  scored on a wild pitch in the top of the fourth to even the game at 4-all, then Wayne went on top to stay in the fifth when Blevins scored on another Lincoln wild pitch.  “We just didn’t play well today,” McNew said. “Coming off of Friday night’s win, we were needing to roll into this Spring Break and build off that, and we didn’t do that.” 2013-04-04 09:08:50.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-baseball-lincoln-county-ky-falls-to-unbeaten-wayne-64-20130404,0,4653778.story

amn-prep-baseball-lincoln-county-uses-seven-pitchers-to-help-knock-off-no-24-mercer-county-65-in-eight-i-20130331 Baseball: Lincoln County uses seven pitchers to help knock off No. 24 Mercer County 6-5 in eight innings March 31, 2013 HARRODSBURG — Lincoln County coach Brad McNew knew he could not beat Mercer County with just one or two pitchers. By HAL MORRIS http://www.trbimg.com/img-51583ed1/turbine/amn-prep-baseball-lincoln-county-uses-seven-pitchers-to-help-knock-off-no-24-mercer-county-65-in-eight-i-20130331/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-51583ed1/turbine/amn-prep-baseball-lincoln-county-uses-seven-pitchers-to-help-knock-off-no-24-mercer-county-65-in-eight-i-20130331/400/16x9 HARRODSBURG — Lincoln County coach Brad McNew knew he could not beat Mercer County with just one or two pitchers. So the Patriots used a pitcher an inning for the first seven innings Friday, and took advantage of an eighth inning Mercer County error to pull off a 6-5 upset win over the No. 24 Titans. “It’s respect to Mercer County. You look at what they’ve done this year, they’ve put up a lot of runs. When we left Pulaski County last night (after a 2-0 loss) I told the coaches on the bus, we’ll throw the house tonight and see what happens,” McNew said. “We tried that my first year against Dunbar, and it was a little successful then, but we hadn’t done it since.” Aaron Estes started the game for the Patriots (4-4), then McNew switched his position players around as it seemed all the starters got their chance to pitch. McNew was hoping to throw the Mercer hitter’s off balance. “We were just trying to throw some different guys with some different speeds at them and Tanner (Leigh) came in there at the end of the guy and finished it off for us,” he said. “But it’s just a compliment to every guy who went out.” Mercer coach Jeremy Shope didn’t think the number of pitchers threw his team off. He just thought Lincoln earned the win. “It was a highly competitive game and hard fought game. They competed and we competed and we just came up on the short end,” Shope said. Dylan King was one of those seven pitchers used, but he used his bat to put Lincoln up early, blasting a three-run home run in the first inning to put the Patriots up 4-0. It was his first hit of the season. “I saw the first pitch fastball come up, I swing at it, but I was a little late on it. Then he gave me a curveball coming in, so I just laid in and I just hit it as hard as I could,” said King, who went 3-for-3 with a double. “This (win) is incredible. It gives us more fire into the season. We needed it.” Lincoln led 5-1 before Mercer came back to force extra innings. In the top of the eighth, Tyler Poynter led off with a walk against Jon Banks and Logan Young came in as a courtesy runner. Austin Greer sacrificed Young to second. With two outs, Leigh hit a slow dribbler down the third base line which J.T. Long could not come up with it, and Young came around to score to make it 6-5. In the bottom of the inning, Chris Goodman reached on a fielder’s choice and Banks came to bat with one out. He lined a shot to John Day at short, who caught it and got Goodman on a force out at first for the game ending double play. “John Day’s a guy who could play just about anywhere on the baseball field and I think he filled about four of those spots tonight,” McNew said. “And it’s great to have a guy like that. Tanner’s on the mound and John moves to short and it’s like we didn’t miss a beat.” Leigh picked up the win, tossing two innings of scoreless relief with a strikeout and a walk. He also went 2-for-5 with a run, and Josh Wilson also had two hits. Russell Sims drove in three runs for Mercer (5-2), going 2-for-2. John Ingram, Banks and Trevor Tate also had two hits. The Patriots made their statement early, scoring four in the top of the first. Leigh singled off of Long, went to second on Wilson’s sacrifice bunt and scored on Day’s single up the middle. With two outs, Zach Brown was hit by a pitch, then King stepped up and took Long deep over the left center field wall for a 4-0 lead. “Dylan’s been struggling and he comes out there in the first inning and lays into one. And when we get that cushion, it relieves a little bit. And that was the big strike early,” McNew said.  “Those were four big runs,” Shope said. “We came back and scored two and just tried to chip away as the game went on. We had our opportunities, we just didn’t get it done today.” Ingram led off the top of the first with a double and Layne Peavler struck out, but Greer could not come up with the ball. Sims’ sacrifice fly scored Ingram, and Long’s groundout scored Peavler and the Titans cut it to 4-2 after an inning. Taylor Edwards singled and scored on Day’s fiedler’s choice in the fourth for a 5-1 Lincoln led, but Mercer came back to tie it. In the fifth, Ingram had an infield single off of Day and Peavler walked. They both advanced on a passed ball and scored on Sims’ single up the middle to make it 5-4. In the sixth, Tate reached on an error. Clay Bryant ran for him, stole second, went to third on a wild pitch and scored on Banks’s single to center off of Wilson to make it 5-5. Lincoln County    400    100    01    —    6    10    1 Mercer County    200    021    00    —    5    9    3 Aaron Estes, Nolan Sanders (2), Dylan King (3), Zach Brown (4), John Day (5), Josh Wilson (6), Tanner Leigh (7) and Austin Greer. J.T. Long, Jon Banks (6) and Curry Brown. W—Leigh. L—Banks. 2B—King (LC), John Ingram (MC), Russell Sims (MC). HR—King (LC). 2013-04-04 08:40:46.0 2013-09-29 21:00:00.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/amn-prep-baseball-lincoln-county-uses-seven-pitchers-to-help-knock-off-no-24-mercer-county-65-in-eight-i-20130331,0,7314350.story

amn-prep-softball-maggie-taylors-3run-triple-in-7th-inning-lifts-lincoln-county-over-mercer-county-51-20130329 Softball: Maggie Taylor's 3-run triple in 7th inning lifts Lincoln County over Mercer County 5-1 March 29, 2013 Maggie Taylor ripped a bases loaded triple in the top of the seventh inning Thursday to break a tie and lift Lincoln County to a 5-1 win over host Mercer County. http://www.trbimg.com/img-515d9df4/turbine/amn-prep-softball-maggie-taylors-3run-triple-in-7th-inning-lifts-lincoln-county-over-mercer-county-51-20130329/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-515d9df4/turbine/amn-prep-softball-maggie-taylors-3run-triple-in-7th-inning-lifts-lincoln-county-over-mercer-county-51-20130329/400/16x9 Maggie Taylor ripped a bases loaded triple in the top of the seventh inning Thursday to break a tie and lift Lincoln County to a 5-1 win over host Mercer County. Gabby Gabriel allowed one unearned run on two hits with 11 strikeouts and two walks to pick up the victory for the Patriots, who moved to moved to 2-3 on the year and beat Mercer for the first time since 2008. It was scoreless until Kristen Meece drove in Taylor in the third inning to make it 1-0. Mercer answered in the bottom of the inning when Megan Hilbert triple and scored on a Lincoln error with two outs. In the seventh, Lincoln got singles from Morgan Cooper, Jaylan Sowders and Alyssa Meece, setting up Taylor’s triple. "We left some runners on early and didn't have good at bats until the seventh inning. Taylor's triple was obviously huge and we got a great pitching performance from Gabriel,” Lincoln coach Kevin Bandura said. “Defensively we have to make the routine plays, but we played well enough to win. We have some things to fix, but I'll take a win against Mercer who's had our number over the last few seasons." East Jessamine 17, Burgin 0 — At Burgin, the Bulldogs (1-4) were no-hit in a four inning loss to East Jessamine (4-0). Thursday’s Area Linescores Lincoln County    001    000    4    —    5    7    2 Mercer County    001    000    0    —    1    2    0 W—Gabriel. 3B—Taylor (LC), Hilbert (MC). East Jessamine    283    4    —    17    17    1 Burgin                  000    0    —    0    0    1 W—Hamm. L—Adams. 2B—Day (E.J.), Rainwater (E.J.), Fain (E.J.), Schubert (E.J.). HR—Hamm (E.J.) 2013-04-04 08:38:43.0 2013-09-28 21:00:00.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/amn-prep-softball-maggie-taylors-3run-triple-in-7th-inning-lifts-lincoln-county-over-mercer-county-51-20130329,0,5847918.story

ij-lincoln-middle-school-staff-performs-harlem-shake-during-basketball-fundraiser-20130329 Lincoln Middle School staff performs 'Harlem Shake' during basketball fundraiser March 29, 2013 Lincoln County Middle School teachers and staff took advantage of a timeout during a basketball game Friday to surprise students and other staff with a rendition of the popular "Harlem Shake" meme. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-51560147/turbine/ij-lincoln-middle-school-staff-performs-harlem-shake-during-basketball-fundraiser-20130329/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-51560147/turbine/ij-lincoln-middle-school-staff-performs-harlem-shake-during-basketball-fundraiser-20130329/400/16x9 Lincoln County Middle School teachers and staff took advantage of a timeout during a basketball game Friday to surprise students and other staff with a rendition of the popular "Harlem Shake" meme. The basketball game doubled as a fundraiser for the American Heart Association. 2013-04-04 08:58:33.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-lincoln-middle-school-staff-performs-harlem-shake-during-basketball-fundraiser-20130329,0,1584000.story

ij-lincoln-ky-emily-fox-named-player-of-the-year-by-region-12-coaches-20130327 Lincoln's Emily Fox named Player of the Year by Region 12 coaches March 27, 2013 Lincoln County’s Emily Fox has been voted the 12th Region Girls Player of the Year by the 12th Region Girls Basketball Coaches Association. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-51531b78/turbine/ij-lincoln-ky-emily-fox-named-player-of-the-year-by-region-12-coaches-20130327/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-51531b78/turbine/ij-lincoln-ky-emily-fox-named-player-of-the-year-by-region-12-coaches-20130327/400/16x9 Lincoln County’s Emily Fox has been voted the 12th Region Girls Player of the Year by the 12th Region Girls Basketball Coaches Association. Fox has been a leader on Lincoln’s 2012 and 2013 12th Region championship teams, leading the Lady Patriots with 16.9 points  and 5 rebounds per game this season. She hit 81 3-pointers during the season and averaged 1.8 assists per game. The 5-7 senior guard, who has already signed with Austin Peay University, shot 43 percent from the field and 78.1 percent at the free-throw line and is Lincoln County’s all-time leading scorer, having  scored more than 2,000 career points. Fox was not the lone Lincoln athlete recognized by the 12th Region Girls Basketball Coaches Association, with teammate Sydney Harris also selected to the region’s First Team. Harris, a 6-0 senior forward headed for King College, averaged 15.9 points and 8.7 rebounds this year for the Lady Patriots, who finished 27-6. She shot 46.3 percent from the field and 74.1 percent at the free-throw line and had 47 blocked shots. The 12th Region Coach of the Year honor was given to Boyle County head coach Greg Edwards, who led the Lady Rebels to an 18-14 record, the team’s first winning season and best record since 2009. Edwards closed out the year by leading the Lady Rebels to their first regional appearance since 2009 and their first regional semifinals since 2001.  The All-Region honorees are: First Team Emily Fox, Lincoln County; Cassidy Martin, Mercer County; Jessica Hardin, Wayne County; Sydney Harris, Lincoln County; Michaela Hunter, Rockcastle County. Second Team Kasey Young, Danville; Brittany Warren, Pulaski County; Adison Corder, Southwestern; Devin Conley, Garrard County, Jasmine Johnson, Casey County. Third Team Catheryne Claunch, Mercer County; Kaylee Cotton, McCreary Central; Chelsea Gill, Boyle County; Candance Foster, McCreary Central; Essence Grey, Danville. Player of the Year Emily Fox, Lincoln Coach of the Year Greg Edwards, Boyle 2013-03-27 09:19:13.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-lincoln-ky-emily-fox-named-player-of-the-year-by-region-12-coaches-20130327,0,3390197.story

ij-lincoln-county-ky-track-and-field-competitors-pick-up-23-medals-at-boyle-meet-20130327 Lincoln County track and field competitors pick up 23 medals at Boyle meet March 27, 2013 The Lincoln County High School track and field teams exited the Boyle County High School track a little heavier than when they arrived, walking away from the Boyle County All-Comers Meet with 23 medals in their pockets. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-51531ae4/turbine/ij-lincoln-county-ky-track-and-field-competitors-pick-up-23-medals-at-boyle-meet-20130327/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-51531ae4/turbine/ij-lincoln-county-ky-track-and-field-competitors-pick-up-23-medals-at-boyle-meet-20130327/400/16x9 The Lincoln County High School track and field teams exited the Boyle County High School track a little heavier than when they arrived, walking away from the Boyle County All-Comers Meet with 23 medals in their pockets. The girls 3200 and 800 relay teams, Lady Patriot Alex Bunch and Patriots Santana Hocker and Brian Carlson brought home Lincoln’s top finishes in the meet, with all capturing the runner-up spot in their respective events.  Host Boyle County claimed the win in the girls 3200-meter relay with a time of 10:58.2, but Lady Pats Alex Bunch, Logan Godbey, Morgan Gourley and MaHaley Long finished ahead of the rest of the field. The Lincoln quartet turned in a time of 11:47.7 to take second. Four other Lady Pats, Katie King, Landrea Smith, Macy Kaiser and Taelor Owens, took the track to medal in the 800-meter relay. The team of three freshmen and one junior, Owens, covered the distance in 2:11.3, 10 seconds back of the winning team from Burgin. Burgin’s time 2:01.4. Bunch did more than just score points with the 3200 relay, running to a second-place finish in the girls 800-meter run as well. Logan Arnold of Boyle County won the event in a time of 2:34.4 and Bunch followed close on her heels with a time of 2:35.4. Just three-tenths of a second was all that separated Hocker and first place in the boys 100-meter dash. Hocker was clocked at 11.6 seconds, but Kobe Ford of Mercer County edged him out at the finish with a time of 11.5 seconds. Carlson’s finish in the boys 1600-meter run was almost just as close. Bryant Qualls and Carlson led the field in the 1600, but Qualls nosed out Carlson at the finish, crossing in 4:54.4 while Carlson was clocked at 4:54.9. Luke Shofner scored in the most events for Lincoln at Boyle, picking up points individually in triple jump, long jump and the 100-meter dash and as a member of the 400-meter relay team.  Shofner had his day’s high in the triple jump and the relay, placing third in both. He went  35-03.50 for third in triple jump then ran with Josh Stull, Dalton Godbey and Markus Luster in the relay for a third-place time of 50.1 seconds. Shofner placed fourth in long jump by clearing 15-11.50 and ran fifth in the 100 in a time of 12.1 seconds.   The Lady Patriots had two scoring runners in the 800-meter run, with Godbey placing in the top six. Godbey turned in a time of 2:47.7 to place fourth overall. Kanesha Miller brought home individual medals in both the girls 100-meter and 200-meter dashes. Miller was fourth in the 200 in 30.5 seconds and sixth in the 100 in 15.0 seconds.  King, who was part of Lincoln’s 800-meter team, rounded out the Lady Patriots’ scoring, running sixth overall in the 200 in 30.7 seconds. Seven teams participated in the meet. Madison Southern won the team competition in the girls division with Boyle County in second. The teams flip-flopped in the boys division, with Boyle taking first and Madison Southern second.  The Lady Patriots placed fourth in the girls competition while the Patriots were fifth overall. 2013-03-27 09:16:57.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-lincoln-county-ky-track-and-field-competitors-pick-up-23-medals-at-boyle-meet-20130327,0,198481.story

amn-lincolns-heart-for-another-team-earns-notice-20130322 Lincoln girls' heart for another team earns notice March 22, 2013 Rather than simply hanging out, the Lincoln County High School girls basketball team decided to help out. By MIKE MARSEE http://www.trbimg.com/img-514c766f/turbine/amn-lincolns-heart-for-another-team-earns-notice-20130322/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-514c766f/turbine/amn-lincolns-heart-for-another-team-earns-notice-20130322/400/16x9 Rather than simply hanging out, the Lincoln County High School girls basketball team decided to help out. The state tournament hadn’t gone quite the way players hoped it would, but what the Patriots did after they lost last week at the Girls Sweet Sixteen generated enough good memories and goodwill to make their trip much more than a typical one-and-done experience. The Lincoln players rallied around a team that was short on fan support, throwing their support behind Notre Dame during its unexpected run to the state finals in Bowling Green. The Patriots knew next to nothing about Notre Dame and its players, but by the end of the tournament, they had made some friends and won some fans with a simple act that began as equal parts compassion and distraction. “I think it was a little bit of both,” Lincoln senior Ciara Saylor said. “We wanted to make their night, and we ended up kind of making our night, too.” The tournament’s most unique cheering section formed on the evening of March 14, just a few hours after Lincoln lost its first-round game against Owensboro Catholic, when the team returned to E.A. Diddle Arena at Western Kentucky University for the Thursday evening session. “Any loss is hard to take, but one like that, especially, because we knew without a doubt that we could’ve won the game,” Saylor said. “But we knew everything happens for a reason, and we were just trying to make the most of it.” The Patriots already had planned to stay in Bowling Green for the rest of the week, as many teams often do at the boys and girls state tournaments even after losing in the first round. “I had told the girls that we needed to enjoy the tournament ... and enjoy their time together,” Lincoln coach Cassandra McWhorter said. As the final game of the night was getting under way, the Patriots noticed that Notre Dame’s end-zone cheering section, where most teams typically have dozens or even hundreds of fans, was all but empty for its game against Madison Central. Only two girls from the Covington parochial school had made the trip to cheer for the Pandas — the game was late and there was school the next morning — so the Lincoln girls offered to help them. “We just asked them, ‘Is it OK if we join you?’ and they said, ‘Yeah, sure.’ They acted just happy with it,” Saylor said. By coincidence, Lincoln’s coaches happened to be sitting directly in front of Notre Dame’s principal at that Thursday night game. “She couldn’t believe that our kids would go over there out of the blue, not really knowing anybody,” McWhorter said. The Notre Dame players and their parents had taken notice, too. “I think they really enjoyed the support, especially without their own school being there. We could just see the excitement on the players’ faces and the coaches’, and on their parents’ faces, too,” Saylor said. Notre Dame won its first-round game, so the Patriots were cheering them on again 24 hours later in their quarterfinal win over Marshall County. By then, they had a chance to meet some of the players they were rooting for. “We showed up early one day and actually sat with them before they played, and a few of us got to talk with them here and there,” Saylor said, adding that some of the players from the two teams likely will keep in touch through Twitter and Instagram. Unbeknownst to them, Notre Dame’s players had made another connection with Lincoln. They found an oversized cutout of McWhorter’s 2-year-old daughter, Keziah, wearing Minnie Mouse ears — one of dozens of cutouts Lincoln students had used during their game — in an arena trash can and adopted the girl — or at least her likeness — as their own. “They tucked her in at the hotel — they had named her Bethany — she was sitting on the bus with them and they were using her for good luck,” McWhorter said. “When I walked in with her Friday and they saw me with our girls, they all started asking, ‘Whose kid is that?’ and saying, ‘That’s Bethany!’” The Notre Dame players and coaches insisted that McWhorter bring her daughter into the locker room before one of their games, and they later signed a basketball for her. A few more girls came from Notre Dame for its Saturday morning semifinal against duPont Manual. The Lincoln girls learned some of their cheers, and by then they were even forming a human tunnel to give the Pandas high-fives as they came off the floor after their games. After the Manual game, some of Notre Dame’s parents returned the favor in the hallway outside the court. “Even seeing the parents and even the coaches get so excited after they won in the semifinal, we went outside their locker room and were clapping for them to come out, and after they came out, (the parents) lined up and made a tunnel for us to walk through. That was really sweet, and it even made Coach cry,” Saylor said. In the hours between the semifinals and finals, while the Patriots were killing time in a Bowling Green mall, they had T-shirts printed in Notre Dame’s colors — blue and yellow — that read “Patriotic Pandas” and wore them for the championship game. Notre Dame lost the title game to Marion County, but it already had been a memorable tournament for them and their new fans. “I think if we would’ve just sat in the bleachers, it would’ve made it a lot harder to watch. But cheering and being a good sport and not sulking, it made (Lincoln’s loss) a lot easier to bear and made a lot more memories, too,” Saylor said. Plenty of people took notice of the Patriots’ gesture of sportsmanship. Some of them were interviewed in other newspapers and on the statewide radio broadcast, and McWhorter said Lincoln Principal Tim Godbey told her earlier this week he had gotten “email after email” from Notre Dame fans and from Lincoln fans as well. “It definitely makes you proud to know your kids are doing things that are noticed, not just on the floor but off the floor as well,” McWhorter said. “Our kids didn’t do it to get attention, but I told them, ‘When you do things like that, people are going to notice.’ And it makes you proud as a coach that you have players like that. That’s what it’s all about, sportsmanship and memories.” This isn’t the first time folks from Lincoln have supported another school at the Sweet Sixteen. Last year, Lincoln students got permission to collect donations from fans for tornado relief in Magoffin County before the Patriots played Magoffin. “Whether it’s something big like raising money or whether it’s cheering on another team like we did, it makes me really proud, and it’s something that builds good character,” Saylor said. 2013-03-22 08:44:59.0 2013-09-21 21:00:00.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/amn-lincolns-heart-for-another-team-earns-notice-20130322,0,757897.story

ij-lincoln-county-ky-takes-multiple-first-places-at-eku-track-meet-20130320 Lincoln County takes multiple first places at EKU track meet March 20, 2013 The Lincoln County girls 3200-meter relay team, sprinter Santana Hocker and triple jumper Luke Shofner� led the Lady Patriots and Patriots at Saturday’s season-opening Model All-Comers meet, with each earning first place at the Eastern Kentucky University track complex in Richmond. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-5149d3c4/turbine/ij-lincoln-county-ky-takes-multiple-first-places-at-eku-track-meet-20130320/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-5149d3c4/turbine/ij-lincoln-county-ky-takes-multiple-first-places-at-eku-track-meet-20130320/400/16x9 The Lincoln County girls 3200-meter relay team, sprinter Santana Hocker and triple jumper Luke Shofner  led the Lady Patriots and Patriots at Saturday’s season-opening Model All-Comers meet, with each earning first place at the Eastern Kentucky University track complex in Richmond. The Lady Patriot relay team, which includes senior Alex Bunch and freshmen Morgan Gourley, Logan Godbey and MaHaley Long, had little trouble bringing home first in the distance race, finishing a full minute and 41 seconds ahead of the second-place team from Burgin. The Lincoln runners covered the 3200 meters in 12:13.31. Burgin’s Riley Brown, Danielle Peavler, Shelby Pettit and Kiley Luallen combined for a time of 13:54.67. Hocker and Shofner were all alone in first place at the finish of their respective victories.  More than a second separated Hocker from the second-place runner in his 200-meter dash win, with the Lincoln senior crossing in 24.17 seconds. It was a 1-2 finish for Lincoln in the sprint as teammate Haydon Hale, a freshman, claimed second in 25.91 seconds. Distance and not speed was where Shofner excelled in the Model meet, as the Lincoln junior won the triple jump event with a jump of 36-09.50, over three-feet longer than his nearest competitor, Owsley County’s William Bowling. Bowling cleared 33-05.00. Lincoln collected just three wins, however, the Patriot and Lady Patriot track teams brought home a box load of hardware with nine boys individuals, six girls individuals and two girls teams scoring in the all-comers meet. The Patriot track and field team scored 64 points, including 20 points for Hocker’s and Shofner’s firsts, to finish fourth out of 10 teams. Lincoln finished in the top 6 to score in 6 of the 17 boys events contested. Hocker and Shofner both scored in multiple events, with Hocker placing second in the 100-meter dash in 11.95 seconds and Shofner going 18-00.00 to place second in long jump. Shofner also scored in the 100-meter dash and 200-meter dash, placing third in the 100 in 12.55 seconds and sixth in the 200 in 26.50 seconds. Distance runner Brian Carlson was another multiple scorer, placing in the top six in both the 800 and 1600-meter runs. Carlson, a sophomore, ran second in the 800 in 2:14.54 and was third in the 1600 in a time of 4:56.46. Burgin runner Alex Beckerson took first in both events,  winning the 800 in 2:11.44 and the 1600 in 4:52.55.  The Lady Patriot team had 41 points in the meet, 10 points for the 3200 relay win, to place seventh out of 10 teams. Lincoln scored in six events.  Gourley and Godbey were also a part of Lincoln’s second-place running 1600-meter relay team, joining Katie King and Briana McKenzie on track. The Lincoln team covered the distance in 5:03.66 for second and eight points. The Lincoln girls picked up the rest of their points in three different individual events. Kanesha Miller and Taelor Owens finished 3-4 in the girls 100-meter dash, with Miller edging out Owens with a time of 15.35 seconds. Owens’ time was 15.37 seconds. Miller added to Lincoln’s point total with a strong performance in the 200-meter dash as well. Miller ran fifth overall with a time of 31.59 seconds. King also scored in the 200, placing sixth in 31.85 seconds. It was a 3-4 finish for Lincoln in the girls 800-meter run as well, with Bunch and Godbey claiming two of the top four spots. Bunch ran third overall in a time of 2:44.17 while Godbey followed right behind her in fourth-place in a time of 2:52.80. 2013-03-20 08:23:00.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-lincoln-county-ky-takes-multiple-first-places-at-eku-track-meet-20130320,0,5832619.story

ij-leprechaun-leap-raises-green-for-lincoln-county-ky-soccer-20130320 Leprechaun Leap raises 'green' for Lincoln County soccer March 20, 2013 For a couple hours Saturday morning, the streets of downtown Stanford were a little greener than usual, with people milling around town dressed in their St. Patrick’s Day finery. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-5149d307/turbine/ij-leprechaun-leap-raises-green-for-lincoln-county-ky-soccer-20130320/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-5149d307/turbine/ij-leprechaun-leap-raises-green-for-lincoln-county-ky-soccer-20130320/400/16x9 For a couple hours Saturday morning, the streets of downtown Stanford were a little greener than usual, with people milling around town dressed in their St. Patrick’s Day finery. The purpose of the green attire was not just to celebrate the holiday. No, those choosing to wear green garb did so because they were participating in the third annual Leprechaun Leap  5K Run/Walk. The 3.1-mile Leprechaun Leap, which wound along Main Street, up Danville Avenue, into Oakwood Estates, back onto Danville Avenue, across Portman Avenue and down Lancaster Street before ending back on Main, was sponsored by the Lincoln County High School Boys and Girls Soccer Boosters as a fund-raiser for the two programs.  A total of 47 runners and walkers forked over entry fees of $25 and $20 to participate in this year’s Leprechaun Leap. Shane Peck, 42, of Stanford was the overall winner in the fund-raiser run/walk, finishing the race in a time of 21:37.  The female Leprechaun Leap title went to an out-of-county runner, with Ada Benson of Danville the first female to cross the finish line. Benson, 13, posted a time of 23:14 which placed her third overall. To add to the fun of the run/walk, a Lucky Charms Challenge table was set up mid-race for those participants willing to interrupt their running to compete in a speed-eating contest. At the conclusion of the race, only two participants, and a rider, had partaken  of the cereal. Peyton Griffin, 11, of Hustonville stopped for a quick bite and Evelyn Jane Barker, 39, of Lancaster also grabbed a few spoonfuls.  Jesse Friend, 3, who was being pushed along in a stroller by her mom, Mary Friend, also stopped to eat some cereal. Griffin received a bulk-size box of Lucky Charms for winning the cereal challenge. With  a “pot of gold” prize up for grabs in the Leprechaun Leap costume contest, several runners did wear St. Patrick’s Day-themed clothing for the race. Barker did not win the cereal challenge but the Lancaster runner, decked out in a green-and-white felt top hat, green t-shirt, shamrock  necklaces and bracelets and shamrock-decorated fingernails, took home the prize, a small black bucket filled with chocolates wrapped in gold-colored foil. Results from the Leprechaun Leap follow:   Overall Results *Overall male/female winners 1. *Shane Peck, 4221:37 2. Damien Sallee, 3322:48 3. *Ada Benson, 1323:14 4. Keith Stillwell, 5123:42 5. David Grigson, 2624:31 6. John David Friend, 30 24:37 7. David Frazier, 5524:39 8. Carter Dunn, 1725:52 9. Hunter Faulkner, 1425:53 10. Russell Woods, 3625:56 11. Todd Kirkpatrick, 4726:45 12. Jennifer Gorer, 4927:37 13. Kelley Bastin, 1727:54 14. Kristen Hendren, 1828:09 15. Tate Harris, 1428:11 16. Noah Peck, 1629:15 17. Levi Humes, 1629:29 18. Phyllis Humes, 5329:36 19. Tommy Hayes, 5029:49 20. Sue Stikley, 5029:56 21. Betty Lewis, 6430:21 22. Zachary Hamilton, 931:44 23. Tina Benson, 4532:04 24. Emma Kaiser, 1232:24 25. Ciara Lawson, 3232:27 26. Reed Campbell, 1233:30 27. Susan Harris, 4433:30 28. Tracy Howard, 4033:57 29. Daniel Pence, 1134:41 30. Pig Sims, 3434:48 31. Joe Allen Lee, 5735:02 32. Evelyn Jane Barker, 3935:55 33. Hedi Pence, 3837:38 34. Danielle Craig, 3838:33 35. Kaye Terry-Lane, 6038:35 36. Tim Johnson, 3138:37 37. Marquita Thompson, 4738:39 38. Delorise Bunch, 6141:16 39. Nikki Dotson, 3645:16 40. Nita Sellers, 6346:35 41. Patricia Sharp, 6146:38 42. Teresa Spears, 5447:55 43. Peyton Griffin, 1150:15 44. Beth Dotson, 1150:16 45. David Yoder, 2554:57 46. Rhonda Middleton, 2954:58 47. Mary Friend, 2959:46 2013-03-20 08:20:14.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-leprechaun-leap-raises-green-for-lincoln-county-ky-soccer-20130320,0,4222386.story

ij-lincoln-county-ky-girls-fall-to-owensboro-catholic-in-the-first-round-of-sweet-16-20130320 Lincoln County girls fall to Owensboro Catholic in the first round of Sweet 16 March 20, 2013 BOWLING GREEN — With 7:32 left in the game at E.A. Diddle Arena, the Lincoln County girls basketball team was rolling. Sydney Harris had gone hard to the basket, scoring 13 of her team-high 18 points to help whittle a 13-point Owensboro Catholic lead down to just three points. By Nancy Needy http://www.trbimg.com/img-5149d52b/turbine/ij-lincoln-county-ky-girls-fall-to-owensboro-catholic-in-the-first-round-of-sweet-16-20130320/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-5149d52b/turbine/ij-lincoln-county-ky-girls-fall-to-owensboro-catholic-in-the-first-round-of-sweet-16-20130320/400/16x9 BOWLING GREEN — With 7:32 left in the game at E.A. Diddle Arena, the Lincoln County girls basketball team was rolling. Sydney Harris had gone hard to the basket, scoring 13 of her team-high 18 points to help whittle a 13-point Owensboro Catholic lead down to just three points. But it wouldn’t last. The Lady Aces scored seven of the next 10 points to go up 56-46 and the Lady Patriots never caught up again. Owensboro Catholic ended Lincoln’s season with a 66-55 victory in the first round of the KHSAA Girls Sweet Sixteen State Tournament. “This is not where we want to be sitting right now. We wanted to get that game in hand. We didn’t come out to a good start in the first quarter, weren’t able to put the ball in the hole,” Lincoln coach Cassandra McWhorter said. “Definitely not where we thought we would be. We wanted to get back to that Final Four and even more. We had a taste of it last year, and we wanted to come back this year and make another run.” Cold shooting cost Lincoln its shot at a second straight successful run in the state tournament. The Lady Patriots got the shots they were looking for but couldn’t convert, going 24-for-63 from the field overall, 3-for-22 from 3-point range.   “You don’t shoot the ball great every night, and I felt our girls were ready to go,” McWhorter said. “We’d been shooting the ball well in practices. Just sometimes you have those games where the ball is not going in the hole and it touches every part of the rim except going through the bottom of the net.” “The first half especially, we didn’t shoot it well,” she said. “We bounced back the second half and got a lot more shots to fall, but overall, 38 percent, that’s not our normal. And I think they had a lot to do with that.” Harris was 8-for-13 from the field for her 18 points. She also led Lincoln (27-6) on the boards with seven rebounds. Emily Fox also hit double figures, finishing with 13 points, but was just 6-for-19 from the field, 1-for-7 from 3-point range. Fox also had four assists and two steals. Lincoln, despite it’s cold shooting, battled back from a 13-point deficit to get within 33-26 by halftime. The Lady Patriots, after going 3-for-18 from the field through the first 9 minutes, 30 seconds of the game, finally started clicking offensively. Down 20-7, Harris scored on a tipin, Tiandra Hocker added three quick buckets, two off steals, Kourtney Belcher followed with a jumper and two free throws, Fox drained a 3-point goal then Harris closed with two more buckets to make it a seven-point game. “I told the girls at halftime that we were right where we were at when we played them (Catholic) in Lexington (a 69-55 win). We regrouped at halftime. I told the girls the momentum was in our favor,” McWhorter said. “We made a run and cut it to seven. I thought we came out and did some things well, just never could get it to where we wanted it to be.” Owensboro Catholic’s lead continued to shrink as the second half opened, with Lincoln using a 6-0 run to get within three. Belcher scored on a jumper and Harris knocked down back-to-back buckets to make it 37-34 with 3:39 left in the third quarter. Fox got a layup off a Belcher steal with 2:33 showing for a 39-36 margin then she hit a jumper off a Rachel Spangler steal with 1:09 to play in the third to make it 42-39. A Destiny Howard layup and two Mikayla Berry free throws pushed the Lady Aces’ lead back to 46-39 before Spencer Sims closed the half with a jumper to make it 46-41 going into the fourth quarter. Harris drove on Miss Kentucky Basketball candidate Rebecca Greenwell for a bucket 28 seconds into the final frame to get Lincoln within three for a fourth time, 46-43. But Lincoln got no closer. The Lady Patriots missed seven of their last 12 field goal attempts and turned the ball over five times in the final seven minutes of the game. “We just could never get over that hump. We kept getting stops, and we were sometimes able to score,” McWhorter said. “But our girls stayed in it. We had some runs made there. We just never could get back over and get that lead once they had established that lead.” Kaylyn Pearson, who had 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Lady Aces, converted on a three-point play to push Owensboro Catholic (25-7) ahead 49-43. The Lady Aces, who led by as many as 12 points in the fourth quarter, sealed their fate at the free-throw line, sinking 15 of 20 foul shots in the final 5:37 of the game. Owensboro Catholic collected almost half of its total points from the line, going 31-for-40 overall. “We didn’t do a good job attacking the rim early,” McWhorter said. “But when a team shoots 40 attempts and you just shoot six, that’s hard to overcome. That makes it tough.” Greenwell, a 6-1 senior guard who has already signed with Duke, had a game-high 32 points and grabbed 12 rebounds as the Lady Aces outrebounded Lincoln 34-27. Greenwell scored 24 of her  32 points in the first half to help Owensboro Catholic get the early jump on Lincoln. “She is a McDonald’s All American for a reason. She’s a great player and she shot the ball well,” McWhorter said. “I thought we did a better job on her in the second half.” Ciara Saylor scored the game’s first basket on a tipin with 6:17 left in the first quarter to give Lincoln the early lead, but Owensboro Catholic burned the nets for 14 unanswered points before the Lady Pats hit again. Greenwell scored nine of the 14 points then added a layup before the buzzer to give the Lady Aces a 16-5 advantage.   Two Greenwell free throws and a Howard jumper made it 20-7 before Lincoln started its comeback effort.  Owensboro Catholic, which shot 47 percent (16-for-34) overall from the field, was at 53 percent the first half on 9-for-17 shooting. Berry finished with 10 points for Owensboro Catholic. Spangler had five assists for Lincoln.     2013-03-20 08:55:06.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-lincoln-county-ky-girls-fall-to-owensboro-catholic-in-the-first-round-of-sweet-16-20130320,0,945287.story

amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-county-falls-to-owensboro-catholic-6655-in-girls-sweet-sixteen-20130314 Prep Basketball: Lincoln County falls to Owensboro Catholic 66-55 in girls Sweet Sixteen March 14, 2013 BOWLING�GREEN — With her Lincoln County team down 13 points early in the second quarter, coach Cassandra McWhorter just wanted the Patriots to give themselves a chance to get back in the game. By HAL MORRIS http://www.trbimg.com/img-51422685/turbine/amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-county-falls-to-owensboro-catholic-6655-in-girls-sweet-sixteen-20130314/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-51422685/turbine/amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-county-falls-to-owensboro-catholic-6655-in-girls-sweet-sixteen-20130314/400/16x9 BOWLING¿GREEN — With her Lincoln County team down 13 points early in the second quarter, coach Cassandra McWhorter just wanted the Patriots to give themselves a chance to get back in the game. They got that chance, trimming Owensboro Catholic’s lead to three points on four occasions before cold shooting eventually did them in, as they fell 66-55 in the first round of the state tournament Thursday at E.A. Diddle Arena. “This is not where we want to be sitting right now. We wanted to get that game in hand. We didn’t come out to a good start in the first quarter, weren’t able to put the ball in the hole,”¿McWhorter said. “Definitely not where we thought we would be. We wanted to get back to that final four and even more. We had a taste of it last year, and we wanted to come back this year and make another run.” But a 24-for-63 shooting effort, including 3-for-22 from 3-point range, pretty much sealed Lincoln’s fate and prevented a second straight successful state tournament run. “You don’t shoot the ball great every night, and I felt our girls were ready to go,”¿McWhorter said. “We’d been shooting the ball well in practices. Just sometimes you have those games where the ball is not going in the hole and it hits every part of the rim except going through the bottom of the net. “The first half especially, we didn’t shoot it well. We bounced back the second half and got a lot more shots to fall, but overall, 38 percent, that’s not our normal.” Sydney Harris was 8-for-13 from the floor and scored 18 points while grabbing seven rebounds to lead Lincoln (27-6). Emily Fox scored 13 points, but was just 6-for-19 from the floor. Fox also had four assists, three rebounds and two steals. “They just weren’t going in,”¿said Fox, who was 1-for-7 from 3-point range. “In practice, we were doing well and getting a lot of shots up, and they just were not going in tonight.” Despite that poor shooting, Lincoln managed to rally from a 13-point deficit and trailed just 33-26 at halftime. “We regrouped at halftime. I told them the momentum was in our favor,”¿McWhorter said. “We made a run and cut it to seven. I thought we came out did some things well, just never could get it to where we wanted it to be.” Lincoln used a 6-0 run, with jumpers from Kourtney Belcher and Harris and a post bucket from Harris, to get within 37-34 with 3 minutes, 36 seconds left in the third quarter. A steal from Rachel Spangler and a jumper in the paint from Fox made it 42-39 with 1:04 left in the third. Spencer Sims’ jumper from the elbow trimmed Owensboro Catholic’s lead to 46-41 entering the fourth quarter, and Harris’ drive on the Aces’ Rebecca Greenwell cut it to 46-43 19 seconds into the final quarter. But that was as close as Lincoln would get, as the Patriots continued to miss shots and turn the ball over. “We just could never get over that hump. We kept getting stops, and we were sometimes able to score,”¿McWhorter said. “But we were able to stay in it. We just were never able to get that lead.” A three-point play from Kaylyn Pearson helped Owensboro Catholic (25-7) push its lead to 49-43 with 7:18 to play, and Lincoln never got closer than six points from there. But the Patriots did not go down without a fight. Down 60-50, Fox scored on a drive, then Harris scored off a steal from Ciara Saylor to make it 60-5 with 2:03 to go. But Pearson hit two free throws to get the lead back to 10 with 1:32 to play. The Aces were 18-for-20 at the free-throw line in the fourth quarter and finished 31-for-40. Lincoln went 4-for-6 from the line. “We didn’t do a good job attacking the rim early,”¿McWhorter said. “But when a team shoots 40 attempts and you just shoot six, that’s hard to overcome. That makes it tough.” Greenwell, a Duke signee, scored 24 of her game-high 32 points in the first half and grabbed 12 rebounds, helping the Aces hold a 34-27 edge on the glass. “She is a McDonald’s All American for a reason. She’s a great player and she shot the ball well,”¿McWhorter said. “I thought we did a better job on her in the second half.” Kaylyn Pearson had 15 points and 11 boards for Owensboro Catholic, and Mikayla Berry added 10 points. Ciara Saylor got the first points for Lincoln on a putback with 6:13 left in the first quarter, but the Patriots’ shooting went south as the Aces went on a 14-2 run and led 16-5 after a quarter. A Greenwell free throw made it 24-11 with 5:19 left in the first half, but Lincoln started cutting into the lead. Two straight buckets from Tiandra Hocker, one coming off a steal of Greenwell by Fox, and a jumper from Belcher made it 24-17 with 3:58 to go in the half. Hocker and Belcher each scored six points. Fox’s 3-pointer made it 28-20. Harris scored on two straight putbacks, the last with 7 seconds left in the half. Girls Sweet Sixteen At Bowling Green First Round Owensboro Catholic    16    33    46    66 Lincoln County    5    26    41    55 OWENSBORO¿CATHOLIC (25-7) — Mikayla Berry 10, Leah Greathouse 1, Rebecca Greenwell 32, Kaylyn Pearson 15, Destiny Howard 8. LINCOLN (27-6) — Ciara Saylor 2, Emily Fox 13, Kourtney Belcher 6, Sydney Harris 18, Caitlin Hall 5, Spencer Sims 2, Chansler Gilbert 3, Tiandra Hocker 6. 2013-03-15 07:11:02.0 2013-09-13 21:00:00.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-county-falls-to-owensboro-catholic-6655-in-girls-sweet-sixteen-20130314,0,5732176.story

ij-lincolns-bunch-signs-with-university-of-louisville-20130313 Lincoln's Bunch signs with University of Louisville March 13, 2013 Alex Bunch has been a frequent runner in Louisville over the past several years, with six seasons of varsity cross country often drawing her to the area and five straight appearances in the state� track and field championships taking her to the University of Louisville track complex. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-514092fb/turbine/ij-lincolns-bunch-signs-with-university-of-louisville-20130313/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-514092fb/turbine/ij-lincolns-bunch-signs-with-university-of-louisville-20130313/400/16x9 Alex Bunch has been a frequent runner in Louisville over the past several years, with six seasons of varsity cross country often drawing her to the area and five straight appearances in the state  track and field championships taking her to the University of Louisville track complex. Starting this fall, the standout Lincoln County High School distance runner will become a fixture on the Louisville running circuit, having signed her letter of intent to run for UofL. Decked out in a red UofL t-shirt and Cardinal baseball cap, the LCHS senior realized her lifelong dream of running at the collegiate level by signing her letter of intent during a special ceremony at the school. “I’ve always had dreams of running in college,” Bunch said. “It’s almost surreal that these dreams are actually coming true.  I’ve been so blessed with the opportunity to chase my dreams.” Bunch, who plans to pursue a degree in Biology, said being accustomed to the Louisville area probably helped her in making her college choice.  “I wouldn’t necessarily say that the familiarity affected my decision, but I have had an opportunity to see their athletic complex over the years, and knowing what a nice place they have to train was definitely something that attracted me to UofL,”¿she said. While familiarity may not have been a deciding factor in Bunch’s decision, a visit to the school this past fall was. “After an overnight visit at  Louisville this fall, I felt so at home on campus,” she said. “I felt as if I could really see myself going to school there.  I enjoyed the atmosphere of the team, as well as the school in general.” Bunch said getting a chance to meet with head coach Ron Mann, girls distance coach Taryn Sheehan and the team helped seal the deal. “I did one official visit in September where I had the opportunity to meet the girls team, the whole coaching staff, as well as many other recruits,”¿Bunch said. “I definitely believe this influenced my decision.  It made it clear where I could see myself for the next four years.” “I had done a few visits and considered other colleges,”¿she added. “I was accepted to Centre College as well.  It was a tough decision because they are both wonderful schools, but I am happy with my decision.” While at Lincoln, Bunch has, at times, been the lone Lady Patriot runner competing in cross country meets and one of just a few girls representing the school in track and field. By signing with Louisville, which currently has a roster of 38 athletes on its women’s track and field team and more than enough runners in women’s cross country to compete as a full team, Bunch has assured herself of being a “team” runner. “I’m thrilled to be a part of such a large team. I have met several of the girls on the cross country team already and they were so nice and welcoming and I felt that I could fit in easily,”¿she said.  But also by signing with Louisville, Bunch realizes that the competition level will be like nothing she’s experienced before.  “I understand that I will be racing on a much larger scale and against some very talented athletes because UofL is a D1 school,”¿she said. “I understand that I’ll have to work hard every day, but I look forward to the challenge and I know I’ll do my best to improve every day.” “I am excited to be a part of the team and I hope that I can contribute in my first year. I know that even practicing as a team can not only help me improve, but my teammates as well.” After having battled through two bouts of mononucleosis, Bunch now feels she is on the road to becoming 100 percent, and she’s going to use her final high school track and field season to help get her back in peak running condition.   “I am definitely working my way back up to where I should be,” she said. “I know that after taking time off for mono again, I’ll have to work very hard in order to meet the goals that I have set.  I know that I may not be as strong as the season starts, but hopefully by the end of my senior season, I can be back to the level that I want to be.” Bunch, the daughter of Rodney and Diana Bunch of Stanford, says she’s relieved to have her college decision made. “I feel very relieved to know where I’m going to college,” she said. “It’s also very motivating to know that I’ll be a part of a college team next year and that I’ll have something to work towards even after this track season is over.” 2013-03-13 08:03:36.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-lincolns-bunch-signs-with-university-of-louisville-20130313,0,2981256.story

ij-state-matchup-lincoln-ky-girls-open-sweet-sixteen-play-thursday-at-diddle-arena-20130313 State Matchup: Lincoln girls open Sweet Sixteen play Thursday at Diddle Arena March 13, 2013 For the first time in the history of girls’ basketball at Lincoln County High School, the Lady Patriots have earned back-to-back berths in the Girls Sweet Sixteen state tournament. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-5140922f/turbine/ij-state-matchup-lincoln-ky-girls-open-sweet-sixteen-play-thursday-at-diddle-arena-20130313/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-5140922f/turbine/ij-state-matchup-lincoln-ky-girls-open-sweet-sixteen-play-thursday-at-diddle-arena-20130313/400/16x9 For the first time in the history of girls’ basketball at Lincoln County High School, the Lady Patriots have earned back-to-back berths in the Girls Sweet Sixteen state tournament. The Lady Patriots successfully defended their 12th Region title to earn a second straight trip, fighting their way past Casey County 56-54 in overtime in the region championship game last Tuesday at Pulaski County. Lincoln, led by coach Cassandra McWhorter, will face Region 3 champion Owensboro Catholic at 1 p.m. (Eastern) Thursday at E.A. Diddle Arena on the campus of Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. The Lady Patriot team had planned to depart for Bowling Green Wednesday evening. LCHS¿will be taking pep buses to Bowling Green today with a departure time set for approximately 10 a.m. Lincoln, a Final Four semifinalist last year, comes into the Sweet Sixteen with a record of 27-5. The Lady Patriots have scored 1,969 points while allowing 1,672 points, shooting 44 percent (653-for-1,500) from the field. The team is at 24 percent (157-for-655)¿from 3-point range and 71 percent (383-for-543) from the foul line. Owensboro Catholic comes into the tournament at 24-7. The Lady Aces have scored 1,945 points while allowing 1,525. From the field, the team is at 45 percent (735-for-1,618). Catholic shoots 33 percent (123-for-370) from 3-point range and 63 percent (353-for-558) at the line. Senior Lady Patriots Emily Fox and Sydney Harris lead the team in scoring. Fox has scored 546 points so far this season, averaging 17 points a game, and Harris has 509 points for an average of 15.9 points. Fox shoots 43 percent from the field and is a threat from 3-point range, draining 80 treys this season. She is at 78 percent at the free-throw line. Harris is at 46 percent from the field and 75 percent at the line.  Harris is also among the team’s top rebounders, grabbing a team-high 281 rebounds, 8.8 per game. Rachel Spangler has 243 rebounds through 31 games for an average of 7.8 boards and Kourtney Belcher has 208, averaging 6.5 rebounds. Miss Basketball candidate Rebecca Greenwell is among Catholic’s leading scorers despite sitting out 12 games due to an injury. The senior guard has 423 points in 19 games for an average of 22 points a game, and is the Lady Aces’ 3-point scoring threat with 70 treys on the season. Kaylyn Pearson has 435 points through 31 games to average 14 points a game. On the boards, Pearson leads the way with 285 rebounds, 9.2 per game. Greenwell has 167 for an 8.8 average and Destiny Howard has 218, 7 per game. 2013-03-13 07:53:42.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-state-matchup-lincoln-ky-girls-open-sweet-sixteen-play-thursday-at-diddle-arena-20130313,0,1123915.story

amn-prep-basketball-region-lincoln-beats-casey-in-overtime-for-sweet-sixteen-berth-20130306 Prep Basketball: Experience and tough schedule paid off for Lincoln girls in 12th Region final March 6, 2013 SOMERSET — The Lincoln County girls knew they would get everybody’s best shot after reaching the semifinals in last year’s state tournament, and everyone agreed that playing a tough schedule would eventually pay off for a veteran team. By MARTY WARREN http://www.trbimg.com/img-51376b86/turbine/amn-prep-basketball-region-lincoln-beats-casey-in-overtime-for-sweet-sixteen-berth-20130306/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-51376b86/turbine/amn-prep-basketball-region-lincoln-beats-casey-in-overtime-for-sweet-sixteen-berth-20130306/400/16x9 SOMERSET — The Lincoln County girls knew they would get everybody’s best shot after reaching the semifinals in last year’s state tournament, and everyone agreed that playing a tough schedule would eventually pay off for a veteran team. The Patriots (27-5) blew a 14-point second-quarter lead in the regional championship, but their experience in big games paid big dividends in overtime as Lincoln won its second straight 12th Region title with a thrilling 56-54 victory over stubborn Casey County in the championship game Tuesday night at Pulaski County. “I honestly believe we played one of the five toughest schedules in the state and that helped us get through tonight,” Lincoln coach Cassandra McWhorter said. “We played Anderson County (who has lost just once), Owensboro Catholic in the Lexington Catholic tournament, Scott County, Woodford County and scrimmaged Lafayette. It definitely helped us tonight.” “We tried not to keep last year in the back of our minds,” senior guard Emily Fox said. “We didn’t worry about certain situations and tried to play one game at a time. We knew everyone would give us their best shot, and were prepared. Casey came out in the second half and gave us all we could handle. Free throws are huge in any game and fortunately, we were about to hit enough to win the game.” Senior center Sydney Harris agreed. “We didn’t panic when Casey made its run at us,” she said. “Our seniors have been in these situations before and tried to stay calm.” The Patriots, who connected on nine of 11 free throws in regulation, managed to hit just seven of 14 tries in the overtime period, but Kourtney Belcher and Ciara Saylor hit three each in the final minute and a half to help Lincoln escape with the victory. “We hit just enough to hold on,” McWhorter said. “That surprised me, because I put our team in pressure situations in practice every day. Fortunately, we hit enough at the end to make it count.” “We knew what to expect when things got tight tonight,” Belcher said. “It was just a matter of executing. Playing the tough schedule helped prepare us for these situations, but the bottom line is you still have to execute. We made plays early in the game, and then Casey made a run at us. We have to continue to make those plays because from here on every team will be tough.” Still, Lincoln did enough to send the Patriots back to the Girls Sweet Sixteen and into a first-round matchup March 14 against Owensboro Catholic, whom they beat 65-53 on Dec. 23 in Lexington. However, the Aces played without Miss Basketball candidate Becca Greenwell, who sat out the game with a knee injury. “(Greenwell) brings a different demeanor to their game,” McWhorter said. “I’ll have to see some tapes to see what they like to do with her in the lineup.” The Lincoln coach likes her team’s chances, though. “This is a special group of players for me,” she said. “They were able to accomplish a lot during their junior season, and everyone had high expectations coming into this year. They have met most of the challenges put before them, and I hope the experience they were able to get last year will carry over. It gives us a certain comfort level and lets us breathe a little easier this time around. They won’t be in awe, and I think they will play well.” 2013-03-06 20:16:38.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/amn-prep-basketball-region-lincoln-beats-casey-in-overtime-for-sweet-sixteen-berth-20130306,0,308781.story

