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http://dailyindependent.com/localsports/...ll-Preview


Magoffin County Lady Hornets

Record: 23-4 overall, 7-1 district

Head Coach: Steve Miller, eighth season at MCHS (158-72 overall)

Last District Championship: 2007

Last Year: Lost to Sheldon Clark, 57-40, in championship

Players to Watch: Jamie Castle (sophomore, guard), 14 ppg.; Madison Reed (sophomore, forward), 14 ppg.

Notes: Magoffin County has been one of the most consistent teams in the district this season. The Lady Hornets, who won the 15th Region All A Tournament earlier this year, are one of the quickest teams in the region. “I think we have one of the most competitive districts in the state,” said coach Steve Miller. “There are probably four teams in our district that on any given night could beat anyone in the region. We must keep our focus and not look ahead.”



Paintsville Lady Tigers

Record: 19-8 overall, 5-3 district

Head Coach: Mark Baldwin, 13th season at PHS (173-161 overall)

Last District Championship: 1932

Last Year: Lost to Magoffin County, 45-43, in semifinals

Players to Watch: LeahaVanhoose (senior, guard), 14 ppg.; Shelby Carroll (sophomore, guard) 12 ppg.; Megan Jones (senior, guard) 11 ppg.; Andrea Hansford (junior, forward) 10 ppg.

Notes: Behind the spotlight of Sheldon Clark and Magoffin County, Paintsville could be the quiet contender in the district tournament. The Lady Tigers’ resume is impressive with wins over both Magoffin County and Sheldon Clark. Then they are hitting, they are as dangerous as any team in the region. “We’re looking forward to hosting the district tournament,” said coach Mark Baldwin. “We’d love to end the district championship drought for our program.”



Lawrence County Lady Bulldogs

Record: 20-10 overall, 2-6 district

Head Coach: Roger Van Harless, first season at LCHS (17-10)

Last District Championship: N/A.

Last Year: Lost to Johnson Central, 54-44, in play-in game

Players to Watch: Taylor Porter (junior, guard) 18 ppg.

Notes: Lawrence County is probably the most improved team in the district this season, and Taylor Porter may be one of the best players in the district. “I think we’ve come a long way,” said coach Roger Van Harless. “These girls won six games a year ago, and we’ve made great strides. We’ve been in a lot of games, and our hope is to play hard during the tournament and have a chance to win.”

Sheldon Clark Lady Cardinals

Record: 14-12 overall, 5-3 district

Head Coach: Darrin Rice, fifth season at SCHS (91-44 overall)

Last District Championship: 2011

Last Year: Defeated Magoffin County, 57-40, in championship

Players to Watch: Kandace Porter (junior, forward) 14 ppg.; Katelyn Newsome (junior, guard) 14 ppg.

Notes: injuries have plagued Sheldon Clark for most of the season, and coach Darrin Rice is not sure what to expect. “We’ve not really had all of our players on the floor healthy for a period of time,” he said. “I am proud of our kids and how they have battled through injuries and adversity all season long. I’m hoping that will also help us during the district tournament.”



Johnson Central Lady Eagles

Record:11-18 overall, 0-8 district

Head Coach: Selena Cochran, third season at JCHS (29-49 overall)

Last District Championship: 2009

Last Year: Lost to Sheldon Clark, 79-51, in semifinals

Players to Watch: Amber Shepherd (junior) 12 ppg.;Kasi Watson (senior), 12 ppg.

Notes: Johnson Central has failed to put away teams this season. “We’ve competed and been very close in most every game,” said coach Selena Cochran. “We’re still struggling to play with the level of intensity and confidence needed for four quarters to beat good teams. I feel we are a better team than our record shows.”

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Paintsville is 6-2 in district play.