BASKETBALL PREVIEW: Bobcats ready to tip-off new season

Betsy Layne head basketball coach Brad Short went through the growing pains with his team one year ago.

Now set to begin his second season as leader of the program, his team looks to improve on last year’s 13-16 overall mark with a group of talented young players.

There is good reason to be optimistic with the return of the team’s top scorer in junior Jordan Frazier. He averaged 13.4 points per game and nearly six rebounds. Add sophomore Brady Robinson, a double-figure scorer as well, the Bobcats have a solid scoring duo.

With junior Shawn Howell, sophomores Chase Mims and Luke Manns, along with freshman Andrew Kidd and Jacob Rainey, the Bobcats should contend.

Others expected to contribute include Byron Tackett, Conner Hopkins, Bryson Ash and Donnie Hamilton.

Short said his team has the potential to be very good with its size, athleticism and scoring ability.

Betsy Layne will tipoff the season against Pike County Central at home on Dec. 2.

Betsy Layne schedule

Dec. 2              Pike Central                Home

Dec. 7              Buffalo Wild Wings Shootout

Magoffin County at Pike County Central

Dec. 11            Lee County                 Home

Dec. 13            Lawrence County       Away

Dec.  16           Phelps                          Home

Dec. 19-21      Hi-Tech Signs/Graphix Classic

TBA, Shelby Valley, Wolfe County at PHS

Dec. 27-29      Buckhorn Lake Christmas

Raceland, TBA, TBA at Buckhorn HS

Jan. 3               Prestonsburg               Away

Jan. 4               Magoffin County        Away

Jan. 7               Shelby Valley             Away

Jan. 9               Johnson Central          Home

Jan. 16             All ‘A’ Classic at The Arena

Jan. 21             Phelps                          Away

Jan. 24             Floyd Central              Home

Jan. 27             Pike Central                Away

Jan. 31             Prestonsburg               Home

Feb. 1              Lee County                 Away

Feb. 4              Floyd Central              Away

Feb. 7              Lawrence County       Home

Feb. 11            Letcher Central           Home

Feb. 14            Belfry                          Home

Feb. 15            Knott Central              Home

Feb. 17            Martin County            Home

Feb. 20            East Ridge                  Home