ij-champs-again-lincoln-county-ky-girls-use-overtime-to-claim-second-regional-title-in-a-row-20130306 CHAMPS AGAIN! Lincoln girls use overtime to claim second regional title in a row March 6, 2013 SOMERSET — There’s a reason why few teams win back-to-back regional titles. Simply put: repeating isn’t easy. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-51376df7/turbine/ij-champs-again-lincoln-county-ky-girls-use-overtime-to-claim-second-regional-title-in-a-row-20130306/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-51376df7/turbine/ij-champs-again-lincoln-county-ky-girls-use-overtime-to-claim-second-regional-title-in-a-row-20130306/400/16x9 SOMERSET — There’s a reason why few teams win back-to-back regional titles. Simply put: repeating isn’t easy. The Lincoln County girls learned as much Tuesday night in a roller coaster ride through the 12th Region Tournament championship game, as they reclaimed the title and a return trip to the Girls Sweet Sixteen by edging out Casey County in a 56-54 overtime thriller at Pulaski County. “I’m speechless,” Lincoln senior Ciara Saylor said after accepting the champions’ trophy with her teammates. “It’s what we’ve worked for all season, a repeat. It wasn’t easy at all. They played an awesome game. It was a battle for sure.” Lincoln (27-5) led by as many as 14 points in the first half and was up 38-26 late in the third quarter before Casey broke on an 18-6 tear to make a game of it and force overtime. After trading leads early in the extra period, Sydney Harris bombed in a 3-point goal with 1:56 on the clock to put Lincoln ahead for good. The Lady Patriots, who were 9-for-11 from the free-throw line in regulation, hit just seven of 14 attempts in the overtime period, but Kourtney Belcher and Saylor collected three apiece in the final 1:22 to lift Lincoln over Casey. Casey (15-15) had the opportunity to tie or go ahead after Saylor missed the backend of a two-shot foul with just 3.3 ticks left, but Belcher picked off the long throw to the basket as time expired. “Finally! I can finally breathe again,” Lincoln coach Cassandra McWhorter said. “People had told me all day today at school that it was going to be an easy game because of the records and our win (55-40)�in the regular season. But I told our girls to block out everything that people are saying to you because this is a championship game. It’s tournament time, and you’d better take care of business.” McWhorter said knowing that her team would be facing Randy Salyers and his Lady Rebels in a second straight region championship didn’t ease her mind pregame. “Coach Salyers does such an excellent job with his team, his programs. That’s why he’s in the Hall of Fame as a player, as a coach,” she said. “His kids believe in what he does, and they play for him. They are not going to get down, especially in a championship ball game. I’m just glad we could pull it out and be on top.” Salyers said he had been preparing his team all year for a chance to contend in the region final. “We came in here to win, and to prepare us for that we knew what kind of schedule we had to play,”�he said. “I told the girls before the season even started that I’m not worried about our record. I’m worried about us getting better and better and better. And we did that all year long. And it helped us tonight. It’s unbelievable thinking we were down 14 the first half, cut it to 10 at halftime and just didn’t give up on what we wanted to do. We just kept battling, kept battling, kept battling.” Lincoln never trailed in the game until just 56 seconds remained in regulation when Tiara Cochran capped off Casey’s 18-6 run with two free throws to nose the Lady Rebels ahead 44-42. However, Lincoln’s Emily Fox answered Cochran’s free throws with two of her own to deadlock the game at 44-all with 42.6 on the clock. Cochran almost delivered the win for Casey as time wound down in regulation. An offensive foul on Sarah Beard with 28.5 showing gave possession back to Lincoln, but Cochran picked off the Lady Patriots as the clock dropped under eight seconds, then heaved the ball to Christin Terry near the baseline. Terry got off a shot, but the potential game-winner came after the horn sounded. “That was too close,” McWhorter said. “You don’t want it to be that close. You’d like to have that cushion. We had a little bit of a cushion, but they just battled and came back on us.” Lincoln got off to a good start, with Fox opening the game with a layup off a turnover, Saylor nailing a 3-point goal and Harris scoring back-to-back goals to give the Lady Pats a 9-5 lead. The senior trio would lead Lincoln’s scoring in the win. Fox had a game-high 14 points with five rebounds and two steals, Harris scored 13 points and grabbed five boards and Saylor finished with 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Terry, one of three Lady Rebels in double figures with 10 points, tallied all of Casey’s first-quarter goals, including a 3-point shot. Casey, which was just 2-for-9 in the first period, got a boost when Jasmine Johnson, who finished with 12 points, bombed in two 3-point goals and a field goal in the second quarter. However, Lincoln countered with 15 points over the same 7-minute span to build on its lead. Belcher knocked down the first four points off jumpers, Fox followed with two free throws and a trey, Saylor went baseline for a score then Spencer Sims hit back-to-back goals to give Lincoln a 24-10 advantage with 1:50 left in the first half. A Chansler Gilbert trey with a minute showing kept the margin at 14 but Cochran and Katie Douglas, who also had 12 points, scored four straight points in the paint to make it 27-17 at the half. Three-point goals by Harris and Saylor in the third helped Lincoln post a 38-26 lead with 1:57 to go in the period. Then Casey came roaring back. The Lady Rebels outscored Lincoln 18-6 over the rest of regulation, beginning with a run of eight unanswered points. Terry scored to end the third period, then Douglas  collected a bucket and a 3-pointer and Lakken Miller followed  with a layup to trim the Lincoln lead to 38-35 with 5:39 left in the fourth. Lincoln, which shot 45 percent (17-for-38) from the field overall, got just one of seven tries to fall in the fourth quarter. Fox hit the lone field goal midway of the period. Casey, which was at 43 percent (20-for-47) from the field, went 4-for-6 in the fourth, with Terry stepping to the left corner for the final bucket, a 3-pointer, to tie the game at 42-all. Cochran gave Casey its first lead just seconds later only to have Fox tie it right back up to force overtime. “The first half I felt like we were trying to run some different offenses, different sets, and we kind of got out of sync a little bit,” Salyers said. “So the second half we stuck to one particular offense and tried to spread them out a little bit and take them off the dribble. Then, if we had good post matchups we tried to take advantage of that.” “We had our chances. They had their chances. It was a great game. It just came down to certain situations and that’s just the way the ball bounces, as they say.” Lincoln’s holding off Casey to earn a return trip to Bowling Green came as a great relief for Saylor. She helped secure the win by scoring Lincoln’s final three points of the game on a 3-for-6 stint at the foul line, but she wasn’t feeling secure when she stepped to the line for the shots. “I was very nervous,” she said. “I admit I have some confidence issues since we played at Woodford when my shot wouldn’t fall for nothing. I’ve had problems with it, but I knew I had to make them for my teammates, and I’m glad they fell.” Lincoln will play Owensboro Catholic (24-7) in the first round Thursday, March 14, at noon. Catholic claimed the 3rd Region title by beating Meade County 58-51. Lincoln  was 6-for-12 from 3, and went 16-for-25 at the charity stripe. Casey was 6-for-21 from 3 and 8-for-14 at the foul line. Lincoln outrebounded Casey 28-22, led by Rachel Spangler with eight boards. Johnson had six rebounds for Casey and Douglas and Terry each had five. The Lady Patriots had 15 turnovers, 10 assists and five steals while the Lady Rebels had 10 turnovers, seven assists and nine steals.   Scorecard 12th Region Tournament at Pulaski Co. / Championship               1    2      3      4     OT         Final Lincoln    9    18    11    6      12    -     56 Casey     5    12    11    16    10    -     54 LINCOLN (27-5) - Emily Fox 14, Ciara Saylor 11, Sydney Harris 13, Kourtney Belcher 9, Chansler Gilbert 3, Spencer Sims 6. CASEY (15-15) - Jasmine Johnson 12, Katie Douglas 12, Lakken Miller 8, Sarah Beard 1, Christine Terry 10, Tiara Cochran 7, Mariah Richardson 4. All-Tournament Team Sydney Harris, Lincoln Co.; Jasmine Johnson, Casey Co.; Cassidy Martin, Mercer Co.; Adison Corder, Southwestern; Christin Terry, Casey Co.; Kourtney Belcher, Lincoln Co.; Katie Douglas, Casey Co.; Bethany Edwards, Somerset; Catheryne Claunch, Mercer Co.; Marlee Smith, Boyle Co.; Kaylee Cotton, McCreary Central; Ciara Saylor, Lincoln Co.; Hannah Harris, Boyle Co.; Summer Burke, Burgin; Emily Fox, Lincoln Co. 2013-03-06 08:28:00.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-champs-again-lincoln-county-ky-girls-use-overtime-to-claim-second-regional-title-in-a-row-20130306,0,2693169.story

ij-12th-region-tournament-lincoln-girls-defeat-mercer-6659-advance-to-final-game-20130305 12th Region Tournament: Lincoln girls defeat Mercer 66-59, advance to final game March 5, 2013 SOMERSET — The Lincoln County girls are just one step away from reclaiming their regional title. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-5135f072/turbine/ij-12th-region-tournament-lincoln-girls-defeat-mercer-6659-advance-to-final-game-20130305/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-5135f072/turbine/ij-12th-region-tournament-lincoln-girls-defeat-mercer-6659-advance-to-final-game-20130305/400/16x9 SOMERSET — The Lincoln County girls are just one step away from reclaiming their regional title. Lincoln overcame a major obstacle on the way to a possible repeat by defeating Mercer County 66-59 in the 12th Region Tournament semifinal round Monday night at Pulaski County High School. “It was one of the biggest games of the season. No, it was the biggest game of the season,” Lincoln senior Kourtney Belcher said. “It’s just one-game-at-a-time as Coach (Cassandra) McWhorter says, and we had to make sure we got this one. It was just the biggest game.” Belcher was one of three Lady Patriots in double figures as Lincoln advanced to Tuesday’s championship game with Casey County. Belcher finished with 18 points, six rebounds and two assists. Emily Fox led the team with 19 points. She also had five rebounds and three steals. Sydney Harris scored 16 points and had eight rebounds and two assists. The Lady Patriots came into the contest with a 22-game win streak over regional opponents,  and the Lady Titans didn’t go down easily as the streak continued. Lincoln (26-5) used a 9-0 run to post a 27-19 halftime lead, and led by as many as 12 in the third quarter. But Mercer rallied. The Lady Titans (25-9) trimmed the lead to 52-51 midway of the fourth and was within 61-58 with 19.3 seconds to go before the Lady Patriots sealed the win at the free-throw line.  Lincoln, which was 19-for-27 at the line, was 5-for-6 in the final 14.8 seconds. “They made huge runs tonight,”¿Lincoln coach Cassandra McWhorter said. “Mercer County kept knocking down big shot after big shot, and we turned the ball over. We tried to give it away at times, and somehow found a way to come out on top.” “I tell the girls all the time that a game is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. You have to play start-to-finish. You’re not going to win it in the first two minutes of the ballgame and you’re not going to lose it in the last two. It takes a full, complete game. You have to play every possession.” Mercer coach Chris Souder said he knew Lincoln would be a strong opponent. “They are a good basketball team, a veteran basketball team,” he said. “You’ve got to do the little things. You’ve got to make free throws, and we had some costly turnovers ... You’ve got to take advantage when you have opportunities, and when we had opportunities we didn’t take advantage of it. And good teams are going to beat you when you do that.” The Lady Titans, who fell to Lincoln 64-55 in the regular season, had a chance to tie the game early in the fourth quarter when Harris fouled Cassidy Martin on a 3-point shot attempt. Martin, who had a game-high 26 points, could not get her shot to fall but she did convert on all three free throw tries to make it a 46-45 ballgame with 7:35 remaining. The Martin free throws were the culmination of a 10-0 Mercer run. Raegan Freeman hit inside to open the run, Carli Souder added a 3-point goal and Martin collected five free throws to whittle a 46-35 deficit down to just one point. Back-to-back 3-pointers from Harris and Fox put an end to the Lady Titan run and boosted Lincoln’s lead to 52-45. However, Mercer answered the pair of treys with another run as Martin nailed a 3-point goal and Catheryne Claunch got a free throw toss then went coast-to-coast off a steal to make it 52-51 with 4:30 left in the game. Kandace Gash then drove the baseline late to get Mercer within 59-56 and Freeman scored on a turnaround jumper for a 61-58 margin. But every time Mercer threatened, the Lady Patriots went to the foul line. In fact, free-throw shooting provided all of Lincoln’s points in the final 4 minutes, 22 seconds of the game. The Lady Patriots, who were at 51 percent (21-for-41) overall from the field, attempted only three field goals after Fox’s trey, preserving their lead by sinking 14 of 21 free-throw attempts. Fox sank four straight foul shots after Claunch cut it to 52-51, Spangler and Fox hit one apiece after Gash’s score then Lincoln closed on a 5-for-6 run, with Spangler sinking three free throws and Harris, two, for the 66-59 final. “We couldn’t get over the hump,” Souder said. “And we felt like if we could’ve got over the hump maybe it would’ve been different, they would’ve got a little more pressure on them. It hurt us when Catheryne  and Cassidy fouled out but even then our kids kept battling.” “We’re not going to quit. We’re never going to quit. We’re going to keep coming at you and keep coming at you and keep coming at you. Every time we’d get right there, Lincoln would make a big shot or they made their free throws and we didn’t. You can’t miss 10 free throws and beat those teams.” Mercer, which shot 35 percent (20-for-57) from the field overall, was 13-for-23 at the foul line. Lincoln broke open a close game between the top two teams in the region in the second quarter by scoring nine straight points. Mercer, which got its first lead off a Martin 3-pointer 30 seconds into the game, was up 19-18 with 3:29 left in the first half after a 7-0 Martin run before Lincoln unleashed on its 9-0 scoring surge. Harris opened the run with a layin, Spencer Sims hit from 3-point range and Belcher was good for four points in the paint, including the closing bucket of the half which put Lincoln up 27-19. Belcher had 10 of her 18 points  in the first half. “She’s been consistent the last part of the season and she had a big stretch where she got a couple baskets, was able to break the press and get things to go down for us,”¿McWhorter said. Despite the eight-point halftime lead, Belcher was still wary of a Mercer rally. “I mean, even if the score is 37-2 (half) the game is not over with, and you’ve got to play like it’s the very beginning,”¿she said. “It’s never comfortable until that final buzzer sounds.” Fox, who picked up two fouls in the first quarter and had just four points at the half, drained back-to-back 3-point goals early in the third quarter to give Lincoln a 33-21 cushion. “Coach (assistant Rebecca) Garcia and I have both been in her shoes. You get all the attention from the defense. They are on you and it’s frustrating,” McWhorter said of Fox. “She got two offensive fouls early and sat the rest of the first half.  Then she comes in the second half and knocks down three huge 3’s and comes in and does her part, and finishes with 19 points.” Two Belcher buckets and a Tiandra Hocker  goal off a Belcher assist put the Lincoln lead at 46-35 before Mercer rallied to challenge. “I’m always proud of our kids and the effort we’re going to give,” Souder said. “I told them I was proud of the fact that they left it out there on the floor. We couldn’t have played any harder than what we played.” Lincoln outrebounded Mercer 35-22, led by Spangler with a game-high 11 rebounds. “She’s a board warrior,” said McWhorter. The Lady Patriots had 17 assists and eight steals but they also finished with 23 turnovers. The Lady Titans had 11 steals, five assists and 13 turnovers. For Mercer the season is over, but Lincoln marches on. “I’m so excited,” Belcher said. “It’s another game I get to play with my team, my family.” “One game at a time, and we are at that game we want to be at,”¿McWhorter said. “All we can worry about is tomorrow night. We can’t look past tomorrow. We’ve got to come out and take care of business tomorrow night."   Scorecard 12th Region Tournament at Pulaski Co. / Semifinal                      1      2     3      4        Final Mercer Co.    10      9    23    17    -   59 Lincoln Co.    14    13    19    20    -   66 MERCER (25-9) - Catheryne Claunch 11, Heidi Huffman 3, Cassidy Martin 26, Carli Souder 8, Kandace Gash 5, Lyric Houston 2, Raegan Freeman 4. LINCOLN (26-5) - Emily Fox 19, Ciara Saylor 1, Sydney Harris 16, Rachel Spangler 5, Kourtney Belcher 18, Spencer Sims 3, Tiandra Hocker 4. 2013-03-05 05:31:33.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-12th-region-tournament-lincoln-girls-defeat-mercer-6659-advance-to-final-game-20130305,0,2369202.story

ij-12th-region-tourney-lincoln-county-ky-girls-advance-by-beating-somerset-6243-20130301 12th Region Tourney: Lincoln girls advance by beating Somerset 62-43 March 1, 2013 SOMERSET — The Lincoln County girls took the first step toward defending their 12th Region title as they knocked off Somerset. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-5130b91c/turbine/ij-12th-region-tourney-lincoln-county-ky-girls-advance-by-beating-somerset-6243-20130301/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-5130b91c/turbine/ij-12th-region-tourney-lincoln-county-ky-girls-advance-by-beating-somerset-6243-20130301/400/16x9 SOMERSET — The Lincoln County girls took the first step toward defending their 12th Region title as they knocked off Somerset. The Lady Patriots jumped out to a 23-17 lead in the first quarter then struggled through offensive slumps in the second and third periods before making some adjustments and coming away with a 62-43 win over the Lady Briar Jumpers in the first round of the tournament Thursday at Pulaski County High School. “I talk to the girls all the time about a game being a lot like a puzzle, and that if the pieces don’t fit together it makes things ugly,” Lincoln coach Cassandra McWhorter said. “It was like we were missing pieces in the middle of the game, but at the end we got it put together and it came out a pretty picture.” The pieces started coming together for Lincoln (25-5) near the end of the third period when Ciara Saylor bombed in a 3-point goal to ignite a 23-4 run and turn a 32-27 lead into a rout. Lincoln had scored only three field goals in a span of 13 minutes, 40 seconds over the second and third quarters before Saylor swished the nets for the 3. “Those second and third quarters went really slowly,” McWhorter said. “We quit pushing the ball, and their defense, zone, had a lot to do with it. Some of our shots weren’t falling and our intensity on defense let down a little bit. It was kind of an ugly stretch right there in the middle of the game, but towards the end of that third quarter and into the fourth quarter we got things going the way we wanted. We really got things rolling and finished strong, which was important.” Kourtney Belcher followed the Saylor trey with a bucket in the paint and Sydney Harris put up a jumper to close the third quarter with Lincoln on top 39-29. Harris, who finished with 12 points, nine rebounds and four steals, tallied seven of her points  in the Lady Pat run, including a 3-point goal to open the fourth quarter. Emily Fox, who led the Lady Patriots with 19 points, four rebounds, two steals and two assists, also drained a 3-pointer to boost the lead. Saylor added two free throws and reserve forward Tiandra Hocker came off the bench to score six straight points, four off turnovers, as Lincoln extended its lead to 55-31. “When those pieces come in and we put them all together right, things look good. And that happened tonight for Tiandra. She was a big piece for our puzzle,” McWhorter said. “Sydney struggled a little bit the first half and was a little frustrated, but she did a good job of stepping up and hitting shots in the second half that helped get things going. Then we bring Tiandra in off the bench. She gave us a huge lift with energy and momentum. Out there in the press she was able to get some layups because of deflections and their turnovers, and got things rolling for us.” Virginia Scott, who led Somerset with 17 points and four rebounds, sank two free throws during the Lincoln run and Miranda Mills, who had 10 points and seven rebounds, scored on a putback. Lincoln, which shot 47 percent (22-for-47) overall from the field, blistered the nets during the 23-4 run, going 11-for-13. Lincoln was 7-for-19 from 3 on the night, and 11-for-14 at the charity stripe. Somerset (13-18) was at 37 percent (12-for-43) overall from the the field, but only 1-for-13  during Lincoln’s scoring blitz. The Lady Briar Jumpers were 5-for-15 from 3-point range and 14-for-16 at the free throw line. As the final horn sounded Thursday night, McWhorter breathed a sigh of relief. Her 45th District champion Lady Patriots had already defeated the Lady Briar Jumpers, the 47th District runners-up, 60-42 in the regular season, but she admitted she was anxious about the rematch. “Regular season is regular season and at tournament time anything can happen,”¿she said. “I was a little concerned coming in because it had been almost a week since we had played, and I was wondering how they’d come out. But we have the advantage of having the boys region tournament right there at our place, and our girls had seen in three of the four games in that tournament that the district runner-up won the first game. I think it opened our eyes to things. They knew that Somerset was capable of coming in and beating them.” Somerset owned the early lead, with Bethany Edwards opening the game with a three-point play. Harris sank two free throws to get Lincoln started then Fox hit for the first of her four 3-point goals in the game and a 5-3 lead. Scott went inside for her first two points to tie the game at 5-all. Scoring would come in  three’s over the next three possession with a Belcher three-point play for Lincoln sandwiched between two Somerset 3-point goals by Edwards and Scott for an 11-8 Lady Briar Jumpers edge. Rachel Spangler ended the run of three’s with a putback midway of the first then Fox drove the baseline for two points to put Lincoln on top to stay 12-11. The margin was 18-17 with less than a minute left in the first when Fox went inside for a bucket then stepped behind the arc for a 3 to make it a 23-17 ballgame. Scoring was at a minimum in the second quarter, with Lincoln holding a 6-4 edge to post a 29-21 lead at halftime. The Lady Pats were 2-for-10 in the second period and the Lady Briar Jumpers, 2-for-7. Fox scored first in the second half to give Lincoln its first 10-point lead. Erica Ford hit a 3-point goal for Somerset and Scott collected three free throws to trim the lead down to 32-27 before the Lady Pats put the game away. “I think we are a little anxious and reserved at times, but I think experience and cool heads came through tonight, and the eagerness to come out on top prevailed in the end,” McWhorter said. Lincoln outrebounded Somerset 32-21. Madison Brooks had six rebounds for Somerset. Lincoln had 15 assists, 14 turnovers and nine steals while Somerset had five assists, 13 turnovers and seven steals. Lincoln will now play Mercer County (25-8) Monday at 7:30 p.m. in the semifinals of the 12th Region Tournament. Mercer advanced by beating McCreary Central 57-51.   Scorecare 12th Region Tournament at Pulaski Co. / First Round                      1     2     3      4       Final Somerset      17    4    8      14    -   43 Lincoln Co.    23    6    10    23    -   62 SOMERSET (13-18) - Bethany Edwards 8, Erica Ford 3, Madison Brooks 2, Virginia Scott 17, Miranda Mills 10, Kaitlin Johnson3. LINCOLN (25-5) - Emily Fox 19, Ciara Saylor 5, Sydney Harris 12, Rachel Spangler 4, Kourtney Belcher 9, Chansler Gilbert 5, Kelsi Honaker 2, Tiandra Hocker 6. 2013-03-01 06:55:16.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-12th-region-tourney-lincoln-county-ky-girls-advance-by-beating-somerset-6243-20130301,0,7243099.story

ij-12th-region-basketball-lincoln-ky-boys-fall-short-in-first-round-lose-to-west-jessamine-7969-20130226 12th Region: Lincoln boys fall short in first round, lose to West Jessamine 79-69 February 26, 2013 STANFORD — The Lincoln County boys’ basketball season came to a heartbreaking end Monday as West Jessamine defeated the Patriots 79-69 in the first round of the 12th Region Tournament played at Lincoln. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-512cd12a/turbine/ij-12th-region-basketball-lincoln-ky-boys-fall-short-in-first-round-lose-to-west-jessamine-7969-20130226/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-512cd12a/turbine/ij-12th-region-basketball-lincoln-ky-boys-fall-short-in-first-round-lose-to-west-jessamine-7969-20130226/400/16x9 STANFORD — The Lincoln County boys’ basketball season came to a heartbreaking end Monday as West Jessamine defeated the Patriots 79-69 in the first round of the 12th Region Tournament played at Lincoln. After narrowly losing to West Jessamine 64-62 at home early in the regular season, Lincoln was hoping to redeem itself in the postseason rematch and corral the Colts. However, there was no fencing in the Colts Monday.  Chase Fain had a game-high 26 points on 10-for-15 shooting and grabbed 12 rebounds, Daulton Peters knocked back 19 points on 7-for-12 shooting and had eight boards, and Will Henderson scored 11 points, going 8-for-10 at the free-throw line, as West Jessamine (18-11) advanced to Friday’s semifinal round. Fain, a senior forward, had just eight points in a closely-contested first half, then burned the nets for 14 points in a 23-7 third-quarter Colt run that  turned a 27-25 halftime lead into a 50-32 cushion and a victory.  “We didn’t guard the second half,” Lincoln coach Jeff Jackson said. “We’re just down two (at half). We talk to them about doing things the right way, getting out on the shooters, being solid on defense. But they got on a roll. We didn’t have anybody that could guard Fain tonight. The second half he just went crazy.” “We missed a lot of shots around the basket that led to transition baskets for them. They can score, and they can really score when they are not defended. Got to give them a lot of credit, when they got a chance they were on a roll.” West Jessamine shot 57 percent (26-for-46) from the field overall, hitting four 3-point shots. Five of the six scoring Colts shot 58 percent or better from the field. The Colts put up big numbers at the charity stripe as well, sinking 23 shots on 32 trips to the line.  Timmy Taylor and BJ Hoover led three Patriots in double figures with 18 points and 15 points for Taylor and 18 points off 4-9 3-point shooting for Hoover. But West Jessamine held Lincoln to just 38 percent (23-for-61) shooting overall. The Patriots were 8-for-28 from 3 and 15-for-20 at the foul line. Luke Hill, who along with Shade Jacobs played his final game in a Patriot uniform Monday, rounded out the trio of Lincoln’s double-digit scorers, closing out his high-school career with a double-double of 14 points and 14 rebounds. “I’m disappointed that we couldn’t win for Luke and for Shade,” Jackson said. “You want to do it for them, but we just didn’t tonight.” It appeared that Lincoln’s Hill and Jacobs stood a great chance of seeing their season extended with the Patriots and Colts in a nip-tuck battle the first half. Hoover drained a 3-point goal to open Lincoln’s scoring and take a 3-2 lead, but Fain dropped in three quick goals for West Jessamine to nose the Colts ahead 6-3 two minutes into the first quarter. Back-to-back jumpers by Hill gave the edge back to Lincoln, then Taylor followed with a 3-point bomb for a 10-6 margin midway of the period. Peters, who was 3-for-3 from 3, hit his first trey to trim West’s deficit to 10-9 only to have Neil Conley hit from 3-points out for Lincoln and Hill going inside for a bucket and a 15-9 margin. Jacob Conway, who finished with eight points and six rebounds, added a bucket in the paint for Lincoln late in the first, but Peters drained his second trey of the night then scored a bucket off a turnover to cut Lincoln’s lead to 17-14 after one.   Lincoln’s offense struggled in the second quarter, missing its first five shot attempts then turning the ball over four times. West also missed early and turned the ball over, however, Irgang drove inside for a bucket off a turnover then Peters hit for his third 3-point shot to give the Colts a 19-17 edge. Lincoln went up 21-19 off two Taylor free throws and a Brandon Pittman bucket before Tanner Richards hit to force a 21-all tie. The lead changed hands four more times before the buzzer sounded on the first half, the final change coming with just 13.4 ticks left on the clock when  Henderson hit his only 3-point shot of the game to put West Jessamine up 27-25. “We had a good first half until we gave up that 3 at the end,”¿Jackson said. “That shot seemed like it kind of deflated us. We didn’t get out on Henderson like we needed to and he just hit.” Lincoln never regained the lead. Fain scored West Jessamine’s first seven points of the second half, including converting on a three-point play, to jump start the Colts third-quarter surge. Fain added seven more points in the run, Irgang and Peters each had a bucket and Henderson sank two free throws. Ian Kossick chipped in a free throw toss with two minutes showing then followed with a basket to extend the Colt lead to 50-32. “Fain just kept hitting and they got on a great roll,” Jackson said. “They’ve got a good team, and it’s easy for a good team to get on a roll when they don’t get guarded. We’ve got to learn to buy into guarding.” West led by as many as 23 points in the fourth quarter before Lincoln broke on late runs. The Patriots rolled off nine unanswered points to trim the Colts’ 23-point lead to 65-51, with Conley hitting a 3-pointer, Hoover going inside for a bucket, Conway sinking two foul shots and Taylor hitting one. Lincoln went long-range to wage its biggest second-half comeback effort. Taylor ignited the 14-4 run with a jumper and Hill closed it with a goal and a free throw. In between those shots, though, Hoover stepped behind the arc to nail two 3-point shots and Conley drained one to get Lincoln as close as 76-69 with 29.2 seconds to play. “We did (make late runs), but it shouldn’t have got to that,”¿Jackson said. “We can’t not be good for 32 minutes. We’ve got to come out and defend all night and we didn’t defend at all the second half.” West Jessamine outrebounded Lincoln 32-29. Taylor had five rebounds for Lincoln and Hoover had four. Both teams had 12 turnovers. Jackson said his team will take a little time off until after the state tournament, and then it’s time to hit the weight room. “Most of our team is ninth- and 10th-graders, so we’ve got a lot of maturation to do,”¿he said. “The biggest thing we’ve got to do is get in the weight room. If you look at other teams that we play, they are a little older, a little more mature, and a little thicker. We’ve got to get in the weight room and get stronger.” West Jessamine will now play Wayne County (24-7) at 6 p.m. Friday night in the regional semifinals. Wayne advanced with a 57-54 win over Pulaski County (23-6).   Scorecard 12th Region Tournament at Lincoln Co. / Semifinal                      1     2     3      4       Final West Jess.    14    13   25    27    -   79 Lincoln Co.    17    8    11    33    -   69 WEST JESSAMINE (18-11) - Chase Fain 26, Tanner Richards 6, Will Henderson 11, Robby Irgang 9, Daulton Peters 19, Ian Kossick 8. LINCOLN (15-18) - Timmy Taylor 18, BJ Hoover 18, Brandon Pittman 2, Neil Conley 9, Jacob Conway 8, Luke Hill 14. 2013-02-26 08:59:20.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-12th-region-basketball-lincoln-ky-boys-fall-short-in-first-round-lose-to-west-jessamine-7969-20130226,0,4273592.story

ij-district-dynasty-lincoln-county-ky-lady-pats-win-by-17-claim-6th-straight-title-20130223 District Dynasty: Lady Pats win by 17, claim 6th straight title February 23, 2013 DANVILLE — The Lincoln County Lady Patriots enjoyed another happy ending to the 45th District Tournament. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-512902fb/turbine/ij-district-dynasty-lincoln-county-ky-lady-pats-win-by-17-claim-6th-straight-title-20130223/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-512902fb/turbine/ij-district-dynasty-lincoln-county-ky-lady-pats-win-by-17-claim-6th-straight-title-20130223/400/16x9 DANVILLE — The Lincoln County Lady Patriots enjoyed another happy ending to the 45th District Tournament. No. 1 seed Lincoln County walked away with its sixth straight district title Friday night by defeating host Boyle County 62-45 in the championship game. Senior forward Sydney Harris, who had 19 points, six rebounds and three blocked shots, helped lead Lincoln’s sedate post-game celebration. “We like winning,” said Harris. “We’ve won (district) every year since I’ve been in the seventh grade, and we played to win tonight.” Lincoln (24-5) and Boyle (17-13) were embattled in a close game early, but the�Lady Patriots used a 14-4 scoring tear over the second and third quarters to break open the game and beat the Lady Rebels for the third time this season. Even after sweeping Boyle in the regular season,�Lincoln coach Cassandra McWhorter knew contending for the district title at Rebel Arena would  not be an easy task. “They’ve not had a lot of success in the recent past, but they’ve got a taste of it this season and they are playing really good basketball, so I knew it was going to be a battle,” she said. “I told the girls that Boyle County is playing very well right now. Coach (Greg) Edwards has done a great job with his girls, and they are hungry.   I knew with it being on their home floor that they wanted this.” Boyle did want the title. But Greg Edwards also knew his team had a strong opponent to overcome to get it. “Give Lincoln County credit,”�Edwards said. “That’s a heckuva team. They’ve been here before. They’ve got Final Four experience in the state tournament. They don’t flinch in this kind of situation. But our effort was there. I thought our girls came out and battled tough early in the game. We had the pace the way we wanted it. We just couldn’t buy a basket. It was a bad night on offense.” Despite shooting just 22 percent (12-for-54) from the field overall, Boyle held its own early. Harris helped get Lincoln off to a 7-4 start by hitting two buckets in the paint and sinking a free throw toss. Marlee Smith, who led Boyle with 14 points, and Dee Foster, who finished with nine points and a game-high 11 rebounds, had a bucket apiece for Boyle in the opening run. Smith added two free throws midway of the first to make it a 7-6 ballgame, then Foster  followed with a putback and a 3-point goal to give the Lady Rebels their first lead, 11-7. Lincoln’s Emily Fox, who had 16 points, four rebounds, three steals and three blocked shots, followed Foster’s shot with her own 3 to regain the lead only to have Foster hit again to give Boyle a 13-10 edge. Fox converted on two free throws after a steal to cut the margin to one then Spangler, who double-doubled with 10 points and 10 rebounds along with three assists and two steals, stepped behind the arc for a 3-pointer for a 15-13 Lincoln lead after one quarter. Boyle regained the lead in the first minute of the second quarter, with Lauren Richards opening the quarter scoring to tie the game at 15-all and Hannah Harris following with a putback for another Boyle lead. Unfortunately, for Boyle, those two shots would be the only ones to fall until just 59 seconds remained in the first half as the Lady Rebels struggled on 3-for-13 shooting. The Lady Rebels went a span of three minutes without scoring a single point. Lincoln’s offense also struggled early in the second quarter, going 3 minutes, 45 seconds before getting a field goal, but the Lady Patriots made up for the missed shots at the foul line. Tiandra Hocker collected two free throws and Spangler got one to ease Lincoln on top 18-17 before Ciara Saylor finally hit for a 3-pointer to make it 21-17 with 4:15 left in the first half.  Lincoln’s lead was 26-22 when Fox went coast-to-coast off a steal to set off  a 6-0 run. Sydney Harris finished the run with a bank shot and layup for a 32-22 margin with 1:24 to go. Chelsea Gill interrupted the run with a jumper and Cammi Holton and Smith collected a free throw apiece for Boyle before Fox closed the half with a layup for a 34-26 Lady Pat lead. “Tonight, we just couldn’t get anything to go offensively,” Edwards said. “That’s partly because of Lincoln’s defense, but we just had open shots that we didn’t get them to go down. We missed 28 shots in the paint and missed nine free throws tonight. You are not going to do that against a good team and expect to win.” Lincoln, which shot 45 percent (20-for-44) from the field overall, finished 7-for-13 in the second quarter. And the shots kept falling to start the second half, with Lincoln going 3-for-3 in a 6-0 run. Sydney Harris hit twice in the run and Spencer Sims hit inside to make it a 40-26 ballgame. “I knew they (Lady Rebels) were going to be a challenge and we would just have to be patient,” Harris said “We just came in and said we have to be mature and we have  to keep our calm. Coach McWhorter always tells us that we can’t win it in one quarter so we have to keep playing four quarters. We did that tonight. We knew we had to play Lincoln County basketball, and that’s what we did.” Smith converted on a three-point play late in the third to trim the Lincoln lead to 42-34, but the Lady Patriots answered last with Sims draining a 3-pointer and Spangler picking up a three-point play to put the margin at 48-34 going into the fourth quarter. Sims finished just shy of double digits, coming off the bench for eight points. “She got close. She really gave us a big lift off the bench,” McWhorter said of Sims. “It’s what I told the girls in the locker room, people can key in on who they think are our best players, and a lot of times they are going to key in on Sydney and Emily. But we have other players who can step up and have big nights, too, and I think that gives us a little bit of an advantage.”  Boyle got as close as 52-42 in the fourth quarter off two Hannah Harris free throws before Lincoln moved on to collect the win. While disappointed in the loss, Edwards said he’s proud of the Lady Rebels getting their first berth in the 12th Region Tournament since 2009. “We got over the hump this year,”�he said. “We got back in the district championship game, and that was what we were shooting for. Every time we make a step up, we’ve got to keep working to get to where we want to be.” “I told the girls, ‘Look, we’ve got next week (regionals at Pulaski County). Our district is tough, and the competition next week is not going to be anything we haven’t seen here.’ We’ve just got to rebound and have some good days of practice and focus on next week.” McWhorter is hopeful that Lincoln can continue with its winning ways as it prepares to defend its regional title. “We hope to keep winning a few more,” she said. “This is the time of the year that you work for all season, and we’re excited to be back making another run.”   Scorecard 45th District Tournament at Boyle Co. / Final                      1      2     3     4       Final Lincoln Co.    15    19   14   14    -    62 Boyle Co.      13    13    8    11    -    45 LINCOLN (24-5) - Emily Fox 16, Ciara Saylor 3, Sydney Harris 19, Rachel Spangler 10, Kelsi Honaker 2, Spencer Sims 8, Tiandra Hocker 4. BOYLE (17-13) - Chelsea Gill 7, Hannah Harris 5, Kalin Bottoms 5, Dee Foster 9, Marlee Smith 14, Lauren Richards 2, Cammi Holton 1, Shelby Bishop 2. All-Tournament Team Jade Bell, Kentucky School f/Deaf; Devin Conley, Garrard Co.; Essence Grey, Danville; Marlee Smith, Boyle Co.; Kourtney Belcher, Lincoln Co.; Dee Foster, Boyle Co.; Emily Fox, Lincoln Co.; Sydney Harris, Lincoln Co. 2013-02-23 09:59:58.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-district-dynasty-lincoln-county-ky-lady-pats-win-by-17-claim-6th-straight-title-20130223,0,2005680.story

ij-district-final-lincoln-boys-fall-to-boyle-6754-20130228 District Final: Lincoln boys fall to Boyle 67-54 February 28, 2013 DANVILLE —� Every Boyle County shot seemed to go through the net in the first quarter, and almost nothing was falling for Lincoln County. By Mike Marsee http://www.trbimg.com/img-512f6eed/turbine/ij-district-final-lincoln-boys-fall-to-boyle-6754-20130228/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-512f6eed/turbine/ij-district-final-lincoln-boys-fall-to-boyle-6754-20130228/400/16x9 DANVILLE —  Every Boyle County shot seemed to go through the net in the first quarter, and almost nothing was falling for Lincoln County. And that was a combination the Patriots just couldn’t overcome. The district championship trophy was moved well out of the reach of the Lincoln boys early in the game Friday, and they couldn’t get close enough in the final three periods to pry it away from Boyle, which won the 45th District Tournament with a 67-54 victory in the title game at Rebel Arena. The Rebels outscored the Patriots 15-1 over the first 5 minutes, 17 seconds and were never threatened en route to their second consecutive title and their third in four years. No. 1 seed Boyle (15-12) went 4-for-6 from 3-point range and 7-for-11 overall from the field in the first quarter, while third-seeded Lincoln (15-17) missed its first six field-goal attempts and was 2-for-10 in the first period. “They came out shooting the ball really, really well, and we didn’t do a very good job in the zone getting out and contesting their two best shooters,” Lincoln coach Jeff Jackson said. “They hit the first three 3s and we were down 9-to-1, and it makes it kind of tough. They built on that momentum. I didn’t have the kids ready to play, and apparently our game plan was not what it should have been.” Lincoln lost to Boyle for the third time in as many games this season and came up short in its bid for its first district crown since 2009. But, as runners-up, the Patriots still earned a chance to return home and play in the 12th Region Tournament, where they faced West Jessamine Tuesday night. The Patriots held a 1-0 lead for all of 32 seconds after Luke Hill hit one of two free throws before the Rebels took control. Hagen Tyler, Brett Jones and Chapman Bean sank three 3-point shots in an 87-second span to give the Rebels a 9-1 lead after 3:12 and kick off a run of 15 unanswered points. “We told ourselves, ‘Lincoln is a great shooting team, and if they come out hot in the first three minutes it’s going to be tough, so we’ve got to match their intensity,’”¿Boyle forward Aram Martin said. “When we got up 15-1, I think we knew, basically, it was over then.” The Rebels hit at least half of their shots for the second time is as many tournament games. They were 7-for-14 from 3-point range and 21-for-41 overall from the field, and they were 47-for-93 from the field in their two tournament games. The Rebels also dominated on the boards, outrebounding the Patriots 32-16. Micah Miniard had 15 rebounds while Lincoln’s leading rebounder, B.J. Hoover, had only four boards. Jackson said losing the battle of the boards kept Lincoln from mounting any sort of serious comeback. “They beat us on the glass, and we told our kids the number one key tonight was neutralizing them on the boards, and we failed to do that,” he said. “We’d get a couple of baskets and try to make a run, and they shot and missed and we failed to get the rebound on two or three occasions. We’ve got to do a better job of rebounding the basketball.” Timmy Taylor scored 11 points in the second half and finished with 15 points and six assists for Lincoln, which shot 42 percent from the field but was just 4-for-15 from 3-point range. Jacob Conway and Luke Hill had 13 points each, and both were 5-for-10 from the field. The Patriots made 14 of 18 free throws — Taylor was 8-for-10 — but Boyle made 18 of 19. Lincoln never got closer than 13 points after Tyler’s 3-pointer with 1:39 left in the first half gave Boyle a 32-17 lead. Tyler led the Rebels with 25 points, going 4-for-6 from 3-point range, 6-for-12 overall from the field and 9-for-10 at the foul line. Boyle led 41-21 with 4:39 left in the third quarter after Bean buried a 3-point shot to cap a 7-0 run, and the Rebels took their largest lead at 52-28 in the closing seconds of the period after Bean and Tyler sank two free throws each on consecutive trips. The Patriots pulled within 59-44 midway through the fourth quarter with a 3-pointer by Taylor and a jumper by Hill, but Miniard derailed the rally with putback baskets on Boyle’s next two possessions, making it 63-45 with 3:42 to play. “We’re awful young, and we play young sometimes, so we’ve just got to keep working and trying to get better,”¿Jackson said. 2013-02-28 06:54:02.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-district-final-lincoln-boys-fall-to-boyle-6754-20130228,0,663368.story

amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-boys-ko-danville-to-win-4936-slugfest-in-45th-district-semifinal-20130221 Basketball: Lincoln boys KO Danville to win 49-36 slugfest in 45th District semifinal February 21, 2013 For the second year in a row, the Lincoln County boys have knocked Danville out of district contention. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-5126689a/turbine/amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-boys-ko-danville-to-win-4936-slugfest-in-45th-district-semifinal-20130221/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-5126689a/turbine/amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-boys-ko-danville-to-win-4936-slugfest-in-45th-district-semifinal-20130221/400/16x9 For the second year in a row, the Lincoln County boys have knocked Danville out of district contention. The Patriots survived a low-scoring slugfest with the rival Admirals, defeating Danville 49-36 Wednesday in a 45th District Tournament semifinal at Rebel Arena. After trailing for most of the first half, Lincoln (15-16) surged offensively late in the second quarter, rolling off seven straight points before the break to take a 20-14 lead. The Patriots never trailed again, leading by as many as nine points in the second half. Danville (10-15) did trim the Lincoln lead to 41-36 with just 2 minutes, 32 seconds to play, only to have the Patriots put the game away with an 8-for-10 run at the foul line. “I’m real proud of the effort our kids gave,” Lincoln coach Jeff Jackson said. “We needed 32 minutes of focus, and I thought we had 32 minutes of focus. We missed a couple shots, a couple layups, but we didn’t drop our head on the other end. We went down and defended and did some good things.” “It was a good defensive game. It was a good win. It means we get to play at home again (in next week’s 12th Region Tournament at Lincoln) and it means we get to play with our girls team for a district title Friday night.” No. 3 seed Lincoln held second-seeded Danville to 34 percent (14 for 41) shooting from the field, giving up only one 3-point basket, and the Admirals were just 7 for 13 at the free-throw line. The Patriots were only slightly better from the field at 37 percent (15 for 41), but they boosted their point total by going 5 for 19 from 3-point range and 14 for 21 at the foul line. Danville coach Andrew Zaheri said he wasn’t surprised at the way Lincoln attacked defensively. “Me and the coaches had talked about it, and we thought that Lincoln County may throw a zone at us. And that’s what they did,” he said. “Most of the year we’ve seen them go man-to-man and they didn’t do the zone. I probably just didn’t do a good enough job going over our zone offenses. Earlier this year we went through a span where we played about four or five teams and that’s all we saw, so we took it for granted.” Danville pulled ahead of Lincoln 5-0 early, with Christian Gateskill-Fuqua, who led all scorers with 15 points, knocking down the first two buckets of the game, including a 3-pointer. Lincoln made up for its slow start by answering Gateskill-Fuqua’s run with its own run — a string of six straight points. Luke Hill, who had 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Patriots, scored inside to get them started, and Brandon Pittman followed with one free throw before B.J. Hoover aired out a trey to give Lincoln its first lead at 6-5. Damir Karapandzic converted on a 3-point play to nudge Danville back on top, but Hill answered before the buzzer to tie the game at 8-all after the first quarter. Neither team’s offense got off to a strong start, with Lincoln going 3 for 14 and Danville going 3-for-13 in the first quarter, both with one 3-point goal. Alex Burnside, who finished with 10 points for Danville, broke the tie with a putback to start the second quarter. Burnside scored six of his total points in the second to help Danville maintain its lead for most of the period. But again, poor shooting would plague the Admirals. They made just two of 13 field goal attempts in the period, with a 2-for-4 effort at the foul line. Lincoln started the second quarter cold, going 2 for 6 from the field, and trailed 14-13 with just 2:45 left in the first half, but the Patriots would turn things around before the break. After being fouled by Burnside, Hill stepped to the line and sank two free throws, Neil Conley followed with a 3-pointer, and then, with just four ticks left on the clock, Hoover capped the half by fielding a long pass from Timmy Taylor and laying it in. “We wanted to attack the zone tonight,” Jackson said. “I thought we moved the ball a little better and Timmy (Taylor) was able to, once we swung it around a couple times and they got a little spread, he was able to get in the lane and hit some people for some good shots. We wanted to have good shot selection and not force anything. I thought our guys did a good job moving the ball and we were aggressive. Our shot selection was better tonight than it’s been in a long time.” Lincoln extended its 7-0 run just before the half into a 12-2 surge, with Hill putting up a jumper and Hoover draining a 3-pointer early in the third quarter to make it 25-16. Danville got within five twice in the third quarter off buckets by Gateskill-Fuqua and Karapandzic, but Jacob Conway, who had 10 second-half points, answered the Gateskill-Fuqua shot with a jumper, and Conley hit his second 3-pointer of the night after Karapandzic scored. Conley collected his third and final trey just before time expired in the third to push Lincoln’s lead back to nine at 35-26. Jawan Grey drove the baseline for a basket with 2:32 left in the game to get Danville back within 41-36, but the Admirals never could get any closer. “Coach Jackson had a great game plan,” Zaheri said. “We kept hearing him over and over again saying, ‘Tighten it up! Tighten it up!’ He just cut off our gaps. And I think we got a little lethargic tonight. When we can’t get the ball to the rim, we’re not nearly as effective as a team as we can be.” Jackson knew cutting Danville’s offense off would not be an easy task. “They are so long and athletic, but we defended pretty well and we limited them to one shot most of the time,” he said. “Our kids battled them on the boards. They did a good job rebounding the basketball, and you have to do that if you want to win at this time of the year.”  The Patriots secured the win at the line. Taylor went 3 for 4 in the final 1:56, Pittman went 1 for 2 and Conway went 4 for 4 to advance Lincoln to Friday’s championship game against host Boyle County. Danville outrebounded Lincoln 31-27, led by Burnside with nine rebounds. Wooldridge had eight boards and Gateskill-Fuqua had seven. Hill led Lincoln with 11 boards, and Conway had seven.   45th District Tournament At Boyle County / Semifinal Lincoln County    8    20    35    49 Danville               8    14    26    36 LINCOLN (15-16) — Timmy Taylor 7, B.J. Hoover 8, Brandon Pittman 5, Neil Conley 9, Jacob Conway 10, Luke Hill 10. DANVILLE (18-10) — Jawan Grey 2, Christian Gateskill-Fuqua 15, Cody Wooldridge 3, Jakobi Turner 1, Damir Karapandzic 5, Alex Burnside 10. 2013-02-21 14:03:27.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-boys-ko-danville-to-win-4936-slugfest-in-45th-district-semifinal-20130221,0,3186382.story

ij-middle-school-basketball-8thgrade-eagles-shine-in-state-tournament-finish-second-20130220 Middle School Basketball: 8th-grade Eagles shine in state tournament, finish second February 20, 2013 The Lincoln County Middle School eighth-grade Eagles capped off a sensational 35-7 season by finishing as runners-up in the Kentucky Basketball Academy (KBA) 8th-Grade State Tournament this past weekend in Lexington. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-5125084b/turbine/ij-middle-school-basketball-8thgrade-eagles-shine-in-state-tournament-finish-second-20130220/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-5125084b/turbine/ij-middle-school-basketball-8thgrade-eagles-shine-in-state-tournament-finish-second-20130220/400/16x9 The Lincoln County Middle School eighth-grade Eagles capped off a sensational 35-7 season by finishing as runners-up in the Kentucky Basketball Academy (KBA) 8th-Grade State Tournament this past weekend in Lexington. Seventy-six of the top middle school teams in the state converged on the KBA to participate in the tourney, and the Lincoln squad overcame a shaky start to finish second overall. Lincoln, led by head coach Eric Ralston and assistant coach Danny Griffin, dropped its first game in pool play but rebounded to pick up six straight wins before falling 51-44 to Southern Pulaski in Sunday’s championship game.  The members of the state runner-up squad are: Devin Alcorn, Noah Young, Tristan Helton, Garrett Clem, Noah Horton, Tanner McAninch, Ryan Montgomery, Trey Miller, Hayden Gifford, Blake Eldridge, Chase Phillips and Nick Noland. In pool play, Scott County got the best of Lincoln in its opener, rolling 52-35 Friday, but Lincoln came back on Saturday to edge out North Oldham 54-53 in the second game to earn a 12th seed in the Eagles’ region. In a format like the NCAA tournament, the middle school tourney was broken up into four regions with 68 teams being seeded 1 through 16 seeds. The Eagles faced off with some of the top seeds as tournament play got under way, beginning with No. 5 seed Conner Middle. Lincoln won 56-41 over Conner in the Saturday game then proceeded to whip Jackson County, the 4 seed, 62-33 to advance to the Sweet 16. Lincoln just got by Northern Pulaski 60-57 to reach Sunday’s quarterfinals. The Eagles faced Hopkinsville in the Elite 8 game and moved on with a 60-48 victory. Moss Middle of Bowling Green was now all that stood between Lincoln and a title shot and the Eagles punched their ticket to the title tilt with a 48-38 victory. Noah Young was Lincoln’s leading scorer for the state tournament with 141 total points and  made the All-Tournament First Team. He led Lincoln in the Northern Pulaski win with 34 points and led with 20 points against Moss. Tanner McAninch was second in scoring with 79 points, including a 24-pointer effort in the Hopkinsville win. Young and McAninch also finished 1-2 in assists, with Young leading the team with 26 assists and McAninch chipping in with 25 assists. Blake Eldridge led the team in rebounding with 49 boards. McAninch had 27. McAninch led the team with 17 steals while Devin Alcorn had 15 steals in the tournament. Noah Horton led the team in 3-point percentage shooting (46%), going 11-for-24. Alcorn was 4 of 10 from 3-point range shooting 40% for the tournament.  The Eagles had a successful run in tournaments this past season, winning two out of the three they participated in. Lincoln won both the Mercer County Invitational Holiday Tournament and the Salt River Conference Tournament.  2013-02-20 09:35:03.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-middle-school-basketball-8thgrade-eagles-shine-in-state-tournament-finish-second-20130220,0,4830588.story

ij-basketball-lincoln-county-ky-girls-take-down-garrard-6652-advance-to-district-championship-20130219 Basketball: Lincoln County girls take down Garrard 66-52, advance to district championship February 19, 2013 DANVILLE — Lincoln County girls basketball coach Cassandra McWhorter opened Monday’s practice by posing two questions to her five seniors:�‘Are you ready for this to be your last practice?’ and ‘Are you ready for tomorrow night to be your last game?’ By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-51244db1/turbine/ij-basketball-lincoln-county-ky-girls-take-down-garrard-6652-advance-to-district-championship-20130219/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-51244db1/turbine/ij-basketball-lincoln-county-ky-girls-take-down-garrard-6652-advance-to-district-championship-20130219/400/16x9 DANVILLE — Lincoln County girls basketball coach Cassandra McWhorter opened Monday’s practice by posing two questions to her five seniors:¿‘Are you ready for this to be your last practice?’ and ‘Are you ready for tomorrow night to be your last game?’ The seniors – Kourtney Belcher, Emily Fox, Chansler Gilbert, Sydney Harris and Ciara Saylor – told their coach that they did not want them to be their last. And they weren’t. The defending champions of the girls’ 45th District Tournament are still in the hunt for a repeat title. The Lady Patriots, winners of five straight district titles and ranked No. 16 in Dave Cantrall’s Rating the State, earned a shot at a sixth title by knocking off Garrard County 66-52 in the semifinal round Tuesday at Boyle County’s Rebel Arena. “I just wanted to put those thoughts in their head about a last practice or last game because in basketball anybody cane be beat on any given night,” McWhorter said. “If you don’t win the game Tuesday night, it’s all over. I didn’t want it to be over for them.”  The Lady Patriots, after trailing 13-12 at the end of the first quarter, exploded on an 18-5 scoring run in the second quarter to put some distance between themselves and the Lady Lions. And the 30-18 lead at the half gave Lincoln (23-5) all the cushion it needed for the win. “That second quarter was huge,” McWhorter said. “Scott (Bolin, Garrard’s coach) had his team ready for us. It was a good ballgame and, if we don’t have that second-quarter charge, it’s a tight ballgame.” Bolin acknowledged he did have his team ready, but that he also knew knocking off the defending champs would be a tough challenge. “I knew we were going to have to be at 100 percent tonight and we were at times, but to sustain it for 32 minutes against a team like that is tough,” he said. “All the credit to Lincoln County. We enjoyed the challenge of trying to dethrone them but, good gracious, they’re good. They have all the pieces, the star power, the role players, the bench, the coaching. They have it all.” Sydney Harris scored a game-high 24 points, leading three Lincoln players in double figures as the Lady Patriots earned a spot in Friday’s district final and a berth in next week’s 12th Region Tournament at Pulaski County. She also had eight rebounds and two assists. Kourtney Belcher contributed 16 points, six rebounds and three assists in the Lincoln win and Emily Fox, despite getting in foul trouble early, finished with 15 points and five rebounds. Rachel Spangler fell short of double digits with just five points, but she took control on the boards, grabbing a game-high 13 rebounds. She also had four assists. “Sydney’s 7 of 12 and 4-for-4 perfect for 24 points. Emily sits the majority of the first half with two fouls and she finishes with 15 points. Rachel had 9 rebounds at the half and finishes the game with 13 boards. And Kourtney played a heckuva defense and had 16 points,” said McWhorter. “Our girls played well and everybody contributed in some way. It’s like I’ve said all year, if we can get three in double figures we’re hard to beat.” Belcher scored 10 of her total points in the first half, collecting three baskets in the first quarter and two more in Lincoln’s game-opening second-quarter run. Belcher’s first-quarter buckets plus a Ciara Saylor 3-pointer helped Lincoln to a 9-6 lead and Spangler drained a trey late to make it 12-11. But Garrard’s Autumn Murray, who had 17 points, closed the quarter scoring with a jumper to edge the Lady Lions ahead 13-12 after one. Fox got the second quarter started by bombing in the first of her three 3s for the night to put Lincoln on top to stay, and ignite the 18-5 run. Belcher added her two goals and Chansler Gilbert had one while Harris knocked down nine points, including a 3-pointer to end the half with Lincoln up 30-18. “It’s times like that that makes it so tough,” Bolin said of the scoring surge. “You get tired and you play so hard on the defensive end. They have so many people that you have to pay attention to that it is really tough.” Lincoln shot 46 percent (6-for-13) from the field in the second quarter and went 4-for-4 at the foul line. Overall, the team stayed at 46 percent on 25-for-54 shooting. Garrard, which shot 40 percent (21-for-53) overall from the field, got just 2 of 13 shots to fall in the second quarter. Devin Conley, who led Garrard with 20 points, scored off a jumper and Murray hit inside. The Lady Patriots may have worn down the Lady Lions (17-8) in the second quarter, but they didn’t wear down the fight as Garrard battled back in the third quarter. Lincoln had opened up a 39-24 lead off a Fox 3-pointer and field goal and two Harris buckets when Garrard fired back. Kelly Smith, who finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds, and Conley each knocked down a bucket  and Murray sank two free throws to trim the Lady Lion deficit to 39-30 with 3:00 to play in the third. But Lincoln put the brakes on the Garrard comeback before they cut it any closer, getting four points apiece from Harris, Fox and Belcher to cushion the Lady Pat lead to 51-38 going into the fourth quarter. The margin was 53-38 after a Spangler bucket early in the fourth when Garrard made one last charge. Conley followed the Spangler shot with a 3-pointer, Smith drove inside for two then Murray banked in a trey to make it a seven-point, 53-46 ballgame. That was as close as Garrard got. Harris answered with seven points, including a 3-pointer, Fox hit her own trey then Belcher sank two free throws and Caitlin Hall one for the 66-52 final. “They really knocked on the door the second half,” McWhorter said. “We had that little push right before half to open the game up and we needed every point because we only outscored them by one point in both the third and fourth quarters. They (Lady Lions) are not going to come out here and hand it to you. They are going to make you work for it and they did.” Bolin, who will be leaving coaching for an administrative job at Garrard, spoke proudly of his final Lady Lion squad. “I’m so proud of our girls and what they’ve accomplished in their five years,”¿he said. “It’s unfortunate that we play in one of the toughest regions in the state. In the past five years, we’ve had a state champion and three semifinalists. That’s unbelievable. I’m very proud of how far these girls have advanced in the program and all their wins. We always want to win basketball games, but it’s really about the girls and building their character. That makes me proud.” Lincoln outrebounded Garrard 38-27, was 9-for-15 at the free throw line and had 18 assists. Garrard was 6-for-11 at the line and had eight turnovers. Lincoln will play for the district title Friday at 6 p.m. against the winner of the Danville/Boyle County game.   Scorecard 45th District Tournament at Boyle Co.; Semifinal                        1      2      3     4       Final Lincoln Co.     12    18   21   15    -   66 Garrard Co.    13    5    20    14    -   52 LINCOLN (23-5) - Emily Fox 15, Ciara Saylor 3, Sydney Harris 24, Rachel Spangler 5, Kourtney Belcher 16, Chansler Gilbert 2, Caitlin Hall 1. GARRARD (17-8) - Autumn Murray 17, Devin Conley 20, Victoria Floyd 4, Kelly Smith 11. 2013-02-20 12:35:57.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-basketball-lincoln-county-ky-girls-take-down-garrard-6652-advance-to-district-championship-20130219,0,559134.story

amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-county-boys-roll-past-casey-7427-20130217 Basketball: Lincoln County boys roll past Casey 74-27 February 17, 2013 STANFORD — Shade Jacobs was going to make the most of his opportunity on senior night. By Hal Morris http://www.trbimg.com/img-5120dec9/turbine/amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-county-boys-roll-past-casey-7427-20130217/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-5120dec9/turbine/amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-county-boys-roll-past-casey-7427-20130217/400/16x9 STANFORD — Shade Jacobs was going to make the most of his opportunity on senior night. One of two Patriots seniors along with Luke Hill, Jacobs got the start Friday against Casey County and hit two early 3-pointers to help spark the Patriots to a 74-27 victory. “I was really pumped. Timmy Taylor was making great passes to get me the ball and our team was working real hard,” Jacobs said. “I was ready, I’d been hitting 3s in practice and I’d just been feeling them.” Jacob Conway had 18 points and 12 rebounds and Taylor added 16 points and six assists for Lincoln, which shot 63 percent in the first half to build a 49-15 halftime lead and help snap a two-game losing streak. And it was effort Lincoln coach Jeff Jackson was looking for he didn’t see as the Patriots were losing their last two to Danville and Lexington Catholic. “Effort, just play hard for 32 minutes. We had focus and intensity for 32 minutes circled on the board. That’s what we were after,” Jackson said. “We moved the ball we dove on the floor, we were aggressive defensively. And I thought we moved the ball well. When we get in a rhythm we can shoot the ball well. “And we had several assists (19) and that’s a sign you’re sharing the ball and looking for the open guy and making the extra pass.” It’s the kind of effort Jackson hopes carries over into next week’s 45th District Tournament where the Patriots face Danville in the semifinals Wednesday at Boyle County. “We wanted to have a good game tonight to build on and try to get headed into next week where we can get a win, get confidence built up and play well. and I thought we did play well tonight and I hope it carries over,” he said. Tied 2-2, Jacobs hit back-to-back 3s which started the decisive 24-0 run and helped Lincoln to a 26-3 lead after the first eight minutes. Casey coach Darry Burkett was disappointed his short-handed team did not fight better. Casey was missing guards Skyler Wright (concussion) and Matt Bianconi (illness), so the Rebels started four forwards and a guard. “And coach Jackson is an excellent coach and he came and double teamed us and quickened the tempo and we didn’t have the tools to deal with that,” he said. “Things started downhill and the kids got their heads down and that’s what I’m disappointed about. You keep fighting regardless of the situation. “We don’t handle physical play very well, and Lincoln was very physical.” It was that physical play which allowed Lincoln to scored 15 points in the first half off 13 Casey turnovers. “We pressed a little more tonight than what we usually do, and I thought we moved out of it well and got some good traps and good deflections, back-tipped a couple of times and shot the gaps a coupe of times,” Jackson said. “It was a team effort, everybody did a good job tonight.” Conway scored the first four points of the second quarter, then Taylor had two straight steals and layups to push the Lincoln lead to 34-7. Up 43-15, Neil Conley closed out the quarter with two straight 3-pointers to make it a 34-point lead at the half. Conway, who had five offensive rebounds, scored on a putback in the first minute of the third quarter to make it a 51-15 game and start the running clock. Lincoln finished 29 of 54 from the floor, including a 10 of 26 effort from 3-point range, and went 6-for-14 from the free throw line. Baylen Hill led Casey with 12 points. The Rebels were 8 of 35 overall and 9 of 16 from the line with 18 turnovers. Burkett said his team has to put this game behind and get ready for next week’s 47th District Tournament. “Last time we played like this was against Danville (a 61-25 loss) and we came out played our two best games of the against Cumberland County and McCreary Central,” Burkett said. “So I know the kids are resilient.” Casey County    3    15    18    27 Lincoln County    26    49    62    74 CASEY¿(13-15) — Mieco Randall 2, Zach Scott 4, Micah Smith 1, Taylor Leigh 2, Jerricho Propes 6, Baylen Hill 12. LINCOLN¿(13-16) — Timmy Taylor 16, B.J. Hoover 6, Josh Sims 2, Brandon Pittman 3, Neil Conley 6, Dalton Godbey 3, Jacob Conway 18, Shade Jacobs 6, Preston Ledford 5, Luke Hill 7, Andrew Wilks 2. 2013-02-18 10:18:02.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-county-boys-roll-past-casey-7427-20130217,0,1099477.story

ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-county-senior-girls-get-one-last-home-win-take-down-casey-5540-20130215 Basketball: Lincoln senior girls get one last home win, take down Casey 55-40 February 15, 2013 STANFORD — Senior Night is all about saying goodbye, and the Lincoln County girls sent out their basketball seniors with one last win on their home court. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-511f0ea4/turbine/ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-county-senior-girls-get-one-last-home-win-take-down-casey-5540-20130215/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-511f0ea4/turbine/ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-county-senior-girls-get-one-last-home-win-take-down-casey-5540-20130215/400/16x9 STANFORD — Senior Night is all about saying goodbye, and the Lincoln County girls sent out their basketball seniors with one last win on their home court. The Lady Patriot seniors – Kourtney Belcher, Emily Fox, Chansler Gilbert, Sydney Harris and Ciara Saylor – combined for 38 points to lead Lincoln in a 55-40 win over visiting Casey County Friday night. “To see them out there on the floor tonight and to send them off with a win on their home floor is something special,” Lincoln coach Cassandra McWhorter said. “It was a big night for our seniors and I’m so proud that we could send them off like this.” Fox led the seniors and Lincoln with a game-high 16 points. Harris finished with 11 points, eight rebounds and three assists, Belcher had eight points and eight rebounds and Saylor had three points. The 12th Region matchup was tight early, with Casey (11-15) holding a 13-12 edge late in the first quarter. But the lead would be shortlived. Saylor bombed in a 3-pointer for Lincoln (22-5) to close the first and set off a 17-1 scoring tear to turn the deficit into a 30-14 lead. Casey, which shot 32 percent (14-for-44) from the field overall, could not buy a bucket during the Lincoln run, going 0-for-10. “The second quarter we got impatient and, when you play against a pretty good defensive team, that’s when you’ve got to be more patient and wait for your opportunities,” Casey coach Randy Salyers said. “We’ve got to wait for our good opportunities. Whether it’s 30 seconds into a possession, 45 or a minute, I don’t care about the time as long as we get a good look at the basket. And we didn’t do that the second quarter.” Lincoln went on top to stay, 15-13, off the Saylor trey and Tiandra Hocker got the scoring started in the second quarter with a bucket off a Saylor assist. She also had two free throws. Fox drained two 3-pointers in the run and added a free throw toss and Harris and Saylor added a bucket apiece to put the margin at 30-14 with 1:46 left in the first half. Tiara Cochran had Casey’s lone point in the first 6:37 of the second quarter, hitting the back end of a two-shot foul just over a minute into the period. The Lady Rebels did not score again until just 1:23 remained when Sarah Beard sank two free throws. It wasn’t until just 15 ticks were left in the half that Jasmine Johnson scored a field goal to make it 33-18 at the break. “We finally got things clicking in the second quarter,” McWhorter said. “I thought we played well the first quarter, but the second quarter we definitely got things clicking the way that we wanted too and then were able to extend the lead right there before the half.” But Lincoln’s offense stumbled in the third quarter. The Lady Patriots, who shot 44 percent (19-for-44) overall from the field, went 2-for-7 early in the second half and turned the ball over three times, opening the door for a Casey comeback. And the Lady Rebels rallied. Johnson, who double-doubled with 12 points and 12 rebounds, stole the opening possession of the second half then nailed a 3-pointer to ignite a 14-4 run. Casey, which was 6-for-24 from 3 overall, collected four of those treys in the run with Christine Terry hitting two 3s and Sarah Beard, one, as the Lincoln lead was trimmed to five, 37-32, midway of the third. “We got impatient in the second half and didn’t wait for good opportunities so that’s what we talked about at halftime,” Salyers said. “And the third quarter we came out and did a much better job.” “I saw some things out of my team tonight that I haven’t seen in a while,”¿he added. “Even though it was mainly for three-quarters of the third quarter I did see a lot more fight in our team and a lot more grit in our team, and that’s what I like. The score, yes you want to win, but right now that’s what we’re looking for.” McWhorter never doubted that Casey would come charging back. “I knew they were going to come back right after halftime. They’re not going to lay down – they’re Casey County – and Coach Salyers isn’t going to let his girls duck their heads or quit on him,” she said. “I told the girls at halftime that they were going to get after us and try to penetrate more. And that’s what they did.” Despite the fight, Casey just could not overcome Lincoln’s early lead. Hocker scored on a putback with 2:18 left in the third quarter to set off a 10-2 run and set Lincoln up for the win. Hocker, who came off the bench for 11 points, four rebounds and four steals, got six points and two steals in the run to help put the Lady Pats up 47-34. “Tiandra gave us a huge spark,”¿McWhorter said. “She played really good the other night in the jv championship game over at KSD. She’s playing good basketball right now and I hope she can continue to give us that big spark, that lift off the bench.” Lincoln outrebounded Casey 29-20 and had 12 assists, 10 steals and 15 turnovers. Casey had eight steals, five assists and 14 turnovers.   Scorecard                      1     2     3      4       Final Casey Co.      13    5     16    6    -   40 Lincoln Co.    15    18    14    8    -   55 LINCOLN (22-5) - Emily Fox 16, Ciara Saylor 3, Sydney Harris 11, Rachel Spangler 4, Kourtney Belcher 8, Spencer Sims 2, Tiandra Hocker 11. CASEY (11-15) - Jasmine Johnson 12, Katie Douglas 2, Lakken Miller 3, Sarah Beard 5, Christine Terry 10, Tiara Cochran 4, Mariah Richardson 2, Brooke Snow 2. 2013-02-16 07:18:51.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-county-senior-girls-get-one-last-home-win-take-down-casey-5540-20130215,0,2686750.story

amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-boys-fall-to-lexington-catholic-9076-20130213 Basketball: Lincoln boys fall to Lexington Catholic 90-76 February 13, 2013 STANFORD — Jack Whitman had a game-high 30 points and 12 rebounds and Tanner Johnson poured in 25 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead the way for� Lexington Catholic as the Knights topped host Lincoln County 90-76 Tuesday. By NANCY LEEDY http://www.trbimg.com/img-511bbeb8/turbine/amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-boys-fall-to-lexington-catholic-9076-20130213/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-511bbeb8/turbine/amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-boys-fall-to-lexington-catholic-9076-20130213/400/16x9 STANFORD — Jack Whitman had a game-high 30 points and 12 rebounds and Tanner Johnson poured in 25 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead the way for  Lexington Catholic as the Knights topped host Lincoln County 90-76 Tuesday. Lexington Catholic didn't need much defense to earn the win, as it shot 65.3 percent from the field. The Knights went 32 for 49, with Whitman, a 6-9 senior, going 11 for 13 from the field and Johnson, a sophomore, going 8 for 13, including hitting five of nine shots from 3-point range. The team also racked up the points at the free-throw line, sinking 21 of 27 free throw attempts, led by Whitman’s 8-of-11 stint. “We would have had to have played really well, because they have the big kid inside (Whitman) that’s really good and they shoot the ball very well,” Lincoln coach Jeff Jackson said. “They shot 70 percent. Danville shot 70 percent. That’s not doing a very good job defensively. We’ve got to change our thought process and our mentality between now and next Wednesday (when Lincoln plays in the district tournament) or it could be a long night.” Lincoln (13-16) traded leads with Lexington Catholic (18-9) five times in the first quarter. Johnson rang up the first of his five 3-pointers to help the Knights take a 5-2 lead, but Brandon Pittman, who finished with 15 points for the Patriots, answered with his own triple to tie the game at 5-all, then hit again from 3-point range after Catholic took a 9-5 lead. B.J. Hoover, who scored 13 points, followed the second Pittman trey with a bucket to give Lincoln its first lead at 10-9 with 3:13 left in the period. Whitman converted on a three-point play to put Lexington Catholic back on top, only to have Jacob Conway, who led Lincoln with 19 points, collect his own three-point play to give the Patriots a 13-12 lead. Michael Talbott drove inside with 13.8 seconds left to give the edge back to Lexington Catholic, but Pittman scored off a Timmy Taylor assist with one second left to make it 15-14 Lincoln. There were four ties in the second quarter before the Knights went on top to stay. Luke Hill put up a jumper with 3:45 left in the first half to knot the game at 23-all, then Reese Ryan answered inside for Lexington Catholic for the final lead change. The Knights led 32-29 at halftime, but it wasn’t until late in the third quarter that they started to pull away, taking control with a 15-7 run. Neil Conley had just drained a 3-pointer in the third to pull Lincoln within 40-38 when Lexington Catholic broke on its run. Johnson tallied eight of the 15 points in the run, nailing two 3-pointers, including a bouncer at the buzzer that put the Knights up 55-45 going into the fourth quarter. “We did not compete on the defensive end,” Jackson said. “We lost people in transition. We weren’t very focused from the beginning, and we weren’t focused at the end. “We let them go from basket to basket. We lost 3-point shooters. Our help-side (defense) was not very good on Whitman. He’s a load in there one-on-one and Luke can’t guard him by himself. He’s got to have some help. We had some people that were supposed to help, and they didn’t get there. They were too spread out.” Lincoln never recovered from the third-quarter run. Lexington Catholic led by as many as 17 points in the fourth quarter before moving on for the win. Lincoln had four players in double figures Tuesday, with Taylor adding 14 points. The Patriots shot 43 percent from the field, going 25 for 58 overall and 13 for 33 from 3-point range. They were 13 for 17 at the foul line. The Knights outrebounded the Patriots 34-19 and had seven turnovers to Lincoln’s 11. Pittman had seven rebounds for Lincoln, and Taylor and Conway each had four. Lexington Catholic    14    32    55    90 Lincoln County          15    29    45    76 LEXINGTON CATHOLIC (18-9) — Reese Ryan 12, Jack Whitman 30, Dillon Avare 6, Jarod Griffin 11, Tanner Johnson 25, Michael Talbott 6. LINCOLN (13-16) — Timmy Taylor 12, B.J. Hoover 13, Brandon Pittman 15, Neil Conley 9, Jacob Conway 19, Luke Hill 8. 2013-02-13 10:34:27.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-boys-fall-to-lexington-catholic-9076-20130213,0,6781280.story

ij-lincoln-ky-basketball-lady-patriots-stung-by-woodford-yellow-jackets-5746-20130213 Basketball: Lady Patriots stung by Woodford Yellow Jackets 57-46 February 13, 2013 VERSAILLES — The Lincoln County girls’ basketball bus arrived here on time Monday. The team just lost its way. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-511bc1e7/turbine/ij-lincoln-ky-basketball-lady-patriots-stung-by-woodford-yellow-jackets-5746-20130213/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-511bc1e7/turbine/ij-lincoln-ky-basketball-lady-patriots-stung-by-woodford-yellow-jackets-5746-20130213/400/16x9 VERSAILLES — The Lincoln County girls’ basketball bus arrived here on time Monday. The team just lost its way. The No. 13 Lady Patriots didn’t look like a state-ranked team in the road game, leaving a lot to be desired offensively as they fell 57-46 to Woodford County at The Hive. Lincoln coach Cassandra McWhorter said the loss, which snapped a seven-game win streak, was just ‘ugly.’ “It was ugly start to finish,” she said. “Give Woodford County credit. They’ve got a lot of talented girls. They’ve got a lot of ability on their team.” How ugly was it? •Lincoln hit just 21 percent of its shots, going just 13-for-63 from the field. •The team went the entire third quarter without a bucket. •Lincoln experienced scoring droughts of three minutes and four minutes in the first and second periods. •There was not one single Lady Patriot in double figures. •Woodford outscored Lincoln 14-0 in the second-quarter scoring slump. “They played us tough at our place last year so I knew coming up here tonight at their place that it wouldn’t be an easy game, especially if we didn’t come up here and shoot the ball well,” McWhorter said. “Bottom line tonight was, we did not shoot the ball well. We did not put the ball in the hole and, when the ball does not go in the hole, it makes everything else look ugly.” Lincoln (21-5) was able to overcame a game-opening scoring slump to take the early lead. Sydney Harris hit from 3-point range 3 minutes, 50 seconds into the game to set off a 12-0 scoring run. Harris followed with a bucket off a steal, Ciara Saylor added her own 3-pointer and Kourtney Belcher scored off a Saylor assist. Emily Fox, who led Lincoln with nine points, added two free throws in the run to put  the Lady Patriots up 12-2 with 2:50 to go in the first quarter. Saylor added a second trey in the final minute, 50 seconds of the first, but Woodford (16-13) put up eight points to cut into the Lincoln lead. Hannah Morgan had five of the eight points off a 3-pointer and a field goal to make it 15-10. Belcher opened the second-quarter scoring to put Lincoln up 17-10, but then the offense went cold. The Lady Patriots went scoreless for the next 4 minutes allowing the Lady Yellow Jackets to get things rolling and erase the lead. Chelsey Ford, who had a game-high 20 points, ignited a 14-0 Woodford run with a three-point play. Shelby McDonald, who finished with 12 points, hit two layups in the run, Hannah Morgan and Jessica Morgan got a bucket apiece in the paint and Anastayzia Reed drained a 3-pointer to put the Lady Yellow Jackets on top to stay 26-19. Chansler Gilbert finally put an end to the Lincoln scoring drought when she hit at the 3:22 mark of the second quarter. Belcher and Spencer Sims both hit jumpers late in the half and Belcher added a free throw toss to pull Lincoln back within 26-24, but Ford closed out the first-half scoring with two free throws to give Woodford a 28-24 edge at the break. The Lady Yellow Jacket lead would be on the increase in the third quarter as the Lady Patriots’ field goal attempts, all 18 of them, missed their mark. Woodford, which shot 38 percent (19-for-50) from the field overall, went 5-for-14 in the third quarter, including 3-pointers from Caitlin Ferguson and Reed, to take a 42-33 lead into the fourth quarter. Lincoln relied on the free throw line to keep Woodford from blowing open the game in the third quarter, sinking 9 of 13 free throw attempts. But the Lincoln free throws, like the field goals, didn’t fall so well either, with the team going 17-for-27 overall at the line. “We were getting to the free throw line but we couldn’t even get those to go in, and, when you can’t get your free throws to drop and get those to get you going, it’s just going to be a long night, a tough night. And that’s what it was,” McWhorter said. “We did what we wanted the second half. I mean, we were  down, but I told the girls at the start of the fourth quarter, ‘One more foul and we’re in double bonus,’ but the free throws didn’t fall.” Lincoln converted on 5 of 8 trips to the foul line in the fourth quarter and got slightly back on track from the field, hitting 4 of 19 shot attempts, but Woodford could not be caught. The Lady Yellow Jackets outpointed the Lady Patriots 15-13 in the fourth to secure the win. “Woodford was a better team tonight,” McWhorter said. “They beat us and that’s the bottom line. Now, we’ve got to put it behind us and get ready for Senior Night Friday night and then tournament play starts next week.” While disappointed with the loss, McWhorter said it’s something Lincoln can learn from. “I told the girls that I don’t want to lose any time, but it might be just what the doctor ordered right before tournament time to get us awake and get our eyes open that it’s not going to be easy. Everybody’s going to bring their ‘A’ game and Woodford County brought it tonight. They shot the ball well and defended well, and we just couldn’t put it in the hole.” Woodford was 15-for-26 overall at the free throw line. 2013-02-13 08:42:32.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-lincoln-ky-basketball-lady-patriots-stung-by-woodford-yellow-jackets-5746-20130213,0,789896.story

amn-prep-basketball-free-throws-lift-lincoln-county-girls-over-danville-6662-20130209 Prep Basketball: Free throws lift Lincoln County girls over Danville 66-62 February 9, 2013 The Lincoln County girls had been making a concerted effort to get to the free throw line more often late in the season. By Hal Morris http://www.trbimg.com/img-511bc0f0/turbine/amn-prep-basketball-free-throws-lift-lincoln-county-girls-over-danville-6662-20130209/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-511bc0f0/turbine/amn-prep-basketball-free-throws-lift-lincoln-county-girls-over-danville-6662-20130209/400/16x9 The Lincoln County girls had been making a concerted effort to get to the free throw line more often late in the season. The Patriots needed every last one of those trips Friday as they went 30 of 40 at the line, getting nearly half thier points from the stripe to edge host Danville 66-62 for their seventh straight victory. “Our goals is for us to get to the free throw line 20-plus (times) and keep them 12 and under,” Lincoln coach Cassandra McWhorter said. Danville coach Judie Mason said it’s hard to win when the other team takes 21 more foul shots. The Ads were 14 of 19 at the foul line. “It is ... 40-19 and we’re pretty physical taking it to the basket,” she said. “But I’m pleased with the way we played. We’re not going to win if the other team makes 30 free throws whether we fouled or whether we didn’t.” The teams played to a 72-69 double-overtime thriller in their first meeting on New Year’s Day, and this one was just as tight. There were 29 lead changes and eight ties. Danville never led by more than two points while Lincoln’s largest lead was eight late in the third quarter. Sydney Harris scored a game-high 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds and Rachel Spangler and Kourtney Belcher each had 11 points for Lincoln (20-4, 6-0 45th District), which led 50-42 late in the third quarter and had Danville in foul trouble before the Admirals made it nip-and-tuck the rest of the way. “I expected it to be a tough game tonight — you’re playing Danville at their place. They’re playing well, and even with C.J. (McPherson) getting hurt, I knew that would maybe even give them extra motivation tonight,” McWhorter said. “Kasey (Young) is playing confident right now, Essence (Grey) is playing tough, Laken (Grey) is playing well. They’re a good ,solid team. They’ve improved and Judie’s done a great job with them, and I expected it to be a battle.” Lincoln led 50-47 entering the fourth quarter, but a layup from Laken Grey and 3-pointer from Alyvia Walker gave Danville the lead back at 52-50 with 6:17 to play. There were five lead changes and four ties in the fourth quarter alone. Young and Laken Grey picked up their fourth fouls in the third quarter, and Essence Grey picked up her fourth with 6:12 to play. But Mason got great contributions from her younger players to keep the Ads in it. “I’m not surprised. When C.J. went down (with a season-ending knee injury), I knew we could replace her,” Mason said. “Our depth went a little smaller, but if Laken is not in foul trouble and on the bench it would be different. But when Laken got in foul trouble it was hard for us to compete. “I had three eighth graders out there (Alyvia Walker, Novie Walker and Kennedy Walker) and they held their own, so I was pretty pleased with my three eighth graders.” Young  had 17 points and seven rebounds to lead Danville but missed her only free throw. She scored inside to give Danville a 59-58 lead, then Emily Fox scored off of Belcher’s steal to make it 60-59 Lincoln. A free throw from Essence Grey, who had 14 points and seven rebounds, tied the game at 60-all with 1:41 to play. Ciara Saylor then drained a 3-point from the top of the key to put the Patriots ahead for good 63-60 with a little more than a minute to go. “Ciara’s definitely able to knock down shots,”McWhorter said. “I think Ciara’s a great shooter and scorer and I like that she’s looking to do that a little more, and I hope she continues to do that.” Danville failed to convert twice from there, and Harris went 3-for-4 at the line over the final 10 seconds to seal it. “We know we can play with them,” Mason said. “It’s just two good teams competing out there and I just wish they’d let us compete.” Laken Grey finished with 16 points for Danville (15-8, 3-3), which shot 22 of 54 from the floor. Danville led 12-11 lead after a quarter. Spencer Sims scored eight of her nine points in the second quarter, the last bucket putting Lincoln up 28-23 with 3:12 left in the half. “Spencer Sims came in off the bench and stepped up huge,” McWhorter said. “Emily (Fox) wasn’t scoring and Spencer was able to step up and get some points for us. That’s the advantage of having depth on your bench. You can count on other girls when maybe your top players are having an off night shooting.” Lincoln led 31-25 when Essence Grey hit a jumper. Then after Fox missed a layup in the final seconds, Young grabbed the rebound and heaved a three-quarter-court shot which hit nothing but net to trim the Patriots’ led to 31-30 at the half. After being held scoreless in the first half, Fox came out aggressive in the second. She hit two free throws and her steal and jumper gave Lincoln a 37-34 lead with 5:40 left in the quarter.  She finished with eight points and eight rebounds. “I told Emily in the second half, take it to the goal, get to the free throw line so that way you can get going,” McWhorter said. “And she did that right away.” Walker’s 3-point put Danville up 42-40. But after Rachel Spanger hit two free throws, Jordan Leavell was whistled for a personal foul, then a technical foul for shoving Belcher. Belcher and Harris made four straight free throws to make it 46-42. Two free throws from Spangler made it 50-42, but Essence Grey had a three-point play and Novie Walker hit a putback at the buzzer to time the lead to 50-47 going to the fourth quarter. Lincoln finished 17 of 45 shooting and outrebounded Danville 34-30. Lincoln County    11    31    50    66 Danville               12    30    47    62 LINCOLN (20-4) — Emily Fox 8, Ciara Saylor 6, Sydney Harris 18, Rachel Spangler 11, Kourtney Belcher 11, Chansler Gilbert 3, Spencer Sims 9. DANVILLE (15-8) — Kasey Young 17, Jordan Leavell 3, Essence Grey 14, Laken Grey 16, Alyvia Walker 6, NeNe Chenault 4, Novie Walker 2. 2013-02-13 08:38:14.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/amn-prep-basketball-free-throws-lift-lincoln-county-girls-over-danville-6662-20130209,0,4014951.story

ij-basketball-danville-ky-avenges-earlier-blowout-beats-lincoln-county-boys-6354-20130209 Basketball: Danville avenges earlier blowout, beats Lincoln boys 63-54 February 9, 2013 DANVILLE — Not this time. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-51165ada/turbine/ij-basketball-danville-ky-avenges-earlier-blowout-beats-lincoln-county-boys-6354-20130209/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-51165ada/turbine/ij-basketball-danville-ky-avenges-earlier-blowout-beats-lincoln-county-boys-6354-20130209/400/16x9 DANVILLE — Not this time. The Lincoln County boys were unable to repeat the blowout success they had in their Jan. 8 matchup with 45th District rival Danville. In a 41-point turnaround from the 72-40 rout, the Patriots found themselves on the losing side of the scoreboard, falling 63-54 in Friday’s rematch at Danville. “They came ready to play,” Lincoln coach Jeff Jackson said of Danville. “They played with a sense of purpose. They played with a sense of urgency. We tried to tell our kids that they are playing with a lot of confidence because they’ve won three or four in a row, and they’re playing really well. They came out and smacked us in the mouth early and we didn’t respond very well to that.” Leading the Admirals’ about-face was sophomore forward Cody Wooldridge, who had 23 points. Jawan Grey finished with 14 points and Alex Burnside had 12 points. Danville coach Andrew Zaheri  said not dwelling on the 32-point loss or any other loss to Lincoln was key in the victory. “Lincoln County has beaten us the last four times they’ve played us, including last year’s tournament, so I think we’ve been sort of shell-shocked, and I think Lincoln County has had a mental edge on us,” he said. “Tonight, though, I thought the effort was good. We played with a lot of energy and a lot of intensity right from the start .” Danville (10-14, 4-3 district) shot a blistering 70 percent (21-for-30) from the field and 71 percent (20-for-28) at the foul line in its fourth straight win, exploding out to a 10-1 lead in the first quarter and never looking back. Lincoln, unable to generate a consistent flow of offense, could not battle back from the early deficit. The Patriots (13-15, 3-3) shot just 38 percent (20-for-52) from the field overall, 18 percent  (4-for-22) from 3-point range. They shot 56 percent (10-for-18) at the line.  Zaheri said a change in the Admirals’ game plan since the teams first clashed helped them deny the Lincoln offense. “We played a lot of man-to-man the first time we played Lincoln  County, and that’s just not our strength,” he said. “Of course, I was a little worried with how well they shoot the ball, but I think our bread-and-butter is a zone and different types of zones, so we went with that tonight.” “I thought our guys did a pretty good job of getting to them, but there were times when they missed some shots tonight that Coach Jackson’s boys normally knock down. We got lucky in the sense that we caught Lincoln on a bad shooting night.” Danville’s luck started early with Lincoln missing five field goal attempts before getting a shot to fall. Meanwhile, the Admirals were lighting up the scoreboard. The two teams traded a missed bucket and a turnover apiece before Grey banked in the game-opener to set off a 10-1 run. He then hit with a jumper, Jakobi Turner scored on a layup, Wooldridge got his first bucket and Burnside drove inside for a layup. The only hiccup in the Admiral run was a Luke Hill free throw at the 5:24 mark. Lincoln finally ended its scoring drought with 3:48 left in the first when Brandon Pittman nailed a 3-pointer. Burnside scored off a Lincoln turnover with 3:20 left in the first to put Danville up 12-4, but the Admiral offense fizzled over the remainder of the period. Danville missed five field goal attempts and turned the ball over twice in the final minutes. Lincoln’s Jacob Conway, who had a game-high 24 points and four steals, closed the first quarter scoring, collecting a bucket and a three-point play to get the Patriots within 12-9. The late first-quarter surge  to make it a three-point game was Lincoln’s best of the night. The Patriots got no closer than that, with Burnside hitting back-to-back buckets to open the second quarter and extend the Admiral lead to 16-9. Danville went 7-for-13 from the field in the second quarter. Burnside scored eight of his 12 points in the period as Danville stretched its lead to nine. Wooldridge added two buckets in the frame, including a dramatic tipin after a Burnside miss, and Turner got one goal to make it 26-17 at the half. Lincoln was just 3-for-10 from the field in the second quarter, with Conway hitting for the first shot midway of the period. The Patriots used a 6-2 run early in the third quarter to cut the deficit to five. Hill, who had 12 points for Lincoln, scored twice off Timmy Taylor assists then Taylor scored on a layup to make it 28-23. But the Patriots fell silent over the next 3 minutes, 40 seconds, and the Admirals set sail on a 9-0 run. Grey hit from 3-point land to open the run and added two free throws. Wooldridge, who was 6-for-6 from the field and 11-for-15 at the line with 17 second-half points, converted on a three-point play and added another free throw toss as Danville went up 37-23. The Admirals kept the margin at nine or better the rest of the way. “Danville came ready to play and we didn’t. They were the better basketball team tonight,” Jackson said. “They shot 70-some percent from the floor. We didn’t defend the whole night. We didn’t execute on offense. We didn’t play well. We got off to a terrible start and it snowballed all the way to the end. For whatever reason, I did not have our kids focused and ready to play the game tonight.” Danville owned the boards, outrebounding Lincoln 27-17. Damir Karapandzic grabbed seven boards for the Admirals, Wooldridge got six and Burnside had five. Hill led Lincoln with six rebounds. Friday’s loss marked the end of Lincoln’s regular-season district schedule, but not the last meeting with Danville. As the No. 2 and No. 3 seeds in the district, the two teams will face off again in the postseason tournament. “We’ve got to figure out a way to get better between now and then,” Jackson said. “We talked to our kids about coming out and playing well against them tonight because we are going to play them again in 10 or 11 days. And we didn’t do that. They thumped us tonight.”   Scorecard Lincoln Co.    9     8     13    24    -  54 Danville       12    14    15    22    -  63 LINCOLN (13-15, 3-3D) - Timmy Taylor 8, Brandon Pittman 4, Neil Conley 3, Dalton Godbey 3, Jacob Conway 24, Luke Hill 12. DANVILLE (10-13, 4-3D) - Jawan Grey 14, Cody Wooldridge 23, Jakobi Turner 6, Damir Karapandzic 4, Kyle Lange 4, Alex Burnside 12. 2013-02-09 12:48:28.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-basketball-danville-ky-avenges-earlier-blowout-beats-lincoln-county-boys-6354-20130209,0,4996375.story

ij-basketball-lincoln-county-ky-lady-patriots-win-12th-region-clash-with-titans-20130206 Basketball: Lady Patriots win 12th region clash with Titans February 6, 2013 STANFORD — The Lincoln County girls basketball team had four players score in double figures in a 64-55 win over visiting Mercer County Tuesday in a 12th Region doubleheader. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-5112775b/turbine/ij-basketball-lincoln-county-ky-lady-patriots-win-12th-region-clash-with-titans-20130206/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-5112775b/turbine/ij-basketball-lincoln-county-ky-lady-patriots-win-12th-region-clash-with-titans-20130206/400/16x9 STANFORD — The Lincoln County girls basketball team had four players score in double figures in a 64-55 win over visiting Mercer County Tuesday in a 12th Region doubleheader. Emily Fox and Sydney Harris paced the quartet with 18 points apiece, Kourtney Belcher finished with 16 points and Ciara Saylor had 10 points as No. 16 Lincoln picked up its 20th win of the season and remained undefeated in the region. “I’ve said before that if we can get three players in double figures that we’re hard to beat and tonight we had four in double figures,” Lincoln coach Cassandra McWhorter said.  Lincoln (20-4) needed every one of those points to post its 11th straight region victory as Mercer (18-7) battled back from a 12-point halftime deficit and pulled within 56-53 with just 2 minutes, 6 seconds to play. Catheryne Claunch, who had a game-high 19 points, converted on a three-point play for Mercer to make it a three-point game, but the Lincoln went to the foul line and sank eight straight free throws to preserve the lead and the win. “I’m glad those (free throws) go in because, if not, well ...,” said McWhorter.  Mercer came up short in the ballgame, but Lady Titans coach Chris Souder was proud of his team’s second-half fight.  “We got beat by nine but, with two minutes to go, it was a one-possession game” he said. “I’m pleased with our second half, we just dug too big of a hole the first half. You can’t get down that big against a good team like them. They are a top 15 team. I told the girls before the game, ‘They’re not going to beat themselves. We have to beat them.’ And we didn’t do that.” Mercer found itself playing from behind from the opening tip as Lincoln jumped out to an 8-2 lead in the first quarter. Belcher went to the paint for two buckets and Harris hit inside and out for the six-point lead with 5:26 left on the clock. Cassidy Martin, who had 16 points in the game, had Mercer’s lone goal in the opening run then sparked the Mercer offense with a 3-point goal at the 4:53 mark. Houston followed with a layup and Kandace Gash scored on a putback to edge the Lady Titans up 9-8. However, the lead was shortlived. After a series of turnovers, five in a row, Lincoln was back on the scoreboard with Fox hitting a 3-pointer to ignite a 12-2 run. Harris scored four points in the run, Belcher added two and Saylor punctuated the first quarter with a trey for a 20-11 margin. The Lincoln lead dipped below double digits only once in the second quarter. Martin bombed in a 3-pointer to make it 25-16 only to have Fox answer with her own trey and Belcher following with a bucket off a Harris assist for the Lady Pats’ largest lead of the game, 30-16.  Lincoln led 32-20 at halftime, but that didn’t make McWhorter happy.  “I told the girls that I felt like we were up 20 but you look at the scoreboard and we’re not. We had way too many turnovers,”�she said. “That’s because they did a good job getting their hands on a lot of things. They had a lot of deflections and steals, but then there were times we just threw the ball away. We had 17 turnovers at halftime. We don’t even want that many in a game.” Lincoln, which had 27 turnovers overall, cut down on the miscues the second half but the lead never got much larger as Mercer made things interesting. Belcher opened the second half with a putback for Lincoln before Claunch drove inside to set off a 10-4 Mercer run. Martin and Raegan Freeman both hit from 3-points out and Claunch closed with a rebound and putback to whittle the deficit down to 36-30 midway of the third quarter.  “I just felt like the first half we didn’t really come to compete,” Souder said. “I just wanted more competition so we jumped them pretty good at halftime, and we played much better the second half.”  McWhorter said Mercer came out the second half like she hoped Lincoln would.  “The first three minutes right after halftime is always big,”�she said. “They came out and hit their shots. We came out kind of flat. Claunch drove right in, the Martin kid hit the 3 and they were right back in it.” The Lady Patriots managed to halt  the Lady Titans’ third-quarter surge by closing out the period on a 10-5 run. Belcher had six points in the run and Fox and Harris each had two  to put Lincoln back up 46-35 going into the final frame. That was Lincoln’s last double-digit lead. Martin sank two free throws to open the fourth quarter and Heidi Huffman hit a 3-pointer to get Mercer within 46-40. The Lady Patriots regained a nine-point lead, 50-41, off a Harris bucket with 5:49 to play, but the Lady Titans continued to challenge. Mercer was unable to get any closer than five points until, with 2:43 remaining in the game, Lyric Houston drained a 3-pointer to make 54-50. Then, after a layup by Fox,  Claunch answered for Mercer with the three-point play for the 56-53 margin late. “They cut it way down. Thankfully we were able to hold on for the win,”�McWhorter said. “Being off a week, you get nervous with kids because practice gets old once you’re in the season. We had to make sure we kept them focused in practice. I was definitely pleased with our intensity, especially the first quarter. We’ve just got to grow and mature where we can do that for four quarters and not just in spurts.” Souder says he looks forward to a rematch. “It’s getting that time of year where you want to play these good games. Hopefully we’ll get another opportunity at them in the region,”�he said.  Lincoln shot 48 percent (21-for-44) from the field overall and went 19-for-24 from the foul line.  Mercer was at 34 percent (20-for-58) and was 9-for-14 at the line. Lincoln cleaned up on the boards, outrebounding Mercer 40-21. Harris finished with a double-double adding a game-high 11 rebounds to her 18 points. Belcher had six boards, Fox had six and Saylor had four. Claunch led Mercer with six boards.  2013-02-06 07:34:01.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-basketball-lincoln-county-ky-lady-patriots-win-12th-region-clash-with-titans-20130206,0,4926447.story

ij-basketball-hill-scores-33-as-lincoln-holds-off-mercer-20130206 Basketball: Hill scores 33 as Lincoln holds off Mercer February 6, 2013 STANFORD� — The Lincoln County boys put their hay in the barn early Tuesday night. Good thing for them they did. By Mike Marsee http://www.trbimg.com/img-5112769c/turbine/ij-basketball-hill-scores-33-as-lincoln-holds-off-mercer-20130206/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-5112769c/turbine/ij-basketball-hill-scores-33-as-lincoln-holds-off-mercer-20130206/400/16x9 STANFORD  — The Lincoln County boys put their hay in the barn early Tuesday night. Good thing for them they did. The Patriots got the jump on Mercer County in the first quarter, then spent most of the remaining three periods fighting off the Titans for a 70-65 victory. A lead that reached 15 points early in the second period was down to five by halftime and shrunk to as little as three in the second half before the Patriots prevailed. Lincoln (13-14) was playing for the second straight night and for the third time in four days, but the Patriots hit the ground running against Mercer (14-10), which was also playing its second game in as many days. The Patriots were at their best in the first quarter, when Luke Hill scored 14 of his 33 points. Hill went 6-for-7 from the field, and the Patriots were 10-for-14 without a turnover. “Tonight we just came out, and I think we just played hard, I�think we just gave it pretty much everything we could. Mercer’s a good team, but in the end it paid off for us,”�Hill said. Lincoln coach Jeff Jackson said he liked what he saw from his team early in the game. “We got off to a really good start. I thought we defended really, really well and got Luke established, and those were two things we wanted to do,” Jackson said. “And then we stopped defending ... and they shoot the ball awfully well. They play hard, they’re well-coached and they keep playing, and they’re never out of a game because of the way they shoot the ball.” Lincoln was the hot-shooting team in the early going. The Patriots scored the first 11 points —&ensp;Hill had six of them —�while Mercer missed four 3-point shots before getting on the board 3 minutes, 15 seconds in. Hill assisted on a layup by Brandon Pittman and Neil Conley sank a 3-point shot to give Lincoln a 21-7 lead with 2:07 left in the first period, and the Patriots took their largest lead of 30-15 1:34 into the second quarter on back-to-back layups by Hill, who at that point had 18 points and was 8-for-9 from the field. “Luke’s played well the last three or four ballgames, and we’re real proud of how hard he’s playing,” Jackson said. Hill finished 14-for-20 from the field and 5-for-8 from the free-throw line. Neither he nor Jackson knew if his 33 points were a career high, but this was certainly one of his best games as a Patriot. ”It’s my last year, so really I’m trying to give it everything I have,” he said. “And I’ve got a really good point guard who’s going to give me the ball. That’s real important, too, because nobody on our team is selfish. Whoever’s night it is, we get them the ball.” Timmy Taylor, the Patriots’ point guard, had 12 assists and only three turnovers in the latest in a growing list of games in which he has reached double figures in assists. “He’s learning. He’s going to be really good point guard when he’s a senior — he’s already a good point guard. When he gets going, that gets all of us going, and he’s really the key to us playing good,” Hill said. Taylor raised his season average to 8.2 assists per game. “He can pass the ball, and these kids enjoy scoring, so they like playing with him,” Jackson said. The Patriots were enjoying themselves when they were up 30-15, but things changed quickly as Mercer ran off six straight points while Lincoln went scoreless for about 2-1/2 minutes. “We passed up a layup, turned it over twice and took a bad shot, and the next thing you know it’s 30-21,”�Jackson said. Lincoln responded with five straight points, but Mercer scored nine unanswered points in the last two minutes of the first half to pull within 35-30. A 3-pointer by Jordan Duncan drew the Titans within three points at 37-34 with 5:18 left in the third quarter before the Patriots regained some breathing room with an 8-1 run that included another five points by Hill, including his third three-point play of the night. Consecutive 3-pointers by John Ingram allowed Mercer to pull within 45-41, and the Titans were within four points once more in the third quarter and twice late in the game, but they got no closer. Lincoln hit 12 of 17 free throws, but all five of its misses came in the final 1:06, leaving the door open for Mercer. But the Titans couldn’t capitalize, as they went 1-for-5 from the field and 0-for-2 at the foul line in the final 1:50. “They kept fighting, and we found a way to hang on and win, and I was proud of our kids,” Jackson said. “I thought our zone was good tonight down the stretch. We played it the last thee minutes or so, and that’s the best we’ve moved out of it since the Madison Central game (Jan. 18). I thought we were really active out of it and moved out of it tonight.” 2013-02-06 07:30:53.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-basketball-hill-scores-33-as-lincoln-holds-off-mercer-20130206,0,2749813.story

ij-basketball-lincoln-county-ky-boys-take-down-garrard-county-6352-20130206 Basketball: Lincoln boys take down Garrard County 63-52 February 6, 2013 LANCASTER — Lincoln County guard Jacob Conway, center Luke Hill and guard Timmy Taylor quite simply put on a clinic Thursday night at Garrard County High School. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-511275a4/turbine/ij-basketball-lincoln-county-ky-boys-take-down-garrard-county-6352-20130206/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-511275a4/turbine/ij-basketball-lincoln-county-ky-boys-take-down-garrard-county-6352-20130206/400/16x9 LANCASTER — Lincoln County guard Jacob Conway, center Luke Hill and guard Timmy Taylor quite simply put on a clinic Thursday night at Garrard County High School. Conway, Hill and Taylor combined for 60 points, 20 rebounds and 17 assists to lead the Patriots past the host Golden Lions 63-52 in a 45th District contest. Conway and Hill personally outscored Garrard 53-52, with Conway burning the nets for a game-high 30 points on 12-for-18 shooting from the field and 5-for-6 from the foul line. He also had five rebounds. Hill poured in 23 points on 10-for-12 shooting from the field, 2-for-2 from the line, and also grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds. He had three assists. Taylor finished with seven points and three rebounds, but the highlight of his game was his 14 assists.  “Jacob and Luke just kept hitting layups and Timmy did a great job moving the ball,” Lincoln coach Jeff Jackson said. “Luke played probably his best game of the year and Jacob just kept hitting and Timmy got the floor spread out and got in the lane.” Conway scored 18 of his points in the second half and Hill added 10 second-half points as Lincoln (11-13, 3-2 district) broke open a close game. Garrard (3-19, 0-6) led for much of the first half, then survived a late second-quarter run by the Patriots to go into the half deadlocked at 27-all. “The first half we did not guard very well. I didn’t think offensively we moved the ball very well. We took quick shots, had no rhythm,” Jackson said. A big third quarter helped Lincoln start to pull away, with the Patriots opening the second half on a 12-1 run to break the tie. Hill sparked the run with a layup and two free throws, Conway scored off a Hill assist, Taylor got a shot inside, Hill hit another layup and Conway sank two free throws to make it 39-28. And the shots just kept falling. Lincoln, which shot 53 percent (24-for-45) overall from the field, went 8-for-12 in the third quarter and outscored Garrard 22-9 to take a 49-36 lead into the fourth quarter.  “The second half I thought we had a much different basketball team take the floor,” Jackson said. “I was pleased with how much more disciplined we were on the offensive end, and I thought defensively the second half we did a better job. We’ve got to learn to play that way for 32 minutes.” As Lincoln’s shots fell, scorekeepers were keeping track of every point Conway, Hill and the rest of the players put up, but Hill said he wasn’t worried about keeping score.  “I just want to win at the end of the game,”�he said. “It doesn’t matter to me how many points I have. I�think that’s what makes our team better, that we all just want to win. I don’t think it’s anybody looking to score, it’s just, ‘somebody hit it and let’s get this going.’” Once Lincoln got going in the second half, Garrard had no answer. The Lions did not score their first field goal of the second half until the 4:20 mark of the third quarter. Clayton Ray, who led Garrard with 23 points, tallied the goal off a Jaylen McPherson assist to get Garrard within 39-30. The Lions were at 51 percent (18-for-35) shooting from the field overall, but struggled in the third going 3-for-10. Conway answered Ray’s bucket with a 3-point play to put Lincoln up 42-30, and the margin never dropped below double digits the rest of the way. The Patriots led by as many as 18 points in the final frame. “Garrard’s a good team and played with us the first half, but I think we made better decisions the second half,” Hill said. “We knew they were going to play with us, and it was going to be a grinder. I just think we made better decisions the second half and played better defense overall.” Jackson credited sophomore forward Brandon Pittman for being a big factor on defense against Garrard. “I thought we did another good job on (Austin) Sebastian tonight and Brandon Pittman did a great job guarding him,” Jackson said. “I�thought he did a good job neutralizing him tonight. He really stepped up to be a stopper and he (Sebastian) had just two points tonight.”    “It was just a really good night for us,” he added. “ Our JV team won a big game tonight (overtime). I think that helped set the tone for what we wanted to do, and then we played a really, really good second half. I’m real proud of our kids.” Lincoln beat out Garrard on the boards, 23-16. Austin Sebastian had five rebounds for Garrard. 2013-02-06 07:26:43.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-basketball-lincoln-county-ky-boys-take-down-garrard-county-6352-20130206,0,7038587.story

ij-basketball-hill-conway-lead-lincoln-county-ky-boys-to-6955-victory-over-madison-southern-20130206 Basketball: Hill, Conway lead Lincoln boys to 69-55 victory over Madison Southern February 6, 2013 BEREA — For their second game in a row, Luke Hill and Jacob Conway combined for 37 points to lead Lincoln. And this time the outcome was a Patriot victory. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-511274cc/turbine/ij-basketball-hill-conway-lead-lincoln-county-ky-boys-to-6955-victory-over-madison-southern-20130206/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-511274cc/turbine/ij-basketball-hill-conway-lead-lincoln-county-ky-boys-to-6955-victory-over-madison-southern-20130206/400/16x9 BEREA — For their second game in a row, Luke Hill and Jacob Conway combined for 37 points to lead Lincoln. And this time the outcome was a Patriot victory. Hill, Conway and their Lincoln teammates ran into trouble at Southwestern Saturday night, falling 64-55, but the Patriots had righted themselves by Monday night as they defeated host Madison Southern 69-55.   Hill had a team-high 19 points off 8-for-11 shooting from the field, 3-for-5 at the foul line, and Conway followed with 18 points off 6-for-9 shooting from the field, 5-for-5 at the line. The duo also led Lincoln in a 22-21 rebounding win, with Conway grabbing eight boards and Hill getting seven. Hill scored his first basket with 5:41 left in the first quarter to help Lincoln (12-14) rebound from a slow start. Tyler Abshear, who had a game-high 24 points, gave Madison Southern (14-9) the early lead by opening the game on a 5-0 run off a driving layup and a 3-pointer. After a Lincoln timeout, Hill drove straight to the basket to end the Patriots’ string of four missed field goals. The Hill bucket ignited an 8-0 run, with BJ Hoover and Brandon Pittman nailing back-to-back 3-pointers to push Lincoln on top 8-5. Southern answered with its own run, outscoring Lincoln 6-2 to retake the lead. Spencer Stone pushed in two free throws and a shot inside and, after a Hill putback, Abshear added a bucket to make it 11-10. The first quarter of runs ended just like it began, but with Lincoln and not Southern going on a 5-0 run. Conway scored his first bucket with 2:26 left in the period, Hill followed with a jumper and Timmy Taylor finished with a free throw toss to put Lincoln on top to stay 15-11. Lincoln, which shot 57 percent from the field overall, going 25-for-44, made up for its poor start with a 7-for-10 effort in the second quarter. The Patriots were 7-for-13 from 3-point range for the night and they collected three of those treys in the second period to build on their lead.  After a quarter-opening shot by Hoover, Neil Conley hit from behind the arc for the Patriots, Pittman collected his second 3-pointer then Conley hit again from 3 with 1:47 showing for a 32-23 lead.  Southern, which shot 43 percent overall (22-for-51), couldn’t match Lincoln’s 3-point shooting in the second quarter, but the Eagles got seven field goals and went 2-for-2 at the foul line to keep the Patriots from pulling away. Marlin Taylor and Drew Taylor both hit inside for Southern to close the first half and make it a 34-27 ballgame. The Patriots used a 7-2 run to start the second half to widen the gap. Conway scored the first of his 14 second-half points off a baseline drive then converted on a three-point play. Following an Abshear bucket for Southern, Hoover put up two points to give the Patriots a 41-29 lead. The Lincoln lead remained at double digits, 49-37, going into the fourth quarter.  A Conway jumper two minutes into the final frame gave Lincoln its biggest lead of the night, 55-40, but Southern was not ready to throw in the towel. The Eagles answered with an 11-2 run to whittle the Patriot lead down to six. Abshear and Trevor Huff both hit for 3-pointers in the run, Damien Harris and Stone each had one goal then Abshear added two free throws and a bucket to make it 57-51 with 3:32 to play. Southern never got any closer. After a double technical on Lincoln’s Pittman and Southern’s Harris, the Patriots rolled off eight straight points to cushion their lead once again. Hill converted on a three-point play, Conway sank two free throws and Conley drained his third 3-pointer for a 65-51 margin, and the Eagles never challenged again. Lincoln was 12-for-16 from the free throw line and Southern was 8-for-15. Southern was 3-for-14 from 3-point range. Taylor had 10 assists and Pittman had four for Lincoln, which had 19 total. The Patriots had only six turnovers. Southern also only had six turnovers. Damien Harris finished with 10 points and five rebounds for the Eagles. Drew Taylor led Southern in rebounding with seven rebounds and Stone had six. 2013-02-06 07:23:05.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-basketball-hill-conway-lead-lincoln-county-ky-boys-to-6955-victory-over-madison-southern-20130206,0,4127081.story

ij-ky-basketball-southwestern-warriors-top-lincoln-patriots-6455-20130206 Basketball: Southwestern Warriors top Lincoln Patriots 64-55 February 6, 2013 The Lincoln County boys fell 64-55 to Southwestern Saturday night at Somerset. http://www.trbimg.com/img-511273f4/turbine/ij-ky-basketball-southwestern-warriors-top-lincoln-patriots-6455-20130206/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-511273f4/turbine/ij-ky-basketball-southwestern-warriors-top-lincoln-patriots-6455-20130206/400/16x9 The Lincoln County boys fell 64-55 to Southwestern Saturday night at Somerset. The Patriots (11-14) fell behind 13-9 in the first quarter but overcame the deficit to lead at halftime, using a 23-15 scoring edge to go on top 32-28. The Warriors (18-6) regained the advantage in the third quarter, though, outpointing Lincoln 20-7 to post a 48-39 lead. The nine-point margin would be the final difference with both teams tallying 16 points in the fourth quarter. Both teams had two players combining for 37 points in the 12th Region matchup. Luke Hill led Lincoln with 20 points and Jacob Conway added 17 points while David Kapinga topped Southwestern’s scoring with 21 points and Dylan Gaskin followed with 16 points. Lincoln’s Timmy Taylor just missed double figures, finishing with nine points and a game-high nine assists. Both teams shot over 50 percent in the game, with Southwestern going 22-for-43 from the field, 4-for-10 from 3, for 51 percent and Lincoln going 19-for-38, 5-for-12 from 3, for 50 percent. The Warriors were at 80 percent at the foul line, 16-for-20 while Lincoln hit 67 percent, 12-for-18. Southwestern beat out Lincoln on the boards as well, 28-17. Gaskin had eight rebounds for the Warriors, Isaiah Collier had seven and Justin Edwards got six. For Lincoln, Hill led the team with six rebounds and Conway and Brandon Pittman each had four. 2013-02-06 07:19:23.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-ky-basketball-southwestern-warriors-top-lincoln-patriots-6455-20130206,0,1468332.story

ij-basketball-lincoln-boys-take-down-garrard-county-6352-20130201 Basketball: Lincoln boys take down Garrard County 63-52 February 1, 2013 LANCASTER — Lincoln County’s Jacob Conway, Luke Hill and Timmy Taylor quite simply put on a clinic Thursday night at Garrard County High School. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-510bc665/turbine/ij-basketball-lincoln-boys-take-down-garrard-county-6352-20130201/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-510bc665/turbine/ij-basketball-lincoln-boys-take-down-garrard-county-6352-20130201/400/16x9 LANCASTER — Lincoln County’s Jacob Conway, Luke Hill and Timmy Taylor quite simply put on a clinic Thursday night at Garrard County High School. Conway, a sophomore guard, Hill, a senior center, and Taylor, also a sophomore guard, combined for 60 points, 20 rebounds and 17 assists to lead the Patriots past the host Golden Lions 63-52. Conway and Hill personally outscored Garrard 53-52, with Conway burning the nets for a game-high 30 points on 12-for-18 shooting from the field and 5-for-6 from the foul line. He also had five rebounds. Hill poured in 23 points on 10-for-12 shooting from the field, 2-for-2 from the line, and also grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds. He had three assists. Taylor finished with seven points and three rebounds, but the highlight of his game was his 14 assists. “Jacob and Luke just kept hitting layups and Timmy did a great job moving the ball,” Lincoln coach Jeff Jackson said. “Luke played probably his best game of the year and Jacob just kept hitting and Timmy got the floor spread out and got in the lane.” Conway scored 18 of his total points in the second half and Hill added 10 second-half points as Lincoln (11-13, 3-2 45th District) broke open a close game. Garrard (3-19, 0-6) led for much of the first half, then survived a late second-quarter run by the Patriots to go into the half deadlocked at 27. “The first half we did not guard very well. I didn’t think offensively we moved the ball very well. We took quick shots, had no rhythm,” Jackson said. A big third quarter helped Lincoln start to pull away, with the Patriots opening the the second half on a 12-1 run to break the tie. Hill sparked the run with a layup and two free throws, Conway scored off a Hill assist, Taylor got a shot inside, Hill hit another layup and Conway sank two free throws to make it 39-28. And the shots just kept falling. Lincoln, which shot 53 percent (24-for-45) overall from the field, connected on 67 percent in the third quarter, going 8-for-12 as Lincoln outscored Garrard 22-9 to take a 49-36 lead into the fourth quarter. The Patriots led by as many as 18 points in the final frame. “The second half I thought we had a much different basketball team take the floor,” Jackson said. “I was pleased with how much more disciplined we were on the offensive end, and I thought defensively the second half we did a better job. We’ve got to learn to play that way for 32 minutes.” As Lincoln’s shots fell, scorekeepers were keeping track of every point Conway, Hill and the rest of the players put up, but Hill said he wasn’t worried about keeping score – just winning. “I just want to win at the end of the game,”�he said. “It doesn’t matter to me how many points I have. I�think that’s what makes our team better, that we all just want to win. I don’t think it’s anybody looking to score, it’s just, ‘somebody hit it and let’s get this going.’” Once Lincoln got going in the second half, Garrard had no answer. The Lions did not score their first field goal of the second half until the 4:20 mark of the third quarter. Clayton Ray, who led Garrard with 23 points, tallied the goal off a Jaylen McPherson assist to get Garrard within 39-30. The Lions were at 51 percent (18-for-35) shooting from the field overall, but struggled in the third going 3-for-10. Conway answered Ray’s bucket with a 3-point play to put Lincoln up 42-30, and the margin never dropped below double digits the rest of the way. “Garrard’s a good team and played with us the first half, but I think we made better decisions the second half,” Hill said. “We knew they were going to play with us, and it was going to be a grinder. I just think we made better decisions the second half and played better defense overall.” Jackson credited sophomore forward Brandon Pittman for being a big factor on defense against Garrard. “I thought we did another good job on (Austin) Sebastian tonight and Brandon Pittman did a great job guarding him,” Jackson said. “I�thought he did a good job neutralizing him tonight. He really stepped up to be a stopper and he (Sebastian) had just two points tonight.”   “It was just a really good night for us,” he added. “ Our JV team won a big game tonight (overtime). I think that helped set the tone for what we wanted to do, and then we played a really, really good second half. I’m real proud of our kids.” Jesse Ray scored the game’s first goal to give Garrard  the early lead. Billy Abney collected a bucket in the paint and a free throw toss and Clayton Ray hit to put the Lions up 7-4. Pittman scored on a putback midway of the first and Conway drove inside for two to even the game at 10-all, but Clayton Ray nailed two 3-pointers late in the first for a 14-10 margin. There were three lead changes and four ties in the second quarter, with the final tie coming at the break. Conway hit inside for Lincoln to break a tie only to have Sebastian close out the half with his only bucket to make it 27-all. Lincoln beat out Garrard on the boards, 23-16. Sebastian had five rebounds for Garrard and Abney and Clayton Ray each had four. Lincoln was 13-for-18 from the foul line while Garrard was 10-for-21.                        1      2     3     4      Final Lincoln Co.      14    13    22  14    -   63 Garrard Co.     10    17    9    16    -   52 2013-02-01 05:45:21.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-basketball-lincoln-boys-take-down-garrard-county-6352-20130201,0,5444748.story

ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-girls-hold-off-somerset-rally-win-6042-20130130 Basketball: Lincoln girls hold off Somerset rally, win 60-42 January 30, 2013 SOMERSET — With the swish of the net off a Ciara Saylor 3-pointer with 4:38 left in the third quarter Monday, the Lincoln girls led Somerset 41-18 – a lead that looked to be enough to sustain them for the rest of the night. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-51094485/turbine/ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-girls-hold-off-somerset-rally-win-6042-20130130/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-51094485/turbine/ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-girls-hold-off-somerset-rally-win-6042-20130130/400/16x9 SOMERSET — With the swish of the net off a Ciara Saylor 3-pointer with 4:38 left in the third quarter Monday, the Lincoln girls led Somerset 41-18 – a lead that looked to be enough to sustain them for the rest of the night. However, the game was far from over. Within a matter of 6 minutes, 46 seconds, the homestanding Lady Briar Jumpers went on a 19-2 scoring tear to cut the Lady Patriot edge to just six points.  But then it all stopped. Lincoln closed on a 17-5 run to thwart Somerset’s comeback effort and win 60-42. “A little bit too close for comfort there at the end, but we pulled it back out,” Lincoln coach Cassandra McWhorter said with a sigh of relief. “We were going good, but we had a stretch of turnovers there and, I mean, Somerset capitalized on those turnovers and took it right to the basket and scored. We let them creep back in it, but we held off the little run there and was able to hold out.” Lincoln (19-4) committed six of its total 10 turnovers during the Somerset rally. The Lady Patriots, who shot 45 percent (22-for-49) overall from the field, had trouble connecting in the run, getting just one shot out of 12 attempts to fall. Somerset (8-13), which shot 38 percent (16-for-42) from the field for the game, hit a hot streak in its rally effort, going 8-for-12.   Virginia Scott, who led Somerset with 13 points, drove inside to ignite the Lady Briar Jumpers’ 19-2 comeback and finished with six points in the run. Miranda Mills scored all six of her points in the run, including back-to-back buckets off turnovers to make it a 43-37 ballgame with 5:56 left in the fourth quarter. Lincoln quickly regained control of the game, though, scoring 17 of the game’s final 22 points. Saylor sparked the closing run with her second trey of the night with 5:22 to go. Sydney Harris, who had a game-high 18 points, helped to extend the Lady Pat lead with two buckets in the paint, Emily Fox, who finished with 16 points, drove inside for a layup, Rachel Spangler also hit inside, Saylor heaved up a shot in a crowd and Kelsi Honaker and Chansler Gilbert each sank two free throws for the 60-42 final. After seeing Lincoln nearly lose a 23-point cushion, McWhorter said the Lady Patriots need to learn how to handle leads. “I’d just like to see us grow up and mature in that area,” she said. “We’ve built some leads throughout the year and we’ve seemed to let teams bounce back in. I don’t know if it’s a lack of focus or just not taking care of the ball or lack of focus of our intensity, but we’re just not handling that with teams.” “I’m looking for that last jab to go ahead and us do that, not let another team start creeping back in it but us go ahead and extend it by 8 or 10 more.” Lincoln had to do its own creeping early Monday, with Madison Brooks, who finished with 11 points, scoring back-to-back layups to open the game and put Somerset on top 4-0. The Lady Briar Jumpers led until the 4:47 mark of the first quarter when Fox sank two free throws then followed with a 3-point shot to put the Lady Patriots ahead for good, 7-6. Lincoln closed the first on a 10-3 run to go up 14-9. Kourtney Belcher scored on a jumper, Fox drove the baseline for two and Harris hit from 3-point land. Somerset’s Bethany Edwards interrupted Lincoln’s 10-0 run just before the buzzer by draining a trey. The Lady Patriots resumed their scoring surge in the second quarter, opening on an 8-1 run. Tiandra Hocker and Harris had four points apiece as Lincoln opened up a 22-10 lead.  The Lady Patriots went on to outscore the Lady Briar Jumpers 16-7 in the second quarter. After a Fox free throw toss, Belcher hit for two points, Harris nailed a 3-pointer and Fox got a steal and a bucket at the buzzer for a 30-16 margin at the half. An 11-2 run to start the second half gave Lincoln its biggest lead of the game. Fox opened the third-quarter scoring, Harris followed with two buckets, Belcher had a field goal and Saylor bombed in her  trey to put the margin at 23 points, 41-18. “We  did what we needed to early. We executed some things well and got a good lead. But I told them after the game tonight that we still have some areas to improve on,” McWhorter said. “If we think that we’re there and we’re satisfied, come tournament time we’re going to have a rough road because there is always room to improve. And we definitely need to improve in a lot of areas before we get to tournament time.” Lincoln was 5-for-12 from 3-point range and 11-for-16 from the foul line. Somerset was 3-for-8 from 3 and 7-for-11 from the line. The Lady Briar Jumpers committed 22 turnovers. Lincoln edged Somerset on the boards 27-26, led by Spangler with eight rebounds. Harris grabbed six boards and Belcher had five. Scott topped Somerset with nine rebounds. 2013-01-30 08:06:45.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-girls-hold-off-somerset-rally-win-6042-20130130,0,3575819.story

ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-boys-ice-cold-in-5139-loss-to-boyle-20130130 Basketball: Lincoln boys ice cold in 51-39 loss to Boyle January 30, 2013 DANVILLE — Jacob Conway’s 3-point shot attempt in the first minute of the second quarter looked better than the result, which was a miss. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-510943b5/turbine/ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-boys-ice-cold-in-5139-loss-to-boyle-20130130/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-510943b5/turbine/ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-boys-ice-cold-in-5139-loss-to-boyle-20130130/400/16x9 DANVILLE — Jacob Conway’s 3-point shot attempt in the first minute of the second quarter looked better than the result, which was a miss. Timmy Taylor had a point-blank shot of his own for Lincoln and Neil Conley put up a trey, and they didn’t fall either. And it wouldn’t get any better for Lincoln, as Boyle County outscored the Patriots 19-4 in the second quarter and pulled away for a 51-39 win Friday in the nightcap of a 45th District doubleheader at Rebel Arena. Boyle (13-6, 5-0 district) used defense to complete its sweep of Lincoln (10-13, 2-2) and claim the No. 1 seed in the district, holding the Patriots to just 28 percent shooting from the field.   “We went undisciplined in the second quarter on both ends of the floor,”¿Lincoln coach Jeff Jackson said. “Our shot selection was quick. Our shot selection was not good. We wanted to push the ball, but you’ve got to push the ball and make good decisions with it – we didn’t make good decisions. We took a lot of ill-advised shots with nobody in rebounding positions.” Lincoln did not get a shot to fall until just 51.6 seconds remained in the first half. After 10 straight misses and four turnovers, Conway, who had a game-high 15 points, finally nailed his 3-point shot. Lincoln’s only other point in the second, a Brandon Pittman free throw, came with 2:53 to go in the half.  Jackson said the game changed for Lincoln after senior Luke Hill picked up his second foul and went to the bench to sit out the half. “When Luke’s not in the game, we’re a little bit different basketball team,” he said. “When we took Luke out of the game, we just kind of went ill-advised.” Boyle had its own share of misses in the second period, but the Rebels had outscored the Patriots 17-1 during their scoring slump to turn a 14-9 deficit into a 26-15 lead.   Brett Jones and Josiah Robbins both had five points, including a 3-point shot apiece in the run as the Rebels went on top to stay. Devin True also converted on a 3-point play in the run, Aram Martin drove the baseline for two and Hagan Tyler added a bucket to put Boyle up by 11. “They hit shots and they wore us out on the offensive glass the second quarter,” Jackson said.  Boyle, which led 28-18 at the break, saw its lead drop to single digits early in the second half as the Patriots tried to fight their way back. Lincoln sank 4 of 6 free throw attempts, Taylor drove inside for a bucket then Conway scored on a putback to pull the Patriots within 32-26 with 3:07 to play in the third quarter. Boyle pushed its lead back out to 37-26 off a Chapman Bean 3-pointer and a Martin basket only to have Pittman drive inside for Lincoln to  make it 37-28 going into the fourth quarter. The margin was at five early in the final frame with Taylor and Hill hitting back-to-back shots for Lincoln for a 37-32 score, but the Rebels answered again, getting seven straight points to extend the lead to 44-32. Micah Miniard and Martin scored four of the seven points with a bucket apiece, True got two free throws and Jones, one.  The Patriots got only as close as nine points in the final two minutes as the Rebels rolled on for their eighth straight win. “We just didn’t play well, and they had something to do with that,”¿Jackson said. “They are good defensively and we’re not disciplined to do some things. Our kids have to understand what a good shot is and what a bad shot is. I thought we had some good looks at the basket some times, but we shot 28 percent, 28 percent.” “And we didn’t hit our free throws. In close games, what we call grinder games, you’ve got to do a lot of things right. And we don’t grind real well yet. We’ve got to find a way to win a grinder game.” Lincoln hit just 46 percent at the free throw line, going 6-for-13. Boyle was 13-for-21 for 62 percent. Boyle outrebounded Lincoln 35-30. Pittman had a game-high 11 rebounds for Lincoln and Martin grabbed 10 boards for Boyle. Boyle shot 45 percent from the field, going 17-for-38, 4-for-12 from 3-point range. Lincoln was 3-for-23 from 3, 0-for-11 the second half. The Patriots led throughout the first quarter, jumping on the Rebels 4-0 off buckets by Conway and Hill. Lincoln’s largest lead of the game, 12-6, came with 1:40 left in the first quarter when Taylor hit with a 3-pointer. Jones answered with a Boyle 3-pointer before Conway tallied to end the first with Lincoln up 14-9.  “We came out ready, but we just didn’t play well from the second quarter on,” Jackson said. “We’ve got to get better, and it looks like we’ve got a lot of work to do between now and the end of the season.” 2013-01-30 08:03:26.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-boys-ice-cold-in-5139-loss-to-boyle-20130130,0,1931968.story

ij-lincoln-ky-basketball-lady-patriots-take-down-boyle-for-15th-straight-time-20130130 Basketball: Lady Patriots take down Boyle for 15th straight time January 30, 2013 DANVILLE — The Lincoln County girls basketball team has now beaten rival Boyle County 15 straight times. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-5109430f/turbine/ij-lincoln-ky-basketball-lady-patriots-take-down-boyle-for-15th-straight-time-20130130/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-5109430f/turbine/ij-lincoln-ky-basketball-lady-patriots-take-down-boyle-for-15th-straight-time-20130130/400/16x9 DANVILLE — The Lincoln County girls basketball team has now beaten rival Boyle County 15 straight times. The Lady Patriots collected another big 45th District win in their latest victory, completing a sweep of the rival Lady Rebels with a 61-51 win Friday at Rebel Arena. Lincoln (18-4, 5-0 district) had won the 14 previous games by an average margin of 29.2 points, but the Lady Patriots had to battle hard to fend off the Lady Rebels in the latest victory. The district game was a back-and-forth battle for much of the first half, with Boyle holding a slim lead after the first, 16-14, and at the half, 30-28.  Then Lincoln took over. The Lady Patriots used a 16-4 third quarter run to take control of the game and keep the win streak alive. “I challenged them a little bit at halftime and told them we weren’t playing good defense – that was obvious,” Lincoln coach Cassandra McWhorter said. “We didn’t have the intensity. Boyle County was whipping us. They were outworking us. They were getting loose balls. They were outscrapping us.” So McWhorter left it up to the Lady Patriots to remedy the defensive situation. “I told them at halftime that it was up to them if they wanted to come back out in man,” she said. “I like to play (man), it helps us to get after it and get easy baskets, but we got into foul trouble tonight. I told them pretty much, ‘If we were only going to guard the trash can, we’d go to the zone, but if they wanted to play man-to-man they’d come out and tell me.’ They came back out and said, ‘We want to play man, Coach.’ And they picked up the intensity.” Emily Fox, who finished with 14 points, opened the second-half scoring with a 3-pointer, a free throw toss and an inside bucket to put the Lady Patriots on top 34-30. Lincoln never trailed again, taking control of the game with a 16-4 run over a span of 5 minutes, 13 seconds. Sydney Harris, who double-doubled with 19 points and 10 rebounds, and Spencer Sims connected for back-to-back 3-pointers to close the run with Lincoln up 44-34.  Boyle (10-10, 2-3) was within seven, 46-39, going into the fourth quarter and again in the final frame, but Lincoln went on a 9-2 run to put the Lady Rebels away. Fox capped the run with a three-point play for a 57-43 lead with 3:19 to play.   Kourtney Belcher, who also double-doubled for Lincoln with 17 points and 10 rebounds, came to life in the second half with 12 points and eight boards, collecting her last six points in the 9-2 run. “She got off to a slow start at the beginning and I think it frustrated her a little bit. The second half she really came out fired up and hit the boards hard and got some critical rebounds,” McWhorter said. “Her and Sydney really did a good job on the boards.” In Lincoln’s comeback win over Boyle back on Jan. 11, McWhorter benched her five starters after the Lady Patriots fell behind. McWhorter didn’t have to do any benching Friday. “I don’t like to do that. My demeanor is not to yell and scream,” McWhorter said. “It didn’t reach that point, but it’s frustrating when you know what your players are capable of and it’s not happening on the floor. So sometimes you’ve got to challenge them a little bit.” Boyle, which shot 30 percent (14-for-46) from the field overall, was 7-for-26 in the second half.  Lincoln shot 43 percent (24-for-56) from the field, collecting five 3-pointers. At the foul line, the team was 8-for-11. The Lady Rebels were 21-for-29 from the foul line. Lincoln held the night’s first lead, jumping out to a 12-4 lead behind two buckets and two free throws from Harris and a 3-pointer from both Saylor and Fox. But Boyle answered with a 12-2 run to move on top. The Lady Rebels converted for six free throws and Marlee Smith added six more points, converting on a three-point play and hitting a deep 3-pointer just before the buzzer for Boyle’s first lead, 16-14. The lead changed hands four times in the second quarter. Boyle led 18-14 less than a minute into the period off two Chelsea Gill free throws, but neither team led by more than two points over the remainder of the half. The game was deadlocked at 28-all with nine seconds left in the half before Gill went to the line for two more free throws and a 30-28 Boyle edge. “We got what we wanted early, the looks that we wanted. Defensively, we just had a letdown the first half,”¿McWhorter said. “To Boyle’s credit, they were attacking the rim and going for the fouls and we weren’t sliding over and taking charges or playing good defense, and that hurt us because they were getting to the free throw line.” Boyle scored 15 points from the field and 15 from the line in the first half, going 7-for-22 from the field and 15-for-18 at the line. Lincoln controlled the glass, outrebounding Boyle 42-30. Cami Holton led the Lady Rebels with eight boards. Hannah Harris led Boyle’s scoring with 18 points.  2013-01-30 08:00:37.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-lincoln-ky-basketball-lady-patriots-take-down-boyle-for-15th-straight-time-20130130,0,7358430.story

ij-basketball-lincoln-ky-patriot-boys-rip-mccreary-raiders-8055-20130123 Basketball: Patriot boys rip McCreary Raiders 80-55 January 23, 2013 STANFORD — Lincoln County roughed up visiting McCreary Central Tuesday night. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-5100109b/turbine/ij-basketball-lincoln-ky-patriot-boys-rip-mccreary-raiders-8055-20130123/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-5100109b/turbine/ij-basketball-lincoln-ky-patriot-boys-rip-mccreary-raiders-8055-20130123/400/16x9 STANFORD — Lincoln County roughed up visiting McCreary Central Tuesday night. The Patriots’ offensive attack, consisting of outside shots, beautiful baseline drives, furious fast breaks and plenty of assists saw four players scoring double figures to lead Lincoln in an 80-55 rout. Jacob Conway had a game-high 21 points on 8-for-12 shooting, Luke Hill double-doubled with 16 points and 10 rebounds, and BJ Hoover and Brandon Pittman each scored 11 points to pace the Patriots.  As a team, Lincoln (10-12) was at 45 percent from the field on 29-for-65 shooting, 9-for-25 from behind the arc. Four players knocked down 3-pointers, with Hoover and Neil Conley each draining three treys, Pittman sinking two and Shade Jacobs hitting one. “We had four in double figures, we had nine 3s, and Luke had a double-double. We shot the ball well tonight,” Lincoln coach Jeff Jackson said. “Of course, we’re sharing the ball real, real well right now. We’re being very unselfish and looking for the guy that’s open, and we’re shooting well.” Timmy Taylor did not finish high in the team scoring (4 points) but he was in on a lot of the night’s scoring, dishing to teammates for a school-record 14 assists.  “He played real, real well and I’m very happy for him,” Jackson said. “He missed some opportunities around the basket and could have had a couple more (points), but he’s very unselfish and does a good job pushing the ball in transition and getting the ball to the right guy who is in the position to score. A lot of people like the points, but Timmy would rather make a great pass than anything else.”  Lincoln had McCreary Central (8-12) playing catchup from the opening tip, with Hoover nailing two 3-pointers from the left wing to get the Patriots started on a 13-4 run. Conway hit inside to give Lincoln an 8-2 edge then Pittman followed with two free throws before knocking down a  3-pointer. Kyle Tucker, who led McCreary with 16 points, went inside for the Raiders’ four points. Josh Gregory, who finished with 11 points, scored back-to-back goals late in the first to get McCreary within 17-12 but Conley hit from 3-point range with six ticks showing to make it 20-12 after the first quarter. McCreary got no closer the rest of the way.  Lincoln started cushioning its lead early in the second quarter, opening the frame with a 13-0 run and never looking back. Hill and Conway had four points apiece in the run, Conley hit from 3-points out and Taylor sank two free throws for a 33-12 advantage midway of the second quarter. Jackson said he was pleased with his team’s strong start, but that he was also aware that McCreary Central might not be at peak performance in the game. “We got off to a good start. I thought we moved the ball well, and we defended pretty good, especially the first half. But they’ve had some things go on down there,”¿he said. “They’ve got some kids out with the flu. They are out of school today and tomorrow because of it. They’ve got two kids on crutches and a third one just got off crutches. And their coach (Robert Jones) is not here. He’s got a broke foot and is in a wheelchair and isn’t doing away games because of travel restrictions.” The Patriots went on to outscore the Raiders 21-4 in the second quarter to build a 41-16 halftime lead.  McCreary, which shot 47 percent (21-for-45) from the field overall, struggled in the second quarter, getting just two of its 13 shot attempts to fall. Tucker and Tyler Longmire scored the Raiders’ two buckets. Lincoln led by as many as 38 points in the third quarter, using a 19-6 run to go up 60-22 with 2:08 left in the period. Conway had nine points in the run, Hill had seven and Pittman had three. Tucker scored a bucket and a 3-pointer to ignite a 13-2 McCreary run to close out the third. Gregory added seven points, including a three-point play to make it 62-35 heading into the fourth quarter. Lincoln answered with an 11-0 run to start the final frame and rolled on to collect the 25-point win. “We wanted to get a good win tonight and have a good day in the weight room tomorrow, a good practice on Thursday and try to get ready for a huge, huge district game with Boyle County on Friday,”¿Jackson said. Because of Lincoln’s lopsided margin in the second half, Jackson took advantage to give the Patriot bench game time. “Everybody got an opportunity to play tonight and we’re real happy about that,”¿he said. “I thought some kids came in and did some good things. Again, they work hard in practice too, and when you get an opportunity to put them in the game, put them in the game and reward them for all their hard work that they do.” The Patriots were 13-for-19 from the free throw line while the Raiders were 10-for-15. Lincoln outrebounded McCreary 39-25 led by Hill’s 10 boards. Hoover and Andrew Wilks each had seven rebounds  and Pittman and Conway had four apiece. Tucker led the Raiders with seven rebounds. Lincoln had 11 turnovers to McCreary’s 18. 2013-01-23 08:47:53.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-basketball-lincoln-ky-patriot-boys-rip-mccreary-raiders-8055-20130123,0,4331229.story

ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-boys-lose-to-madison-central-5546-20130123 Basketball: Lincoln boys lose to Madison Central 55-46 January 23, 2013 RICHMOND — The Lincoln County boys battled back from a 20-point first-half deficit to pull within three late in the fourth quarter Friday night against host Madison Central. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-51000f9b/turbine/ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-boys-lose-to-madison-central-5546-20130123/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-51000f9b/turbine/ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-boys-lose-to-madison-central-5546-20130123/400/16x9 RICHMOND — The Lincoln County boys battled back from a 20-point first-half deficit to pull within three late in the fourth quarter Friday night against host Madison Central. But finishing off the Indians proved a little difficult.  Timmy Taylor and BJ Hoover both nailed 3-pointers and Brandon Pittman sank two free throws to get the Patriots within 46-43 with 3 minutes, 4 seconds to go in the game, however, Madison Central scored nine of the final 12 points of the game to hold off Lincoln 55-46. “I’m proud of our kids for keeping their heads up,” Lincoln coach Jeff Jackson said. “ They (Indians) are very good and I�thought we were a little bug-eyed, big-eyed to start the game, and were tentative overall. But we had a good talk at halftime about things we needed to do, and I thought we did that. Our effort was good the second half and we played hard. I wish we could put together 32 minutes of that effort and that intensity.” The Patriots (8-12) spotted the Indians (15-3) a 31-11 lead with 1:03 to play in the first half, but Lincoln used a 7-0 scoring run to close the gap and the half.  Jacob Conway sank two free throws and Timmy Taylor followed with a field goal before Conway put a dramatic finish on the half by launching a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from in front of the Lincoln bench to make it 31-18. “Timmy got a basket late then Jacob hit the 3 and that gave us a little momentum,” Jackson said. “We told them coming off the floor, ‘We’ve got a game.’” Lincoln turned up its defensive intensity in the third quarter, becoming much more physical, especially inside. The Patriots forced Central, which shot 37 percent (15-for-41) from the field overall, to miss several closely-contested shots and held the Indians to just 7 percent shooting (1-for-14) in the third. BJ Hoover extended Lincoln’s first-half ending run to 10-0 when he nailed a 3-pointer to open the second half and get the Patriots within 31-21.  But Central’s Ken-Jah Bosley, who had a game-high 19 points, ended the Indians scoring drought by sinking two free throws two minutes into the third quarter. He then tallied the lone Indian goal of the period and added two more free throws to extend the lead to 39-25 with 2:56 left in the third. Lincoln responded with another 10-0 run to cut the margin to single digits. Hoover opened the run late in the third with a  bucket in the paint, Taylor followed with a bucket off a turnover and Conway closed the period with a layup to make it 39-31. Luke Hill then hit inside to open the fourth quarter and Taylor, who led Lincoln with 18 points and five assists, went to the free throw line for two shots to trim Central’s lead to 39-35. The treys by Taylor and Hoover and Conway’s two free throw tosses made it a 46-43 fight with 3:04 to play, but Central thwarted Lincoln’s comeback effort. Dominique Hawkins, who finished with 17 points and five rebounds, and Quan Taylor who had 10 points and 12 boards, added a bucket apiece in the final three minutes and the Indians went 5-for-12 at the foul line to move on for the win. “We wanted to cut it down to about 7 or 8 after three, and we did that. Then we had it to three a couple times and just couldn’t get stops, and we missed a couple free throws,” Jackson said. “We were 7 out of 13 the fourth quarter from the free-throw line, 10 out of 18 for the game. It’s hard to mount the kind of comeback that you have to have against a team like this when you’re missing your free throws and not making stops.” Central never trailed, scoring the first eight points of the game and posted a 15-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.  Lincoln, which shot a chilly 22 percent (6-for-27) from the field the first half, finished at 33 percent�overall, going 15-for-45, 6-for-19 from 3. At the line, the Patriots were 10-for-18. “We’ve just got to find a way to get off to a better start,” Jackson said. “We got off to this kind of start tonight against Henderson, Bryan Station – the kind of start where we’ve gotten down and we’ve had to fight. It drains you, especially when you are as young as we are, to get back in it, but we gave a good team effort tonight to get back in the game.”  Central was 4-for-13 from 3-point range and 21-for-34 from the free-throw line. The Indians outrebounded the Patriots 38-26, led by Quan Taylor’s 12 boards. Conway, who finished with 12 points, led Lincoln on the glass with nine boards. Brandon Pittman had five.   2013-01-23 08:30:35.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-boys-lose-to-madison-central-5546-20130123,0,7507270.story

ij-basketball-lincoln-girls-top-southwestern-6550-20130123 Basketball: Lincoln girls top Southwestern 65-50 January 23, 2013 STANFORD — The Lincoln County girls basketball team used a strong second half to pull away from visiting Southwestern to win 65-50 Thursday night. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-51000ec9/turbine/ij-basketball-lincoln-girls-top-southwestern-6550-20130123/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-51000ec9/turbine/ij-basketball-lincoln-girls-top-southwestern-6550-20130123/400/16x9 STANFORD — The Lincoln County girls basketball team used a strong second half to pull away from visiting Southwestern to win 65-50 Thursday night. The Lady Patriots, trailing 29-26 early in the third quarter, broke on a 23-8 scoring tear over the remainder of the period to open up a close game and set them up for their eighth straight victory over a 12th Region foe. Lincoln’s Emily Fox, Sydney Harris and Kourtney Belcher outscored Southwestern by themselves, combining for 57 points. Fox led the trio of double-digit scorers with 23 points, Harris pushed in 19 points and Belcher added 15 points. Belcher, who had 11 second-half points, got Lincoln (16-4) started in the third-quarter run, converting on a three-point play then following with a bucket off a turnover. Harris answered next with a putback before Fox, who had 19 points in the second half, completed the run with 14 straight points off a 3-pointer, a three-point play, three layups and two foul shots to put the Lady Patriots up 49-37 going into the final period. Lincoln, which shot 47 percent (23-for-49) from the field overall, burned the nets for 54 percent (14-for-26) the second half and led by as many as 20 points in the fourth quarter before moving on for the win. Southwestern (10-9) was held to a cool 31 percent (5-for-16)  shooting from the field in the third quarter. Overall, the Lady Warriors finished at 35 percent (18-for-51, including nine 3-point goals. Lincoln appeared to be set to cruise to open the game, with Harris scoring 10 of her 19 points in the period, including six in a 9-0 game-opening run. She opened with back-to-back buckets, Belcher chimed in with a jumper from the top of the key then Harris went to the line for a free throw toss before closing with a basket off a Belcher assist. As quickly as Lincoln took off, though, Southwestern came clawing its way back, taking advantage of eight Lady Patriot turnovers to score 12 unanswered points and erase its nine-point deficit.  Brittany Combs, who led Southwestern with 17 points, and Destiny Molden both hit from 3-point range in the run, Samantha Fitzgerald collected a free throw toss and Adison Corder, who had 15 points for the Lady Warriors, added five points, including a three-point play that gave Southwestern its first lead, 12-9, with 46 seconds left on the clock. Harris drained a 3-pointer to tie the game at 12 and the first ended in a 14-14 deadlock. Southwestern built a 20-16 lead off treys by Corder and Molden only to have Tiandra Hocker come off the bench for back-to-back Lady Pat buckets. Hocker got a steal and the layup for her first two points then hit inside off a Rachel Spangler assist to even the game back up at 20-all. Fox then went to the line for two free throws and a 22-20 edge. Combs, who tallied 15 of her 17 points from 3-point range, hit for her second trey to give Southwestern a 25-24 edge in the closing seconds of the first half, but Belcher hit for Lincoln just before the buzzer to nose the Lady Pats ahead 26-25 at the break. Lincoln converted on 16 of 19 trips to the foul line while Southwestern was just 5-for-9. Southwestern had 16 turnovers and Lincoln had 14.  2013-01-23 08:27:05.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-basketball-lincoln-girls-top-southwestern-6550-20130123,0,7949458.story

amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-county-boys-bounce-back-with-6856-win-over-garrard-county-20130116 Basketball: Lincoln County boys bounce back with 68-56 win over Garrard County January 16, 2013 STANFORD — After blowout loss last Friday, Lincoln County boys coach Jeff Jackson needed to see what his team was made of. By HAL MORRIS http://www.trbimg.com/img-50f6c736/turbine/amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-county-boys-bounce-back-with-6856-win-over-garrard-county-20130116/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50f6c736/turbine/amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-county-boys-bounce-back-with-6856-win-over-garrard-county-20130116/400/16x9 STANFORD — After blowout loss last Friday, Lincoln County boys coach Jeff Jackson needed to see what his team was made of. And he liked what he saw Tuesday, as the Patriots built a 15-point lead by halftime and went on to beat visiting Garrard County 68-56 in a 45th District game. “We had a gut-check from the other night (a loss to Boyle County). And our kids responded well. We had decent practice yesterday and pretty good talk today about some things we want to do,” Jackson said.  It was a game of highlights for the host Patriots as Neil Conley went 6 for 8 from 3-point range and scored 18 points, Jacob Conway had 19 points, Timmy Taylor handed out 13 assists and Luke Hill scored his 1,000th point. The Patriots led by double digits after the first quarter. Garrard cut it to nine early in the second quarter, but that was as close as the Golden Lions would get. “They were unbelievable early, and of course, part of that is them. They made the shots, but part of that is us with not much defense out on them,” Garrard coach Dennis Pardue said. “And anybody can stand there and shoot wide open and make it. But once you get out there and put a little pressure on them, it makes a difference. “Defensively, we weren’t very good tonight, execution-wise we weren’t very good tonight. And against a team of that caliber, you’ve got to at least bring your ‘B’ game, if not your ‘A’ game, and we just didnt do it.” Lincoln (8-11, 2-1 district) was 11 for 26 from 3-point range Tuesday and finished 23 for 48 from the field and 11 for 18 at the free-throw line. Jackson said Taylor ran the team well for a lot of those buckets. “He got the ball in transition and really pushed it and did some good things in the lane in making good decisions, and had a heck of a game,” Jackson said of his sophomore point guard. Lincoln led 10-6 before Hill scored seven straight points to give Lincoln a 17-6 lead after the first quarter. His last points, a three-point play off of a putback, gave him 1,000 for his career. He finished with 17 points and eight rebounds. “We’re all tickled and proud of Luke for getting his 1,000th point,” Jackson said. A layup from Garrard’s Billy Abney, who scored 12 points, made it 19-10 with 6:05 left in the first half. But that’s when the Patriots went wild from long range. Conley drilled two straight 3s and Conway hit another one from the top of the key. After Conway’s runner in the lane, Conley nailed another trey from the left wing that put Lincoln up 36-17 with 2:20 left in the half. The Patriots went on to lead 36-21 at the half. Down 44-33 in third quarter, Garrard (3-14, 0-3) had a chance to get the lead down to single digits again, but came up empty on three straight possessions. “When you’re playing from behind, once you make stops you’ve got to capitalize on that by a good possession and scoring. Or at least getting a good shot,” Pardue said. “And with those three possessions, we took one bad shot and we turned it over twice.” From there, Lincoln took a 47-35 lead after three quarters, and Garrard could only get within 10 early in the fourth quarter. Garrard went 13 for 23 in the second half and finished 20 for 42, including 6 for 11 from 3-point range. But Jackson liked the defense his team played on Garrard’s Austin Sebastian, holding him scoreless on 0-of-4 shooting. “I thought Brandon Pittman and Jacob Conway really took the challenge of guarding Sebastian and made it tough on him,” he said. Clayton Ray picked up slack for the Lions, however and scored a game-high 20 points, while Slade Crutchfield added 14 points. “We played hard, we didn’t quit, we kept fighting. We gave ourselves a chance to get back in the game. And our goals was to get it to nine after three quarters,” Pardue said. “But we just didn’t capitalize on opportunities when we had a chance to do so.” After they had dropped two straight games, Jackson said the Patriots’ effort Tuesday was sorely needed. “I don’t know how we played hard-wise the last two games. Not with our effort and not with our consistency and focus,” he said. “We’re a young team and we’re going to have our ups and down and highs and lows, but we’re wanting to do things right. And we did some good things tonight. “We needed a win. We just have to keep trying to get better. We’ve got 11 games left, and we just need to try to improve and get better.” Garrard County    6    21    35    56 Lincoln County    17    36    47    68 GARRARD (3-14) — Slade Crutchfield 14, Jaylene McPherson 2, Nick McCollum 2, Clayton Ray 20, Jacob Smith 4, Billy Abney 12, Logan Teague 2. LINCOLN (8-11) — Timmy Taylor 9, B.J. Hoover 2, Brandon Pittman 3, Neil Conley 18, Jacob Conway 19, Luke Hill 17.   2013-01-16 08:58:48.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-county-boys-bounce-back-with-6856-win-over-garrard-county-20130116,0,6544546.story

amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-girls-hold-off-garrard-for-5848-victory-20130116 Basketball: Lincoln girls hold off Garrard for 58-48 victory January 16, 2013 STANFORD — Sydney Harris scored 18 points and Emily Fox finished with 13 as the Lincoln County girls completed a season sweep of Garrard County with a 58-48 victory Tuesday night. By NANCY LEEDY http://www.trbimg.com/img-50f6bd87/turbine/amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-girls-hold-off-garrard-for-5848-victory-20130116/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50f6bd87/turbine/amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-girls-hold-off-garrard-for-5848-victory-20130116/400/16x9 STANFORD — Sydney Harris scored 18 points and Emily Fox finished with 13 as the Lincoln County girls completed a season sweep of Garrard County with a 58-48 victory Tuesday night. Lincoln has remained unbeaten against Garrard during the past six seasons, going 15-0 against Garrard. The Patriots haven’t lost to the Golden Lions since Dec. 6, 2006. Unlike the first meeting between the two teams this season, which Lincoln won 57-45, there were no 32-point Lincoln leads in Tuesday’s rematch at J.C. Eddleman Gymnasium. In fact there were no double-digit leads at all until the final period. “I thought tonight would be a little bit closer (than first meeting),” Lincoln coach Cassandra McWhorter said. “Garrard is a tough team. They’ve got good players and they are well-coached. I knew they would be coming in here looking to win. But I thought we did a good job of staying in the game. I’d like to see us get some defensive stops at critical times, but overall I’m happy with the way the girls played.” Garrard (9-5, 0-4 45th District) overcame a slow start to post a 13-12 lead in the first quarter Tuesday, but Lincoln (15-4, 4-0), which shot 50 percent (25 for 50) from the field, outpointed the Lions the rest of the way to earn the win. The Lions shot just 38 percent (18 for 47) from the field and turned the ball over 19 times. “It’s like if you paint a beautiful picture and just right in the middle of the picture you just start scribbling. That’s kind of what we did,” Garrard coach Scott Bolin said. “We played very well for 27, 28 minutes, but then we have a four- or five-minute stretch where we don’t play very well.” “Tonight, I thought we played well overall, but we had mental breakdowns in each quarter. Probably three to five possessions each quarter, and you can’t do that, especially against a team like Lincoln. To our credit, I told the girls we played well enough to put ourselves in a spot to be very competitive and have a chance.” Neither team was able to gain control in the first half. Lincoln was on top early, with Fox draining a game-opening 3-point shot and then Harris following with a jumper for a 5-0 lead. But Devin Conley, who had a game-high 22 points, got Garrard on the scoreboard a minute and a half into the game with a three-point play and Victoria Floyd drove the baseline for a bucket to tie it up at 5-all. The teams traded buckets for the remainder of the period, but Kelly Smith scored last, easing Garrard on top 13-12 just before the buzzer. In the second quarter, the teams went from trading buckets to trading runs. Lincoln rolled off seven unanswered points to start, including five from Fox, to build a 19-13 lead, only to have Garrard answer with a 5-0 run midway through the period. Conley was all alone in the Garrard run, converting on a three-point play, then following with a layup off a steal to get the Lions within 19-18. Lincoln’s advantage grew to eight points by the half after an 8-1 closing run. Kelsi Honaker opened the run with a driving layup, Harris cashed in two field goals and Rachel Spangler drove inside for a score and a 27-19 lead. Lincoln went 7 for 11 from the field to build its lead in the second quarter. Garrard struggled throughout the period, going 2 for 11. The Lions also had eight turnovers. “We missed a lot of easy shots. We got the ball where we wanted to but we missed a lot of easy opportunities,” Bolin said. “We missed some defensive assignments, too. We left Harris wide open two times, we left Fox open two times, and (Ciara) Saylor once. And they buried them all five times. That’s what good teams do to you. You can’t miss those assignments, you can’t miss those opportunities on the offensive end.” Conley provided the bulk of Garrard’s scoring in the first half, tallying 15 of the team’s 19 points. Conley and the Lions rebounded from their second-quarter scoring slump and went to work whittling away at Lincoln’s lead in the second half. After a putback by Lincoln’s Kourtney Belcher to start the second half, Garrard broke on a 9-0 scoring tear. Floyd, who finished with 11 points, opened with a field goal, Conley stepped back to drain a 3, then dished to Autumn Murray for a bucket and Kelly Smith, who had 10 points, scored to make it 29-28, with 4:35 to go in the third quarter. “I had to call time out there,” McWhorter said. “I was a little frustrated with our defensive intensity. We just weren’t guarding anybody. We had a lead there and they cut it down. I’m not real vocal, I don’t yell at our players, but I kind of got after them that timeout and told them to take care of the ball. We had two turnovers in a row that led to points for them, and we weren’t playing great defense.” “I just challenged them and told them to either start playing defense or they were all going to come out again and I’d put five in that would. That picked up the intensity a little bit and we made a little run.” Garrard got no closer. Lincoln made its biggest run of the night after Smith’s bucket, closing out the third on a 12-4 run. Harris nailed two 3-pointers and had two field goals in the run and Belcher added a bucket to put Lincoln up 41-32 going into the fourth quarter. Floyd scored off a Conley assist midway through the period and Ryan Cain hit a trey to make it a five-point game before Lincoln moved on for the win. Lincoln was just 1 for 2 at the foul line. Garrard was 10 for 14. The Patriots had 13 assists and 10 steals with 14 turnovers. Garrard edged out Lincoln on the boards 24-23, with seven rebounds each for Cain and Smith. Belcher, Harris and Spangler had five rebounds apiece for Lincoln. Garrard County    13    19    32    48 Lincoln County     12    27    31    58 GARRARD (9-5) — Autumn Murray 2, Devin Conley 22, Ryan Cain 3, Victoria Floyd 11, Kelly Smith 10. LINCOLN (15-4) — Emily Fox 13, Ciara Saylor 8, Sydney Harris 18, Rachel Spangler 2, Kourtney Belcher 8, Chansler Gilbert 2, Kelsi Honaker 2, Tiandra Hocker 5. 2013-01-16 08:56:55.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-girls-hold-off-garrard-for-5848-victory-20130116,0,4014681.story

ij-basketball-lincoln-girls-fall-to-clay-county-in-double-overtime-20130116 Basketball: Lincoln girls fall to Clay County in double overtime January 16, 2013 The Lincoln County girls fell in double overtime to Clay County in a rematch of last year’s first-round Sweet Sixteen contest. http://www.trbimg.com/img-50f6db0a/turbine/ij-basketball-lincoln-girls-fall-to-clay-county-in-double-overtime-20130116/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50f6db0a/turbine/ij-basketball-lincoln-girls-fall-to-clay-county-in-double-overtime-20130116/400/16x9 The Lincoln County girls fell in double overtime to Clay County in a rematch of last year’s first-round Sweet Sixteen contest. The Lady Patriots, who beat the Lady Tigers in overtime in the 2012 state tourney game, bowed 66-63 Saturday at LCHS. Sydney Harris put up 15 points for the Lady Patriots (14-4) and Emily Fox and Kourtney Belcher both contributed 14 points, but the trio would be outdone by Clay’s inside duo of Cheyenne Madden and Morgan Chestnut, who combined for 56 points in the Lady Tiger win. Madden burned the nets for 33 points and Chestnut added 23 points.  Lincoln, which was on an 8-game win streak coming into the contest, led after the first three quarterstops, taking a 15-12 lead after the first quarter and posting a 29-21 advantage at the half.  The Lady Tigers (13-3) outscored the Lady Patriots in the second half, using a 13-6 third-quarter scoring edge to get within 35-34 going into the fourth period then forcing a 51-all tie after regulation.    It wasn’t until the horn sounded after a second overtime period that Clay finally held the advantage, edging Lincoln 6-3 in the overtime for the 66-63 final.  2013-01-16 08:55:49.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-basketball-lincoln-girls-fall-to-clay-county-in-double-overtime-20130116,0,1524543.story

amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-starters-get-benched-get-the-message-in-win-over-boyle-girls-20130113 Basketball: Lincoln starters get benched, get the message in win over Boyle girls January 13, 2013 STANFORD — Cassandra McWhorter couldn’t find the right words to get her team motivated again Boyle County, so the Lincoln County girls coach thought she would let her starters watch for a little while. By HAL MORRIS http://www.trbimg.com/img-50f2ac76/turbine/amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-starters-get-benched-get-the-message-in-win-over-boyle-girls-20130113/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50f2ac76/turbine/amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-starters-get-benched-get-the-message-in-win-over-boyle-girls-20130113/400/16x9 STANFORD — Cassandra McWhorter couldn’t find the right words to get her team motivated again Boyle County, so the Lincoln County girls coach thought she would let her starters watch for a little while. With the Patriots down seven points, McWhorter pulled her pulled her starters with 6 minutes, 23 seconds left in the third quarter Friday night. Consider the message sent and received. Lincoln got the game tied by the end of the third quarter, then blitzed Boyle in the fourth and went on to a 61-47 win in a 45th District game. “It really got us fired up. We knew we needed to get our heads in the game, and get something going. We needed to attack the basket more and just play better defense,” said Lincoln guard Emily Fox, who had four of her five 3-point baskets and scored 17 of her 22 points in the final 9:04 of the game. “At halftime we knew she wasn’t very happy with us. And then they started getting on a roll at the beginning of the third quarter, I don’t think we were very surprised (to be benched). Personally, it fired me up. I just wanted to win this game (and) get everything going.” Host Lincoln (14-3, 3-0 district) led 22-21 at halftime, but Boyle buckets from Cami Holton, Hannah Harris and Chelsea Gill helped earn the Patriots’ starting five a seat next to McWhorter on the bench.  “We didn’t have energy, we were very flat the first half, turning the ball over a lot. We had nine turnovers in the fourth quarter,” McWhorter said. “(I was) just trying to motivate and get a fire under them and get them going. And when I pulled them, the five I put in there (Caitlin Hall, Cristin Hall, Chansler Gilbert, Spencer Sims, Kelsi Honaker) did good things. And that’s why I always say we’ve got 10 or 12 kids that can play, it’s just finding that combination. “When I pulled those five, I was just trying to send a message because we weren’t playing to our capability.” Boyle (9-6, 2-1) still led 31-26 when Fox and Sydney Harris, who also had 22 points to go with six rebounds, re-entered the game with 2:58 left in the third quarter. Caitlin Hall nailed a 3-point shot to make it 32-29, and then Fox hit two straight 3s to give Lincoln a 35-33 lead. A bucket from Allison Hall tied the game at 35-all heading to the fourth quarter. Harris scored three points and Fox hit two free throws made it 40-35, but Boyle rallied as Gill hit a free throw, Marlee Smith hit a 3-point shot and Gill hit two more at the foul line to tied the game at 40-all with 5:43 to play. Gill finished with 14 points and Hannah Harris scored 16 for the Rebels. “This is a different Boyle County. We’re a year older, we’re playing aggressive, we’re attacking, we’re doing the things we need to do to be successful, and the kids know they can make those comebacks now,” Boyle coach Greg Edwards said. “So I don’t think that was anything out of character for us, the team we are this year.” But the comeback was short-lived, as Lincoln went on a 15-0 run to put the game away. Harris started the run with a free throw and ended it with a 3-pointer from the left corner off a turnover to make it 55-40 with 3:02 to go. Lincoln scored nine points off turnovers during that run. “We just lost our focus a little bit. They’ve got a senior-dominated team, (and) you have to give them credit, they made plays when they had to. I thought Harris and Fox played really big for them tonight,” Edwards said. “But I thought our kids battled. It’s like I told them after the game to hold their head up when they walk out of here. I’m proud of where we are, I’m proud of where we’re going.  “And this is just round one. We’re halfway through the district now; we’ve got three more district games to play. And we’re all kind of in the same boat.” Boyle went 9 for 21 from the field in the second half and finished 16 for 40. The Rebels were just 2 for 14 from 3-point range and 13 for 36 at the foul line. Lincoln went 12 for 28 from the field in the second half and finished 21 for 55. The Patriots made seven of 17 shots from 3-point range, but just 12 of 23 at the line. Rachel Spangler’s nine rebounds helped Lincoln to a 32-27 edge on the boards. Dee Foster had eight rebounds to lead Boyle. Boyle was coming off a win over Danville on Tuesday, and McWhorter warned her team not to take the Rebels lightly. “They’re playing really good basketball right now, and I talked to the girls about those things,” she said. “I might have said too much to where they’re overthinking, they’re not just going out there loose and playing as well as we’re capable. And Boyle came out playing good basketball, and every time we hit a shot they hit a shot. They played really tough.” A jumper from Sydney Harris gave Lincoln a 17-11 lead, and the Patriots still led 22-16 with 3:17 to go when Boyle made a run. Emmie Harris’ 3-pointer from the right wing cut Lincoln’s lead to 22-21 at halftime. Boyle County    11    21    35    47     Lincoln County    10    22    35    61 BOYLE (9-6) — Chelsea Gill 14, Hannah Harris 16, Marlee Smith 8, Cami Holton 4, Emmie Harris 3, Allison Hall 2. LINCOLN (14-3) — Emily Fox 22, Ciara Saylor 2, Sydney Harris 22, Rachel Spangler 2, Kourtney Belcher 2, Chansler Gilbert 4, Caitlin Hill 3, Cristin Hall 2.   2013-01-16 08:54:55.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-starters-get-benched-get-the-message-in-win-over-boyle-girls-20130113,0,4222811.story

