BASKETBALL PREVIEW: Defense, finishing possessions key for Dawgs

Lawrence County head basketball coach Chandler Thompson makes no bones about it when it comes to keys for this team this season – buy into defense and finishing offensive possessions which result in points.

“If we are able to do those two things [staples to success] we will be fine as a team,” he said.

The Bulldogs are coming off a 22-8 record one year ago and return a trio of double-figures scorers, led by senior Tyler Maynard (20.6 ppg.). Add to the mix junior Cody Maynard  (16.8 ppg.) and senior Chase Sartin (10.3 ppg.) and Thompson’s team can put up big numbers.

Other top returners include seniors Alex Ratliff and C.J. Fairchild, along with junior Baden Gillispie.

He will also look to top newcomers’ sophomores Trenton Adkins and Bryce Blevins, along with freshman players Kaden Gillispie and Will Lafferty for quality playing top off the bench.

Lawrence County opened its season Dec. 3.

Lawrence County schedule

Dec. 3              East Carter                  Away

Dec. 6              Martin County            Away

Dec. 7              Phelps                          Home

Dec. 10            Paintsville                    Home

Dec. 13            Betsy Layne                Home

Dec. 14            Boyd County Classic  Away

Boyd County

Dec. 17            Belfry                          Away

Dec. 20            Derby Classic              Away

TBA at Raceland High School

Dec. 27            Ashland Invitational   Away

Ashland Blazer

Jan. 4               Kentucky 2A championship

sectional tournament vs. Belfry at TBD

Jan. 7               Prestonsburg               Home

Jan. 8               Morgan County          Home

Jan. 11             Magoffin County        Away

Jan. 14             Johnson Central          Away

Jan. 17             Floyd Central              Away

Jan. 24             Prestonsburg               Away

Jan. 25             Phelps                          Away

Jan. 28             Lewis  County            Home

Jan. 31             Floyd Central              Home

Feb. 4              Martin County            Home

Feb. 7              Betsy Layne                Away

Feb. 12            Johnson Central          Home

Feb. 15            Pikeville                      Home

Feb. 17            Bath County                Away

Feb. 21            Ashland Blazer            Away