The Paintsville Tigers are set to return to the hardwood this season following a 19-8 showing one year ago and a trip to the 15th Region tournament semifinals.
Coach Landon Slone will begin his fourth season as head coach and says he and his staff are looking forward to coaching this team.
“We have to improve our offense in the half court to be successful,” he said.
Returning are senior Nick Keeton, who was the fifth leading rebounder in the state as a junior. Sophomore Colby Fugate is back, along with juniors Braxton Tharp and Jaxon Watts.
“We need for our guys to play at a more controlled pace and improve our shot selection,” Slone added. “The overall work ethic of our team to this point is way ahead of where we have been the past two years.”
Newcomers looking to make an impact include sophomore Baron Ratliff, freshman Connor Fugate, freshman Jonah Porter and juniors John Blackburn and Parker Neece.
The Tigers will open the season at Hazard on Dec. 6.
Paintsville schedule
Dec. 6 Hazard Away
D.J. Begley City/Country Classic
Dec. 7 Perry Central Away
D.J. Begley City/Country Classic
Dec. 10 Lawrence County Away
Dec. 17 Magoffin County Away
Dec. 20-22 Century Mortgage Derby
Senaca, TBA, TBA at Pleasure Ridge Park
Dec. 26-29 Traditional Bank Holiday Classic
TBA, TBA, TBA, TBA at Lexington Catholic
Jan. 3 Montgomery County Away
Jan. 4 Oldham County Away
Tim Short Automotive Classic at GR Clark
Jan. 7 Martin County Home
Jan. 10 Johnson Central Home
Jan. 15 vs. East Ridge Away
15th Region All ‘A’ Classic at Appy Arena
Jan. 24 Magoffin County Home
Jan. 25 Clay County Away
Mountains Basketball Showcase at Bell County
Feb. 1 Johnson Central Away
Feb. 4 Belfry Away
Feb. 11 Floyd Central Home
Feb. 14 Martin County Away
Feb. 18 Pikeville Away