amn-prep-basketball-defense-lifts-boyle-county-boys-over-lincoln-7054-20130113 Basketball: Defense lifts Boyle County boys over Lincoln 70-54 January 13, 2013 STANFORD — The Boyle County boys pride themselves on their defense. By HAL MORRIS http://www.trbimg.com/img-50f2ad5c/turbine/amn-prep-basketball-defense-lifts-boyle-county-boys-over-lincoln-7054-20130113/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50f2ad5c/turbine/amn-prep-basketball-defense-lifts-boyle-county-boys-over-lincoln-7054-20130113/400/16x9 STANFORD — The Boyle County boys pride themselves on their defense. But the Rebels’ usually strong defensive effort was racheted up a notch Friday, when they held Lincoln County to one point over a 10-minute, 52-second stretch in the second and third quarters to build an 18-point lead en route to an 70-54 victory. “It was a big win for us, on Lincoln’s home floor. It’s always a tough place to play,” said Brett Jones, who went 15 for 16 at the free-throw line and scored a game-high 20 points for Boyle. “We just executed what we ran in practice, and then in the third quarter we really played good defense. That was big for us.” Hagen Tayler hit all eight of his free throws, along with two 3-pointers and scored 18 for visiting Boyle (9-6, 3-0 45th District), which won its fifth straight game and its third district game in eight days. Lincoln (7-11, 1-1) led 18-15 with 4:26 left in the first half, but Boyle went on an 11-0 run, capped by Chapman Bean’s putback to lead 26-18 late in the half. During that time, the Patriots managed only a free throw from Timmy Taylor to make it a 26-19 game at halftime. They then missed their first nine shots of the third quarter and committed two turnovers. Jacob Conway, who led Lincoln with 19 points, finally converted a 3-point play with 1:34 left in the third quarter, but by that time Boyle had built a 39-22 lead. Four straight points by Taylor made it 41-28, but Jones’ drive with 4 seconds left in the period gave Boyle a 43-28 lead. “They’re very good, they’re very disciplined on the defensive end. I feel them and West Jessamine are the two best defensive teams in our region. They came in here and popped us pretty good on our floor,” Lincoln coach Jeff Jackson said. “They got after us pretty good. We’ve got to learn to be more disciplined on both ends of the floor and learn to execute better. “We’ve got learn to rebound and just bring more energy to the table. We didn’t play with a lot of energy, and they may have had something to do with that.” Boyle coach Steve Adams thought so, as the Rebels focused on slowing down the Patriots’ 3-point attack. Lincoln finished just 5 for 17 from 3-point range and 23 for 59 overall from the field. “The kids did a great job. We changed a little bit in mid-flow. We decided to change things on the perimeter, and the kids did a great job making that change,” Adams said. “And we thought if we could keep them out of the lane, closed out and challenged the 3-point shots and rebounded the ball, we could make it tough for them. “You’ve got to hang your hat on something, and we feel we can defend every night. We may not be able to shoot it well, we may throw it away, but if we defend well, we give ourselves a chance.” Lincoln got buckets from Taylor, Conway and Brandon Pittman to trim the Boyle lead to 48-38 with 3:57 to play, but Boyle went 18 for 22 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter. Jones was 10 for 11 in the final period. “At the end of practice, we always shoot free throws and (say) that free throws will determine the game,” Jones said. “And that came up big for us.” Boyle went 29 for 35 at the line, while Lincoln was just 3 for 10. “That makes it hard to get back in the game,” Jackson said. “They outworked us, I thought.” Boyle shot 50 percent (8 for 16) from the field in the second half and finished the night 17 for 37, going 7 for 14 from 3-point range. Lincoln led 12-8 after the first quarter, but a layup from Colton Elkins and three free throws from Tyler gave Boyle a 13-12 lead. Two buckets from Luke Hill, who had 10 points and 10 boards, gave Lincoln the lead back at 16-13. Another Hill jumper made it 18-15, but that’s when Lincoln went cold and the game began to get out of hand. Boyle County    8    26    43    70 Lincoln County    12    19    28    54 BOYLE (9-6) — Brett Jones 20, Aram Martin 3, Devin True 7, Micah Miniard 6, Hagen Tyler 18, Chapman Bean 8, Colton Elkins 2, Josiah Robbins 6. LINCOLN (7-11) — Timmy Taylor 9, Brandon Pittman 7, Neil Conley 9, Jacob Conway 19, Luke Hill 10. 2013-01-16 08:52:01.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/amn-prep-basketball-defense-lifts-boyle-county-boys-over-lincoln-7054-20130113,0,7107335.story

ij-basketball-pulaski-edges-lincoln-county-boys-5046-20130116 Basketball: Pulaski edges Lincoln County boys 50-46 January 16, 2013 Lincoln County held Pulaski County to just 28 percent (14-for-50) shooting from the field, but Taylor Gover and Tyler Goins still managed to combine for 38 points to help lead the Maroons to a 50-46 win over the visiting Patriots. http://www.trbimg.com/img-50f6d98a/turbine/ij-basketball-pulaski-edges-lincoln-county-boys-5046-20130116/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50f6d98a/turbine/ij-basketball-pulaski-edges-lincoln-county-boys-5046-20130116/400/16x9 Lincoln County held Pulaski County to just 28 percent (14-for-50) shooting from the field, but Taylor Gover and Tyler Goins still managed to combine for 38 points to help lead the Maroons to a 50-46 win over the visiting Patriots. Gover had a game-high 24 points and pulled down four rebounds while Goins finished with 14 points and grabbed a game-high 15 boards. Pulaski (13-3) jumped ahead 10-3 early in the first quarter and Lincoln (7-10) could never overcome the early deficit. The Patriots did come back and outscore the Maroons in the second quarter but Pulaski still led 25-20 at halftime. Gover, who was 5-for-9 from 3-point range, stepped back and knocked down three of his five treys in the third quarter as Pulaski eased its lead out to seven points, 40-33. Lincoln made a run on Pulaski in the final frame and tied the game only to have the Maroons, who were 17-for-25 from the foul line, hitting clutch free throws down the stretch for the win. Pulaski was 9-for-36 from 3-point range. Lincoln shot 35 percent from the field overall, going 16-for-46, 10-for-26 from 3. The team was 8-for-10 at the line. Pulaski also got a win on the boards, outrebounding Lincoln 36-27. Jacob Conway, who led Lincoln with 14 points, also led on the glass with seven rebounds. Timmy Taylor, Brandon Pittman and Luke Hill had five rebounds apiece. <pre> </pre> 2013-01-16 08:49:24.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-basketball-pulaski-edges-lincoln-county-boys-5046-20130116,0,1179495.story

ij-lincoln-ky-basketball-lady-patriots-survive-scare-at-whitley-county-5855-20130109 Basketball: Lady Patriots survive scare at Whitley County 58-55 January 9, 2013 WILLIAMSBURG – Lincoln County withstood a furious second-half rally by Whitley County and held off the host Lady Colonels 58-55 Monday night in a matchup of two state-ranked girls’ basketball teams. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-50ed89d0/turbine/ij-lincoln-ky-basketball-lady-patriots-survive-scare-at-whitley-county-5855-20130109/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50ed89d0/turbine/ij-lincoln-ky-basketball-lady-patriots-survive-scare-at-whitley-county-5855-20130109/400/16x9 WILLIAMSBURG – Lincoln County withstood a furious second-half rally by Whitley County and held off the host Lady Colonels 58-55 Monday night in a matchup of two state-ranked girls’ basketball teams. Lincoln, tied at No. 20 with Whitley in Dave Cantrall’s Rating the State rankings, came ready to go, jumping out to a 15-5 lead in the first quarter and posting an 11-point lead at the half. In the second half, though, Whitley battled back, using a 15-4 run to negate the Lady Pat lead. While Lincoln never relinquished its lead, the two teams dueled right down to the final few seconds before the Lady Patriots could claim the win. “Whitley County is a good team, and I knew they didn’t play to their capability the first half,” Lincoln coach Cassandra McWhorter said. “I told the girls at halftime that there were some adjustments we needed to make and that we needed to be ready. We played them this summer and they did the same thing to us then. They came out the second half and got after us.” It came down to the game’s final seconds – and the free throw line – to decide a winner. The score was tied 48-48 with 1 minute, 46 seconds to play when Lincoln started toeing the line, with Rachel Spangler sinking a free throw, Ciara Saylor converting on one technical free throw toss and Emily Fox collecting two more at the line. Sydney Harris  followed with a bucket in the paint to put Lincoln up by six, 54-48, with 32 ticks left on the clock.  The margin was still at six when Brandi Smith, who had a game-high 25 points, hit a late stride for Whitley. The junior guard drove to the hole for a basket and the foul with 6 seconds showing. Smith missed the free throw but came through with the rebound, putback and another foul with 3 seconds left. This time Smith hit her foul shot to make it 56-55. Hallie Jones of Whitley was called for her fourth foul on the inbounds play, sending Saylor, who finished with 13 points, to the foul line where she sealed the win with two free throws. “We’ve been talking to Ciara about becoming more of a scoring threat. I’ve talked to her and told her how much I believe in her and her ability to score, and that I want to see her look to score more. She did that tonight,” McWhorter said. “I was proud of her for not giving up. She hit one early and then she missed a couple. It’s easy for a kid after they miss a couple to get down on themselves but then she stepped up and hit a big 3, drove the ball to the hole, got to the free throw line and did some good things for us.”  Harris and Fox helped Lincoln get started in building its first-half lead by tallying the game’s first two buckets. Harris went inside for her two points and Fox followed with a  driving layup off a steal. Kourtney Belcher also helped the Lady Patriot offense along with four points and Saylor pushed in five points, including a 3-point goal, as the lead grew to 15-5. Fox, Harris and Saylor would dominate Lincoln’s scoring in the victory with Fox getting a team-high 17 points and Harris and Saylor both contributing 13 points. Fox also had five of Lincoln’s seven steals. McWhorter said she was happy to see three Lady Pats – any Lady Pats – in double digits in a game. “Tonight, had more than one kid do what you’re supposed to do to win and I’ve always said that, when we have three people in double digits, we’re hard to beat.” Belcher did not quite reach double figures, finishing with six points, but she did come up with two big buckets, and a bruise or two in Lincoln’s early run. “Kourtney played well really early. But she took some hits. She went down there with a little bump and bruise, and was moving slow,” McWhorter said. Three-point shooting kept Whitley in the game in the first quarter with Maria Johnson and Taylor Dingess both hitting treys in the 17-8 first period. Rachel Spangler, Belcher and Fox had a bucket apiece in a 6-2 second-quarter opening run to give Lincoln its biggest lead of the game, 23-10. Johnson, who finished with 17 points on 5-for-6 shooting from 3-point range, followed the run with her second trey and added a third just before the half to make it 29-20. However, Lincoln’s Kelsi Honaker closed the half with a drive to the bucket for a 31-20 margin. The lead foundered after play resumed in the second half as the Lady Colonels went on their 15-4 scoring tear to even the game at 35-all. Smith scored 10 of her 25 points in the run and Johnson had the other five as Whitley whittled away at Lincoln’s lead. The two also hit a 3-pointer apiece early in the fourth to keep the game deadlocked at 41. “She (Johnson) shot lights out today. She’s been one of their leading scorers all year, her and No. 20. They are two good ball players on a good team,” McWhorter said. “They hit some big shots. Credit to their kids. They stepped up and made some big baskets at crucial times. We didn’t do so great defensively at times and some of those were the adjustments that we made at halftime.” Lincoln did open up a 46-41 lead after a Fox three-point play and two free throws but the score would be tied again at 46 and 48 before the Lady Patriots could put the Lady Colonels away. “We’re proud of our girls for fighting it out, sticking it out. We’re happy to come out on top,” said McWhorter. “We’ve just got to get over the hump of letting teams cut into our lead once we’ve established the lead, and try to extend on that lead rather than giving it up.”   Lincoln was 18-for-44 overall from the field, 2-for-12 from 3, and went 20-for-25 at the foul line, 14-for-19 the second half. Whitley finished 19-for-43 from the field, 7-for-18 from 3, and was 10 of 11 at the free throw line.  The Lady Pats held a 23-21 edge on the boards with Harris getting six rebounds and Spangler five. Bethany Powers had five boards for Whitley. 2013-01-09 07:26:04.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-lincoln-ky-basketball-lady-patriots-survive-scare-at-whitley-county-5855-20130109,0,431280.story

ij-lincoln-ky-basketball-conway-gets-22-points-as-lincoln-boys-take-down-harlan-county-6054-20130109 Basketball: Conway gets 22 points as Lincoln boys take down Harlan County 60-54 January 9, 2013 LEXINGTON — After a disappointing 1-8 start, the Lincoln County boys have caught fire and won six of their last seven games. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-50ed87be/turbine/ij-lincoln-ky-basketball-conway-gets-22-points-as-lincoln-boys-take-down-harlan-county-6054-20130109/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50ed87be/turbine/ij-lincoln-ky-basketball-conway-gets-22-points-as-lincoln-boys-take-down-harlan-county-6054-20130109/400/16x9 LEXINGTON — After a disappointing 1-8 start, the Lincoln County boys have caught fire and won six of their last seven games. The Patriots latest victory came on the road as they defeated Harlan County 60-54 Saturday in the Dunkin Donuts Shootout at Lexington Catholic High. “We’ve come a long way,” Lincoln coach Jeff Jackson said. “We’re excited about the progress we think our kids are making. Hopefully we’ll continue to get better and work hard and have good practices.” Sophomore guard Jacob Conway led the Patriots in the win with a game-high 22 points, including 13 of 14 free throws. Brandon Pittman and BJ Hoover, both sophomores, also hit double figures, with Pittman getting 12 points and Hoover 10. Lincoln (7-9) led for most of the game and was up by nine with 6 minutes, 16 seconds to play after three straight treys from Neil Conley, Hoover and Pittman. But the Patriots, who shot 45 percent (15-for-33) from the field, would not score another field goal the remainder of the game – and Harlan County took advantage. The Black Bears (14-2) broke on a 10-3 run in the fourth quarter to challenge the Patriots, with Chad Massingill, who led his team with 21 points, scoring six points in the run to make it a 48-46 ballgame with 2:47 to play. Harlan County fell short in its rally effort, though, with Lincoln going 15-for-18 from the foul line in the final four minutes of the game to hold off the Black Bears. Jackson said he was pleased with the maturity shown by his young team, which has four sophomores in the starting lineup and a sophomore and junior coming off the bench. “We didn’t panic, we didn’t get rattled. I see our sophomores getting a little more composure and a little more experienced,”¿said Jackson. “It was a telling tale today for our kids because we’ve lost a couple games early where we’ve been in that situation and we didn’t respond well to the runs.” The Lincoln mentor was also pleased that the Patriots could seal the win at the line. “We’ve not been making our free throws down the stretch so we shot a lot of free throws before we left today,” Jackson said. “We have some kids that can shoot the ball and we really try to emphasize putting those in the basket late in the game. And we did that. I was proud of how we shot them and hope that trend will continue.” Luke Hill converted on a three-point play early in the first quarter to give Lincoln its first lead of the game, 5-4. Timmy Taylor and Hoover followed the three-point play with back-to-back 3-pointers  to extend the lead to 11-6. Lincoln was 8-for-19 from 3 for the game. Pittman scored four points late in the opening frame to give Lincoln  a 17-12 advantage. The margin was 22-14 just over a minute into the second quarter with Hill scoring with a jumper and Hoover draining a trey. But Tyler Brewer, who finished with 10 points, answered with six straight points for the Black Bears to chip away at the Lincoln lead, and Massingill and Aaron Caldwell followed with back-to-back buckets to tie the game at 22. Pittman ended the 8-0 run with a 3-pointer to edge Lincoln back on top, and Conway made it 32-26 at the half with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer. Harlan County erased Lincoln’s lead again in the third quarter, using an 8-1 run to move ahead. Brewer opened the run with a bucket in the paint, Massingill added a field goal and free throw and Sergent hit from 3-point range to put the Black Bears up 34-33 midway of the period. After trading baskets with Harlan County, Lincoln collected a free throw toss from Pittman then Conley hit for his 3-point goal at the end of the third quarter to put the Patriots on top to stay. “Our kids played well,” said Jackson. “They are so strong and physical, they kind of knock you around. We’re not big and strong right now, but we’re getting better as a basketball team. Hopefully, we’ll continue to do that. We’re fortunate to come out with the win but we are excited about the progress we think our kids are making.” Harlan County shot 43 percent (18-for-42) from the field. The Black Bears were 16-for-24 from the foul line. Lincoln was 22-for-27 overall from the line Harlan County dominated on the glass 26-16 led by Caldwell’s seven boards and Brewer’s six. Conley led Lincoln with four rebounds, Hoover, Conway and Hill each had three.  Lincoln had nine turnovers to Harlan’s 11. 2013-01-09 07:16:05.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-lincoln-ky-basketball-conway-gets-22-points-as-lincoln-boys-take-down-harlan-county-6054-20130109,0,1297361.story

ij-basketball-lincoln-girls-claim-5745-victory-over-garrard-20130105 Basketball: Lincoln girls claim 57-45 victory over Garrard January 5, 2013 LANCASTER — It took overtime to decide the outcome of the last two Lincoln girls’ games, but the Lady Patriots didn’t need an extra period to finish out the week, claiming a 57-45 win over Garrard County Friday. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-50e86972/turbine/ij-basketball-lincoln-girls-claim-5745-victory-over-garrard-20130105/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50e86972/turbine/ij-basketball-lincoln-girls-claim-5745-victory-over-garrard-20130105/400/16x9 LANCASTER — It took overtime to decide the outcome of the last two Lincoln girls’ games, but the Lady Patriots didn’t need an extra period to finish out the week, claiming a 57-45 win over Garrard County Friday. That’s a decently close margin, but in reality Lincoln dominated. The No 19 Lady Patriots (12-3, 2-0 45th District) never trailed in the district battle, jumping out to a 12-1 lead in the first quarter and leading by as many as 32 points in the second half. The final score could have been so much worse had Garrard (8-2, 0-2) not outscored Lincoln 20-0 in the final 7 minutes, 32 seconds. “The final score didn’t show the difference that was there early, but I got some of our younger kids in there the second half,” Lincoln coach Cassandra McWhorter said. “They need to have opportunities to get ready for next year, to face varsity opponents and bigger, stronger girls. They got that tonight. It showed some weaknesses that we have to improve on, but that helps us learn and get better.” Garrard coach Scott Bolin agreed that the final outcome was misleading. “Obviously, the score doesn’t indicate it tonight, but we’re a nice team,” he said. “We didn’t play well offensively. We turned (the ball) over at some bad times, we missed a lot of point-blank shots, and once we started missing some shots we didn’t do a good job of recovering.” The Lady Lions’ offensive woes showed early. The team, which finished at 15-for-44 (34 percent) overall from the field, iced over in the opening frame, going 1-for-12. Devin Conley, who led Garrard with 13 points, connected for the lone goal with just 6.8 seconds on the clock, ending a 10-0 Lincoln run. “We did (struggle),” said Bolin. “Had some good looks at (basket), but you’ve just got to hunker down and play, and we didn’t do that for a long time. Against a really good team like Lincoln, they make you pay for it. And that’s what happened tonight.” Lincoln, which finished at 45 percent shooting, going 24-for-53 from the field, also struggled early before Emily Fox, who had a game-high 19 points, drove inside for a layup to ignite the 10-0 Lincoln run. The Lady Pats were 1-for-5 before Fox hit. Rachel Spangler, who finished with eight points and a game-high 10 rebounds in a 32-27 Lincoln win on the glass, also drove inside for a bucket in the run. Sydney Harris followed with two free throws and Kourtney Belcher closed with back-to-back buckets for a 12-1 advantage. “Both teams struggled in the first putting the ball in the hole. We were like 0-for-3 and they were like 0-for-4, well it was 0-for-a lot for both teams,” McWhorter said. “Once we got a couple shots to fall it got us going, and defensively our intensity picked up and we got on a roll.” And Lincoln kept rolling. Fox sparked another Lincoln run before the first ended, driving the baseline for a bucket as the buzzer sounded. The Lady Pats would rip off 11 unanswered points in the run, opening the second quarter with baskets by Spangler, Kelsi Honaker and Harris and a 3-pointer from Fox to make it 23-4. “We came out and played really well after some rest,” McWhorter said. “I gave the girls Wednesday off after playing Danville and going into a double overtime. I felt like they needed the day off to go home and rest. We had a long trip to Florida and I think they came back energized tonight and, once we started hitting,  we played more of how we are capable of playing.” Garrard managed to get its offense righted before the half, going 4-for-6 over the final 5 minutes to get within 27-16. Victoria Floyd, who finished with 11 points, picked up a three-point play and a field goal, Kelly Smith and Conley got a bucket apiece while Autumn Murray sank two free throws and Conley got one. Lincoln reserves Caitlin Hall and Tiandra Hocker would close out the first-half scoring, with Hall draining a 3-pointer and Hocker scoring off a Spencer Sims assist to double-up on Garrard, 32-16. The assist by Sims was one of 15 for the Lady Patriots in the win. “I thought the girls did a good job moving the ball and finding each other when we were open,” McWhorter said. “We had 15 assists tonight and I told them before the game our goal was to have 15 or more assists and 12 or fewer turnovers. We got one category but didn’t get other (17 turnovers).” The Lady Patriots spent the third quarter cushioning their lead, outpointing Garrard 23-9. Fox scored 10 of the 23 points in the third, Hocker had six points, Ciara Saylor had three and Spangler and Belcher each had two points. Poor shooting kept Garrard from challenging Lincoln’s lead in the third. Conley scored to open the period and Smith followed with a putback, but a span of 4 minutes passed before Garrard collected another goal. Ryan Cain, who had 12 points, nailed a 3-pointer to end the drought at the 2:48 mark. Lincoln led 55-25 at the end of the third and Saylor hit inside to open the fourth quarter and make it a 32-point ballgame. And then Garrard came firing back. Cain nailed a 3-point shot to set off a closing 20-0 scoring run. Cain had nine points in the run, including a second trey and a three-point play. Conley picked up three points in the run, Smith had two points and Floyd added six, converting on a three-point play for the 57-45 final. “We didn’t quit. We kept playing,” said Bolin. “The good thing about this team is there is a lot of skill there, there’s a lot of heart there. The problem with this team right now is we have to believe in ourselves. When things are going right, we do. When things start going the wrong way and we get back on our heels a little bit, we start questioning.” “No excuses on our point,”�he said. “We just got beat. Lincoln County’s a very nice team and they handed it to us tonight. We lost the battle, hopefully we won’t lose the war. We’ll see what happens down the road.” Lincoln was just 4-for-4 from the foul line while Garrard was 12-for-18. Smith led Garrard on the boards with eight rebounds. Cain had six. Fox and Hocker had four rebounds each for Lincoln and Hall and Honaker had three apiece. Lincoln Co.    14    18    23    2    57 Garrard Co.    4    12    9    20     45 LINCOLN (12-3, 2-0D) - Emily Fox 19, Ciara Saylor 5, Sydney Harris 4, Rachel Spangler 8, Kourtney Belcher 6, Kelsi Honaker 2, Spencer Sims 2, Caitlin Hall 3, Tiandra Hocker 8. GARRARD (8-3, 0-2D) - Autumn Murray 3, Devin Conley 13, Ryan Cain 12, Victoria Floyd 11, Kelly Smith 6 2013-01-05 09:59:24.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-basketball-lincoln-girls-claim-5745-victory-over-garrard-20130105,0,790437.story

amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-girls-outlast-danville-7269-in-double-overtime-20130102 Basketball: Lincoln girls outlast Danville 72-69 in double overtime January 2, 2013 STANFORD — Not everything about the game pleased here, but Lincoln County coach Cassandra McWhorter liked what mattered most. By LARRY VAUGHT http://www.trbimg.com/img-50e45935/turbine/amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-girls-outlast-danville-7269-in-double-overtime-20130102/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50e45935/turbine/amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-girls-outlast-danville-7269-in-double-overtime-20130102/400/16x9 STANFORD — Not everything about the game pleased here, but Lincoln County coach Cassandra McWhorter liked what mattered most. “I told my team to do the bad things we did and keep battling and come back and win against a good team like this shows me a lot,” said McWhorter after her team outlasted Danville 72-69 in double overtime. “We had won the championship game in overtime by one point in Florida against a team from Virginia that had not been beat and then went to Disney World and didn’t finally get home to about 1:30 (p.m.) yesterday. I¿knew we might be a little sluggish early, but to battle and win like this is incredible.” That’s because three different times it looked like the Admirals were going to start 45th District play by knocking off Lincoln, the defending 12th Region champion and favorite to repeat. • Lincoln trailed 53-51 in overtime when it took a timeout with 4.5 seconds to play after Clara Saylor recovered a loose ball after a near Danville steal. Danville had a foul to give without putting Lincoln at the foul line, but the Patriots got the ball to Emily Fox — who hit a 3-pointer with 22 seconds left to trim the lead to 52-51 — and she worked her way along the baseline to score just before the buzzer. “I wasn’t thinking about it, but looking back now maybe I would have thought they would foul to stop the clock,” McWhorter said. Danville was supposed to foul. “We had four players that knew that and the one who didn’t remember was the one who was guarding Fox,” Danville coach Judie Mason said. • In overtime, Danville had a 64-61 lead with 10.4 seconds left after Kasey Young hit the first of two free throws. Lincoln called timeout with 3.4 seconds left and McWhorter inserted sophomore Spencer Sims and freshman Cristin Hall in the game. “They can both hit 3-pointers and they can both hit free throws,” McWhorter said. Fox inbounded the ball and there was a play to get it back to her. However, Hall realized she was covered and found Sims open in the corner. She launched a 3-point bomb — her first shot of the game — that hit nothing but net to tie the game. “As a former point guard, I loved the assist but that’s a shot she’ll remember the rest of her life,” McWhorter said. Mason might, too. “I told our girls not to let them catch the ball outside the 3-point line. Let them drive and score,” Mason said. “I didn’t want to foul because I thought they might jump into us or something. It was a lucky shot, but we let her get the ball and take it.” • In the second overtime, Lincoln had a 69-64 lead with 51.3 seconds left after Sydney Harris hit four straight free throws and Fox made one. But Danville wouldn’t fold and got a basket off a steal by Kasey Young and another Young goal inside after one free throw by Harris to cut the lead to 70-69 with 6.5 seconds left. Lincoln could have basically let time run out since Danville was out of timeouts, but the Patriots threw the ball inbounds and Danville eighth-grader Alyvia Walker knocked the ball loose and was fouled with 3.7 seconds left. Danville was in the double bonus, but Walker — Danville’s second best free throw shooter — missed both shots. Chansler Gilbert added two free throws to ice the win for Lincoln. “I felt great to have her on the line. She’s not an eighth-grader with as much as she has played for me,” Mason said. “She wasn’t intimidated. She just missed the shots.” That was part of a painful process for Danville. The Admirals were just 18 of 36 at the foul line as Young went 8-for-14 and Essence Grey 7-for-16. Young led Danville with 31 points on 11-for-28 shooting from the field and eight rebounds and Grey had 14 points and seven boards. Danville was 24 of 72 from the field. “We had our best shooters in position to make shots for us to win,”Mason said. “I can’t complain about anything we did except for those two shots (to extend the game). I feel like we won the game three times.” Harris matched Young with 31 points and also had seven rebounds and two blocks. Harris was 12 of 21 from the field, including 0-for-4 from 3-pont range. Fox, who had a team-high eight rebounds, had 18 points on 5-for-9 shooting from the field and 6-for-8 at the foul line. Lincoln won the rebounding battle 43-28 as Rachel Spangler and Kourtney Belcher both also had seven rebounds. Spangler also led the team with three assists. Danville’s pressure defense took a toll, though, on Lincoln as the Patriots committed 29 turnovers. “Our defense left a lot to be desired at times and we made a lot of mistakes on offense,”McWhorter said. “But we stepped up big time in crucial situations, something we have done all season. When we’ve need stops in crucial situations, we’ve got them. And it seemed like everybody we played tonight did something special to help us win.” There were seven lead changes and four ties in the first half when Lincoln took a 25-23 lead behind 16 points from Harris. Danville ended the third frame on a 9-0 run to take a 38-34 lead. The Admirals had a 49-42 lead with only 2:13 left in period four before Fox got seven points in 90 seconds to set the stage for her shot that sent the game into overtime. After the game, Fox was honored for becoming the school’s all-time leading scorer during the holiday trip to Florida. She now has 1,713 points — or 31 more than her coach had during her Lincoln career when she set the scoring record. “She’s not getting as many shots this year because so many teams are keying on her,” McWhorter said. “But I’m proud she’s got the record and hope she adds a lot more points to it before this season is over.”   Danville        15    23    38    53    64    69 Lincoln Co.    13    25    34    53    64    72 DANVILLE (8-4) — Kasey Young 31, Essence Grey 14, Laken Grey 9, Jordan Leavell 8, C.J. McPherson 5, Alyvia Walker 2. LINCOLN (11-3) — Sydney Harris 31, Emily Fox 18, Kourtney Belcher 6, Chansler Gilbert 6, Tiandra Hocker 3, Kelsi Honaker 3, Spencer Sims 3. 2013-01-05 09:45:12.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-girls-outlast-danville-7269-in-double-overtime-20130102,0,4764837.story

amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-county-boys-pound-danville-7240-20130102 Prep Basketball: Lincoln County boys pound Danville 72-40 January 2, 2013 STANFORD — The score was one-sided from the start, but Lincoln County coach Jeff Jackson insisted Tuesday’s 72-40 victory over Danville Tuesday in the 45th District opener for both teams was not as easy as it seemed. By LARRY VAUGHT http://www.trbimg.com/img-50e456e4/turbine/amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-county-boys-pound-danville-7240-20130102/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50e456e4/turbine/amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-county-boys-pound-danville-7240-20130102/400/16x9 STANFORD — The score was one-sided from the start, but Lincoln County coach Jeff Jackson insisted Tuesday’s 72-40 victory over Danville Tuesday in the 45th District opener for both teams was not as easy as it seemed. “I never thought the score would be like this,” said Jackson. “They are athletic, probably the most athletic team in the (12th) region. But we moved the ball well and shot well. We got off to a good start.” That good start was due in large part to Jacob Conway, who had a game-high 23 points on 9-for-14 shooting from the field. He had nine points in just over six minutes to help the Patriots take a 15-6 lead and then Lincoln’s defense — or Danville’s inept offense — turned the game into a mismatch. Danville (3-10) didn’t have a field goal the final 12 minutes, 18 seconds of the first half. The Admirals had just three free throws in the second quarter when the Patriots expanded a 17-8 lead to 30-11 at intermission. “They are a dangerous team, but we never let them get anything going,” Jackson said. “We rebounded well. We limited their second shots and most shots they did take were contested. They go to the glass really well, but we didn’t let them. “Conway helped us get off to a great start. Defensively, everybody played well. Jacob has got to score but Timmy (Taylor) also did a great job running the team. We are improving and it showed tonight.” Lincoln went 25-for-50 from the field and 12-for-16 at the foul line and outrebounded Danville 32-28. The Admirals were only 14-for-41 from the field and also had 13 turnovers. It was Danville’s second lowest scoring game of the season and led to a fifth straight loss. “I thought we missed some open shots early and then we took ourselves out of the game defensively,” Danville coach Andrew Zaheri said. “They made some shots and we are on a long losing streak and it was like, ‘Oh no, here we go again.’ We had a good walk-through (practice) today. But we just couldn’t get anything to go our way at the beginning of the game and it was like we lost all confidence. “One good thing for us will be getting back in school. We have been to two Christmas tournaments and out of a normal routine. We play again at Mercer County Saturday and I’m hoping get back in school and playing district and area teams will bring out the competitive fire in us and get us back going. We can play better than this.” Taylor added 14 points on 5-for-7 shooting for Lincoln and B.J. Hoover got 18 on 4-for-8 shooting. Alex Burnside got 15 points to lead Danville and freshman Jakobi Turner had 9. “We started Turner in our last tournament and we have to go ahead and play him because of some things he can add to our team.¿He just needs experience,” Zaheri said. “Lincoln really played well and shot well. We just have to find a way to get better like Lincoln has.” The Patriots, who had only nine turnovers, were coming off a holiday tournament in Florida that Jackson said helped his team. The Patriots have now won five of their last six games after losing seven straight. “Our kids battle. We played some very athletic teams in Florida and helped us in a game like this,” Jackson said. “Now we just have to make sure we keep getting better.”   Danville                8    11    23    40 Lincoln County    17    30    50    72 DANVILLE (3-8) — Alex Burnside 15, Jakobi Turner 9, Christian Gateskill-Fuqua 4, Damir Karanpandzic 2, Kyle Lange 2, J.B. Williams 2, John Roney 2, Trenton Johnson 1, Jawan Grey 1. LINCOLN (6-9) — Jacob Conway 23, Timmy Taylor 14, B.J. Hoover 14, John Sims 6, Neil Conley 6, Brandon Pittman 3, Luke Hill 4, Andrew Wilks 2. 2013-01-05 10:02:22.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/amn-prep-basketball-lincoln-county-boys-pound-danville-7240-20130102,0,6266639.story

ij-ky-basketball-outshot-at-charity-stripe-by-lexington-catholic-lincoln-county-lady-patriots-lose-6055-20121226 Basketball: Outshot at charity stripe by Lexington Catholic, Lady Patriots lose 60-55 December 26, 2012 LEXINGTON – Lincoln County hoped to hand Lexington Catholic a home loss Friday, but the Lady Knights stood their ground to turn back the Lady Patriots 60-55. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-50db7509/turbine/ij-ky-basketball-outshot-at-charity-stripe-by-lexington-catholic-lincoln-county-lady-patriots-lose-6055-20121226/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50db7509/turbine/ij-ky-basketball-outshot-at-charity-stripe-by-lexington-catholic-lincoln-county-lady-patriots-lose-6055-20121226/400/16x9 LEXINGTON – Lincoln County hoped to hand Lexington Catholic a home loss Friday, but the Lady Knights stood their ground to turn back the Lady Patriots 60-55. Lincoln (6-2) had the points it needed to win from the field, connecting on 23 of 50 shot attempts, including three 3-pointers for 49 points while Lexington Catholic was just 14-for-39 from the field, with six treys for 34 points.  But the Lady Knights (4-4) outshot the Lady Patriots at the free throw line to claim victory, sinking 26 shots on 28 trips to the charity stripe compared to Lincoln’s 6-for-9 effort. “They got to the free throw line a lot. They attacked the rim well,” Lincoln coach Cassandra McWhorter said. “I thought we attacked the rim pretty good ourselves, but they go to the free throw line 28 times and we go 9 times. That’s the difference in the ballgame tonight – the free throw line. We shot the ball well from the floor from 2-points, we shared the ball well, we had a lot of assists.” “I’m not upset with our girls’ effort. I thought we played hard, we played together. We just couldn’t seem to get to the free throw line as many times as they did.” Lexington Catholic senior Octavia Wilson outshot Lincoln from the free throw line all by herself, going 14-for-16 as she led all scorers with 22 points. “(Wilson) stepped up and had a great ballgame for them, shooting the majority of their free throws,” McWhorter said. “That’s huge to get to the free throw line 16 times, and then she’s 14-for-16.” Lincoln led for most of the ballgame, with Sydney Harris putting up the first bucket of the game for a 2-0 lead and her 1,000th career point. The senior forward, who finished with 12 points, tallied half of her points in the first frame as the Lady Patriots posted a 21-16 lead. Emily Fox, who led Lincoln with 19 points, drained two 3-pointers in the first to help build on the lead. Rachel Spangler also hit from 3, Kourtney Belcher, who finished with 14 points, scored on a putback and Spencer Sims hit in the closing seconds to give the Lady Pats a 21-14 edge. Rachel Black, who had 10 points for the Lady Knights, sank two free throws with 6.9 seconds left to make it a five-point game. Lexington Catholic got limited looks at the basket in the second quarter with Lincoln forcing six turnovers and controlling the boards. The Lady Knights outrebounded the Lady Patriots 31-22 overall, but Lincoln grabbed six of LexCath’s seven missed shot attempts in the second.  Blake hit the Lady Knights’ two goals in the second quarter, the first coming with just 1:43 left in the first half and the second a quarter-ending layup to get her team within 31-25 of Lincoln at the break. The Lady Knights went 5-for-6 at the line in the second quarter. Most of the LexCath misses came early in the second quarter but Lincoln wasn’t able to capitalize due to its own offensive struggles, going 5-for-15 from the field and turning the ball over three times. The Lady Patriots pulled ahead 25-16 off baskets by Fox and Harris, however, Lincoln iced over from the field after Harris’ bucket, going scoreless for the next 3 minutes.  Belcher ended the scoring drought with 2:26 left in the half off a long pass from Spangler, Tiandra Hocker drove inside for two then Belcher hit again to put Lincoln up 31-23 only to have Blake close the half with her layup. LexCath finally closed the gap on Lincoln in the third quarter, with Sarah Cawood, who finished with 11 points, nailing back-to-back 3-pointers to open the second half and even the game at 31-all. Belcher answered with two quick baskets for Lincoln to edge the Lady Pats up 35-31, but the Lady Knights were not going to surrender. Wilson went to the line for two free throws and Hannah Gadberry drove inside for a layup before Suzanne Miller stepped behind the arc for a 3-pointer and the 38-37 lead,  the first for LexCath since a 10-7 edge in the first quarter. The Lady Pats pulled in front 43-40 off baskets by Harris, Belcher and Fox but Wilson would hit from 3 to tie it back up. The score was deadlocked at 45-all going into the fourth quarter. “I felt like we were in control of the game the whole game, but they stepped up big in the third quarter and hit a lot of 3s there that gave them momentum,”�McWhorter said. “I thought that was a shift in the game when they started hitting those shots. The girls still responded. We bounced back and kept ourselves in it, but we couldn’t seem to extend our lead or capitalize on any of their turnovers.” Chansler Gilbert opened the fourth for Lincoln with a jumper and, after two Bailey Browning free throws for LexCath, Ciara Saylor got one free throw toss and Fox hit two foul shots for a 50-47 Lady Pat lead. Wilson erased the lead with the Lady Knights’ final field goal, converting on a three-point play to make it 50-50 with 5:08 left in the game.  The Lady Knights wouldn’t need another field goal. They went to the foul line to ice the win, going 10-for-10 in the closing minutes.  “Lexington Catholic is a good solid team. They do a lot of things well,” said McWhorter. “This (loss) is not how you want to start your holiday tournament,  but we’ll learn from our mistakes and move on.” 2012-12-26 14:09:24.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-ky-basketball-outshot-at-charity-stripe-by-lexington-catholic-lincoln-county-lady-patriots-lose-6055-20121226,0,194129.story

ij-ky-basketball-slow-start-dooms-lincoln-county-boys-in-6452-loss-to-bryan-station-20121226 Basketball: Slow start dooms Lincoln boys in 64-52 loss to Bryan Station December 26, 2012 HARRODSBURG – The holiday break did not get off to a celebratory start for the Lincoln County boys basketball team. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-50db7443/turbine/ij-ky-basketball-slow-start-dooms-lincoln-county-boys-in-6452-loss-to-bryan-station-20121226/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50db7443/turbine/ij-ky-basketball-slow-start-dooms-lincoln-county-boys-in-6452-loss-to-bryan-station-20121226/400/16x9 HARRODSBURG – The holiday break did not get off to a celebratory start for the Lincoln County boys basketball team. Lincoln failed to show up for the first quarter Thursday night in the first round of the Farmer’s National Bank Fort Harrod Classic, digging a hole that was too deep to climb out of for the comeback as Bryan Station collected the 64-52 win at Mercer County. The Defenders exploded out to a 16-2 lead in the first quarter and the Patriots could not recover from the early deficit. Lincoln did battle back to cut the deficit to single digits by halftime before eventually dropping its sixth straight game. “They are good, and we knew that coming in, but we just got off to a bad start,” Lincoln coach Jeff Jackson said. “We talked to our kids about our mental preparation, our focus. If you are mentally ready to play, you don’t get off down 16-2. We had turnovers at 17 and, I promise you, 12 of them were more about decisions than it was them forcing us to do something.” Larry Morton, who led Bryan Station with 20 points, got the Defenders rolling with the game’s first five points off a bucket in the paint, a jumper and a free throw. Daquice Allen added four points, Jordan Henry and Kenyon Hipps had a bucket apiece and Matthew Hunter nailed a 3-pointer for the 16-2 lead. Luke Hill collected Lincoln’s two points in the opening run at the foul line. The Patriots (1-7) did not get their first shot to fall until just 1:22 remained in the first quarter. After eight missed Lincoln field goal attempts and five turnovers, Hill put up a jumper.  Hill, who had a game-high 26 points on 10-for-18 shooting, provided all of Lincoln’s scoring in the first quarter and had 14 of the team’s first 16 points. His 6-0 run late in the first got the Patriots within 16-8, and his shots early in the second quarter got them as close as 20-14. “Luke played his tail off,” Jackson said. “I thought Luke played really, really hard. He kept us in the game and got us back in the game. Luke likes to win, and I thought he played really well and really hard tonight. We’ve just got to keep feeding him the ball and get these other kids playing hard all the time and get them some experience.” Bryan Station (4-3) allowed Lincoln no closer than 20-14, bumping the margin back to double digits off a 10-2 run. Tyler Smith, who had a game-high 12 rebounds in the Defenders’ 35-24 win on the glass, scored off an offensive rebound to open the run then drove the lane for a second bucket. Allen, Henry and Morton each had a bucket in the run to put Bryan Station up 30-16 with 3:06 to play in the first half. The Defender lead had been whittled back down to six before the intermission, with the Patriots closing on an 8-0 run. Jacob Conway, who finished with 12 points and a team-high nine rebounds, drained a 3-pointer in the closing run and Timmy Taylor sank two free throws before nailing his own trey for a 30-24 ballgame. The Defenders had extended their lead to 15 points midway of the third before Hill responded with a basket and a three-point play for a 41-31 margin. The deficit was still 10 after two Taylor free throws and missed scoring opportunities in the final minute kept Lincoln from closing the gap any more. Hipps hit before the buzzer to give Bryan Station a 45-33 lead going into the fourth quarter. Lincoln trailed by as many as 14 points in the final frame and got as close as seven points three different times before Bryan Station secured the win. Lincoln’s deficit was at seven after two Conway free throws with 2:38 showing, eight following a 3-point shot by Brandon Pittman at the 1:35 mark and eight again with 51 seconds to go on a Conway trey. “We had chances in the second half. We just couldn’t really get it down under 10,”¿Jackson said.  Lincoln shot 39 percent in the loss, going 16-for-41 from the field, 4-for-17 from 3. At the line, Lincoln was 16-for-18. Bryan Station shot 44 percent, making good on 26 of 59 shot attempts, 3-for-16 from 3. The Defenders were 9-for-17 at the foul line. Lincoln had 17 turnovers in the game compared to 11 for Bryan Station.  Junior reserve guard Josh Sims and senior reserve guard Shade Jacobs were the only two Patriots without turnovers, with Sims seeing his longest playing time in the Bryan Station game. “I thought Josh Sims came in and defended well tonight,”¿Jackson said. “Josh can guard you and hopefully he’ll step up and push for some more minutes. I was pleased with what he did out there tonight.” After six straight losses, Jackson said the Patriots need to win.  “I know we’re young, but that’s no excuse. We’ve played eight games, we’ve had 40 practices. We have to find ways to win, and we’ve not done that yet,”¿he said. “We’ve got a lot to do but we will get it corrected, and we will get it straightened out. We’ll just keep working and working until we get better. We just need to win a game.”  2012-12-26 14:06:15.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-ky-basketball-slow-start-dooms-lincoln-county-boys-in-6452-loss-to-bryan-station-20121226,0,1584719.story

amn-prep-basketball-harris-leads-lincoln-girls-to-8578-victory-over-scott-20121216 Basketball: Harris leads Lincoln girls to 85-78 victory over Scott December 16, 2012 STANFORD — Every time the Lincoln County girls needed a big play Friday, Sydney Harris was ready to make it. By HAL MORRIS http://www.trbimg.com/img-50cdd47e/turbine/amn-prep-basketball-harris-leads-lincoln-girls-to-8578-victory-over-scott-20121216/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50cdd47e/turbine/amn-prep-basketball-harris-leads-lincoln-girls-to-8578-victory-over-scott-20121216/400/16x9 STANFORD — Every time the Lincoln County girls needed a big play Friday, Sydney Harris was ready to make it. The senior forward helped the Patriots open a big lead on Scott County early, then helped them stave off a rally with seven straight points in the fourth quarter that led to an 85-78 victory. Harris hit three 3-pointers, went 10 for 11 at the free throw line and scored a 29 points and pulled down a game-high 14 rebounds as host Lincoln won its third straight game. “It’s very exciting to come back and play like myself, because I’ve had a few off games and it’s just good to be able to come back and feel like my old self,” Harris said. “I just felt more active, and it was just something different.” Harris scored 13 points in the second half, but her best stretch came when Scott was threatening to take the lead. Lincoln (6-1)¿ ed 69-52 with 5 minutes, 50 seconds to play on Emily Fox’s layup, but Scott (7-2) went on an 11-0 run and trimmed the lead to 69-63 with 4:03 remaining. Harris scored the Patriots’ next seven points, hitting a runner in the lane, converting a three-point play and getting a fast-break layup. Rachel Spangler then scored on a layup as Lincoln led 78-64 with 2:23 left to play, and the Cardinals never got closer than seven again. Lincoln was 6 for 8 from the line over the final 3:17 and finished the game 27 for 31. “(Coach Cassandra McWhorter) just said keep playing defense and try not to foul, because they were already in the double-bonus,” Harris said. “It’s a really good win, especially because they’re not only good this year, they’ve been good in previous years. It’s just a really good program.” McWhorter said this was the kind of game she’s been waiting for Harris to have. “Sydney really stepped up tonight. That’s the Sydney Harris that I liked to see, and she’s really worked harder on her game this summer,” McWhorter said. “And I’m really happy she stepped up and has a big game tonight against a good team.” Spangler had 14 points and 11 rebounds, Fox shook off a tough shooting night and added 14 points with six rebounds and Kourtney Belcher had 10 points and six rebounds. Lincoln outrebounded Scott 49-36. Lincoln started to take control of the game early. The Patriots scored the last six points of the first quarter on a jumper from Spencer Sims, two free throws from Harris and a steal and layup from Fox to break a 12-all tie and take the lead for good. Scott forward Tereka Guyn picked up her second foul early in the second quarter, which sent her to the bench and opened up the inside for the Patriots, who took full advantage. They led 25-23 when Harris started a 13-6 run with a free throw and Belcher scored inside. Up 30-25, they got most of their work done at the foul line to close out the first half. Belcher was 6 for 6 at the line over the final 3:45, and Harris and Spangler made two free throws each to help Lincoln open a 45-29 halftime lead. Lincoln was 11 for 13 from the line in the second quarter and 18 for 21 in the first half. “We took advantage of when Guyn got in foul trouble, and we were able to get the ball inside and were able to push the ball, and when we push the ball, good things happen,” McWhorter said. Despite going just 5 for 18 from the field in the third quarter, Lincoln was able to keep its double digit lead. Fox’s 3-pointer made it 48-31 with 6:38 left in the quarter, and Scott never got closer than nine at 55-46. But Sims, who had eight points and five rebounds, hit a jumper and made two free throws to close out the third period and give Lincoln a 59-46 lead. Lincoln finished 27 for 65 from the field and hit just four of 22 3-point shots. Scott was 28 for 67 overall and 4 for 20 from 3-point range, and the Cardinals hit just 17 of 31 free throws, costing them a chance to stay close. Audriana Christopher scored a game-high 30-points for Scott, Guyn had 16 points and 11 rebounds and Laura Szorenyi had 17 points. McWhorter said Friday’s win was a big one for the Patriots heading into tournaments over the next two weeks at Lexington Catholic and in Windermere, Fla. “It’s good when playing a good team like Scott County and get the win. They’ve got good players, they’ve got strong players, they were 7-1 coming into tonight, and when you can control the tempo of the game and withstand their pushes and their charges at you, that’s a huge succes and things we can build on,” she said. “You don’t like to see them cut into the lead as much as they did late in the game, but still we withstood that and came out on top.” Scott County       12    29    46    78 Lincoln County    18    45    59    85 SCOTT (7-2) — Audriana Christopher 30, Tereka Guyn 16, Danielle Defoor 9, Laura Szorenyi 17, Tamara Ray 6. LINCOLN (6-1) — Emily Fox 14, Ciara Saylor 2, Sydney Harris 29, Rachel Spangler 14, Kourtney Belcher 10, Chansler Gilbert 6, Spencer Sims 8, Cristin Hall 2. 2012-12-19 07:19:00.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/amn-prep-basketball-harris-leads-lincoln-girls-to-8578-victory-over-scott-20121216,0,6398747.story

ij-basketball-lincoln-ky-boys-drop-fifth-straight-lose-6345-to-henderson-county-20121219 Basketball: Lincoln boys drop fifth straight, lose 63-45 to Henderson County December 19, 2012 COLUMBIA – The Lincoln County Patriots trailed by just six points at halftime Saturday night, but struggled in the second half as they dropped their fifth game in a row. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-50d1d9e5/turbine/ij-basketball-lincoln-ky-boys-drop-fifth-straight-lose-6345-to-henderson-county-20121219/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50d1d9e5/turbine/ij-basketball-lincoln-ky-boys-drop-fifth-straight-lose-6345-to-henderson-county-20121219/400/16x9 COLUMBIA – The Lincoln County Patriots trailed by just six points at halftime Saturday night, but struggled in the second half as they dropped their fifth game in a row. Henderson County rode the momentum of a second-half surge to pull away and roll 63-45 over Lincoln in the McDonald’s Hoopin’ It Up Classic at Adair County. “The second half they cranked up their intensity level and we just didn’t respond very well,” Lincoln coach Jeff Jackson said. “They are very, very good. They are the best team we’ve played so far.” Turnovers and scoring lapses proved costly for Lincoln (1-6) in the holiday hoops tourney. Henderson (7-1) scored 28 points off Lincoln’s 22 turnovers and the Patriots’ offense struggled over the second, third and fourth quarters, going without a single field goal over three spans totalling over 16 minutes.  The Colonels went 4-for-6 from the field the first three minutes of the third quarter, including nailing two 3-pointers, to outscore Lincoln 10-2 and turn their six-point halftime lead into a 40-26 advantage. Lincoln was 0-for-7 during the same stretch.  Then, in a span of 6 minutes, 20 seconds in the fourth quarter Henderson went on a 13-2 run, using a 10-for-10 stint at the foul line to extend the lead to 61-40. Just like the third-quarter scoring slump, Lincoln collected its only points at the foul line. “They (Colonels) had a lot to do with that,” Jackson said of Lincoln’s offensive woes. “We just didn’t match their intensity the second half. They popped us in the mouth  a little bit and got physical and we didn’t respond very well.” “We’ve got to mature a little bit, be a little tougher mentally, be a little tougher physically and step up and match their intensity. That’s something we have to work on every day at practice and get better at.”  Lincoln held the early lead in the game, with Jacob Conway, who finished with 12 points and five rebounds, and BJ Hoover both stepping behind the arc for 3-pointers and a 6-4 lead. Hoover hit again from 3 late in the period for an 11-8 advantage only to have Corey Sanners, who led Henderson with 14 points, including four treys, nailing his first triple to even the score. Luke Hill, who led all scorers with 16 points, edged Lincoln back on top at the buzzer, taking a long pass from the back court and driving in for a layup and a 13-11 lead.  Lincoln, which was 15-for-38 from the field for 39 percent, experienced its first scoring drought to open the second quarter as Henderson broke on a 10-0 run. Sanners hit twice from 3-point range in the run, followed with a field goal and Cain Cooper collected two free throws to put the Colonels on top to stay, 21-13. Conway finally ended Lincoln’s drought 5:02 in with a 3-pointer. Hill went inside for three buckets and Timmy Taylor added a jumper to keep Lincoln within 28-24. However, Brady Norman hit for Henderson just before the break to make it a 30-24 ballgame. The Patriots turned the ball over five times in the first quarter and still managed to hold to their lead. They wouldn’t in the second as the Colonels scored eight points in their quarter-opening 10-0 run off Lincoln turnovers. “We had 10 turnovers in the first half, unforced. I don’t remember a turnover that they really forced us into in the first half,” Jackson said. “We missed a couple layups. We’re 2-for-6 from the line and we’re down six. If we  make our free throws, cut the turnovers in half and got more shot opportunities, we could have possibly had the lead at the half.” “We’ve got to learn to take better control of the ball and make free throws – those are huge.” Lincoln, which was 10-for-18 from the foul line overall, got two free throws from Hoover during the Patriots’ 4 minutes, 40 second drought from the field to start the second half. After seven missed field goal attempts, Taylor finally connected from 3.  Henderson’s biggest lead of the third was 14 points but Conway sank three free throw shots late and Hill got two buckets, including one at the buzzer to make it a 10-point, 46-36 game. Lincoln got just nine more points the rest of the way, though, as Henderson collected the win. “They are very good and well-coached,” Jackson said of Henderson. “They’ve got a heckuva program at Henderson County and they’re good every year. And they took it to us the second half tonight.” Henderson was 20-for-50 from the field for 40 percent, going 8-for-14 from 3-point range. The Colonels were 15-for-24 at the foul line. Lincoln was 5-for-16 from 3. Henderson outrebounded Lincoln 31-26 led by Kaleb Duckworth and Cooper with six boards apiece. Jalen Grimes had five. For Lincoln, Hoover, Brandon Pittman and Conway all had five rebounds and Hill had four. Henderson had just eight turnovers. 2012-12-19 07:17:05.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-basketball-lincoln-ky-boys-drop-fifth-straight-lose-6345-to-henderson-county-20121219,0,2104921.story

ij-basketball-lincoln-ky-girls-roll-to-34point-victory-over-australian-travel-team-20121212 Basketball: Lincoln girls roll to 34-point victory over Australian travel team December 12, 2012 The Lincoln County girls played a unique opponent Monday night. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-50c8c4db/turbine/ij-basketball-lincoln-ky-girls-roll-to-34point-victory-over-australian-travel-team-20121212/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50c8c4db/turbine/ij-basketball-lincoln-ky-girls-roll-to-34point-victory-over-australian-travel-team-20121212/400/16x9 The Lincoln County girls played a unique opponent Monday night. For the first time in their high school careers, the Lady Patriots faced a basketball team they knew nothing about as the Kilsyth Cobras, a traveling high school team from near Melbourne, Australia, made a stopover in Stanford during their tour of the United States. The Lincoln girls exchanged gifts with the Kilsyth girls before tipoff, but that’s where the hospitality ended as the Lady Patriots turned a 10-point halftime lead into a cakewalk, knocking off their guests 73-39.  “We had a little bit of a slow start but once we got going we played really well and moved the ball well, and I was pleased with our performance,” Lincoln coach Cassandra McWhorter said. “Coming out slow was maybe a little nerves because they were playing a team from a completely different country, but they got over that.”  Emily Fox shot Lincoln into the blowout, scoring 15 of her game-high 25 points during the Lady Patriots’ explosive 49-point second half.  Fox, who was 9-for-18 from the field, stepped behind the arc for all but two of her points, nailing 7 of 12 3-point shot attempts. She also had four assists and four steals. Lincoln (4-1) had three players in double figures, with Sydney Harris going 7-for-12 for 16 points and Kourtney Belcher going 3-for-7 from the field and 4-for-4 at the foul line for 10 points. Belcher was Lincoln’s top rebounder with eight boards.  The Lady Patriots shot 52 percent from the field, going 29-for-56 with 11 3-pointers. Lincoln also cleaned up on the glass, outrebounding Wayne 30-27, with 21 defensive boards. McWhorter knew Lincoln might be distracted by the unknown of playing Kilsyth, however, she said she was anxious to see the Lady Patriots’ response to the unfamiliarity. “I thought it was good for our girls to play somebody that they just completely don’t know anything about. To see how we prepare mentally for a game, to see if we come out ready, and see if we come out and do the little things we talk about in practice every day,”�she said. “I thought they did well.” Lincoln never trailed in the game, with Fox draining her first trey to get the scoring started. Maddy Taranto answered with a bucket for Kilsyth to make it 3-2. But that would be the only Kilsyth shot to fall in the first. The Cobras, who were 15-for-44 overall from the field for 34 percent, went 1-for-11 in the first. “We did a better job defensively and we mixed it up,”�McWhorter said. “I think it hurt them a little bit the way we mixed up our defenses. We try to mix up defenses and go with what’s working. It helps us to get into our offense a lot better, too. When things are going good defensively, it helps us to score easy baskets and that’s always nice.” Lincoln didn’t run into any of those easy baskets early on, with Fox’s trey the lone Lady Pat goal for the first 4 minutes, 32 seconds.   After a 1-for-7 start, McWhorter pulled her starters and replaced them with Spencer Sims, Tiandra Hocker, Caitlin Hall, Cristin Hall and Chansler Gilbert. Lincoln finished the first 4-for-7 and on an 8-1 run, with Hocker igniting the scoring surge with a jumper. Sims followed with a bucket inside then Caitlin Adams closed with back-to-back shots in the paint to boost Lincoln ahead 11-3. McWhorter said replacing her starters had little to do with performance and more with preparation for the season. “We’re deep and it’s early in the season, and I want to get everybody game experience because I think that helps you in the long run,”�she said. “Basketball is a long season. When you have 10 or 12 deep you want to get them all game experience so that way, when you do get to the end of the season, you’re not just throwing somebody in there.” “It’s always good to get game experience because then I�know they’ve been in there and I know they can handle pressure situations or they can handle the atmosphere.” Kirsty Grant opened the second quarter with a 3-pointer to end the Lincoln surge, but Harris followed with a layup to set off another Lady Patriot run.  Rachel Spangler, who had a game-high eight assists, added a bucket in the 21-2 blitz, Fox hit two 3-pointers, Harris knocked down seven more points and Belcher closed the run with back-to-back jumpers to cushion Lincoln’s lead to 32-8. Grant answered Belcher’s baskets with two 3-pointers to get Kilsyth within 32-14 near the end of the first half. That would be as close as the Cobras would get. Lincoln blew the game wide open in the third quarter with a 34-9 run before moving on for the win. “I’m pleased with the overall outcome tonight, but there are still a lot of little things that we can do better,” McWhorter said. “I preach about little things a lot and I think those little things will show up in the game film.”     Lincoln had just eight turnovers for the game compared to Kilsyth’s 20. Lincoln finished with 23 assists and 13 steals. Kilsyth had five assists and five steals. 2012-12-12 09:56:55.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-basketball-lincoln-ky-girls-roll-to-34point-victory-over-australian-travel-team-20121212,0,7300442.story

ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-boys-lose-second-squeaker-in-a-row-fall-6462-to-west-jessamine-20121212 Basketball: Lincoln boys lose second squeaker in a row, fall 64-62 to West Jessamine December 12, 2012 The Lincoln County boys basketball team dropped its fourth consecutive game Tuesday night, falling to visiting West Jessamine in a hotly contested battle.� By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-50c8c458/turbine/ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-boys-lose-second-squeaker-in-a-row-fall-6462-to-west-jessamine-20121212/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50c8c458/turbine/ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-boys-lose-second-squeaker-in-a-row-fall-6462-to-west-jessamine-20121212/400/16x9 The Lincoln County boys basketball team dropped its fourth consecutive game Tuesday night, falling to visiting West Jessamine in a hotly contested battle.  Chase Fain came through with the game-winner in the nailbiter, hitting a jumper with 4 seconds to play to push the Colts past the Patriots 64-62. “We talked about getting stops, and he just hit a tough, tough shot,” Lincoln coach Jeff Jackson said of Fain. “They’ve got a heckuva basketball team, a lot of talented players and a lot of seniors, and he’s one of those talented seniors.” The Colts (5-2) took a 62-59 lead with 50.8 seconds left off a Fain bucket in the paint and a Robby Irgang free throw, only to have Lincoln tie it up with 22.1 ticks to go off a Luke Hill basket and a BJ Hoover free throw. After a Lincoln timeout, West Jessamine took its time, holding the ball for the final shot. As the clock dropped under eight seconds, Fain moved to the left wing, glanced up at the clock then cut inside where he hit what proved to be the winning shot. The Colt senior finished with 18 points off 7-for-14 shooting and had six rebounds. “Chase is a senior and he’s the guy that we want to have the ball in that situation because he’s a good shooter,”  West Jessamine coach Damon Kelley said. “He can put the ball on the floor and finish, and he’s a good passer, too, if they double him. He made a nice play for us to win the game.” Lincoln (1-5) had time after the Fain shot to attempt a potential tying or game-winning goal, but could not get off a shot before the buzzer. “We didn’t execute at the end,” Jackson said. “When they scored, I should have called timeout but, too, we had something set to get the ball in. Four seconds is a long time, but we didn’t execute.” The Patriots had their share of chances before Fain ever took his final shot. They outscored the Colts from the field, connecting on 24 of 42 shot attempts for 57 percent, including an 8-for-16 effort from 3.  West Jessamine also shot well at 51 percent, but had two less shots to fall from both 2-point and 3-point range, going 22-for-43 from 2 and 6-for-10 from 3. It was at the charity stripe that West Jessamine got the edge it needed, sinking 14 of 20 foul shot attempts while Lincoln finished at 6-for-12. The Patriots were just 3-for-7 in the fourth quarter. “We had opportunities. If we’d just made our free throws it could be a different story,” Jackson said. “They got three offensive rebounds under three minutes (to play) and got two baskets and got fouled on the other one. We were 3 out of 7 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter and one of those is a front end. We make our free throws, we get one or two of those rebounds that we didn’t get and it could’ve been different.” Neither team led by more than seven points in the game, with the margin averaging around three points. There were five ties in the game and 10 lead changes. West Jessamine owned the early lead with Rashawn Jackson tallying the first basket. Jacob Conway, who had 22 points for Lincoln, got the Patriots started with two free throws to tie it up. The two teams traded buckets until the two minute mark of the first quarter when Lincoln broke on a 10-2 run. Hoover and Conway bombed in back-to-back 3-pointers, Luke Hill followed with an inside bucket then Conway closed with a jumper to put the Patriots up 19-12. “Lincoln is young but they are very disciplined, very mature,”¿Kelley said. “They did a very good job of being disciplined until we made a mistake and then they shot the lights out when we did. It’s one thing to be disciplined and be patient but to actually then stick the shots as consistently as they did is a credit to them.” Fain pushed in 12 of his 18 points in the second quarter but could not help West Jessamine regain the lead.  Lincoln led by as many as seven points in the second period, bombing in four treys to hold West off. Shade Jacobs hit twice from 3 and Conway and Brandon Pittman each hit for one. Fain collected a trey and a field goal late in the first half and Daulton Peters scored off a missed Colt free throw to challenge Lincoln 32-31 before Pittman hit for his 3 to make it 35-31 at the break.  Lincoln was holding to a seven-point lead in the third quarter, with Hill, who had a game-high 25 points and 10 rebounds, getting nine in the frame. “They did a good job taking the 3s away the second half and Luke stepped up and I thought played a really good half,”¿Jackson said.  Kelley said it was a “pick your poison type of thing” when deciding how to defend against Lincoln. “The first half the 3s killed us, and the second half they hurt us inside,”¿he said. “We did a better job the second half in staying home on the shooters, but then they started to go to Hill more on the inside and we had a harder time stopping him and keeping him off the board.” West Jessamine did stop Hill enough to negate Lincoln’s lead. Will Henderson swished the nets for two 3-pointers, a bucket and two free throws and Daulton Peters, who led West with 22 points, closed the frame with a trey to tie the game at 46-all. Peters then sank two free throws to start the fourth and put West up 48-46. The lead would change four more times before Fain’s final bucket. Conway hit for Lincoln midway of the fourth for the final Pat lead, 57-54. Peters went 3-for-4 at the foul line and Fain went 1-for-2 to give the edge back to West, 59-57 with 2:08 to play. Hoover and Hill got a field goal apiece for Lincoln in the final 1:36 but missing two out of three free throws proved costly for the Pats as the Colts collected the win. “You know they are really good,”¿Jackson said of West Jessamine. “I voted them No. 1 in our region in pre-season. Our kids are hurting right now because they know how good West Jessamine is, but we didn’t make crucial stops and we didn’t make our free throws.” “Tonight, I thought we played hard and I¿thought our effort was good,” he added. “We’re getting better and I see improvement, but we’ve still got a long way to go.” 2012-12-12 09:54:52.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-boys-lose-second-squeaker-in-a-row-fall-6462-to-west-jessamine-20121212,0,60806.story

ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-girls-take-first-loss-at-hands-of-anderson-bearcats-20121212 Basketball: Lincoln girls take first loss at hands of Anderson Bearcats December 12, 2012 Two girls basketball teams off to great starts met Thursday on the hardwood of the J.C. Eddleman Gym in Stanford, and one team had to walk away with a loss. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-50c8c376/turbine/ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-girls-take-first-loss-at-hands-of-anderson-bearcats-20121212/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50c8c376/turbine/ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-girls-take-first-loss-at-hands-of-anderson-bearcats-20121212/400/16x9 Two girls basketball teams off to great starts met Thursday on the hardwood of the J.C. Eddleman Gym in Stanford, and one team had to walk away with a loss. Unfortunately for host Lincoln County, it was the Lady Patriots sustaining their first loss of the season, falling 56-46 to Anderson County. Eriel McKee and MacKenzie Cann burned the nets for a combined 40 points to lead the Lady Bearcats to victory. McKee had a team-high 22 points and Cann had 18. “We knew coming in that (McKee and Cann) were their top two players. We talked about their personnel, we knew what they had. We prepped the girls for those things,” Lincoln coach Cassandra McWhorter said. “But they are good players. They still come out and they still have good games. They stepped up, their players stepped up and played a really good game.” Anderson never trailed in the game, with McKee nailing a 3-point shot to open the game and Destiny Stewart adding a second trey. Fox, who led Lincoln with 22 points, got the Lady Patriot scoring started. Kourtney Belcher then scored for Lincoln off a Ciara Saylor assist and Sydney Harris sank two free throws to tie the game at 6-all before Anderson broke on a 9-2 run.  Kali Whiteside, who had eight points and 17 rebounds, hit inside on a putback to put Anderson (4-0) on top to stay, then McKee and Cann hit to make it 12-6. After a Tiandra Hocker jumper to close the first, Corrin Robinson hit from 3 for Anderson to make 15-8. Fox scored on a putback just before the half to get Lincoln within 24-22 but Mckee ended the first-half scoring to give Anderson a 26-22 lead.  Lincoln (3-1) would not overtake Anderson. Cann drained two 3-pointers and added a shot inside midway of the third to turn a five-point edge into a double-digit lead 41-30, and the Lady Bearcats never looked back. “We didn’t take advantage while Cann was out of the game (foul trouble) early. I�thought maybe we could have gotten the lead and taken advantage of that,” McWhorter said.�“We were unable to do that, and Cann and McKee stepped up and played a good ballgame.” Cann and McKee may have played well, but McWhorter said Lincoln didn’t help itself. “I felt like we threw the ball all over the gym tonight,”�she said. We had unforced turnovers that were just not necessary. You don’t want to see that happen with a veteran team. We did a poor job of taking care of the ball tonight.”  Lincoln shot 38 percent from the field, making good on 15 of 39 shot attempts, 3-for-16 from 3. The Lady Pats were 13-for-20 at the foul line. Anderson was at 44 percent on the night on 17-for-39 shooting,  5-for-13 from 3. The Lady Bearcats were 17-for-22 at the line. “We were pretty even on almost everything,”�said McWhorter. “Turnovers, assists and steals were even, shooting percentage from two was pretty even. They had two more from three and they went to the free throw line and knocked their free throws down and we didn’t. That was the difference.” Whiteside’s 17 rebounds led Anderson to a 34-31 win on the glass. Rachel Spangler led Lincoln with eight rebounds and Hocker had six. 2012-12-12 09:50:57.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-girls-take-first-loss-at-hands-of-anderson-bearcats-20121212,0,6433025.story

ij-basketball-lincoln-ky-boys-lose-heartbreaker-by-one-point-to-east-jessamine-20121212 Basketball: Lincoln boys lose heartbreaker by one point to East Jessamine December 12, 2012 Lincoln boys basketball coach Jeff Jackson says that the Patriots aren’t exactly dedicated to playing hard defensively, and that they couldn’t stop East Jessamine’s Ronnie Carson who poured in 30 points. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-50c8c203/turbine/ij-basketball-lincoln-ky-boys-lose-heartbreaker-by-one-point-to-east-jessamine-20121212/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50c8c203/turbine/ij-basketball-lincoln-ky-boys-lose-heartbreaker-by-one-point-to-east-jessamine-20121212/400/16x9 Lincoln boys basketball coach Jeff Jackson says that the Patriots aren’t exactly dedicated to playing hard defensively, and that they couldn’t stop East Jessamine’s Ronnie Carson who poured in 30 points. But the Patriots can shoot, and they hung around Friday night by making 21 of 41 shot attempts (51 percent), 7 of 21 from 3-point range to get the game to the wire before Carson and the Jaguars claimed the 59-58 win.  “We had a shot at the end. I�thought we played harder, but we’ve got to get better defensively,”�Jackson said. “We’ve talked to the kids about buying into our defense. As of right now, we’ve not bought into trying to get better on the defensive end of the floor. We have to keep working and be positive. We’ve got a lot of work to do.” Carson, a sophomore guard, was 8-for-15 from the field and 14-for-17 at the foul line for his 30 points. He also had eight rebounds and four assists. “He’s a really good player,”�said Jackson. “He gets in the lane. He’s quick and strong. We didn’t do a very good job of keeping him in front of us. We didn’t help like we need to. He’s 14 out of 17 from the line and he has 30 points. He was a big difference in the game.”  “We wanted to look at some zone if we could ever get ahead, but we could never get ahead,”�he added. “Hats off to them. They’ve got a good team. They hit some shots other than him too.” Lincoln, which led by as many as four points late in the first half, trailed by five with just 28 seconds remaining, but trimmed its deficit to 59-58 after a driving layup by Timmy Taylor and three foul shots by Jacob Conway. The Patriots (1-3) were whistled for a foul with 9 ticks left on the clock and Carson, who was almost perfect at the line throughout the game, missed both free throw tosses. Brandon Pittman grabbed the rebound for Lincoln off the second miss to set up a potential go-ahead shot.  Neil Conley was given the okay to shoot if he had a good shot, and he did. But the 3-point attempt from the left wing missed as time expired. “We had a good look,”�Jackson said. “We talked to Neil and he had a good look. And he’d shoot the same shot tomorrow if he had it. It just didn’t fall.” Conway, who led Lincoln with 18 points, gave the Patriots the early lead with a game-opening 3-pointer. Carson then drove the baseline for a bucket and followed with two free throws to edge East Jessamine out 8-3. Lincoln’s Pittman and Shade Jacobs and East’s Mike Jones traded 3-pointers as the Patriots pulled within 11-9 then Luke Hill, who finished with 14 points, added two free throws to make it 11-all.  The first quarter would not end in a tie, however, with Carson closing the first eight minutes with a three-point play for the Jaguars (5-1).  An 11-2 run in the second quarter helped Lincoln overtake East Jessamine. Pittman opened the run with a basket off a Taylor assist, Taylor then dished to BJ Hoover, Hoover followed with a 3-pointer, Conway put up a jumper and Hill closed the run with a basket off a Taylor assist to make it 22-18, Lincoln. Spencer Madden scored late in the half to edge East up 1 but the Patriots took a 27-25 lead into the break. The Jaguars broke on a 10-2 run to start the third and never trailed again. Timmy Bradshaw and Jones each had a 3-pointer in the run as East opened up a 35-29 lead. East led 45-41 going into the fourth then held on for the win. The Jaguars were 17 of 37 from the field overall for 46 percent, 4-for-10 from 3. They were 21-for-27 at the foul line. East Jessamine edged out Lincoln on the boards 22-20 led by Carson’s eight. Hill also had eight for Lincoln and Pittman had five. 2012-12-12 09:44:47.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-basketball-lincoln-ky-boys-lose-heartbreaker-by-one-point-to-east-jessamine-20121212,0,6140714.story

ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-county-boys-lose-by-16-to-wayne-county-20121212 Basketball: Lincoln boys lose by 16 to Wayne County December 12, 2012 BJ Hoover scored a game-high 22 points for Lincoln against Wayne County last Tuesday, but it wouldn’t be enough as the visiting Cardinals cruised 78-62 over the Patriots. http://www.trbimg.com/img-50c8c139/turbine/ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-county-boys-lose-by-16-to-wayne-county-20121212/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50c8c139/turbine/ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-county-boys-lose-by-16-to-wayne-county-20121212/400/16x9 BJ Hoover scored a game-high 22 points for Lincoln against Wayne County last Tuesday, but it wouldn’t be enough as the visiting Cardinals cruised 78-62 over the Patriots. Timmy Taylor also hit double figures for Lincoln, however, Wayne topped Lincoln’s scoring effort by placing four players in double digits. Wayne (3-1) was led by Peyton Woods with 20 points. Corey Stearns added 16 points, Jason Perkins finished with 13 points and Trey Blevins had 11. The Cardinals jumped on their hosts 18-13 in the first quarter and spent the rest of the game building on their lead. Wayne went into the half up 37-28 then used a 16-9 run in the third quarter to make it 53-37.  Lincoln (1-2) improved on its scoring in the final period, knocking down 25 points, but Wayne also hit 25 to guarantee the 16-point victory. The Cardinals shot 53 percent for the game, going 25-for-47 from the field. They were at 77 percent at the free throw line on 23-for-30 shooting. The Patriots finished at 47 percent overall, going 27-for-58 from the field. At the line Lincoln was just 4-for-9. Wayne won on the glass as well, outrebounding Lincoln 32-26. Stearns led Wayne with nine rebounds while Woods and Shelton each had seven. Taylor was Lincoln’s rebounding leader with six boards. Luke Hill finished with five and Andrew Wilks had four. Lincoln had eight turnovers to Waynes’ five.   2012-12-12 09:41:25.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-county-boys-lose-by-16-to-wayne-county-20121212,0,3126389.story

ij-lincoln-ky-basketball-lady-patriots-take-down-wayne-county-5844-20121212 Basketball: Lady Patriots take down Wayne County 58-44 December 12, 2012 Chansler Gilbert led a balanced Lincoln scoring attack with 11 points last Tuesday as the Lady Patriots downed visiting Wayne County 58-44.� http://www.trbimg.com/img-50c8c070/turbine/ij-lincoln-ky-basketball-lady-patriots-take-down-wayne-county-5844-20121212/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50c8c070/turbine/ij-lincoln-ky-basketball-lady-patriots-take-down-wayne-county-5844-20121212/400/16x9 Chansler Gilbert led a balanced Lincoln scoring attack with 11 points last Tuesday as the Lady Patriots downed visiting Wayne County 58-44.  Lincoln (3-0) trailed 18-13 after the first but used a 14-5 second-quarter scoring edge to overtake Wayne 27-23 at the half.  The Lady Patriots led the rest of the way, posting a 40-30 lead after three periods of play then closing with an 18-14 scoring edge.  Rachel Spangler added 10 points in the Lady Pat win, Emily Fox and Caitlin Hall each scored seven points, Sydney Harris and Kourtney Belcher had six points apiece, Ciara Saylor had five points and Kelsi Honaker, Spencer Sims and Tiandra Hocker rounded out the scoring with two points each.  Wayne (2-2) was led by Jessica Hardin with 13 points and Jamie Roberts with 10. Other scorers were Hallie Gillespie with seven points, Monica Hopper with six, Tori Bell and Sydney Hicks with three each and Taylor Alexander, two. 2012-12-12 09:38:03.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-lincoln-ky-basketball-lady-patriots-take-down-wayne-county-5844-20121212,0,4571228.story

ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-girls-nearly-double-up-rockcastle-6835-20121205 Basketball: Lincoln girls nearly double up Rockcastle, 68-35 December 5, 2012 MOUNT VERNON — The Lincoln County girls’ basketball team picked up its second big road win of the week Friday night, handily defeating Rockcastle County 68-35 at Rock Arena. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-50bf6278/turbine/ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-girls-nearly-double-up-rockcastle-6835-20121205/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50bf6278/turbine/ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-girls-nearly-double-up-rockcastle-6835-20121205/400/16x9 MOUNT VERNON — The Lincoln County girls’ basketball team picked up its second big road win of the week Friday night, handily defeating Rockcastle County 68-35 at Rock Arena. Lincoln fell behind to start the game, but senior Kourtney Belcher sparked a 16-4 run with a steal and a basket that would eventually earn the Lady Patriots the lead – one  which they would never relinquish. “I thought we did a good job. From top-to-bottom, everybody that played tonight contributed in some way,” Lincoln coach Cassandra McWhorter said. “For us to be successful and do the things we want to do, they have to be able to do that. That’s why I dress the players I dress and, if your number is called you get out there and do what you are supposed to do. And they did that tonight, all of them.” The Lady Patriots (2-0) were led by Emily Fox with 19 points. Sydney Harris followed with 12 points, Belcher added 10 points and Chansler Gilbert just missed double digits with eight points. Scoring was at a minimum early in the game, with just one shot to fall in the first 3 minutes, 51 seconds of play. Sarah Adams got Rockcastle (0-2) on the scoreboard first, hitting two minutes in with her only bucket of the game, a 3-pointer. It wasn’t until the clock hit 4 minutes that Belcher scored for Lincoln on a fastbreak layin.  After a Rockcastle timeout, Lincoln nailed its next six shot attempts to overtake the Lady Rockets. Fox scored a layup off a steal, Belcher hit again and Gilbert connected for three field goals to push the Lady Patriots up 12-5. Four straight Fox free throws to end the first made it 16-7. Lincoln didn’t give the dust time to settle before it was off and gunning on its next scoring surge, with Fox hitting early in the second quarter to ignite a 24-9 run and blow the game wide open. “We did a good job when we started pressuring the ball a little bit,” McWhorter said. “We went to the zone and tried to force them to shoot some outside shots. We were able to get some rebounds and push the ball and get some easy buckets. Once we get some easy buckets, it gets us going a little bit and I was happy we were able to do that.” The Lady Patriots, who went 26-for-59 from the field overall for 44 percent, scorched the nets with 9-for-13 shooting in the second quarter while the Lady Rockets struggled on 3-for-11 shooting. Lincoln got 3-pointers from Ciara Saylor, Harris and Caitlin Adams in the run, with Adams hitting a buzzer-beater to put Lincoln up 40-16 at the half. Michaela Hunter, who led Rockcastle with 18 points, scored six of the Lady Rockets nine points in the second quarter. While Hunter got her points, McWhorter was pleased with Lincoln’s defense on the senior guard.  “I’m just thankful that she wasn’t able to get going,” McWhorter said. “She’s been on experienced teams and had success. She’s a nice player and a tough player and can hurt you.”   Rockcastle went 14-for-38 from the field overall for 37 percent. Lincoln was 10-for-15 at the foul line and Rockcastle was 6-for-16. Lincoln had six turnovers compared to Rockcastle’s 20. 2012-12-05 07:13:53.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-girls-nearly-double-up-rockcastle-6835-20121205,0,4250753.story

ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-boys-roll-rockcastle-after-midgame-173-run-20121205 Basketball: Lincoln boys roll Rockcastle after mid-game 17-3 run December 5, 2012 MOUNT VERNON — Lincoln County used a 17-3 scoring run over the second and third quarters to open up a close game and set the Patriots on course for victory Friday at Rockcastle County. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-50bf61e5/turbine/ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-boys-roll-rockcastle-after-midgame-173-run-20121205/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50bf61e5/turbine/ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-boys-roll-rockcastle-after-midgame-173-run-20121205/400/16x9 MOUNT VERNON — Lincoln County used a 17-3 scoring run over the second and third quarters to open up a close game and set the Patriots on course for victory Friday at Rockcastle County. Lincoln, beset by poor shooting and a lack of rebounding, fell behind early and trailed for most of the first half, but the run ignited by a BJ Hoover layin late in the first half turned those early struggles into a double-digit lead as the Patriots moved on for a 58-42 win, their first of the season. “I thought we came out a little sluggish tonight, then Luke (Hill) getting in foul trouble and Kody (Cornelius) getting hurt made it that much more difficult,” Lincoln coach Jeff Jackson said. “But we got better as the game went on. From the second quarter on, especially, they all played well.” Three Patriots finished in double figures in the win, with sophomore guard Jacob Conway leading the way with 17 points. Brandon Pittman, also a sophomore guard, poured in 14 points and got four steals and Luke Hill, a senior center, got 11 points and pulled down 10 rebounds. Conway, Pittman and Hill provided the bulk of Lincoln’s scoring in Friday’s win, but Jackson said it took a team effort to notch the victory. “Luke played well and Shade (Jacobs) gave us good minutes and they are our senior leaders, and we had a lot of younger players out there playing hard,” he said. “I looked out there a lot of times and we had five sophomores on the floor. I thought they did a good job for us. Brandon Pittman had a good game. Timmy Taylor passed the ball well. Jacob hit some big shots. And I thought Andrew Wilks came in and played really, really well and gave us some big minutes with Luke and Kody out.” “We played a lot of kids tonight and it was just a good team win.” Pittman scored the first of his 16 points with the night’s opening bucket to put Lincoln up 2-0 only to have Rockcastle answer with a 10-1 run. Ashton Arvin, who led the Rockets with 14 points, scored two buckets in the run and Josh Mason, who finished with 12 points, scored three goals in the paint for a 10-3 Rocket lead. Lincoln (1-0) cut the Rocket lead to 10-6 just before the first ended with Pittman draining a 3-pointer. The Pittman trey was only the second of 11 Patriot shot attempts to fall in the first. The Patriots got no second-chance shots on the misses either with Rockcastle (0-2) grabbing every rebound. Rockcastle’s Mason and Arvin padded their point totals a little more to start the second quarter, with Mason hitting a jumper and Arvin scoring back-to-back baskets off fastbreaks to keep the Rocket lead at 16-10 with 5:13 to play in the first half. Taylor and Conway scored for Lincoln early in the second but then the shots stopped falling. After a scoreless two minutes, Pittman found his range from 3-point land then followed with a shot inside off a Taylor assist to narrow the gap to 16-15. Zach Poynter scored to put Rockcastle’s lead at 18-15 before Lincoln unleashed its rallying run. Taylor, who had a game-high eight assists, passed to Hoover under the basket for two to get the scoring started then followed with his own bucket to ease Lincoln up 19-18. The two sophomores accounted for all Lincoln’s scoring in the final 1:52 of the half. Hoover scored again off a Wilks assist then Taylor drove inside for two points and a 23-19 halftime lead. Conway, who was 7-for-12 shooting, knocked down three shots early in the third quarter, including a 3-point goal, to extend the Patriot lead, and Pittman closed the run with a bucket off a turnover to make it 32-21. Lincoln never trailed in the second half. Rockcastle did cut the Lincoln lead to six midway of the third but got no closer as the Patriots pulled away. Lincoln finished at 49 percent shooting overall, going 24-for-49. The team was 7-for-14 from the foul line. Rockcastle was at 30 percent on 16-for-54 shooting. The Rockets were 8-for-13 at the line. Lincoln edged Rockcastle 34-33 on the boards. Arvin led the Rockets with 10 rebounds. 2012-12-05 07:10:44.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-boys-roll-rockcastle-after-midgame-173-run-20121205,0,4980475.story

ij-jingle-bell-jog-attracts-record-number-of-runners-raises-11000-for-alzheimers-research-20121205 Jingle Bell Jog attracts record number of runners, raises $11,000 for Alzheimer's research December 5, 2012 STANFORD – Many people find that, as they get older, their memory seems to become less and less reliable, and some start to question, Am I getting Alzheimer’s? By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-50bf60fc/turbine/ij-jingle-bell-jog-attracts-record-number-of-runners-raises-11000-for-alzheimers-research-20121205/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50bf60fc/turbine/ij-jingle-bell-jog-attracts-record-number-of-runners-raises-11000-for-alzheimers-research-20121205/400/16x9 STANFORD – Many people find that, as they get older, their memory seems to become less and less reliable, and some start to question, Am I getting Alzheimer’s? Sadly, the answer to that question is so often “yes,” with Alzheimer’s growing at an alarming rate to rob them of their memory. Estimates are that 5.4 million Americans suffer from the disease.  On Sunday afternoon, hundreds of people took time to remember those affected by the disease by participating in the fifth annual Jingle Bell Jog 5K Run/Walk through the downtown streets of Stanford. It was a record-breaking day for the annual event with over 540 registering and 451 runners and walkers actually jingling their way along the 3.1-mile course to raise over $11,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association Louisville chapter.  And no one was happier about the turnout than Jingle Bell Jog chairman Angela Todd, who started the Alzheimer’s event in honor of her father, the late Robert L. DeZarn. “I’m very proud and I think my dad would be very proud because the majority of the people that came out were there just for the cause. The cause means a lot to a lot of people,” she said. “I want people to be aware, and I’m very proud of the work that the committee has done to get the word out about Alzheimer’s and to get people talking about it.” The Jingle Bell Jog is not limited to local participation, with the fund-raiser run/walk far-reaching. Todd said the event has received donations for Alzheimer’s from all across the state, with many actually making the trek to Stanford to toe the starting line of the 5K race. “Jason (Todd) and I run a lot of races and there are some really, really good runners in these races who only go to the bigger races, the ‘cadillac’ races. And they were here Sunday,” Todd said. “When we saw them walking around, we were like, ‘Wow!’” The number of walkup registrations on race day also hit a new high Sunday.  “The most walkups we’d ever had before was 34 and Sunday we had 106,” Todd said. Brian Carlson, 15, a Lincoln County High School sophomore, repeated as the overall winner in the benefit run/walk. The Stanford runner trimmed 14 seconds off last year’s winning time, covering the 3.1-mile distance in 17:47. “It seemed a lot easier this time,” Carlson said of the repeat. “I know the course better and it wasn’t cold like in previous years.” Carlson nipped Cole Grecco at the finish to win last year, but he was all alone at the finish this time around, with second-place runner Brennan Perkins 40 seconds back at 18:27. “I didn’t hear anybody around me, all I heard was my jingle bells,” Carlson said of his finish. “In the beginning I felt like it was going to be kind of a tough race because a lot of people started up at the front. I was near the front for the first mile before I started to take off, and then I just started opening up a gap.”   Cross country runners swept the individual titles Sunday as Alyssa Hyden of Somerset was the top overall female runner. The Pulaski County eighth-grader, who placed 15th overall, finished her first ever Jingle Bell Jog in a time of 22:01. While pleased with her finish, Hyden, the reigning Class 3A, Region 7 high school cross country champion, said her time wasn’t her best. “My times are usually faster for most 3.1’s, but I’ve only run once since cross country so I guess that’s pretty good,” Hyden said.  Many race participants lament about the hills on the Stanford course, but Hyden said the hills weren’t what bothered her in the race. “I guess because of cross country, where I’m use to running hills, that the hills just weren’t that big of a deal. It was the heat that gave me some troubles,” she said. “It feels good now that I’ve finished, but the sun was shining down during the race making it hot.”   Hyden, as well as most of the 451 participants, crossed the finish line with a present in hand. To add to the fun of the winter run, mountains of presents were set up at the 1-mile, 2-mile and 3-mile marks of the race, with entrants allowed to choose one gift. “I’m so thrilled with how well everything went,” Todd said of her latest Alzheimer’s effort. “It takes a lot of hard work and a lot of sleepless nights but, when you have as many positive comments as we’ve had and you get the word out about Alzheimer’s to more people, that makes it all worth it.” 2012-12-05 07:23:02.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-jingle-bell-jog-attracts-record-number-of-runners-raises-11000-for-alzheimers-research-20121205,0,2384218.story

ij-basketball-lincoln-girls-fight-off-pulaski-6559-20121128 Basketball: Lincoln girls fight off Pulaski 65-59 November 28, 2012 SOMERSET – The Lincoln County girls basketball team picked up its ninth consecutive season-opening win over Pulaski County Monday night as the Lady Patriots defeated the host Lady Maroons 65-59. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-50b62be8/turbine/ij-basketball-lincoln-girls-fight-off-pulaski-6559-20121128/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50b62be8/turbine/ij-basketball-lincoln-girls-fight-off-pulaski-6559-20121128/400/16x9 SOMERSET – The Lincoln County girls basketball team picked up its ninth consecutive season-opening win over Pulaski County Monday night as the Lady Patriots defeated the host Lady Maroons 65-59. Lincoln, ranked No. 10 in preseason polls, wasn’t clicking quite the way it did when it won the 12th Region title last season and marched into the Final Four at state, but the Lady Patriots overcame a sloppy start to fight off a strong challenge from their hosts. Pulaski opened up a 10-5 lead in the first quarter, was within two at the half and whittled a 10-point Lady Pat lead down to two with just 1:37 to play before finally bowing to Lincoln.  “It’s been a long time since March ‘til now,” Lincoln coach Cassandra McWhorter said. “It’s not how you imagine your first game going. You want to come right back in and everything be clicking just like it was. But we’re limiting Rachel’s (Spangler’s) minutes right now with her shoulder, then Ciara (Saylor) goes down early and Tiandra (Hocker) is out tonight. That’s three critical players on our roster we were without. We were finding other pieces and seeing what mixes worked tonight.  The girls did a good job of coming together and taking care of the game.” Leading the Lady Patriots  on the court were Sydney Harris, who double-doubled with 22 points and 12 rebounds, and Emily Fox, who scored 19 points.   “Em had 19 tonight and Syd had 22 and they were both quiet,”¿McWhorter said. “(Pulaski defense) was going to a box-and-1 a lot and they went to a triangle-and-2. We’re going to get a lot of those looks this year just because of those two players and what they are capable of doing.”   Harris had the only Lincoln bucket in the first three minutes of the game. Brittany Warren, who paced Pulaski with 18 points, opened the night’s scoring with a 3-point basket and a layup before Harris drained her 3-point goal. Taylor Brock, who added 12 points for Pulaski, followed with a bucket to put the Lady Maroons up 7-3.  The Lady Patriot offense was needing a spark and it got it when Chansler Gilbert came off the bench. The senior reserve guard immediately hit with a jumper and nailed a trey to tie the game at 10-all. “Chansler gave us a spark certain times off the bench last year. She comes in and she gives us a lift. And she did it tonight,”¿McWhorter said. “Ciara went down (ankle) and she comes in and hits huge critical baskets.  Not just there. She had a big 3 in the second quarter and scores five in the third quarter and finishes with 13 points. She may not put up double digits every night but she’s one of those players that, when you need something done, she gets it done. I call her my ‘gamer.’” Gilbert’s two first-quarter goals sparked a 16-10 Lincoln run that put the Lady Patriots on top. Fox picked up two free throws, Spencer Sims went inside for two, Harris hit one free throw toss then Fox closed out the first with two 3-pointers to make it 19-17.  The Lady Patriots battled constantly with the Lady Maroons throughout the first half. Gilbert hit a second trey early in the second to keep Lincoln on top 22-19 but Sarah Correll scored off a fastbreak to make it 22-21.  Lincoln (1-0) did open up a 29-23 lead late in the half off a Fox 3, two Sims free throws and a Kourtney Belcher bucket in the paint. Pulaski (0-1) edged ahead of Lincoln just before the half off back-to-back 3-pointers by Sarah Howard only to have Caitlin Hall hit from behind the arc for Lincoln before the buzzer to make it a 33-31 ballgame. Lincoln built on its lead to start the second half, with Fox driving inside to open the third then Gilbert following with a layup off a Belcher assist and a 3-pointer to put Lincoln up 40-31. Lincoln never trailed again but Pulaski wouldn’t go away. Haley Warren, who followed her sister in scoring with 13 points, hit from 2-point and 3-point range to get the Lady Maroons within 42-39. “The Warren sisters are tough, the Brock kid played really well for them tonight and they’ve got two other players close to double digits. They all had solid performances,”¿McWhorter said. “They shot the ball well and any time the ball’s going in for a team, it makes it tough on the other team.” Harris scored 10 points for the Lady Pats in the final 3:26 of the third to boost their lead to 52-42. Ten points was Lincoln’s largest lead in the fourth quarter. However, Pulaski battled until the end, trimming Lincoln’s lead back down to two, 61-59, with 1:37 to play. Brock scored eight of her 12 points in the final minutes to close the gap but Lincoln went 4-for-4 at the foul line to seal the win. “I thought I knew going in that it might be a little bit sloppy tonight,” said McWhorter. “Pulaski is real well-coached and their kids play real hard. I knew they would be ready for us. They made it a tough ballgame. They gave us a fight.” “We didn’t want it to be that close but it was good to see us handle the pressure of a close game, and a nice feeling  to see us come out on the winning side of it.” Lincoln shot 38 percent from the field going 21-for-55 overall, 9-for-21 from 3. At the line, Lincoln was 14-for-20. Pulaski was at 42 percent shooting, going 20-for-48 overall, 8-for-21 from 3. The Lady Maroons were 11-for-22 at the line. Lincoln beat Pulaski on the boards 40-32 led by Harris’ 12. Belcher grabbed seven boards and Spangler had five. Howard and Correll had 13 and 10 boards, respectively, for Pulaski. The Lady Patriots had 12 assists, 11 steals and 15 turnovers. The Lady Maroons had nine assists, eight steals and 17 turnovers. 2012-11-28 07:23:28.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-basketball-lincoln-girls-fight-off-pulaski-6559-20121128,0,3703295.story

ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-boys-fall-7265-in-season-opener-20121128 Basketball: Lincoln boys fall 72-65 in season opener November 28, 2012 RUSSELL SPRINGS – Jacob Conway poured in 23 points to lead a quartet of double-digit scoring players in Lincoln’s season-opener Tuesday night, but it wouldn’t be enough to carry the Patriots to victory. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-50b62b1a/turbine/ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-boys-fall-7265-in-season-opener-20121128/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50b62b1a/turbine/ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-boys-fall-7265-in-season-opener-20121128/400/16x9 RUSSELL SPRINGS – Jacob Conway poured in 23 points to lead a quartet of double-digit scoring players in Lincoln’s season-opener Tuesday night, but it wouldn’t be enough to carry the Patriots to victory. The host Lakers answered with their own trio of double-digit scorers, including senior guard Tyler Robertson who burned the nets for 29 points to lead Russell County in a 72-65 comeback win over Lincoln. Lincoln coach Jeff Jackson said his squad gave up too many easy scoring opportunities in a 44 percent shooting effort (23-for-52), then couldn’t stop Robertson and the Lakers. “We missed a lot of shots around the basket, shots we have to make to win games,” Jackson said. “We got a little quick with some shots and our shot selection was not good. And we didn’t always defend as well as we should. They are a good basketball team, but we could have done a better job of defending.” Lincoln (0-1) led by as many as nine points in the first half, but Russell came out firing in the third quarter, using a 14-2 run to take the lead. Robertson scored 11 of his 29 points in the third, draining three 3-pointers to help turn a 41-35 deficit into a 49-43 lead. “We didn’t do a very good job defending Robertson at times,” Jackson said. “We kind of let him get started out on the perimeter. He’s a really good player and we don’t need to be giving him those shots.” Russell, which shot just 41 percent overall from the field (23-for-56), was at 82 percent in the third on 9-for-11 shooting. While the Lakers (1-0) poured in the points, the Patriot offense was beset not only by a 5-for-14 shooting effort but also a string of traveling violations. A total of six traveling violations were whistled against Lincoln in the third, resulting in eight Russell points and a lead change – and Lincoln never recovered from the Laker blitz. The traveling calls elicited a moderate growl from the Lincoln crowd as it voiced its displeasure with the officiating crew. Jackson was also bothered by the calls, but he said its something a team has to work through.  “We’ve got to learn when there is adversity and when things don’t go well, not to get caught up in the crowd, not get caught up in the officiating,” he said. “When things start going against you is when you really need to bond and pull together as a team. That’s when you help each other through, fight through it together.” “We’ll learn to do that,” Jackson said. “We’re young. We started four sophomores and a senior tonight, and played a couple other young kids. When we get tougher mentally, especially on the road, we’ll get better as a basketball team.” Conway, who was 3-for-4 from 3-point range, had two 3s in the fourth quarter as Lincoln tried to chip away at Russell’s lead. Hoover, who finished with 11 points, also drained a 3-pointer in the final frame.  Hoover was the first player to tally a 3 in Tuesday’s game, giving Lincoln a 7-0 advantage with the first of his three treys.  Barton Mann, who finished with 16 points for the Lakers, hit with 5:56 on the clock to end Lincoln’s opening run and ignite a Russell run. Robertson followed with a bucket then Mann converted on a three-point play to even the score at 7.  Robertson hit again midway of the period to give Russell its first lead, 11-9, but Cornelius, who contributed 11 points for the Patriots, nailed a trey to put Lincoln back on top. With time expiring on the first quarter, Taylor, who knocked down 15 points, drove in for a layup to edge Lincoln ahead 17-15. Lincoln used a 9-0 run in the second quarter to post its biggest lead of the game. Taylor sank a free throw, Cornelius got a three-point play then Conway added two more free throws and followed with a 3 to make it 28-19 with 3:09 left in the half. The Patriots led 32-26 at the half.  A 6-2 opening run in the third quarter cut the Lincoln lead to 34-32, with Alex Turner starting the second half with a bucket and Nick Coffey, who finished with 11 points, and Blake Ellis getting a bucket apiece.  Back-to-back baskets by Conway and a Hoover 3 extended the Patriot lead back to six, 41-35, before Russell County broke on its 14-2 scoring tear. The Lakers used the free throw line to ice their win, converting on 15 of 24 free throw attempts. They were 22 of 36 overall. “I like our kids. I wouldn’t trade our kids for anybody,” Jackson said after the loss. “We’ve just got some work to do. We’ve just got to continue to try to work hard and get better.” Lincoln was 12 of 14 at the foul line. Lincoln outrebounded Russell 33-29, led by Conway and Cornelius with six boards apiece. Mann and Ellis led Russell with eight rebounds each. Lincoln had 12 turnovers to Russell’s 13. 2012-11-28 07:19:57.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-ky-basketball-lincoln-boys-fall-7265-in-season-opener-20121128,0,4373219.story

ij-former-lincoln-ky-runner-named-ncaa-allamerican-20121128 Former Lincoln runner named NCAA All-American November 28, 2012 Emily Frith, a former cross country and track standout at Lincoln County, has been named an NCAA Division II All-American in cross country. http://www.trbimg.com/img-50b62a46/turbine/ij-former-lincoln-ky-runner-named-ncaa-allamerican-20121128/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50b62a46/turbine/ij-former-lincoln-ky-runner-named-ncaa-allamerican-20121128/400/16x9 Emily Frith, a former cross country and track standout at Lincoln County, has been named an NCAA Division II All-American in cross country. The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced on Nov. 19 the 80 student/athletes who received All-American honors for the 2012 NCAA Division II Cross Country season. Overall finish at the NCAA Championships is the determining factor as the top 40 individuals from both men’s and women’s races earn All-American plaudits from the USTFCCCA. Frith, a sophomore at Bellarmine University, earned All-American status by helping lead her team to a 19th place finish in its first appearance at the national championships.  Bellarmine, which was ranked 30th prerace, had two top 40 runners to boost its overall finish, with Angela Musk placing 12th and Frith 31st in the championships held at Missouri Southern. Musk broke her own school record in clocking Bellarmine’s first-ever sub 21-minute 6K, finishing in 20:57.4.  Frith put up the third best time in school history with her 21:11.1. Grand Valley State’s Alicia Nelson won the individual women’s title with a time of 20:03.3. Frith, who is majoring in exercise science, is from Crab Orchard and is the daughter of Tom Frith and Tammy Frith. 2012-11-28 07:16:46.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-former-lincoln-ky-runner-named-ncaa-allamerican-20121128,0,4683053.story

ij-ky-signing-day-lincolns-harris-goes-with-king-college-20121128 Signing Day: Lincoln's Harris goes with King College November 28, 2012 Unlike many basketball standouts, Sydney Harris has not had a lifelong dream to play college hoops. She started playing basketball in the third grade, but it was soccer that captured her heart. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-50b62c93/turbine/ij-ky-signing-day-lincolns-harris-goes-with-king-college-20121128/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50b62c93/turbine/ij-ky-signing-day-lincolns-harris-goes-with-king-college-20121128/400/16x9 Unlike many basketball standouts, Sydney Harris has not had a lifelong dream to play college hoops. She started playing basketball in the third grade, but it was soccer that captured her heart. “Playing basketball in college wasn’t always my dream because, at the time, I was still playing soccer and loved it,” Harris said. “But in about eighth grade is when I realized I loved the game of basketball, and that it could possibly pay my way to college.” Harris decided to finally step away from soccer after her junior season and focus on playing basketball, and now that move is going to pay her way to college – King College.  The Lincoln County senior was joined in the school auditorium by her Lady Patriot teammates, family and friends as she made her commitment to the Tennessee school public. The signing ceremony, held just before the Thanksgiving break, took a mere couple minutes to complete and relieved Harris of her college quandary. “Since I’ve signed a NLI there is a great sense of relief, because now I don’t have to worry about applying to colleges and visiting them like a lot of seniors are having to do right now,” Harris said. “I can focus more on my academics and my game.”  Harris’ game includes trying to help Lincoln win its second-straight 12th Region title. The 6-0 forward averaged 11.2 points per game and 6.7 rebounds in helping the Lady Patriots claim a state berth last season. However, setting to work on helping lead the repeat effort was not why Harris chose to sign early “(I) wanted to sign early simply because I loved the school,” she said. Harris said that while she had considered other schools, that King continually held the advantage over her other choices.  “I had talked to King College since May of this year when we had our first AAU tournament with Kentucky Premier. There were a few other schools interested, and I visited two others, but they just weren’t the same as King,”¿Harris said. “I visited two other schools and it took one visit to King to realize it would be one of my top picks, and two visits to realize that that’s where I wanted to be.”   It didn’t hurt that women’s basketball coach Josh Thompson and his Lady Tornado squad rolled out the red carpet for Harris when she visited the Bristol, Tenn. campus. “I’ve visited twice and just loved the atmosphere and how welcoming the players and coaches were,” Harris said. “I did get to meet with all players and coaches. It was great meeting with them because I immediately felt welcomed. It did sway my decision over the other schools because they weren’t as open. King College reminded me a lot of our high school family.” Harris joins a program that is new to NCAA¿Division II. The Lady Tornadoes made the transition from NAIA to NCAA¿Division II basketball just last season. King was 5-21 in its first year of Division II competition. King is part of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference. Harris, an all-area player who also received all-tournament recognition at the district and state level, will continue to play forward as she makes the jump to collegiate ball. “At King I will probably play a forward or power forward position,” she said.  Just how much action Harris will get to see as a freshman is an unknown, but she’s not afraid to work for a spot. “I think there is potential for me to earn some playing time but I know it won’t be given,” she said.  Harris acknowledges that making the jump from high school to college ball is not going to be an easy move, but that she’s ready to give it a try. “There will definitely be a big transition to college ball, just the speed and strength required in the game is so different,” she said. “I am ready to make that transition but I know it won’t come easy.” Harris, the daughter of Billy and Susan Harris of Crab¿Orchard, has not decided upon a college major but is considering physical therapy.   2012-11-28 07:26:15.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-ky-signing-day-lincolns-harris-goes-with-king-college-20121128,0,7392596.story

ij-signing-day-lincolns-fox-will-play-basketball-for-austin-peay-20121128 Signing Day: Lincoln's Fox will play basketball for Austin Peay November 28, 2012 Ever since she first picked up a basketball as a young child, Emily Fox has aspired to play Division I basketball.� By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-50b62c40/turbine/ij-signing-day-lincolns-fox-will-play-basketball-for-austin-peay-20121128/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50b62c40/turbine/ij-signing-day-lincolns-fox-will-play-basketball-for-austin-peay-20121128/400/16x9 Ever since she first picked up a basketball as a young child, Emily Fox has aspired to play Division I basketball.  The 5-9 guard, now a Lincoln County High School senior who helped lead the Lady Patriots to a 12th Region title and Final Four state finish last season, has made that dream come true by signing her letter-of-intent to play basketball for Austin Peay University. The Lincoln girls basketball team gathered in the school auditorium just before the Thanksgiving break to watch as Fox committed to the Lady Govs. “I’ve been playing basketball since I was 5 years old and ever since then I have always wanted to play Division I basketball,” she said. But Division I playing time, points scored and championships won were not a priority when Fox began her college search. “No, it (playing Division I basketball) may have been a dream, but I was more concerned about my education and finding the perfect fit.” And it didn’t take long for Fox to find that “perfect fit.” Georgetown College, Northern Kentucky University and Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., all came courting, however, it was Austin Peay that sized up just right – right from the first. “My only visits were to Austin Peay,” Fox said. “Coach (Cassandra) McWhorter took me there for an unofficial visit, and I took my parents with me on my official visit. Once I knew that my parents liked it as much as I did, I knew that was where I was going.” Fox said that the Clarksville, Tenn., school had everything she was looking for in her college search from athletics to community to, most importantly, academics. “I¿visited the campus a couple of times earlier in the year and the coaching staff and players were all very nice,” said Fox. “The campus was just the right size, not too big and not too small, and they also have a pre-physical therapy program. I just felt like it was the perfect fit for me” Coincidentally, Austin Peay is the alma mater of Fox’s high school coach Cassandra McWhorter. However, Fox said that did not factor in her decision. “No, it just sort of happened that way,”¿said Fox, who first knew of Austin Peay’s interest during last year’s Lexington Catholic Christmas tournament. Once her college decision was made, Fox wanted to sign on the dotted line of her letter-of-intent as soon as possible.  “I really liked the school and I wanted to get it over with before my senior season started so I could focus more on my high school team,” she said. Fox and her Lady Patriot teammates are looking to defend their 12th Region title and a return trip to the girls Sweet 16. Fox, who was named second team All-State by the Associated Press and The Courier-Journal and all-tournament at the district, region and state levels, averaged 17.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 3.0 steals per game as a junior. She shot 46 percent from the floor, 40 percent from 3-point range (90 of 227) and 76 percent at the foul line. The Lady Govs, coached by Carrie Daniels, finished 9-22 last season, falling in the second round of the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament. Fox, who was recruited as a shooting guard, says she is uncertain as to her role on the team as an incoming freshman. “I will play a shooting guard, but can handle the ball at times as well,” she said “They haven’t indicated on playing time, but I’m sure it will depend on who works the hardest.” The decisions and signing may be over but the adventure is just beginning. Fox can now enjoy her senior basketball season and anticipate her new collegiate career at Austin Peay. “Yes, I don’t have to worry about it any more. It’s done and a very big relief,” she said.  But is the Lady Patriot senior prepared for the changes that the jump to the collegiate level will bring? “It will be a big transition,” Fox said. “But Coach McWhorter has been preparing me for it and telling me what to expect.” Fox is the daughter of Tammy and Stanley Fox of McKinney. 2012-11-28 07:24:52.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-signing-day-lincolns-fox-will-play-basketball-for-austin-peay-20121128,0,2667632.story

ij-basketball-lincoln-ky-middle-school-girls-finish-season-undefeated-20121128 Basketball: Lincoln Middle School girls finish season undefeated November 28, 2012 If the youth of Lincoln County are any indication of what’s to come on the local athletic scene, then the high school girls basketball program can anticipate continued hardwood success. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-50b62779/turbine/ij-basketball-lincoln-ky-middle-school-girls-finish-season-undefeated-20121128/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50b62779/turbine/ij-basketball-lincoln-ky-middle-school-girls-finish-season-undefeated-20121128/400/16x9 If the youth of Lincoln County are any indication of what’s to come on the local athletic scene, then the high school girls basketball program can anticipate continued hardwood success. Why, one might ask? The answer is the 6th-grade Lincoln County girls basketball team. The 14-member squad set three goals in the preseason: an undefeated season, a conference title and a state title. The season concluded weeks ago and the Lady Eagles achieved all three, finishing 32-0, capturing the Salt River Conference Tournament and winning the Kentucky state title.    “We are all so very proud of these kids,” said Darin Lane, who shared coaching duties with Pops Stevenson, Rebecca Shearer and Eric King. “They are a truely talented group of girls.” The Lady Eagle players are: Haley Bowen, Maddy Boyle, Sara Mae Bullock, Abigail Carter, Allison Cummins, Emma King, Anna Lane, Kaylee McAninch, Zariah Napier, Kallie Phillips, Trinity Shearer, Haley Southerland, Jasmine Whited and Kaitlynn Wilks. Lincoln had to defeat Garrard County, Anderson County and Casey County to claim the Salt River Conference title. In the state tournament, the Lady Eagles defeated Jackson City and Mason County and knocked off West Carter twice then took out North Pulaski in the championship game. And that’s not all the Lincoln girls accomplished. They also won the Great Kentucky Shootout Tournament and the Lincoln Invitational Tournament, finished as the Salt River Conference regular-season champs and placed fifth in the national AAU tournament.  2012-11-28 07:04:33.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-basketball-lincoln-ky-middle-school-girls-finish-season-undefeated-20121128,0,3775533.story

ij-basketball-preview-lincoln-girls-feel-challenge-to-repeat-as-region-champs-20121120 Basketball Preview: Lincoln girls feel challenge to repeat as region champs November 20, 2012 If Lincoln County girls basketball coach Cassandra McWhorter is feeling any added pressure in preparing for the upcoming 2012-13, she shouldn’t be surprised. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-50aba110/turbine/ij-basketball-preview-lincoln-girls-feel-challenge-to-repeat-as-region-champs-20121120/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50aba110/turbine/ij-basketball-preview-lincoln-girls-feel-challenge-to-repeat-as-region-champs-20121120/400/16x9 If Lincoln County girls basketball coach Cassandra McWhorter is feeling any added pressure in preparing for the upcoming 2012-13, she shouldn’t be surprised. Lincoln went 11 years without a girls’ regional title before last season when the Lady Patriots rolled into Diddle Arena in Bowling Green as the 12th Region  champions. Lincoln marched its way to a 26-10 record and a spot in the state tournament’s Final Four. With all of the Lady Patriots’ key contributors returning from the state semifinal team, Lincoln hoops fans are thirsting for a repeat while rival squads have their sights set on taking down the defending champions. “We are going to have a really big target on our backs this year and that’s something that we’ve addressed with the girls,” McWhorter said. “I try to compare them to the UK�guys last year, or any year for that matter. When you establish yourself as a good program and a team to beat, you are going to get everybody’s best shot. That’s tough for teenagers to realize, but we’re just trying to focus on what we need to do to improve and to prepare them to get ready for every night and everybody’s best shot.” Returning seniors Emily Fox, Sydney Harris, Kourtney Belcher, Ciara Saylor and junior Rachel Spangler provide McWhorter a strong nucleus around which to build another potential champion.  Fox led the way for the Lady Patriots last season, averaging 17.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 3.0 steals per game. Fox, who received second team all-state honors from The Associated Press and The Courier-Journal, shot 46 percent from the floor, 40 percent from 3-point range (90 of 227) and 76 percent at the foul line. Harris, who started alongside Fox, Belcher, Saylor and Spangler last season,  averaged 11.2 points and 6.7 rebounds per game as a junior. Belcher averaged 7.0 points and 4.3 boards, Spangler averaged 5.6 points and 4.4 rebounds and Ciara Saylor, 4.6 points and 2.6 boards. Gilbert did not start last season but was first off the bench for McWhorter, averaging 3.0 points a game.  If that isn’t a strong enough mix, add sophomores Tiandra Hocker, Kelsi Honaker and Spencer Sims, who all saw significant playing time last season. Hocker, a 5-9 forward, averaged 4.1 points and 3.4 rebounds per game last season and shot 53 percent from the floor. And then there are freshmen twins Caitlin and Cristin Hall. “Experience is definitely our number one strength, with our five seniors and Rachel, the only junior,” McWhorter said. “And it doesn’t end there. We have experience even down into our bench play. Getting as far as we did, you can’t get any better experience for your younger players than that. That experience gives us a lot of number of kids who, on any given night, can play for us.”  Good team chemistry doesn’t hurt either. “Having team chemistry where everyone loves each other, where they care about each other and where they want the team to succeed before they succeed themselves is also a strength,” said McWhorter. “‘Family Not Me’ has been our motto since I took the program over. It’s hard to do day-in and day-out, but they have a hunger to want to get better as a team and improve every day.” The only player not returning from last year’s team is Heidi Huffman, who transferred to Mercer County. When it comes to team weaknesses, McWhorter knows there is one area where Lincoln is lacking – size. “We’re still not very big, “ she said. “We’ve got Sydney (Harris, 6-0) with some length. But, in the post area, if we get in foul trouble early, we’re not very big. That will be a weakness when we face anybody that has strong, tall, physical post players. On the flip side of that, our strength is getting after them and not letting them get in the post.” Lincoln got a glimpse of what’s to come this year in a preseason scrimmage with Lafayette. “I was very pleased with our effort and intensity, especially on the defensive end,” McWhorter said. “I thought communication levels, which we’ve been stressing, were real good and communication from bench was good as well. We shot the ball extremely well, too, which hides a lot of mistakes. I don’t want to shoot ball poorly (in weekend scrimmage) but, if we do, that will let us know other areas we need to work on.” McWhorter knows the Lady Patriots are not quite at 100 percent, with Spangler battling a shoulder injury and Fox nursing a sore ankle, but  she says the team will be ready to tip off the 2012-13 season –&ensp;and begin defending its regional title – Monday night at Pulaski County. “I hope we are ready when it starts. I told them last year’s gone and this is a new season to focus on,” McWhorter said. “Yes, we have everybody back but so do a lot of people and they are working to improve and get better every day too.” “Percentages probably tell you, you won’t get back there (repeat). You have to continue to improve and get better and prove you can do it again,” she added. “It’s a long season. We will take the early games and learn from them. You like a nice record, but all that matters is postseason play and how you finish up when it comes tournament time.” 2012-11-20 07:28:25.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-basketball-preview-lincoln-girls-feel-challenge-to-repeat-as-region-champs-20121120,0,1977602.story

ij-ky-basketball-preview-lincoln-boys-open-season-at-russell-county-20121120 Basketball Preview: Lincoln boys open season at Russell County November 20, 2012 The Lincoln County boys basketball team will tip off the 2012-13 season Nov. 27 night with a relatively young and inexperienced team taking the hardwood. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-50aba093/turbine/ij-ky-basketball-preview-lincoln-boys-open-season-at-russell-county-20121120/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50aba093/turbine/ij-ky-basketball-preview-lincoln-boys-open-season-at-russell-county-20121120/400/16x9 The Lincoln County boys basketball team will tip off the 2012-13 season Nov. 27 night with a relatively young and inexperienced team taking the hardwood. The Patriots return 11 players from last year’s 19-14 squad, but only three have significant varsity experience and only two of the three are returning starters. “We’re going to get better as the year goes on, but we’ve got a lot of work to do,” Lincoln coach Jeff Jackson said. “Last night (scrimmage at Oldham County) we started four sophomores and a junior, and brought a sophomore and junior off the bench. We have two seniors and two juniors on the team and the rest are sophomores and freshmen.” Lincoln’s small senior class includes a returning starter, with Luke Hill, a two-time All-Area player, back for his senior season. The 6-3 center averaged 14 points and 7 rebounds per game, had 2 assists per game and shot 64 percent from the field to tie for the area’s best shooter. “Luke is a three-year starter and one of our captains,”¿Jackson said. “If he stays healthy, he’ll have a chance to go well over 1,000 (points). He’s been a really good player and provides us with a solid foundation in the paint and on both sides of the floor.” The other starter making a return is Timmy Taylor. The 5-9 guard, while just a sophomore, has emerged as a team leader and a player Jackson says is key to Lincoln’s success. “The big key for our team is Timmy,” he said. “If Timmy  practices well, plays well, and focuses then we usually practice well, play well and are focused. That comes from your point guard, your quarterback, your leader on the team. That’s putting an awful lot on a sophomore, but I’m hoping he’s up to it and brings it every day. He and Jacob (Conway) both have got to step up and help Luke, But Timmy has the ball in his hands most of the times.” Conway, a 6-3 sophomore guard, rounds out Lincoln’s trio of varsity-experienced players. While Conway was not a starter last season, he was one of the first players off the bench. A third potential starter, Carl-Lewis Cummins, also a standout soccer player, decided not to play basketball his senior year. Jackson said the graduation of starters Trenton Edgington and Micah Ward and the loss of Cummins have changed the dynamics of this year’s squad. “Our roles have changed for some of these kids coming back because we lost three players that provided a lot of leadership and scoring, ball handling, defense, everything,” Jackson said. “Those changes give somebody else an opportunity to step up and changes roles a little bit. Jacob’s going to become more of a scorer, Timmy’s got to score a little more and run the team a little more and three or four kids inside, Luke especially, are going to have to score more. Luke’s a great passer and unselfish with the ball, but he’s got to not defer as much. He’ll pass up a 2 just so somebody can shoot a 3.” Senior guard Shade Jacobs returns to the Patriot roster and is joined by junior center Kody Cornelius and junior guard Josh Sims. The sophomore class dominates  the 15-man roster led by Taylor and Conway. Rounding out the sophomore class are guards BJ Hoover, Connor Patterson, Brandon Pittman, Neil Conley, Dalton Godbey and center Andrew Wilks.  Newcomers to the varsity squad are: sophomore forward Logan Sears, freshman center Gerald Miller and freshman forward Preston Ledford. Jackson said the newcomers and most of the Patriot roster need varsity experience. “Timmy and Jacob have played some and Luke has played some. Brandon has played a little and Kody a little, but BJ hasn’t played hardly any, Josh Sims set out last year, Shade hasn’t played much and Neil hasn’t played much varsity either. They have to play, play games to get the experience we need,” he said. Jackson got a preseason look at Lincoln’s hardwood potential in the Oldham County scrimmage. “You get tired of going against each other, so it’s always good to scrimmage to see how you do,” he said. “And we did okay. They beat us eight in four quarters. We didn’t defend like we needed too and they really hurt us on the glass, but we had some good looks at the basket. We’ve got to do a better job taking care of ball and defending, but we had some opportunities.” “If we’re going to have a chance to compete in our district, compete in our region, rebounding and defending are the two things that we need to do every game.”  Has Jackson pegged his starting five? “If we started tomorrow it would be Timmy, Jacob, Brandon Pittman, BJ Hoover and Luke. Then we’d bring Kody and Shade, Neil, Dalton, Andrew Wilks ... a variety of kids that, in certain situations, can play if you need them,”¿he said. “Those six or seven mentioned first are probably a little ahead right now, but I wouldn’t hesitate to play the others if I wanted to or needed to. We tell them just to be ready.” Lincoln’s season-opener is not tomorrow, but is just days away with the Patriots to play at Russell County Tuesday.  “We’ll play a top 25 team at Russell County. They are real, real, good. One of many good teams we will play this year,” Jackson said. “This year is by far the toughest schedule we’ve faced since I’ve been here. It’s brutal. I may have overscheduled but I have a lot of confidence  in our young kids and I feel they will get better by playing those people. I’ve never been one overly concerned over my personal win-loss record, I just try to put a competitive schedule out there to try and make us better by the time district gets here.” 2012-11-20 07:26:18.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-ky-basketball-preview-lincoln-boys-open-season-at-russell-county-20121120,0,5409520.story

ij-ky-sports-lincolns-carlson-among-the-fastest-at-state-championships-20121116 Lincoln's Carlson among the fastest at state championships November 16, 2012 LEXINGTON — Sophomore Brian Carlson, the top runner for the Lincoln Patriots, took third place at the Region 7 Championships on Nov. 3 then followed that up with a 16th-place finish at state, the highest finish of any area male runner and the best finish to date of any Lincoln County cross country runner. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-50a66838/turbine/ij-ky-sports-lincolns-carlson-among-the-fastest-at-state-championships-20121116/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50a66838/turbine/ij-ky-sports-lincolns-carlson-among-the-fastest-at-state-championships-20121116/400/16x9 LEXINGTON — Sophomore Brian Carlson, the top runner for the Lincoln Patriots, took third place at the Region 7 Championships on Nov. 3 then followed that up with a 16th-place finish at state, the highest finish of any area male runner and the best finish to date of any Lincoln County cross country runner. Carlson ran his final race of the season over the rolling hills of the Kentucky Horse Park, placing 16th out of 223 runners in the KHSAA Class 3A Cross Country State Championships in a time of 16 minutes, 50.54 seconds. The next best finish for any area boy at Saturday’s state meet was 29th place by Burgin’s Alex Beckerson in the Class A boys final. Lincoln’s previous best finish at state was 23rd, earned by Lady Patriot senior Alex Bunch in 2007.  Despite having the area boys’ best finish and breaking the all-time school cross country record for state finishes, Carlson, who was ranked 71st pre-race, was not happy after the 3.1-mile run. “I wasn’t happy with (finish) because I was aiming for top10. It was kind of disappointing not to get podium,” he said. “I wanted to get podium since this could be my last year maybe of doing cross country.” Carlson is uncertain about his future as an LCHS¿student/athlete because he hopes to be spending his junior and senior years at the Carol Martin Gatton Academy at Western Kentucky University. The Gatton Academy is a residential high school for Kentucky juniors and seniors interested in advanced careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. “If I get accepted to Gatton Academy, I won’t be back to run. But I still have to finish filling out the application,” Carlson said. “I¿win either way. If I get to go, I get my academics. If I don’t get to go, then I can stay here and run cross country and track.” If Carlson’s future keeps him at Lincoln, he knows one area where he will have to train harder in if he wants to improve in cross country competition. “The hills were the one thing that kind of killed us this year, where we didn’t get much experience on the hills other than meets,” he said. “Your big meets are going to have plenty of hills. That was probably the only thing that kept me from running as fast as I wanted to this season.” Carlson’s 16th-place finish on Saturday was a jump of 43 spots from his finish at the 2011 state finals, and 37 seconds faster on time. His higher finish and faster time could be attributed to the fact that, this year, he finished the race wearing both his shoes. One of Carlson’s competitors, Brady Baker of Cooper, did not.  “That’s kind of funny actually because I lost my shoe last year and he lost his this year,” said Carlson. “I didn’t know that was him at first. I just remember seeing a guy bend down to fix his shoe.  That was kind of ironic because that was my competitor Brady.” Muhlenberg County junior Chase Geary, who finished sixth in last year’s state meet, captured the boys Class 3A state title in 15:58.66. Patrick Gregory of Butler finished second in 16:14.39. St. Xavier took the Class 3A boys team title by claiming the third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh spots. Last year’s state winner, Connor Sheryak of St. Xavier, traded spots with Geary, taking sixth in 16:27.71. Morgan Gourley, one of two Lincoln girls to qualify for state, was the lone Lady Patriot on course Saturday, with Bunch forced to sit out her final state race due to illness. Gourley, a freshman, was ranked 151st heading into Saturday’s state 5K but she came out ahead of her ranking, placing 110th out of 223 runners in a time of 22:17.12. “I was like nervous,”¿said Gourley.¿“ I’m always nervous before a race but I usually have Alex there with me to start. I was really nervous it being state. I don’t think it was harder. I tried to (pace myself) but I got a cramp and I got a little sick.” Gourley, who was making her second trip to state, said she was pleased with her season despite conflicting schedules. “I had soccer, too, and it was kind of hard to run when I had soccer,”¿she said. “I feel like I did pretty good because we had a late start. I didn’t want cross country to end, and I look forward to next season.” Bailey Davis of Assumption, a junior, won the girls individual title with a time of 18:12.72 while Whitney O’Bryan of Daviess County ran second in 18:36.37. The winning team was Assumption, which had its five scoring runners in the top 15. 2012-11-16 08:51:06.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-ky-sports-lincolns-carlson-among-the-fastest-at-state-championships-20121116,0,7646699.story

ij-ky-cross-country-lincoln-county-athletes-headed-to-state-championships-20121107 Cross Country: Lincoln County athletes headed to state championships November 7, 2012 LONDON – Lincoln County’s cross country runners fought an uphill battle at the Class AAA, Region 7 championships Saturday. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-509a91f6/turbine/ij-ky-cross-country-lincoln-county-athletes-headed-to-state-championships-20121107/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-509a91f6/turbine/ij-ky-cross-country-lincoln-county-athletes-headed-to-state-championships-20121107/400/16x9 LONDON – Lincoln County’s cross country runners fought an uphill battle at the Class AAA, Region 7 championships Saturday.While cross country runners are continuously challenged to post their best times striding over rolling countrysides, crossing cornfields, jumping creeks and slopping through mud to reach the finish, Lincoln has had no course this season to match the hilly layout of the course at North Laurel High School.The 5K (3.1-mile) race got off to a nice, flat start and had some downward slopes, but just beyond the one-mile mark loomed several hills, including one with a steep 65 degree incline. The course proved just challenging enough to keep almost all of Lincoln’s runners at a slower pace than usual.However, despite the inclines and slower times, three Lady Patriots and Patriots finished with state-qualifying results.Senior Lady Patriot Alex Bunch, freshman teammate Morgan Gourley and sophomore Patriot Brian Carlson will conclude their season together at this weekend’s state championships at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.Bunch, a four-time regional winner and defending champion, fell short in her quest for a fifth regional title by placing second in Saturday’s varsity run with  a time of 21:00.91. Carlson, who was hoping to claim his first regional crown, had to settle for third in the boys varsity, finishing in 17:11.37. Gourley’s ninth-place finish in the girls varsity run qualified her for a third trip to state. Her regional time was 21:57.75.Bunch and Carlson both said they would have liked to have had better times and finishes going into state, but that the hilly course, and fatigue, proved costly.“That hill is rough,” Bunch said pointing to the steepest incline at the two-mile mark. “You get up the hill and you think, ‘Oh, the hill’s over,’ and then you turn and there’s another hill. I think there really should be a sign there that says, ‘It’s okay to cry at this point.’”“I really felt kind of tired today, even in the first half-mile,” she said. “My body just ... my legs were tired, my arms were tired. Sometimes you just don’t have it and other people do. And today, Alyssa (Hyden, Pulaski County) had it.”Carlson, who was actually leading as he headed up that final 65-degree incline, led for most of the race but just couldn’t keep his pace when he hit the uphill.“I didn’t do near what I expected Whenever I first started the race, I felt amazing, I felt great,” he said. “As time went on I started slowing down a little bit. We haven’t had much hills this season, and we haven’t been able to do speed on our cross country course because it’s so messed up. So that really didn’t leave me prepared for all these hills here.”Gourley felt better about her time and finish, despite running a slower pace than in last year’s regionals. “My goal was just to finish in the top 10 because that’s what I’ve gotten the last two years,” she said. “I was very nervous before the race, but I always am. It was a harder course because of the hills and I wasn’t feeling so good at the end, but I decided to push through it and I’m happy with how I ran.”Saturday’s finish in the girls’ 5K run was the exact opposite of last year’s finals, with Pulaski County eighth-grader Alyssa Hyden passing Bunch to claim this year’s regional crown. Hyden posted the girls’ lone sub-20 time in the race, winning in 19:53.31.While content with qualifying for another trip to state, Bunch couldn’t contain her tears when recapping the race. “I can’t get upset because ... I’m trying not to get emotional because it’s my last one,” she said with tears streaming down her cheeks. “I’m okay. I enjoyed the race. I came across the finish line with a smile on my face. Second place, I can’t be upset with that.”As she fought back the tears, the Lady Patriot senior gave a nod to Hyden for her win.“Just over a mile in she went ahead of me and she just kind of gapped me. She is a strong runner and she did well,” Bunch said. “Alyssa, she’s a sweet girl and she works really hard and, you know, she deserved it.”Carlson placed third for the second straight year, finishing behind Mason Blevins of Pulaski County and Mason Crump of Madison Central. Blevins outran all his competitors to win in 17:04.59 while Crump edged out Carlson for second-place with a time of 17:10.50.“At the starting line, I felt like I could do a PR (personal best),” Carlson said. “I got a big lead in the beginning going down a hill. I can do the downhills and the flat areas, but whenever it came to those hills I was out of it because of not much training on hills this season. Starting to go up the (steepest) hill I was in the lead, that’s when Mason (Blevins) from Pulaski started passing me up. After we got to the top of the hill, he got a big lead on me and I could never take that lead back.”Crump’s fast pace and Madison Central claiming three top 10 spots eased the Indians to a team win with 36 points. All seven runners on the Madison Central team now advance to state, as do the members of the second-, third- and fourth-place teams. North Laurel advances, finishing second with 64 points, Pulaski County will head to state as a team taking third with 66 points and Southwestern advanced, finishing fourth with 105 points.Madison Central also took the girls’ team title, winning with 31 points. The Lady Indians had four top 10 runners. Pulaski County qualified in second with 34 points and Montgomery County advances to state as the third-placed team with 91 points. (Only three girls teams advance)Lincoln did not have a full team on course in either race, but the Patriots did have three athletes competing, with Jordan Smith and Luke Shofner lacing up their shoes for the boys varsity regional. Smith finished 32nd out of 66 runners in the 5K in 19:33.12. Shofner was 63rd overall in a time of 23:34.00.Lincoln’s runners will be competing last in Saturday’s 2012 KHSAA¿State Cross Country Championships at the Horse Park with the girls’ Class 3A finals set for a 1:30 p.m. start and the boys’ run starting at 2:15 p.m. 2012-11-07 09:31:51.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-ky-cross-country-lincoln-county-athletes-headed-to-state-championships-20121107,0,7519884.story

amn-prep-football-playoffs-harlan-county-rips-lincoln-county-5214-20121103 Football Playoffs: Harlan County rips Lincoln County 52-14 November 3, 2012 BAXTER – The Lincoln County football team didn’t encounter any four-legged black bears on its trip to the mountains of eastern Kentucky Friday night, but the Patriots did face off against something just as ferocious – Harlan County High’s Black Bears. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-50952974/turbine/amn-prep-football-playoffs-harlan-county-rips-lincoln-county-5214-20121103/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50952974/turbine/amn-prep-football-playoffs-harlan-county-rips-lincoln-county-5214-20121103/400/16x9 BAXTER – The Lincoln County football team didn’t encounter any four-legged black bears on its trip to the mountains of eastern Kentucky Friday night, but the Patriots did face off against something just as ferocious – Harlan County High’s Black Bears. It didn’t take the  two-legged Black Bears long to show their claws, ripping off 38 unanswered points in the first half  and never looking back as they rolled 52-14 over Lincoln at Coal Miner’s Memorial Stadium in the first round of the Class AAAAA state playoffs. Harlan (9-2) scored on five of its six first-half possessions and even returned a punt for a score to post a 38-0 halftime lead. “They’ve proven they are a number one seed for a reason. They just took control early and set the tone for the game,” Lincoln coach Mike Settles said. “Harlan’s just got so many weapons it’s hard to focus on one. You’ve just got to play sound defense. At times we didn’t do that, and it cost us.” The Black Bear offense rushed for 323 yards led by Jake Middleton who moved ever closer to the 2,000-yard mark for the season Friday by getting 146 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries. Treyvon Long ran for 97 yards and two touchdowns and Zach Chitwood had 49 yards and a touchdown.  It was Chitwood opening the 38-point scoring surge, capping off the game’s first possession with a 39-yard touchdown run. And the scoring just kept coming. • Placekicker Cole Wilson booted a 26-yard field goal after Harlan’s second possession stalled at the 11. • Long scored on a 26-yard run two plays after Devin Curry’s kickoff fumble recovery. • Long opened the second quarter with his second touchdown of the night, running the ball in from 44 yards out on a punt return. The ball bounced right into Long’s hands off a Boone Baird punt,  and he ran almost untouched to the end zone. • Middleton capped off an eight-play, 48-yard drive with a 1-yard punch up the middle. • Long made short work of the sixth Harlan possession of the half, taking the handoff from quarterback Scotty Bailey on the first play and scooting 58 yards down the left sideline for the touchdown and a 38-0 advantage. “We gave them favorable field position with our turnovers,”¿Settles said. “That’s the same thing we did last year (55-27 playoff loss at Harlan) in the second quarter and that proved to hurt us. When you play in a game in the playoffs, you’ve got to limit your mistakes. We didn’t do that tonight.” Lincoln (5-6) fumbled the ball five times for the game, losing possession each time. Lincoln senior Jonathan Hardwick said Harlan did just what was expected on the field, but felt Lincoln was just not at peak performance. “We were as prepared as we could be. They didn’t throw anything on us, but I think we just lacked in heart in the beginning,” he said. Hardwick, one of nine Lincoln seniors playing their final high school game, said at halftime the team resolved to play a better second half. “We decided that we got ourselves in the hole, and the only thing to do was to play with no regrets and just give it all we could because it was some of our last, my last time playing for Lincoln County.” Lincoln, which rushed for 50 yards the first half, managed to double that total in the second half to finish with 151 yards on the ground, and Justin Hubble, who was 4-for-12 for 78 yards, completed three second-half passes for 67 yards. The Patriots also got into the scoring the second half. On its third possession of the half, Lincoln took over on downs at its own 33. Trevor Gaines helped shorten the field by pulling in a Hubble throw and taking it 55 yards to the Harlan 11-yard line. Three plays later, with 2:04 left in the third, Hubble scrambled around in the backfield before finally cutting left, then diving into the end zone for a 6-yard touchdown. Middleton got back the score for Harlan on the ensuing possession, converting on a 4th-and-2 situation with a 47-yard touchdown run with just eight seconds to go in the third. Wilson evoked the running-clock rule for Harlan with 6:26 left in the game after intercepting a Hubble pass and returning the ball 49 yards to the goal line to make it 52-7. Lincoln could not erase Harlan’s big lead, but the Patriots would score the final touchdown. Reserve back Josh Stull scampered 62 yards down the Lincoln sideline with 1:33 showing for his first varsity touchdown and the 52-14 final. The touchdown by the 5-5 freshman elicited quite a celebration on the Patriot sideline. “That was great,” Settles said. “Pound-for-pound Josh is a great football player. He just plays so hard. He plays to win. That’s the type of players we want to have. We’re glad to have him back for three more years.” The Black Bears now advance to next week’s second round of playoffs where they will meet Madison Southern, a 37-36 winner over Perry County Central.  For Lincoln, the season has now reached its end. “We’ve got to look back now at the season,”¿Settles said. “I’m real proud of our seniors and everything they’ve accomplished, I mean, being in the playoffs the last three years. There’s a lot to be proud of in our program. Our seniors have a lot to be proud of, the team has a lot to be proud of.”Lincoln Co.     0      0    7    7    -   14 Harlan Co.    17    21    7    7    -  52 1st Quarter Harlan Co.: 9:08 – Zach Chitwood 39-yard run (Cole Wilson kick). Harlan Co.: 4:13 – Wilson 26-yard FG. Harlan Co.: 3:28 – Treyvon Long 26-yard run (Wilson kick). 2nd Quarter Harlan Co.: 11:40 – Long 45-yard punt return (Wilson kick). Harlan Co.: 6:43 – Jake Middleton 1-yard run (Wilson kick). Harlan Co.: 1:12 – Long 58-yard run (Wilson kick). 3rd Quarter Lincoln Co.: 2:04 – Justin Hubble 6-yard run (Boone Baird kick). Harlan Co.: :08 – Middleton 47-yard run (Wilson kick). 4th Quarter Harlan Co.: 6:26 – Justin Napier 49-yard interception return (Wilson kick). Lincoln Co.: 1:33 – Josh Stull 62-yard run (Baird kick).LC    HC First Downs    9    7 rushing    6    6 passing    2    1 penalty    1    0    Rushing Plays    43    36    Rushging yards gained    151    323    Pass Attempts    13    4    completions    4    1    Passing yards    78    12    Passing touchdowns    0    0 interceptions    1    0 Total Plays    56    40    total offense    229    335 Fumbles/lost    5/3    2/2 Penalties/yards    7/46    6/47Individual Statistics Rushing Lincoln Co. Logan Martin: 12 carries, 64 yards. Josh Stull: 4 carries, 62 yards, TD. Connor Patterson: 7 carries, 23 yards. Trevor Gaines: 1 carry, 12 yards. Marvin Robinson: 8 carries, 9 yards. Dalton Godbey: 2 carries, 6 yards. Justin Hubble: 9 carries, (-25) yards. Harlan Co. Jake Middleton: 18 carries, 146 yards, 2TDs. Treyvon Long: 6 carries, 97 yards, 2TDs. Zach Chitwood: 5 carries, 49 yards, TD. Cole Wilson: 1 carry, 17 yards. Scotty Bailey: 3 carries, 7 yards. Fred Massey: 3 carries, 7 yards. Passing/Receiving Lincoln Co. Passing: Justin Hubble –¿4-12-1, 78 yards; Josh Stull – 0-1-0; Dalton Godbey – 0-0-0. Receiving: Trevor Gaines – 2-63; Connor Patterson  – 1-11; Marvin Robinson – 1-4. Harlan Co. Passing: Scotty Bailey – 1-4-0, 12 yards; Jarett Ford – 0-0-0. Receiving: Cole Wilson – 1-12. 2012-11-07 09:47:16.0 2013-05-02 21:00:00.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/amn-prep-football-playoffs-harlan-county-rips-lincoln-county-5214-20121103,0,6715694.story

ij-lincoln-county-ky-cross-country-bunch-repeats-as-meet-of-champions-winner-20121031 Cross Country: Bunch repeats as Meet of Champions winner October 31, 2012 It wasn’t exactly the meet Lincoln’s Alex Bunch was looking for to end her final regular season of high school cross country, but, despite a slower time, the Lady Patriot runner captured the girls senior title at the Kentucky Track and Cross Country Coaches Association Meet of Champions� Saturday in Lexington. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-50914b9a/turbine/ij-lincoln-county-ky-cross-country-bunch-repeats-as-meet-of-champions-winner-20121031/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50914b9a/turbine/ij-lincoln-county-ky-cross-country-bunch-repeats-as-meet-of-champions-winner-20121031/400/16x9 It wasn’t exactly the meet Lincoln’s Alex Bunch was looking for to end her final regular season of high school cross country, but, despite a slower time, the Lady Patriot runner captured the girls senior title at the Kentucky Track and Cross Country Coaches Association Meet of Champions  Saturday in Lexington.Bunch had little trouble picking up her second straight title, pulling away from Madison Peace of Walton Verona to win by more than 29 seconds. However, Bunch’s time was over a minute and a half slower than her winning pace from last year’s meet.But the Lady Patriot runner, who failed to finish last week’s Lexington Catholic Invitational, was more than happy with Saturday’s slower first-place time.“After the race I had the week prior to – that race where I didn’t finish –my main goal was to finish this race,” Bunch said. “I just wanted to get back to where I finished the race and felt strong. And I did feel strong. It was really windy, and it was very difficult weather to run in, so I wasn’t too concerned with time. Honestly, my goal was to just cross the finish line.”The Lady Patriots’ top runner, who won in last year’s meet with a time of 18:24.80, covered the 3.1-mile course at Masterson Station Park in 20:01.10.“My time was really the slowest I’ve ever run on that course, but I wasn’t real upset because of the time,” Bunch said. “I was happy I finished, and I felt strong, my body felt strong. I was happy with my race, and that’s all I could ask for.”Peace’s runner-up time was 20:30.70. Gabriella Sabino of Madison Central crossed the finish line 56 seconds after Bunch to take third place in a time of 20:57.90. Paige Ingram of Pulaski County placed fourth in 21:35.20 and Kady Chaffin of East Carter rounded out the top five with a time of 21:54.70.Times were slower overall in the race, but Bunch attributed the slower pace to weather and not the course.“I didn’t feel like it was that difficult. I really enjoy that course. I’ve always enjoyed it. It has it’s fair share of hills, but there are a lot of downhills too,”¿she said. “It was cold weather, really cold. I love racing when it’s cold, but it was just a big change for all of us because of the drastic change in weather. It just takes a while to adjust to. But I felt strong even with the change in weather. I felt a lot stronger than I did the Saturday before, and that was important.” And why was feeling “strong” so important? Well, Bunch said that a strong finish would better prepare her for this weekend’s Class 3A, Region 7 championships in London, where she hopes to claim a fifth regional title.“I needed like the confidence boost for region, finishing with a pretty strong race,” said Bunch. “Even knowing I need to run a little faster at region, (the win) helped me because I feel I can still get a good time at region. We’ve stepped up our training a lot so I think I’m real strong and prepared to do it.”Bunch is training rigorously each day in preparation for regionals at North Laurel High School, however, she admits that she just wants the race to be fun.“It’s the first place I ever ran region at, my seventh-grade year. And it’s my last region, so I want to enjoy it,” she said. No other Lady Patriot or Patriot runner could match Bunch’s winning performance at the Meet of Champions, but Lincoln did have runners competing in nine of the 14 races contested.Lady Patriot runner Morgan Gourley placed 22nd out of a field of 57 in the girls varsity freshman 5K race, posting a time of 22:10.90.Brian Carlson, Lincoln’s only competitor in the boys sophomore varsity race, had Lincoln’s next best finish behind Bunch, finishing fourth in the 5K with a time of 17:10.10.Lincoln had two runners on course in the junior boys varsity run, with Jordon Smith and Luke Shofner representing the Patriots. Smith placed 30th out of a field of 93 in a time of 19:03.90 and Shofner was 82nd in 23:01.10. The Meet of Champions was not limited to varsity competition, with the middle school, sixth-grade and fourth-grade championships also decided on Saturday.Katherine Rowe, a sixth-grade runner for the Lady Patriots, posted Lincoln’s best finish of the middle school and elementary state championships, placing 75th out of 340 girls. Her time in the sixth-grade 3K was 13:54.90.  2012-10-31 09:12:04.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-lincoln-county-ky-cross-country-bunch-repeats-as-meet-of-champions-winner-20121031,0,164574.story

ij-football-patriots-postseason-begins-at-harlan-county-20121031 Football: Patriots' post-season begins at Harlan County October 31, 2012 Week 1 of the high school football postseason is here. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-50914aff/turbine/ij-football-patriots-postseason-begins-at-harlan-county-20121031/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50914aff/turbine/ij-football-patriots-postseason-begins-at-harlan-county-20121031/400/16x9 Week 1 of the high school football postseason is here.For the second season in a row, the Lincoln County football team will face off against Harlan County in the state playoffs.The District 8 champion Black Bears, who knocked the Patriots out in the second round of playoffs last year, will host Lincoln Friday night at Coal Miners’ Memorial Stadium in Baxter at 7:30 p.m. in the first round of the Class 5A state championships.The Patriots qualified for the playoffs by finishing fourth in District 7 with a record of 2-3. Harlan, which finished 8-2 overall and 3-0 in its district, is coming off a 40-34 win over Bell County. The Black Bears are led by former Rockcastle County coach Tom Larkey.Harlan scored 40 points in last week’s win over Bell, right at the team’s average of 39.4 points per game. The Black Bears have been stingy when it comes to points allowed, giving up just 18.8 points per game. The Black Bears march ahead full steam into the playoffs, winning eight of their last nine games, including their final five games. The only blemishes on Harlan’s record this season were a 35-25 loss to Morristown-Hamblen West (Tenn.) on opening week and a 12-6 loss to Knox Central on Sept. 21.Harlan relies on the running attack offensively, with 3,789 of their 4,226 total yards coming on the ground. Senior running back Jake Middleton has eaten up defenses this season, getting 1,757 yards and 24 touchdowns on 219 carries. Carson Whitehead leads the Black Bear defense with 169 tackles. Middleton and Cole Wilson also making their presence known to opposing offenses with 86 tackles and 79 tackles, respectively, The Patriots are 5-5 overall heading into the playoffs and are coming off an open week.After starting out 3-1 against its early-season schedule of Casey County (3-7), Danville (7-3), Washington County (2-8) and Garrard County (6-4), Lincoln fell on hard times, dropping three straight games, including back-to-back district losses – Pulaski County (35-17) and Madison Southern (47-19). The Patriots rebounded in week 7 to rout South Laurel 63-20 then clinched a playoff berth the following week with a 24-14 win at Southwestern. Lincoln closed the regular season with a loss as North Laurel claimed third place in the district with a 35-14 win.Offensively, the Patriots have scored 270 points and gained almost 2,000 yards rushing (1,992) with a high game of 348 against South Laurel. Logan Martin and Marvin Robinson lead Lincoln on the ground, combining for over 1,100 yards and 17 touchdowns on 228 carries. Martin, a senior, is the leading rusher with 661 yards and 11 touchdowns on 135 carries and Robinson, a junior, has 504 yards and six touchdowns on 93 carries.Quarterback Justin Hubble is 51-for-106 for 593 yards with five interceptions. He has thrown for five touchdowns. Austin Cress is Lincoln’s top receiver with 11 receptions for 240 yards and four touchdowns. Trevor Gaines has 21 receptions for 206 yards.Defensively, Lincoln has given up 280 points per game and allowed 1,971 rushing yards and 1,137 passing yards. 2012-10-31 09:02:27.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-football-patriots-postseason-begins-at-harlan-county-20121031,0,3523778.story

ij-soccer-lincoln-ky-lady-patriots-fall-71-in-12th-region-championship-20121026 Soccer: Lady Patriots fall 7-1 in 12th Region championship October 21, 2012 DANVILLE – There were a lot of tears shed on the Lincoln County sideline Saturday night after a 7-1 loss to West Jessamine in the Girls 12th Region Soccer Tournament final at Boyle County High School. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-508a9290/turbine/ij-soccer-lincoln-ky-lady-patriots-fall-71-in-12th-region-championship-20121026/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-508a9290/turbine/ij-soccer-lincoln-ky-lady-patriots-fall-71-in-12th-region-championship-20121026/400/16x9 DANVILLE – There were a lot of tears shed on the Lincoln County sideline Saturday night after a 7-1 loss to West Jessamine in the Girls 12th Region Soccer Tournament final at Boyle County High School.“I’m proud of how we played. It’s just heartbreaking to see something that I’ve put so much time into come to an end,” Lincoln senior Taylor Faulkner said with tears falling down her cheeks. As the players longed for a second chance, considering that a berth in the state tournament was on the line, Lincoln coach Andrew Kaiser reminded them of what they had accomplished this season – setting a school record for wins (15), winning their first regional game and making the title game for the first time.“We all believed at the beginning of the season that we could do this,”¿Kaiser said. “We worked together and we worked hard, and we had success. I’m just so proud of the girls.”“I knew (tonight) was going to be a tough game because the further you go, the harder the competition. We worked as hard as we could,”¿he said. “(West Jessamine) really pushed us. My hat is off to them. That’s a really good soccer team.”West Jessamine, a tradition-rich postseason team had little trouble continuing its winning ways, building a 3-0 halftime lead over Lincoln in the championship game. The No. 18 Lady Colts outshot the Lady Patriots 24-6 for the game, and extended their lead to 7-0 in the second half.Lincoln (15-5-2) denied West Jessamine the shutout, though, with Rachel Spangler scoring her 38th goal of the season with just 21 seconds left in the game.West Jessamine (14-5-7) dominated possession from the opening kickoff and proceeded to pelt Lincoln goalkeeper Jerrica Kidd with shots on goal. Kidd got saves off the Lady Colts’ first three shots, but they got past her on the fourth attempt, with Toria Howard getting into goal off a Sarah Wiggins assist for a 1-0 lead with 30:49 left in the first half.Kidd, a junior, came up with some key saves after the Howard goal to hold the Lady Colts at bay.She deflected a shot high to force a miss, then dove near the goal line for another stop. Then, after a shot by Howard went just wide right, Kidd came up with another save off the rebound.“She’s been wonderful all year,” Kaiser said. “She’s a great goalkeeper. She’s a great leader on the field. She just did a great job. Later in the evening, they kind of controlled the field. They put a lot of pressure on her, they’re quick, and that’s when (they started scoring more).”West Jessamine made it 2-0 with 14:03 to go in the half after Savannah Layne put a shot into goal just above Kidd. Kidd got her fingertips on the ball but could not get the save.A trip in the box penalty against Lincoln with 1:57 on the clock set West Jessamine up for its final goal of the first half. Howard took the penalty kick and scored to make it 3-0.And the goals kept coming.Lincoln was called for a hand ball in the penalty box with 30:14 still to go in the second half, and Wiggins converted on the penalty kick. Jessica Watson got in the scorebook with 27:06 to play, getting ahead of the Lincoln defense and putting in a shot past Kidd for a goal and a 5-0 West Jessamine lead.Howard completed a hat trick with a goal at the 21:22 mark and, with 7:10 to play, Natalie Traynor closed out the Lady Colts’ scoring.“They were definitely a high-caliber team,” said Faulkner. “I think we did the best we could and we just have to be content with that.”Kaiser agreed that his team played hard.“We didn’t get complacent,” he said. “ We worked as hard as we could. They’re just a good team. They control the field. They caught us out of position several times, and that happens when you control the field.”Lincoln had a good opportunity to score with 4:45 to play after Megan Yocum, a senior reserve, was fouled in the penalty box. She had to leave with a knee injury.   Macy Kaiser took the penalty kick, but West Jessamine goalkeeper Brooke Perkins stopped the shot.“It was really surreal being here tonight,” Faulkner said of her final high school game. “We worked really hard this whole season to get to where we are. Yes, we wanted to win, but it was an awesome experience, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.”Faulkner and Yocum are the only seniors on the Lady Patriot squad, and that has coach Kaiser optimistic for next season.“I¿expect us to be back in here next year,” Kaiser said. “We’re looking forward to another good year. This is a good group of girls and they’ll only get better.”   All-Tournament TeamPulaski Co. – Kennedy McAlpin.Southwestern – Nicole Upchurch.Wayne Co. – Hallie Gillespie.Somerset – Topanga Brown.Boyle Co. – Chelsea Gill, Logan Arnold.East Jessamine – Devon Burnside, Makensie Danaher.Lincoln Co. – Maddie Adams, Jerrica Kidd, Kristin Meece.West Jessamine – Maddye Hahn, Toria Howard, Sarah Wiggins, Rebekah Hulsing. 2012-10-26 07:04:32.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-soccer-lincoln-ky-lady-patriots-fall-71-in-12th-region-championship-20121026,0,4093833.story

ij-cross-country-carlson-leads-lincoln-ky-in-lexington-catholic-invitational-20121026 Cross country: Carlson leads Lincoln in Lexington Catholic Invitational October 21, 2012 LEXINGTON – It wasn’t the state cross country meet, but the turnout Saturday at the Kentucky Horse Park was equal to that of the state championships, with approximately 1,500 athletes converging on the park for the annual Lexington Catholic Invitational. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-508a8ed1/turbine/ij-cross-country-carlson-leads-lincoln-ky-in-lexington-catholic-invitational-20121026/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-508a8ed1/turbine/ij-cross-country-carlson-leads-lincoln-ky-in-lexington-catholic-invitational-20121026/400/16x9 LEXINGTON – It wasn’t the state cross country meet, but the turnout Saturday at the Kentucky Horse Park was equal to that of the state championships, with approximately 1,500 athletes converging on the park for the annual Lexington Catholic Invitational.The LexCath meet drew many of the elite runners in the Class A, 2A and 3A divisions. The large number of competitors competed in eight different divisions: large varsity boys and girls, small varsity boys and girls, jv boys and girls and middle school boys and girls.Lincoln County had runners on course in the large varsity and middle school divisions. The Patriot varsity runners were one of the first to compete, going off on a 10 a.m. shotgun start.Brian Carlson led the way for Lincoln and the boys large varsity field placing 15th out of 183 runners to earn himself a medal. The LCHS sophomore completed the 3.1-mile race in 16:50.90. Carlson was the lone Lincoln runner to receive a medal at the meet. Katherine Rowe, a sixth-grader, came close to medalling for Lincoln in the middle school girls run, placing 15th out of 125 runners in the 4K race with a time of 18:04.44, but only the top 10 runners received medals in the middle school races.The Lady Patriot varsity’s top runner, Alex Bunch, who finished in 20:12.68 in last year’s large varsity race to take third, did not post a time in Saturday’s run. Bunch, a senior, had not been feeling well prior to the race and was forced to drop out before completing the 3.1-mile course.The Lady Patriots would have a runner to cross in the varsity run, though, with freshman Morgan Gourley turning in a time of 21:28.10 to place her 63rd overall out of 171 runners.Bunch wasn’t the only Lincoln varsity runner not completing the LexCath run. Luke Smith, an eighth-grade runner, started the boys large varsity run but was forced to withdraw from the race due to breathing difficulties.Jordon Smith was the only other Patriot on course in the boys large varsity run. He finished in a time of 19:31.12 to place 139th.Patrick Gregory from Butler High School won the boys varsity race in 15:48.19. Connor Sheryak and St. Xavier teammates Sam Lewis, Chris Striegel and Nick Reader claimed the second- through fifth-place spots to help the Tigers easily win the boys team title. Sheryak finished in 15:54.02, Lewis in 16:04.81, Striegel in 16:07.61 and Reader in 16:13.30.In the girls’ large varsity, Maggie Allen led Sacred Heart Academy to a girls team title by winning the girls race in 18:43.15. Whitney O’Bryan of Daviess County was runner-up in 18:52.95, Samantha Simms of Sacred Heart ran third in 18:58.25, Cassidy Hale of DuPont Manual was fourth in 19:02.57 and Claire Payne of Daviess was fifth in 19:10.17.Lincoln had its biggest numbers in the middle school division races, with five runners in the boys race and five in the girls.Those middle-schoolers places and times were:Boys (field of 175): 83)¿Chance Sallee 18:13.08; 94) Austin Wethington 18:41.26; 95) Justin Cummins 18:42.15; 163) Zach Spears 24:00.19; 170) Jacob Tillett 25:55.04.Girls (field of 125): 15) Katherine Rowe 18:04.44; 47) Allie House 19:55.19; 52) Celia SanJuan 20:06.93; 93) Ashlyn Jarman 22:38.50; 113) Taylor Mingo 25:57.03.  2012-10-26 07:04:50.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-cross-country-carlson-leads-lincoln-ky-in-lexington-catholic-invitational-20121026,0,7623091.story

amn-prep-football-north-laurel-tops-lincoln-county-3514-20121020 Football: North Laurel tops Lincoln County 35-14 October 20, 2012 STANFORD — North Laurel quarterback Michael Nelson bolstered his game stats Friday night, finishing with over 300 total yards and four touchdowns as the Jaguars beat host Lincoln County 35-14. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-50829ccf/turbine/amn-prep-football-north-laurel-tops-lincoln-county-3514-20121020/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50829ccf/turbine/amn-prep-football-north-laurel-tops-lincoln-county-3514-20121020/400/16x9 STANFORD — North Laurel quarterback Michael Nelson bolstered his game stats Friday night, finishing with over 300 total yards and four touchdowns as the Jaguars beat host Lincoln County 35-14. It wasn’t just that Nelson had 306 yards, but it was the fact that they came in large chunks, including runs of 37, 58 and 83 yards and a pass for 95 yards, all of which resulted in touchdowns that put the Jaguars up 35-0. The junior quarterback had 211 yards on the ground on 13 carries as the Jaguars clinched third place in District AAAAA-7 and relegated Lincoln to fourth place. North Laurel amassed 509 yards on offense, with running back Gabe Blair pushing up the numbers with 168 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries. “They did what they wanted to do tonight, and we struggled stopping them,” Lincoln coach Mike Settles said. “Any time you’ve got a player like Michael Nelson, he’s going to make big, big plays. That’s why I lost a lot of sleep this week. I knew that was going to be a challenge. Our kids saw it, too, on film. I mean, he’d scored 18 touchdowns coming into this game.” Nelson scored touchdown No. 19 on North Laurel’s second possession of the game. The Jaguars (6-4, 3-2 district) took over at their own 21-yard line, however, negative rushing yards and penalties pushed them back to the 5. Despite poor field position, North Laurel needed just four plays to convert. Nelson passed the ball only once the entire game and that lone pass, on third-and-26, resulted in a 95-yard touchdown reception by Cole Lewis late in the first quarter. The Jaguars tacked on two more scores in the second quarter to cushion their lead to 21-0. Midway through the second quarter on fourth-and-6, Nelson kept the ball on a faked reverse and scooted 37 yards down the Jaguars’ sideline for a touchdown. He struck again with just over a minute left in the first half, capping off an 89-yard drive with a 58-yard touchdown run.  “I knew it was going to be tough to stop him. He’s just a great player. He’s explosive. Plus, up front they were real physical, and unfortunately we didn’t respond real well,” Settles said. “Defensively, we just didn’t tackle well and gave up big plays and key downs. That kind of set the tone for the rest of the game.” While North Laurel’s offense was racking up the points, Lincoln’s was sputtering along. The Patriots (5-5, 2-3) got inside the Jaguars’ 35 on each of their four first-half possessions, but none produced points. Boone Baird missed on field-goal attempts of 48 and 35 yards after drives stalled, the Patriots lost the ball on downs once, and then fumbled the ball while driving inside the North Laurel 15. Lincoln did get in the end zone in the second quarter when Trevor Gaines ran the ball in from the Jaguars’ 29, but the touchdown was nullified by a block-in-the-back penalty on the Patriots. “I felt like we expected to play better. We just made a lot of mistakes offensively,” Settles said. “It’s unfortunate because our kids, they’ve really worked hard, They’ve trained hard. To come out like this on senior night was disappointing.” Settles was hoping for an offensive turnaround for Lincoln in the second half, and the Patriots appeared ready to deliver on the opening series. Quarterback Justin Hubble hit Gaines for a 21-yard pass and Logan Martin went 16 yards for a first down on the drive. Face mask and personal foul penalties against North Laurel helped move the ball to the Jaguars’ 14, but that was as close as the Patriots would get, with Blair intercepting Hubble to end the drive. Lincoln’s next two drives also stalled, ending with a punt and on downs. “Our goal was just to come out and win the second half. We had to have something successful happen early in the second half, and it didn’t really happen for us,” Settles said. “We had to take chances of going for it in our territory. We got lucky a few times, but we just weren’t consistently playing well on offense or defense.” North Laurel was scoreless in the third quarter as well, but the Jaguars were back on the scoreboard early in the fourth to extend their lead. Nelson broke out of a crowd of Patriot defenders and romped 83 yards to the end zone just over a minute into the period. Then, after North Laurel took over on downs at the Lincoln 39, Blair capped off the short drive with a 5-yard touchdown run that gave the Jaguars a 35-0 lead. The Patriots finally broke onto the scoreboard in the fourth quarter. Hubble, who went 12 for 24 for 115 yards, connected for two first-down passes to Gaines for 11 and 6 yards, then ran for two first downs of 14 and 26 yards before taking the ball in from the 7-yard line for Lincoln’s first score. The drive covered 79 yards in eight plays. “Justin played a good game, and I’m proud of him,” Settles said. “There’s no doubt that he plays hard, and he came through with some big plays there.” On the ensuing kickoff, Lincoln recovered the ball at the North Laurel 29. Martin carried the ball three times to the 5 then Hubble connected with Connor Patterson for a touchdown pass and the 35-14 final. Lincoln’s regular season ended with Friday’s loss, but the Patriots will play on, making the Class AAAAA playoffs as the fourth-place team in District 7. “I know our kids are disappointed, but I’m proud of our kids and that we’ve made the playoffs for three consecutive years,” Settles said. “Of course, we’d liked to have had a winning season, but our kids have a lot to be proud of this year.” The Patriots have an open date next week, then travel to Harlan County, the No. 1 team in District 8, to open the playoffs Nov. 2.  “Regardless of who we play, we’ve got to get ready in two weeks to play in the playoffs,” Settles said. “When you look at our games, you see how the outcomes are inconsistent. That’s kind of a reflection of how we play, so hopefully we can put it together for the playoffs. I’m kind of curious to see how our team responds.”Statistics At Stanford North Laurel        7    14    0    14    —    35 Lincoln County    0       0    0    14    —    14 First Quarter North Laurel — Cole Lewis 95 pass from Michael Nelson (Keaton Kennedy kick), 1:49. Second Quarter North Laurel — Nelson 37 run (Kennedy kick), 5:47. North Laurel — Nelson 58 run (Kennedy kick), 1:01. Fourth Quarter North Laurel — Nelson 83 run (Kennedy kick), 10:47. North Laurel — Gabe Blair 5 run (Kennedy kick), 8:04. Lincoln — Justin Hubble 7 run (Boone Baird kick), 4:17. Lincoln — Connor Patterson 5 pass from Hubble (Baird kick), 2:27.                                   NL          LC First downs                11          20 Rushes-yards        45-414    40-215 Passing                      95         115 Total Net Yards        509         330 Comp-Att-Int          1-1-0    12-24-1 Fumbles-Lost            1-1         3-1 Penalties-Yards       9-90       3-20 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING—North Laurel, Michael Nelson 13-211, Gabe Blair 28-168, Jake McFadden 2-35, Jake McWhorter 2-0. Lincoln, Justin Hubble 10-79, Logan Martin 11-58, Connor Patterson 8-39, Marvin Robinson 10-22, Trevor Gaines 1-17. PASSING—North Laurel, Nelson 1-1-0-95. Lincoln, Hubble 12-24-1-115. RECEIVING—North Laurel, Cole Lewis 1-95. Lincoln, Gaines 8-84, Patterson 2-14, Gerald Miller 1-9, Austin Cress 1-8. 2012-10-22 06:30:35.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/amn-prep-football-north-laurel-tops-lincoln-county-3514-20121020,0,6726808.story

ij-ky-soccer-lincoln-lady-patriots-defeat-east-jessamine-21-punch-historic-ticket-to-regional-final-20121020 Soccer: Lady Patriots defeat East Jessamine 2-1, punch historic ticket to regional final October 20, 2012 Lincoln's regional championship game against West Jessamine is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-50829af8/turbine/ij-ky-soccer-lincoln-lady-patriots-defeat-east-jessamine-21-punch-historic-ticket-to-regional-final-20121020/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50829af8/turbine/ij-ky-soccer-lincoln-lady-patriots-defeat-east-jessamine-21-punch-historic-ticket-to-regional-final-20121020/400/16x9 Lincoln's regional championship game against West Jessamine is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday.DANVILLE – In the history of girls soccer at Lincoln County, the Lady Patriots have never been a threat in regional postseason play, having made only one appearance in 2004 and bowing out in the tourney’s first round.But they are a definite threat now.The Lady Patriots proved themselves so Thursday night, stunning favored East Jessamine 2-1 in the 12th Region Tournament semifinals at Boyle County.Lincoln, which fell to East Jessamine 3-1 in the regular season, got two second-half goals from Maddie Adams and Micheala Sebastian to earn the win and a spot in Lincoln’s first-ever regional soccer final.  Lincoln (15-4-2) and West Jessamine (13-4-7) will play for the regional title Saturday at 7 p.m. at Rebel Stadium.“I worked my butt off, and I know every single one of us has done everything to get us to this,” Sebastian said after trading celebratory hugs with her Lady Patriot teammates and coaches. “We’ve put our hearts, tears and blood into it, and it’s all we’ve wanted. Coach (Andrew Kaiser) was telling everybody, ‘No Lincoln team has ever made it this far, and I’m very, very proud.’ And I’m very, very excited.”No other Lincoln soccer team, girls or boys, had even gotten a regional win until this season. The Patriot boys picked up one win before being eliminated in this year’s semifinals. The Lady Patriots also notched their first-ever regional win as the tournament opened, then they followed it up with the semifinal victory.“It feels amazing,” Sebastian said. “Just being a part of this team and to show everybody and represent Lincoln County in the championship game is amazing. I love it! I love my team! I love the fans! I just love it, love it, love it!”First-year coach Andrew Kaiser admitted he didn’t know the whole history of past Lincoln girls’ soccer teams, but he knew the caliber of team he got when he took the coaching helm.“I always felt like, starting at the beginning of the season, that we had so much talent that we had a good enough team to get here (region) and to even go further,” he said. “I can’t be any more proud of them. They just played their hearts out.” East Jessamine (14-10-1) took the early lead, getting on  the scoreboard just over 5 minutes into the game. Devon Burnside put the Lady Jaguars up 1-0 by dribbling left of goal, setting her shot, then driving it in just right of Lincoln goalkeeper Jerrica Kidd.East Jessamine held onto its 1-0 lead at the half, using ball control to keep Lincoln on the defensive for much of the first 40 minutes. The Lady Jags outshot the Lady Pats 6-2 in the first half.Lincoln fired well on those two shots on goal only to come up emptyhanded. Kristen Meece got her shot to fall in goal just two minutes into the game, however, the ball was ruled out of bounds for hitting the football goal post crossbar. Then, with 9:04 to go in the half, Adams had a shot deflect off the left goal post.“The first half I thought we struggled and we were having trouble matching up,” Kaiser said. “But we changed the formation, and we were able to do a lot better in the second half. They were beating us to the ball (first half) and we just turned it on the second half.”Lincoln began controlling the ball more in the second half and had many more good looks on goal. Seven of the Lady Patriots total nine shots on goal came in the final 40 minutes.East Jessamine managed to stave off any Lincoln scoring threats until midway through the second half when the Lady Jaguars were called for a foul in the goal box. Adams lined up to take the penalty kick for the Lady Patriots and she punched in her shot to the right, just out of the reach of a diving Heather Welch to tie the game at 1-1 with 23:13 to go.Burnside kept trying to score for East Jessamine and break the tie, but her shots just kept missing or were grabbed up by Kidd.Lincoln, which was outshot by East Jessamine 15-9, also had its share of close calls in trying to end the deadlock.But it wasn’t until just 3:30 remained in the game that Sebastian hit for Lincoln to break the tie. The junior midfielder got the ball on the left side of goal then booted in a shot to the right corner past Welch.“It was like the first game (region) when I scored the first goal,” Sebastian said. “It just bounced off the turf and I just struck it. I just did what I was taught and punched it in. It was a beautiful goal.”Kaiser kept the team celebration low key following the East Jessamine victory, reminding his team that they weren’t quite finished yet.“We still have another game,” he said. “We have more work to do. Hopefully we can get in a good practice tomorrow.” 2012-10-20 05:53:00.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-ky-soccer-lincoln-lady-patriots-defeat-east-jessamine-21-punch-historic-ticket-to-regional-final-20121020,0,753665.story

amn-prep-soccer-lincoln-upbeat-after-32-loss-to-west-jessamine-in-boys-12th-region-semifinal-20121018 Soccer: Lincoln upbeat after 3-2 loss to West Jessamine in boys 12th Region semifinal October 18, 2012 HARRODSBURG — West Jessamine had beaten Lincoln County 6-3 in the regular season, but the Patriots clearly weren’t intimidated by the Colts’ status as one of the top teams in the region when the two teams tangled in a rematch Wednesday night. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-5081a5cc/turbine/amn-prep-soccer-lincoln-upbeat-after-32-loss-to-west-jessamine-in-boys-12th-region-semifinal-20121018/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-5081a5cc/turbine/amn-prep-soccer-lincoln-upbeat-after-32-loss-to-west-jessamine-in-boys-12th-region-semifinal-20121018/400/16x9 HARRODSBURG — West Jessamine had beaten Lincoln County 6-3 in the regular season, but the Patriots clearly weren’t intimidated by the Colts’ status as one of the top teams in the region when the two teams tangled in a rematch Wednesday night.The Patriots’ fearlessness on the field would not lead to victory, however, as West Jessamine eliminated Lincoln 3-2 in the semifinal round of the boys 12th Region Tournament at King Middle School.After an intense back-and-forth battle, Lincoln gave up the game-winning goal to West Jessamine’s Josh Bowman with 5 minutes, 10 seconds remaining.“It was a fight, and I think we played tremendous,” Lincoln coach Chaz Garcia said. “I don’t think a single player didn’t leave everything on the field. I don’t think a single player is going to go home tonight and say, ‘You know what, I could have done more.’ We played well, but you just can’t win them all.”Despite the season-ending loss, Garcia was beaming with pride after the game as he talked about his team and how it has progressed since its first regional appearance two seasons ago.“Gosh, I’m so proud of them because they are contenders,” he said. “We made it to region two years ago and Danville just smashed us. Then last year, we make it to the region again and Mercer County mercy-ruled us. Tonight we came out and played West Jessamine 3-2. In my eyes I can’t ask for anything more, other than a win. My goodness, we had it. We were in it for a win.”Lincoln (12-7-0) never trailed until Bowman’s late goal, but the Patriots could not get an upper hand on West Jessamine as the two teams traded goals.The trading began after the Patriots’ Austin Grigsby scored the game’s first goal in the 11th minute. The Patriots took a corner kick, then passed the ball to the inside, and it rolled right to Grigsby who put the shot in past West Jessamine goalkeeper Wesley Holifield. Less than five minutes later, Logan Dailey answered for West Jessamine, scoring on a breakaway to even the game at 1-all.With 9:49 to play in the first half, West Jessamine (14-10-1) had the opportunity to break the tie on a penalty kick after Lincoln was called for a trip in the goal box, but Bowman’s strike was stopped by Lincoln goalkeeper Ian Blevins.Lincoln went back in front 90 seconds into the second half off a Carter Dunn score. Dunn brought the ball up on a breakaway, played it right in front of Holifield, then fired a shot into the right side of the net, giving the Patriots a 2-1 lead.But again, West Jessamine would have an answer. Lincoln was called for its second tripping penalty just 3 minutes later, and this time the Colts would not be denied. Logan Dailey punched the penalty shot into the back right corner of goal to force a 2-2 tie.The penalty against the Patriots drew a fierce rebuttal from disgruntled Lincoln fans, who were upset with the night’s officiating. But Garcia simply said, “It happens.” “I wouldn’t say the officiating was bad. They did a good job,” he said. “The last thing I ever want to blame a loss on is the officiating. I don’t think we got some calls we should have gotten, and they got away with some. It happens.”There was no penalty on the game’s final goal. As Lincoln fans screamed “Offsides!” from the bleachers, Bowman dribbled the ball up on a breakaway, then fired high left just out of Blevins’ reach for the game-winner.“Nobody wants to lose, and we’re disappointed. But they fought and they fought hard, and I’m proud of them,” Garcia said. “This was a better game, definitely, than (preseason). We played much better and they weren’t able to run all over us. It’s just unfortunate some things didn’t click.”Less than 15 minutes after the final horn sounded on Lincoln’s 2012 season, Garcia had already started thinking ahead to 2013.“Next year I think we’re going to come back stronger. We’re really going to try to hit the boys hard in the offseason and try to get ready to come back out here and hopefully get a district title and contend in the region again.” 2012-10-19 12:13:19.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/amn-prep-soccer-lincoln-upbeat-after-32-loss-to-west-jessamine-in-boys-12th-region-semifinal-20121018,0,2887482.story

ij-soccer-lincoln-ky-boys-advance-to-12th-region-semifinals-with-51-win-over-somerset-20121017 Soccer: Lincoln boys advance to 12th region semi-finals with 5-1 win over Somerset October 17, 2012 HARRODSBURG – The Lincoln County boys soccer team knows the importance of a fast start. And a team can’t start much faster than the Patriots did Tuesday night. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-507eca77/turbine/ij-soccer-lincoln-ky-boys-advance-to-12th-region-semifinals-with-51-win-over-somerset-20121017/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-507eca77/turbine/ij-soccer-lincoln-ky-boys-advance-to-12th-region-semifinals-with-51-win-over-somerset-20121017/400/16x9 HARRODSBURG – The Lincoln County boys soccer team knows the importance of a fast start. And a team can’t start much faster than the Patriots did Tuesday night.Lincoln’s first rush down the field resulted in a goal just 31 seconds into the game. And the Patriots went on to score three more unanswered goals as they ousted Somerset 5-1 in the 12th Region Tournament quarterfinal round at Mercer County.“I think that kind of shocked them,” Lincoln goalkeeper Ian Blevins said of the quick point. “I think we kind of let them know that we’re in charge by scoring that fast.”Lincoln coach Chaz Garcia agreed that the quick goal was a key factor in the regional win, the first ever in the history of Patriot soccer.“Any time you score like that, you just put yourself in a really good position,”¿he said. “We’re playing now to stay ahead and they’re trying to get back in the game. That’s crucial for anybody.”Carl-Lewis Cummins converted on the goal after a Lincoln throw in, taking the pass and dribbling it in front of goal for the quick kick and a 1-0 Patriot lead.And Lincoln (12-6-0) never looked back.“They really wanted this,” Garcia said. “I think losing our Senior Night and then turning around and losing in the district championship ... they’re just hungry. I think, if we keep playing like this, we’ll put up a good fight all the way to the end. They’re hungry and they want it.”While Lincoln never relinquished its lead, Somerset (10-8-2) didn’t go down without a fight. The Briar Jumpers played keep away after the opening goal, and pounded in the shots on Blevins throughout the first half. Somerset got six of its total eight shots on goal in the period.“They pounded and pounded. They didn’t stop their fight, at all. They kept on going,” said Garcia.Blevins, who had seven saves for the game, notched five saves in the first half as Somerset kept him on alert.“We had a little bit of a struggle possessing the ball after the goal and they took some good shots,” Blevins said. “They had a lot of break-aways, but I just did what I know how to do –&ensp;stop the shots.” Garcia realizes just how important it was for Blevins to “stop the shots.” “He’s really come along. He’s made some remarkable saves for us,”¿Garcia said. “Boyle County, he had a huge game there. We did lose that game, but he had some really big time saves. Tonight, again, big time saves. All it takes is that one big save. If they score, that could completely turn the game around.”“By him keeping that from happening, you know, (game’s) still going our way and the flow stayed with us.”Blevins did leave the game with a knee injury midway of the first half after being run over by a charging Somerset player, but he wasn’t sidelined for long.“It wasn’t really anything,” said Blevins. “I knew it was just one of those ‘go out and check it, and come back in.’’Lincoln, which outshot Somerset 21-8, did start to control the ball in the first half  and take the pressure off Blevins, getting 10 shots on goal before halftime.And two more goals were the result.Carter Dunn scored on a breakaway with 12:15 to go in the first half to make it a 2-0 ball game.The margin was 3-0 at the break, with Blake Henderson punching in a shot on Somerset goalkeeper Brandon Patterson with 6:42 to go. Henderson fielded a pass from the left wing, centered the ball then booted it into the back of the net.Cummins came through with his second goal of the game early in the second half. Jake Dunn passed the ball in from the right corner to a charging Cummins who boomed in the shot to extend Lincoln’s lead to 4-0 just 7 minutes into the half. Somerset was finally able to interrupt Lincoln’s scoring run as the clock ticked under 5 minutes, with Nick Henry getting a shot past Blevins to deny Lincoln the shutout.“I don’t know what happened at the end there. I really don’t,” Garcia said. “I guess we just had a miscommunication, and they got one in. Kind of feel bad for them because we’ve really been harping about getting a shutout, keeping it clean.”Somerset would be held to the one goal, but Lincoln would score one more time. Carter Dunn got to go one-on-one with Patterson on the penalty kick after Somerset was whistled for a push in the goal box. Dunn’s low kick to the left corner went untouched.Tuesday’s win set Lincoln up for a rematch with West Jessamine. The Colts (13-10-1) defeated Lincoln 6-3 in the Berea Cup during the regular season, but the Patriots were short some players due to injury and eligibility. In Wednesday night’s semifinal game, Garcia expects a different Lincoln team.“With our flow the way it is right now, having our guys the way we have them, I would say we are definitely going to come out ... West Jessamine’s going to have to really play their hearts out to beat us tomorrow,” he said. Results from Wednesday night’s Lincoln-West Jessamine game were unavailable at press time. 2012-10-17 08:19:03.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-soccer-lincoln-ky-boys-advance-to-12th-region-semifinals-with-51-win-over-somerset-20121017,0,6975750.story

ij-soccer-lady-patriots-earn-firstever-regional-win-20121017 Soccer: Lady Patriots earn first-ever regional win October 17, 2012 Monday night many soccer teams across the state saw their seasons come to a close in regional play. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-507ec9b9/turbine/ij-soccer-lady-patriots-earn-firstever-regional-win-20121017/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-507ec9b9/turbine/ij-soccer-lady-patriots-earn-firstever-regional-win-20121017/400/16x9 Monday night many soccer teams across the state saw their seasons come to a close in regional play.Not the Lincoln County girls team.The Lady Patriot soccer team defeated Southwestern 2-0 in the quarterfinal round of the 12th Region Tournament at Boyle County Monday for the program’s first-ever regional tournament win.Micheala Sebastian kicked in what proved to be the game-winning goal with 15:38 to play in the first half. The junior midfielder left-footed the cross kick in from 20 yards out on Southwestern goalkeeper Kaylee Shepherd.Sebastian was actually the second Lady Patriot to get into goal in the first half, but only her shot counted. Just seconds before Sebastian’s goal, Rachel Spangler scored off a free kick, however, the goal was nullified. Spangler’s kick hit the cross bar of the soccer goal then deflected off the football goal posts above before falling into the net. Because the ball hit the cross bar of the football goal posts  it was ruled out of bounds and the goal did not count.The Lady Patriots (15-4-2) would add another goal in the second half, with Maddie Adams picking up the score with just 2:32 to play. The Lincoln junior had just missed a penalty kick opportunity but followed her miss with a putback from 7 yards out for the 2-0 final.Southwestern (7-12-2) set Lincoln up for the PK by tripping Spangler in the goal box.Lincoln plays East Jessamine (14-9-1) at 6 p.m. tonight (Thursday) in the semifinals at Boyle County High School. The 46th District runner-up Lady Jaguars of East Jessamine advanced with a 4-0 shutout of Pulaski County. 2012-10-17 08:09:46.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-soccer-lady-patriots-earn-firstever-regional-win-20121017,0,847466.story

ij-volleyball-lincoln-ky-girls-fall-to-burgin-30-in-first-round-20121017 Volleyball: Lincoln girls fall to Burgin 3-0 in first round October 17, 2012 STANFORD – The Lincoln County girls soccer team’s hopes for a first-ever district title were dashed Wednesday night as the Boyle County girls collected their sixth straight district title by defeating the host Lady Patriots 4-0 in the 45th District Tournament final. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-507ec7c4/turbine/ij-volleyball-lincoln-ky-girls-fall-to-burgin-30-in-first-round-20121017/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-507ec7c4/turbine/ij-volleyball-lincoln-ky-girls-fall-to-burgin-30-in-first-round-20121017/400/16x9 STANFORD – The Lincoln County girls soccer team’s hopes for a first-ever district title were dashed Wednesday night as the Boyle County girls collected their sixth straight district title by defeating the host Lady Patriots 4-0 in the 45th District Tournament final.“The score doesn’t say how close of a game it was,” Lincoln coach Andrew Kaiser said. “I¿felt like our girls played hard. We had a couple break downs here and there but, for the most part, we played hard and played well. Give all credit to Boyle County. They’re a good team and they really played well.”The No. 21 Lady Rebels, winners of the 29th District the past five seasons, easily transitioned to the redistricted 45th, sweeping the competition along the way to the championship-game shutout – Boyle’s 12th of the season.“We’ve been doing a good job the last four, five years of really focusing on team defense,” Boyle coach Brian Deem said. “I challenged our kids tonight. I said, ‘We’ve faced Danville. We’ve faced Mercer. And we’ve faced Lincoln now for the second time. All three of their goal scorers were previewed early in the preseason as being their studs – can we shut them out?’ Up to tonight we had, and we were able to keep Rachel (Spangler) off the boards tonight. They responded to the challenge tonight, they really did.” Boyle, which also defeated Lincoln 4-0 in the preseason, never trailed in the postseason rematch, with senior Hannah Harris, who led the Lady Rebels with two goals, tallying her first goal just 9 minutes into the championship game. Deem credited his Lady Rebels (13-5-3) for a strong start, and also the Lady Patriots (13-4-2) for not backing down. “It was a great win, but it wasn’t as easy as the score says. Andrew (Kaiser) had his girls ready to play,” Deem said. “I thought we did a good job in the first nine minutes when we scored and went up 1-0, but then our play kind of fell off. We got very complacent and expected Lincoln to maybe back down.”“Hats off to them. They fought through and they came after us. They never quit and that’s the sign of a good coach and a good group of girls.”Harris scored the opening goal off a corner kick. Chelsea Gill fielded the kick in front of goal, took a shot and missed, and Harris was there to punch the ball back in on Lincoln goalkeeper Jerrica Kidd.  Boyle, after outshooting Lincoln 5-0 in the first nine minutes, finished with just a 7-5 edge at halftime as the Lady Patriots battled back offensively, however, the Lady Rebels held tight to their 1-0 lead.The two offenses traded possessions and several missed shots before Boyle sophomore Alexis Kerbaugh ended the defensive standoff with a lofting shot into goal. After three close calls off corner kicks, Kerbaugh was able to convert for Boyle in the 50th minute, booting in a high shot from left of goal into the top right corner.“We made some adjustments at halftime and were able to get that second goal. Kerbaugh’s goal was a beautiful shot that she had,” said Deem. “That was the momentum swing right there because, at that point, it was anybody’s ball game.  At that point, I think it kind of overwhelmed them and took the wind out of their sails.”Lincoln was unable to wage much offensive threat over the remainder of the game.The Lady Patriots’ best scoring chance of the night came on a Kristen Meece shot from 10 yards out that went just wide left with 22 minutes remaining in the game.Gill, a senior, got into goal for Boyle with 10:38 to play, heading in a direct kick, and Harris finished out the  night’s scoring just three minutes later for the 4-0 final.“It’s a tough loss,” Kaiser said. “They (Lady Pats) were excited about being here tonight. They wanted to win. I wanted to win. But we didn’t. Hopefully we’ll see them in the region. Region starts Monday and we’re looking forward to it.”All-Tournament TeamDanville – Samantha Sandidge, Fariha SiddiquiGarrard Co. – Kendra Rich, Mary Ezaizat.Lincoln Co. – Maddie Adams, Jerrica Kidd,, Rachel Spangler.Boyle Co. – Chelsea Gill Hannah Harris, Meghan Paynter, Ellery Denny. 2012-10-17 08:01:24.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-volleyball-lincoln-ky-girls-fall-to-burgin-30-in-first-round-20121017,0,5930597.story

ij-soccer-boyle-girls-shut-out-lincoln-ky-patriots-for-sixth-straight-title-20121017 Soccer: Boyle girls shut out Lincoln for sixth straight title October 17, 2012 STANFORD — The Lincoln County girls soccer team’s hopes for a first-ever district title were dashed Wednesday night as the Boyle County girls collected their sixth straight district title by defeating the host Lady Patriots 4-0 in the 45th District Tournament final. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-507ec579/turbine/ij-soccer-boyle-girls-shut-out-lincoln-ky-patriots-for-sixth-straight-title-20121017/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-507ec579/turbine/ij-soccer-boyle-girls-shut-out-lincoln-ky-patriots-for-sixth-straight-title-20121017/400/16x9 STANFORD — The Lincoln County girls soccer team’s hopes for a first-ever district title were dashed Wednesday night as the Boyle County girls collected their sixth straight district title by defeating the host Lady Patriots 4-0 in the 45th District Tournament final.“The score doesn’t say how close of a game it was,” Lincoln coach Andrew Kaiser said. “I¿felt like our girls played hard. We had a couple break downs here and there but, for the most part, we played hard and played well. Give all credit to Boyle County. They’re a good team and they really played well.”The No. 21 Lady Rebels, winners of the 29th District the past five seasons, easily transitioned to the redistricted 45th, sweeping the competition along the way to the championship-game shutout – Boyle’s 12th of the season.“We’ve been doing a good job the last four, five years of really focusing on team defense,” Boyle coach Brian Deem said. “I challenged our kids tonight. I said, ‘We’ve faced Danville. We’ve faced Mercer. And we’ve faced Lincoln now for the second time. All three of their goal scorers were previewed early in the preseason as being their studs – can we shut them out?’ Up to tonight we had, and we were able to keep Rachel (Spangler) off the boards tonight. They responded to the challenge tonight, they really did.” Boyle, which also defeated Lincoln 4-0 in the preseason, never trailed in the postseason rematch, with senior Hannah Harris, who led the Lady Rebels with two goals, tallying her first goal just 9 minutes into the championship game. Deem credited his Lady Rebels (13-5-3) for a strong start, and also the Lady Patriots (13-4-2) for not backing down. “It was a great win, but it wasn’t as easy as the score says. Andrew (Kaiser) had his girls ready to play,” Deem said. “I thought we did a good job in the first nine minutes when we scored and went up 1-0, but then our play kind of fell off. We got very complacent and expected Lincoln to maybe back down.”“Hats off to them. They fought through and they came after us. They never quit and that’s the sign of a good coach and a good group of girls.”Harris scored the opening goal off a corner kick. Chelsea Gill fielded the kick in front of goal, took a shot and missed, and Harris was there to punch the ball back in on Lincoln goalkeeper Jerrica Kidd.  Boyle, after outshooting Lincoln 5-0 in the first nine minutes, finished with just a 7-5 edge at halftime as the Lady Patriots battled back offensively, however, the Lady Rebels held tight to their 1-0 lead.The two offenses traded possessions and several missed shots before Boyle sophomore Alexis Kerbaugh ended the defensive standoff with a lofting shot into goal. After three close calls off corner kicks, Kerbaugh was able to convert for Boyle in the 50th minute, booting in a high shot from left of goal into the top right corner.“We made some adjustments at halftime and were able to get that second goal. Kerbaugh’s goal was a beautiful shot that she had,” said Deem. “That was the momentum swing right there because, at that point, it was anybody’s ball game.  At that point, I think it kind of overwhelmed them and took the wind out of their sails.”Lincoln was unable to wage much offensive threat over the remainder of the game.The Lady Patriots’ best scoring chance of the night came on a Kristen Meece shot from 10 yards out that went just wide left with 22 minutes remaining in the game.Gill, a senior, got into goal for Boyle with 10:38 to play, heading in a direct kick, and Harris finished out the  night’s scoring just three minutes later for the 4-0 final.“It’s a tough loss,” Kaiser said. “They (Lady Pats) were excited about being here tonight. They wanted to win. I wanted to win. But we didn’t. Hopefully we’ll see them in the region. Region starts Monday and we’re looking forward to it.”All-Tournament TeamDanville – Samantha Sandidge, Fariha SiddiquiGarrard Co. – Kendra Rich, Mary Ezaizat.Lincoln Co. – Maddie Adams, Jerrica Kidd,, Rachel Spangler.Boyle Co. – Chelsea Gill Hannah Harris, Meghan Paynter, Ellery Denny. 2012-10-17 07:51:50.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-soccer-boyle-girls-shut-out-lincoln-ky-patriots-for-sixth-straight-title-20121017,0,7987650.story

amn-prep-football-lincoln-wins-key-district-matchup-2414-over-southwestern-20121013 Prep Football: Lincoln wins key district matchup 24-14 over Southwestern October 13, 2012 SOMERSET — The high school football post-season is still three weeks away, but for Lincoln County, the playoffs have already started. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-50796f76/turbine/amn-prep-football-lincoln-wins-key-district-matchup-2414-over-southwestern-20121013/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50796f76/turbine/amn-prep-football-lincoln-wins-key-district-matchup-2414-over-southwestern-20121013/400/16x9 SOMERSET — The high school football post-season is still three weeks away, but for Lincoln County, the playoffs have already started. Fourth place and a playoff berth in Class AAAAA, District 7 were on the line here Friday night, and the Patriots did their part to make sure their season is extended by defeating Southwestern 24-14 at the Reservation. “Our kids knew the importance of this game. They had a choice to make and they chose to play to win tonight,” Lincoln coach Mike Settles said. “(Southwestern) is a team that last year knocked us out of winning the district championship, and to knock them out of making the playoffs feels pretty darn good.” Lincoln (5-4, 2-2 district) led 14-0 at halftime and thwarted a second-half Warrior comeback effort to secure the fourth-place spot. Marvin Robinson, who had a game-high 118 yards on 28 carries, got the Patriots’ scoring started. Both teams fumbled away their opening possessions, but Lincoln hit paydirt on its second drive with Robinson finishing off the 70-yard series with a 12-yard scoring run with 9:14 still to play in the first quarter. Both offenses stumbled after the opening score, with Southwestern either punting or fumbling the ball while Lincoln punted and threw it away.  Boone Baird, Lincoln’s placekicker, tried to end the foibles and build on the lead when he attempted a 50-yard field goal in the second quarter. However, the kick fell just a couple yards short of the uprights. The Patriots would put up points on their next possession. Lincoln fielded a Southwestern punt at the Warriors’ 36-yard line and needed just eight plays to reach the end zone. Justin Hubble completed a 14-yard pass to Trevor Gaines on the drive and Robinson ran for a first down before Hubble connected with Austin Cress for a 5-yard touchdown pass and a 14-0 lead with 1:44 left in the half. Hubble finished 8-for-13 passing for the night for 64 yards. “We had to improve our passing game and we did that tonight,” Settles said. “We had some play-action that we worked on. I just love the way that it opens up our running game, as well. If we have success throwing the ball like that, that softens up the defense a little more and we have more effectiveness running the football.” The 14-0 halftime margin would be Lincoln’s biggest lead of the night. Southwestern (3-5, 1-3) wasted little time making a dent in the Patriot lead as the second half got under way. Jesse Meece returned the opening kickoff 30 yards to the Lincoln 47, and Logan Campisano carried the ball the rest of the way. The junior running back, who led Southwestern with 86 yards rushing, picked up most of those yards on the third-quarter drive, capping it off with a 2-yard touchdown.  Austin Smiddy added the two-point conversion run to make it 14-8. “I could tell their kids got challenged at halftime and they just responded. And our kids didn’t,” Settles said. “It gets me so frustrated because we talked about that stuff, and how we needed it to go 3-and-out. Our goal is to start the second half 3-and-out against a team.” “We didn’t do that. They scored and got some momentum, and went for two and got it. That’s when we knew we were in for a battle. I mean, Southwestern’s well-coached. They’re tough. They’re physical. And they showed it on that one drive there.” Lincoln got back the touchdown on its next possession, going 57 yards in 10 plays. The drive culminated in a 2-yard touchdown run by Connor Patterson. Patterson, who rushed for 50 yards on 13 carries, knew that Lincoln had the ability to hold off the Warriors. “Felt confident that we could do the same thing after the half,” he said. “We just had to keep playing hard and show them whose boss.”  Lincoln held onto its lead but the Warriors would add one more score. Smiddy captained a drive from the Southwestern 30 all the way down to the Lincoln 19 only to fumble a snap for a 9-yard loss. The sophomore quarterback, who went 2-for-7 overall with one interception, made up for the fumble on the following play, hitting James Vinson for a 28-yard touchdown pass for a 21-14 ball game at the end of the third quarter. Lincoln’s offense guaranteed the win for the Patriots in the fourth quarter, controlling the ball for 10 minutes of the 12-minute period.  Baird finished out the night’s scoring with 8:16 to play when he connected for a 20-yard field goal for the 24-14 final. “We’ve got a great system that we run offensively. It doesn’t look pretty a lot of times, but it is effective and we use the clock as you can tell,” Settles said. “I love that our kids made that decision to win. We were so much more of a disciplined team tonight and that results in a win for us.” “I’m proud of our kids. I love it when they play hard, and they did tonight. Our kids responded and executed and, other than a couple mistakes, we played well. The defense played well. After a three-game losing streak, to turn around and have two wins is very gratifying.” STATISTICSLincoln                7    7     7    3    -   24 Southwestern    0    0    14    0    -  14 1st Quarter Lincoln: 9:14 – Marvin Robinson 12-yard run (Boone Baird kick). 2nd Quarter Lincoln: 1:44 –  Austin Cress 5-yard pass from Justin Hubble (Baird kick). 3rd Quarter Southwestern: 9:22 – Logan Campisano 2-yard run (Austin Smiddy run). Lincoln: 4:19 – Connor Patterson 2-yard run (Baird kick). Southwestern: :31.1 – James Vinson 28-yard pass from Smiddy (pass failed). 4th Quarter Lincoln: 8:16 – Baird 20-yard FG.                             LC            SW First Downs          15             9 Rushing             48-170    33-107    Passing Yards        64          33 Passing                8-13-1    2-7-1    Total offense          234       140 Fumbles/lost         2/1        5/2 Penalties/yards    9/73     5/45Individual Statistics Rushing - Lincoln; Marvin Robinson: 28 carries, 118 yards, TD; Connor Patterson: 13 carries, 50 yards, TD; Logan Martin: 2 carries, 4 yards; Justin Hubble: 5 carries, (-2) yards. Southwestern; Logan Campisano: 17 carries, 86 yards, TD. Jordan Maggard: 9 carries, 24 yards. Chase Robinson: 1 carry, 14 yards. Austin Smiddy: 6 carries, (-17) yards. Passing- Lincoln; Justin Hubble –¿8-13-1, 64. Southwestern, Austin Smiddy – 2-7-1, 33. Receiving: Trevor Gaines – 5-48; Gerald Miller – 1-8; Austin Cress – 1-5, TD; Connor Patterson  – 1-3. Southwestern;  James Vinson – 1-28, TD; Gunnar Pittman – 1-5. 2012-10-13 13:41:40.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/amn-prep-football-lincoln-wins-key-district-matchup-2414-over-southwestern-20121013,0,2883901.story

amn-prep-volleyball-lincoln-county-sweeps-boyle-county-to-win-45th-district-title-20121010 Prep Volleyball: Lincoln sweeps Boyle to win 45th District title October 10, 2012 STANFORD — It was the kind of match Billy Douglas would have loved. By MIKE MARSEE http://www.trbimg.com/img-507582ab/turbine/amn-prep-volleyball-lincoln-county-sweeps-boyle-county-to-win-45th-district-title-20121010/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-507582ab/turbine/amn-prep-volleyball-lincoln-county-sweeps-boyle-county-to-win-45th-district-title-20121010/400/16x9 STANFORD — It was the kind of match Billy Douglas would have loved.His daughter Samantha knew that, which is why she couldn’t keep from crying Tuesday night after she and her Lincoln County teammates won the 45th District Tournament. Lincoln swept Boyle County in three sets to capture its first district title since 2006, riding the momentum of two significant streaks late in the second set and early in the third to a 25-23, 25-21, 25-13 victory.It was after the Patriots got their hands on the trophy and after the requisite photos were taken, that Samantha Douglas’ emotions overtook her as she thought of her father, who died May 10 at age 57 after a battle with lymphoma.“The last time we played Boyle it was right on four months since he’d been gone, and tomorrow is his fifth month he’s been gone. And my dad always loves when Lincoln beats Boyle in anything. Every game we play against Boyle we always do it for my dad. And every time we come out and play like this, I know my dad’s just so proud of all of us and everybody as a team,” Douglas said.Lincoln (15-14) completed a task it couldn’t get done last year, when it just missed winning a district title.But coach Amanda Massey-Wiles said the Patriots have been working to be ready for their next opportunity, and last year’s disappointment led to this year’s celebration after they pulled out two close sets, then jumped out to a commanding lead in the third to beat host Boyle (12-21) for the second time in three matches this season.“It was a really exciting night to watch the girls work really well together as a team and execute the plans that we made all year,” Massey-Wiles said. “The district title has been our goal throughout the season, something that we just missed last year. I think they had the mindset to win tonight and not let anything hit the floor. It was straight determination and straight teamwork.”Douglas, a middle hitter and one of Lincoln’s five seniors, said it was something else, too.“We had heart,” she said. “We wanted it, we knew what we had to do to get it, and we did it.”The Patriots rallied from a 20-16 deficit in the second set, scoring five straight points and six of the last seven.Then they scored the first seven points of the third set, and that seemed to take the wind out of Boyle’s sails.“I think it did,” Lincoln middle blocker Arienne Stephens said.“We just had to push it,” Douglas added. “We always have slow starts, and we’re like, ‘We can’t do it any more. We’ve got to step up and take our ground.’”Boyle coach Cate Guthrie said the ground Lincoln took was also ground given up by the Rebels.“I think it was a little bit of both,” Guthrie said. “Lincoln definitely worked their tails off, but a lot of it I feel like we ended up beating ourselves in our own heads, and that’s something we’re going to continue working on. It’s not our last night out.”Both teams advance to the 12th Region Tournament next week at Mercer County.Vanessa Conley served during both the 5-0 run in the second set and the 7-0 run in the third, and she had three straight aces in the latter run, when Boyle didn’t put a return in play on the first five points.“She has stepped up quite often throughout the season to get those runs going and give us the momentum that we want through her serving, especially,” Massey-Wiles said.Lincoln also got eight blocks and two other kills from Stephens.Douglas had six kills, including four in the early stages of the third set to help the Patriots extend their lead to 9-1, and Ciara Saylor also had three kills, two aces and a block.Boyle led 6-2 in the first set before falling behind, then nearly rallied from a 23-19 deficit, coming within one point before Lincoln closed out the set.“Probably about the middle of the first game we stepped it up, and we were on it,” Stephens said.The Rebels’ largest lead in the second set was 16-11, the result of a 5-0 run that included two aces by Griffin Blevins and kills from Breanna Bailey, Amy Woolum and Lisa Talbott.Blevins finished with five aces, Talbott had nine kills in 10 attempts and Woolum had six kills in eight attempts.Lincoln, which lost three close sets to Casey County in last year’s district title match during the winningest season in the program’s history, is above .500 for only the second time this year after a 2-6 start that included a loss to Boyle.“We were still really working on our offense, and I think there were a lot of glitches that needed to be worked out between then and now, and I think they have,” Massey-Wiles said.Guthrie said the Rebels will continue to work on building confidence in the practices leading up to the regional.“It’s something that we’ve worked on all season, and we just need to continue pushing through, keeping our confidence up,” she said. “Lincoln brought it, and we knew they were going to bring it, and we responded well many times, but our minds got the best of it, I thought. All-Tournament TeamSamantha Douglas, Lincoln County; Ciara Saylor, Lincoln County; Braxton Sowder, Garrard County; Arienne Stephens, Lincoln County; Lisa Talbott, Boyle County; Jennifer Turpin, Danville; Amy Woolum, Boyle County. 2012-10-12 13:53:44.0 2013-04-09 21:00:00.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/amn-prep-volleyball-lincoln-county-sweeps-boyle-county-to-win-45th-district-title-20121010,0,3959287.story

amn-prep-soccer-danville-beats-lincoln-40-in-45th-district-final-to-win-fourth-straight-district-title-20121011 Prep Soccer: Danville boys beat Lincoln 2-0 in 45th District final for fourth straight district title October 11, 2012 LANCASTER — Raul Martinez could not have picked a better time to pick up his first goal of the season. By HAL MORRIS http://www.trbimg.com/img-5076d85f/turbine/amn-prep-soccer-danville-beats-lincoln-40-in-45th-district-final-to-win-fourth-straight-district-title-20121011/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-5076d85f/turbine/amn-prep-soccer-danville-beats-lincoln-40-in-45th-district-final-to-win-fourth-straight-district-title-20121011/400/16x9 LANCASTER — Raul Martinez could not have picked a better time to pick up his first goal of the season.The Danville senior scored with a little more than 12 minutes left in the first half Wednesday, and that proved to be enough for the Admirals, who held off Lincoln County 2-0 in the boys 45th District Tournament final at Garrard County.“This has been a difficult year trying to figure out who’s going to play where and who’s going to play,” Danville coach Brent Beauman said. “And it seemed like each game we were trying something different. And Jacob Rankin had a season-ending injury, Hayden (Boyd), his arm was broken Monday night, so we’ve had some injuries. It’s just been a big puzzle piece all year.”So what’s been the biggest difference in the postseason after a tough regular season?“Just tradition. The seniors are the first class to win districts all four years, and they have a chance to  be the first ones to win region all four years,”¿Beauman said. “Just preaching tradition and all that kind of stuff.”And the Admirals (10-7-2) got their fourth straight district title with goals from two of their most unlikely sources.With 12:24 to play in the first half, Martinez took a pass from Christian Gateskill-Fuqua just outside the penalty box on the left side and lofted a shot that hit the top of the right post and bounced in to give Danville a 1-0 lead and set a off a huge celebration as Martinez was mobbed by his teammates.“I thought it was going to go out because the goalie (Ian Blevins) touched it,” Martinez said. “But when it hit the post, my heart just raced when I made it. To be honest, I thought it was going to go over.” Beauman said that goal proved to be huge as the game went on.“We had to score early and we had to score first because I knew he had them pumped up, and I knew how much they wanted to beat us,”¿he said. “The longer we could keep the game even, the tougher it would be.”Danville added a second goal in the second half as Carson Coulter scored just his second goal of the season when he netted a shot near the goal off an assist from Dylan Mullins with 23:37 to play.Lincoln (11-5) had its chances, too, but could not capitalize on them.With 21:08 to play, Danville’s Damir Karapandzic was called for a high kick in the penalty box, but goalkeeper Matt Oster made a diving stop of Carter Dunn’s penalty kick to keep the score at 1-0. Then with 13:35 to go, Dunn had a long free kick which hit the upper left post, but unlike Martinez’s shot, it did not fall in.Lincoln coach Chaz Garcia knew his team missed prime opportunities to have a chance to tie the game.“They scored when they could score, and we didn’t when we could have. I don’t think we got beat, they just won,” Garcia said. “I’m extremely proud of them. They fought hard, I don’t think anybody thought it would be like it was tonight. I think we’ll take this, we’ll take some notes from this and take it into region.“I think emotions are flowing right now. They really wanted this win, but they didn’t get it. Now we have to go into a tough regional.”Danville outshot Lincoln 19-7, and both teams move on to next week’s 12th Region Tournament at Mercer County, where the Admirals will go for their fourth straight regional title. Beauman said the test they got Wednesday will help next week.“Chaz has done an awesome job. (Former coach)¿Wendy (Peters) got them going, the last two years they were in the region, and Chaz has continued to bring them on,”¿Beauman said of Lincoln. “We’ve got some good competition in the region, but if we fight like we were tonight we might have a chance against the Wests (Jessamines) and the Mercers.”While he’s been a starter on three other district title teams, Gateskill-Fuqua said this title was different.“It’s crazy because we’re the first class to do this, but this one really feels like it’s ours,” he said. “There are so many good players to come through here over the years. And not to say we haven’t contributed but this one is ours, and it was the goal.“At Danville, our goal is to win championships, and to put in all the work on the offseason, it pays off. It feels great.” All-Tournament TeamDanville — Christian Gateskill-Fuqua, Damir Karapandzic, Matt Oster, Carson Coulter, Corey Steber.Lincoln County — Carter Dunn, Santana Hocker, Carl Lewis Cummins, Ian Blevins.Garrard County — Brandon Shuey.Boyle County — Kyle Settle. 2012-10-12 13:51:30.0 2013-04-10 21:00:00.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/amn-prep-soccer-danville-beats-lincoln-40-in-45th-district-final-to-win-fourth-straight-district-title-20121011,0,6850514.story

ij-soccer-lincoln-ky-boys-advance-to-district-final-with-42-win-victory-over-boyle-20121012 Soccer: Lincoln boys advance to district final with 4-2 victory over Boyle October 12, 2012 For the first time in school history, the Lincoln County boys soccer team is in the position to repeat as district champion. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-5078803d/turbine/ij-soccer-lincoln-ky-boys-advance-to-district-final-with-42-win-victory-over-boyle-20121012/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-5078803d/turbine/ij-soccer-lincoln-ky-boys-advance-to-district-final-with-42-win-victory-over-boyle-20121012/400/16x9 For the first time in school history, the Lincoln County boys soccer team is in the position to repeat as district champion.Lincoln made school history last year by capturing its first-ever 30th District title to advance to regionals. While no longer a member of that district, Lincoln can still repeat as a champion, having earned a shot at the 45th District title by defeating Boyle County 4-2 Monday night in semifinal tournament action at Garrard County Middle School.Lincoln (11-5) and Boyle (6-11) were in a scoreless deadlock for most of the first half of play. The soccer Patriots drew first blood, with Carter Dunn scoring the game’s opening goal with just 8:51 to go in the half.The Lincoln lead was shortlived, however, as Boyle’s Kyle Settle answered less than two minutes later to retie the game at 1-all at halftime.“I really yelled at them during halftime,”¿Lincoln coach Chaz Garcia said. “I told them, ‘If you want Boyle to win, keep playing the way you are.’ We didn’t play a great first half, but we were still getting the job done. (I told them) ‘every good touch you make helps us; every bad touch you make helps them. You have 40 minutes to decide if you want this season to end tonight.’”The soccer Patriots, who fell 5-4 in overtime to Boyle  back on Sept. 27, decided they wanted to play on, and used the second half to put the game away.Royce Cummins put Lincoln on top to stay with 14 minutes left in the game. Then older brother Carl-Lewis Cummins played a great through ball to Dunn for his second goal and a 3-1 edge. Carl-Lewis tallied his own goal before the final horn, rocketing in a shot to the back of the net from 25 yards out to make it a 4-1 ball game.“We played a great second half,” Garcia said. “I’m really proud of our boys. They showed they wanted it.”Boyle pushed in a final goal with seven seconds left, capitalizing on a Lincoln miscommunication to put the ball past goalkeeper Ian Blevins for the 4-2 final.Lincoln will play Danville (10-7-2) for the district title Wednesday night at 7 p.m. at Garrard Middle.Danville rolled 10-0 over Garrard County (5-7-1) to reach the championship game.“We have a tough game Wednesday night. Danville  is well coached and ready to play.” Garcia said.  2012-10-17 07:54:56.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-soccer-lincoln-ky-boys-advance-to-district-final-with-42-win-victory-over-boyle-20121012,0,3468246.story

ij-football-lincoln-ky-stops-skid-crushes-south-laurel-6320-20121012 Football: Lincoln stops skid, crushes South Laurel 63-20 October 12, 2012 STANFORD – Strains of “Oh, Happy Day!” boomed from the Death Valley stadium speakers Friday, and boy, was it ever a happy day for Lincoln County. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-50787f6c/turbine/ij-football-lincoln-ky-stops-skid-crushes-south-laurel-6320-20121012/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50787f6c/turbine/ij-football-lincoln-ky-stops-skid-crushes-south-laurel-6320-20121012/400/16x9 STANFORD – Strains of “Oh, Happy Day!” boomed from the Death Valley stadium speakers Friday, and boy, was it ever a happy day for Lincoln County.After three consecutive losses, the Patriots finally got back on the winning track on homecoming night, scoring early and often as they cruised 63-20 over South Laurel for their first district win. Lincoln scored six first-half touchdowns to open up a 42-6 lead over South Laurel and never looked back.“There’s no doubt the first half was tremendous. We came out and played well and played hard. We controlled the line of scrimmage,” Lincoln coach Mike Settles said. “We needed a win so bad. This has been three weeks coming and it feels great. There has been a lot of adversity the past several weeks and for us to turn it around is great.”Marvin Robinson and Logan Martin helped lead Lincoln to the win, with Robinson rushing for a game-high 125 yards with three touchdowns on 11 carries and Martin getting 101 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries in a 348-yard offensive effort, all of it on the ground. “If you control the line of scrimmage like we did tonight, you really don’t need to throw it,” Settles said. “They loaded the box, I mean, they had 10 guys from tight end to tackle on us, and they just dared us to throw the ball. But we really didn’t need to because we were opening the seams. Our offensive line really played well tonight.”It wasn’t only the offense that was setting Lincoln¿(4-4, 1-2 Class 5A District 7) up for an easy victory. South Laurel (1-6, 0-3) struggled against the Patriots’ defense, especially the first half, managing just 81 yards in the first two periods on its strength – the passing game – and being held to minus-7 yards rushing.The Cardinals, who got on the plus side offensively with 283 passing yards, were intercepted three times in the first half.Lincoln’s Trevor Gaines got the first pick off South Laurel’s Tyler Detherage midway through the first quarter to set up the Patriots’ first score. Gaines, who had returned the interception for a touchdown only to have it nullified by a penalty, still managed to give Lincoln excellent field position at the South Laurel 25-yard line. Robinson carried the ball all four plays of the drive, finishing with a 3-yard touchdown run.Detherage, who was 3-for-5 for 58 yards with two interceptions, was picked off again less than four minutes later as the Cardinals drove inside the Lincoln 25. The pass intended for Jason Mitchell, was tipped by Mitchell into the hands of TJ Torres, who then high-tailed it 97 yards to the end zone to put Lincoln up 14-0.“They throw a lot more than they run the ball so I was just coming out with the mindset, ‘I’m going to get an interception, and I’m just going to run as fast as I can and see what I can get with it,’” Torres said. “I’m supposed to stay over the middle, get over top and that’s what I did, and I ended up coming up with the pick. That’s what Coach wanted me to do. He told me to read the quarterback. I read the guy coming to the middle, and I just knew I had it.”Torres also knew he couldn’t have scored on his own, acknowledging the heady play of teammates Deonte Coulter and Dalton Godbey. “As soon as I scored I told Deonte Coulter and Dalton Godbey, you know, that if they weren’t blocking for me that I wouldn’t have gotten the interception return, so I thanked them for it and gave them a high-five,” he said. South Laurel would answer Lincoln’s big play with one of its own, as Mitchell got back the six points with an 86-yard return on the ensuing kickoff to get the Cardinals on the scoreboard.That was as close as the Cardinals got, however, as Lincoln rolled off 28 unanswered points in the second quarter.Coulter got the scoring surge started on Lincoln’s next possession, capping off a 73-yard drive with a 31-yard scoring run a minute into the second quarter. Martin then took over, scoring all three of his touchdowns in the final 6:40 of the first half. The senior running back scored his first touchdown on Lincoln’s next drive. A bad punt snap set Lincoln up at the South Laurel 18 and, four plays later, Martin carried the ball in from the 1. South Laurel fumbled the ensuing kickoff at the Cardinal 32 and Martin ended the short drive with a 4-yard touchdown. South Laurel was driving inside the Lincoln 30 with just seconds left in the half when Torres came up with his second big pick, this time off Jonathan Jenkins. Torres returned the ball 84 yards before being brought down at the Cardinal 4, and Martin ran the rest of the way to give Lincoln its 42-6 lead.Lincoln’s offense did have its stumbles in the district clash, most notably the third quarter when the Patriots turned the ball over four times, but South Laurel was not able to convert on the miscues until late in the third when Jenkins, who was 21-for-30 for 209 yards with one interception, completed a 35-yard touchdown pass to Jeremy Prichard on 4th-and-8. Lincoln got the ball back just before the end of the period after a Jenkins fumble to set up a 39-yard touchdown run by Robinson. Robinson scored again early in the fourth on a 25-yard run, and Coulter finished Lincoln’s scoring with a 12-yard touchdown.South Laurel also scored in the final period, with Jenkins hitting Quinn for a 1-yard touchdown.“Other than (four third-quarter turnovers), we had a lot of fun tonight,” Settles said. “We had a lot of guys get in tonight and make plays on both sides of the ball and special teams, as well.”“I’ve got to tell you, it’s a lot more fun winning than it is losing, and our kids got to experience that tonight.” 2012-10-12 13:39:14.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-football-lincoln-ky-stops-skid-crushes-south-laurel-6320-20121012,0,7268069.story

ij-soccer-lincoln-ky-defeats-danville-advances-to-first-regionals-since-2004-20121012 Soccer: Lincoln defeats Danville, advances to first regionals since 2004 October 12, 2012 STANFORD – The Lincoln County girls soccer team’s fifth consecutive winning season only got better Monday night as the Lady Patriots defeated Danville 3-0 in the semifinals of the 45th District Tournament. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-50787eb8/turbine/ij-soccer-lincoln-ky-defeats-danville-advances-to-first-regionals-since-2004-20121012/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50787eb8/turbine/ij-soccer-lincoln-ky-defeats-danville-advances-to-first-regionals-since-2004-20121012/400/16x9 STANFORD – The Lincoln County girls soccer team’s fifth consecutive winning season only got better Monday night as the Lady Patriots defeated Danville 3-0 in the semifinals of the 45th District Tournament.Lincoln’s shutout victory, the team’s 10th of the season, gave the Lady Patriots (13-3-2) their first district win since 2004, and a shot at the district title Wednesday against Boyle County, the only district team to defeat Lincoln in the regular season.“They were ready. They’ve been talking about getting to this next game (championships) all year long,” Lincoln coach Andrew Kaiser said. “They came out and played well. I was real proud of them.”Kristen Meece, Maddie Adams and Macy Kaiser scored the goals Lincoln needed to clinch a spot in the district title game and a berth in next week’s 12th Region Tournament, with Meece and Adams getting into goal in the first half and Kaiser sealing the win with a second-half goal. Meece took care of all the scoring Lincoln needed in the 32nd minute of the first half. The sophomore forward dribbled the ball toward goal then, just as Danville defenders Alexa Burks and Fariha Siddiqui collapsed around her, Meece punched in a shot from 20 yards out on Lady Admiral goalkeeper Katie Nelson.Adams gave Lincoln a 2-0 cushion with just 2 minutes left in the half off a penalty kick. Lincoln earned the PK when Rachel Spangler, who was driving on goal, was tripped in the goal box by Danville’s¿Hibah Siddiqui. Spangler, Lincoln’s leading scorer and one of the best in the area, was denied a goal on the play and for the duration of the game, but that didn’t discourage the Lady Pat junior or deter her teammates.“No, we have a team of great scorers all around, obviously, or we wouldn’t have three forwards,” said Spangler. “I trust my other teammates and, when I get double-downed or people are holding me, I know that I can look to them to score.”Kaiser said Spangler is always a key player whether she’s scoring or not.“We’ve got other girls that can do it (score). But we really depend on Rachel,” the first-year coach said. “I mean, if she’s not scoring, she’s able to spread the field, and that really helps the team.”Macy Kaiser’s second-half goal, which was one of 16 Lady Patriot shots on goal for the game, came just 2 minutes into the period. Kaiser went long on the goal, lofting in a shot from near the right sideline to the top left corner of the net.The Lady Patriots showed a 16-9 advantage overall in shots on goal, however, it was the Lady Admirals on top early. Danville (7-8-3) controlled the ball for much of the first 10 minutes, keeping the Lady Patriots out of scoring range.“We came out just a little bit flat, and then it seemed like we started to get in the groove,” Kaiser said. “We had a game last Thursday and practiced Saturday. We had a couple days off, and were not in rhythm. But I felt like we started playing better. They stuck to the game plan and they just worked hard. They won all the 50-50 balls that they could, and I felt like they moved the ball well.”“There’s always little things you can work on, always. But, for the most part, I felt like we played really well tonight.”Lincoln goalkeeper Jerrica Kidd and Danville’s Nelson were both credited with eight saves. The Lady Patriots had a 3-1 advantage in corner kicks.With the win, the Lady Patriots move on to Wednesday night’s championship game against Boyle County, which will get underway at LCHS at 7 p.m. Boyle (12-5-3) advanced to the title game with a 10-0 win over Garrard County (5-14-1).“They’re real excited. I’m excited,” Kaiser said. “Hopefully we can come out and play well on Wednesday and win the district.”  2012-10-12 13:36:25.0 2013-04-11 21:00:00.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-soccer-lincoln-ky-defeats-danville-advances-to-first-regionals-since-2004-20121012,0,5524543.story

ij-volleyball-lincoln-ky-ekes-out-32-win-to-advance-in-semifinals-20121012 Volleyball: Lincoln ekes out 3-2 win to advance in semifinals October 12, 2012 The Lincoln County volleyball team was successful in its post-season opener, ousting Garrard County 3-2 in the 45th District semifinals at Boyle County High School Monday night. By Nancy Leedy http://www.trbimg.com/img-50787d9c/turbine/ij-volleyball-lincoln-ky-ekes-out-32-win-to-advance-in-semifinals-20121012/187/16x9 http://www.trbimg.com/img-50787d9c/turbine/ij-volleyball-lincoln-ky-ekes-out-32-win-to-advance-in-semifinals-20121012/400/16x9 The Lincoln County volleyball team was successful in its post-season opener, ousting Garrard County 3-2 in the 45th District semifinals at Boyle County High School Monday night.It was a nip-tuck battle between the two teams, with the best of five match going the full five sets. Garrard (9-18) took the first set 25-20, but  Lincoln (14-14) came back to win the next two sets 27-25, 25-22. Garrard evened the match up with a 25-21 fourth-set win only to have Lincoln clinch the deciding set 15-7 to advance to the title game.“All of the first four sets were quite close,” Lincoln coach Amanda Massey-Wiles said. “Lincoln lost the first set ... after a slow start. Garrard delivered some heavy serves throughout, which was their strongest aspect of their offense.” “Both teams played hard, but I believe that Lincoln really did a good job of controlling the pace of (second, third) sets, as I think we did throughout the match. Once we got a better handle on dealing with Garrard’s stronger servers, we were able to better execute our offense.”After giving up the fourth set to Garrard, Lincoln came back to gain control of the fifth set to earn the Lady Patriots a berth in next week’s 12th Region Tournament.“Everyone expected a battle for the fifth set, but Lincoln was able to establish control early, and to maintain it throughout,” Massey-Wiles said. “We stayed steadily ahead of Garrard after the first few plays, and won the match 15-7.”“Communication was key for us in those final sets. Neither team was willing to let their season end easily, and I believe that, although we had some strong plays that were key in this win, that being the consistent team is what ultimately won us the match.”Lincoln seniors Vanessa Conley, Breyanna Hoover and Ciara Saylor were credited by Massey-Wiles for their heady play on court.“A few star moments were some excellent saves, and setting from Vanessa Conley, and some key, smart and strong attacks from Breyanna Hoover and Ciara Saylor. Ciara’s serves were quite effective at breaking down Garrard’s serve-receive, as well.” 2012-10-12 13:31:25.0 http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/sports/ij-volleyball-lincoln-ky-ekes-out-32-win-to-advance-in-semifinals-20121012,0,6607678.story

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Dec 6, 2012 | Allentown Morning Call

Is your doctor getting enough sleep?

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Waking up in the middle of the night to work is hard, but it’s much more difficult when you’re dealing with matters of life and death. I remember those days when my father was going through his residency program. When he was working overnight,...

Nov 24, 2012 |Story| Herald Mail

Anna M. Bryan, 88

Anna Maria Bryan, 88, a resident of Homewood Health Care Center in Williamsport, Md., died Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, at Meritus Medical Center. Born March 14, 1924, in Gernsbach, Germany, she was the daughter of the late Franz and Frieda Pfisterer...

Tags: Silver Spring (Montgomery, Maryland), American Cancer Society, Washington, DC, Philadelphia (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), Human Interest

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Is your doctor getting enough sleep?

Anna M. Bryan, 88

Tags: Silver Spring (Montgomery, Maryland), American Cancer Society, Washington, DC, Philadelphia (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), Human Interest