Murphysboro
Undeafterd in its opening six game, the Red Devils feature two of the best players
in Southern Illinois and return five players from last year’s AA consolation champions.
Cousins Tommy Hour (16 ppg, 5 rpg) and Lamont Hour (21 ppg, 6 rpg) are both
drawing collegiate attention and lead one of the preseason favorites for the SIRR Ohio
Division title.
Portland (Tenn.)
The Panthers of Portland return nine players from last year’s 28-9 squad that won
District 8AA, Region 4AA and section titles. 6-7 Corey Brewer, an All-American
candidate, averages 32.8 ppg and 15.8 rebounds for Portland, which won its first four
games this season. Mainly a half-court team last season, expect coach Tristan Kington
and the Panthers to add a transition, fast break game to the CHT field.
Sheffield (Tenn.)
Sheffield returns 10 players from last year’s district champs, including four
players that average double figures. The Knights won six of their first eight games this
season with balance and could go far in the AA bracket. Leon Martin, the team’s leading
rebounder and scorer, leads the Memphis school. Damarcus Curry, RonnieDaniel and
Chad Henderson also bring scoring threats for the Knights.
Class A
Carlisle County (Ky.)
One of seven new entries to the CHT, the Coments head to Carbondale backcourt
heavy and winners of their opening two game by an average of 14 points. Six-foot guard
Kirk Arnold and 6-2 guard Brett Hoskins lead six returning lettermen from last year’s 199 squad. Hoskins led the tem in scoring last year and has upped it to 28 ppg this season,
while also grabbing 10 boards a contest.
Du Quoin
The A runners-up at last season’s CHT, Du Quoin brings one of the strongest
frontlines in the bracket and four 20-win season in the last five. The Indians are led by a
senior trio of Jaymon Alvis, Jordan Campanella and Reid Bastien. Alvis and
Campanella, both 6-3 post players, are difficult to guard and strong enough to rebound in
traffic. Bastien, the team’s second-leading scorer, is an outside threat.
Herrin
The Tigers started slow out of the gates at 1-3, but have lost to two ranked teams
(Eldorado and Massac County). A vastly different team from last year’s senior-laden
squad, coach Mike Mooneyham now fields a small, quick squad that could give teams
problems in a full-court game. Kyle Walker, Derrick Sherrill and Roque Benjamin lead
Herrin.
Lausanne Collegiate (Tenn.)
Last year’s A consolation champs, the Lynx finished second in the state and
return eight players. An inside-first last year, coach Jason Peters brings four good 3-point
shooters to Carbondale. Senior guard Carlos Taylor leads the team with 25 ppg. Jonnie
West averages 16 ppg and six rebounds for Lausanne. He is the son of Jerry West, the
president of basketball operations for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Memphis University (Tenn.)
With five returnees, coach Jerry Peters says this year’s edition of the Owls is the
most talented squad he’s had since Memphis won the CHT. Guards Philop Reed (11
ppg) an Jay Martin (11 ppg) lead the team in scoring. Pete Zanca is the teams’ leading
rebounder at eight per contest, but Memphis will be young. The Owls split their opening
six games, winning their last two heading into Dec. 9’s contest with Rosemark.
Muhlenberg North (Ky.)
One of three reps from the Bluegrass State, Muhlenberg lost its opening three
games by a combined 10 point but has four players that average between 5-6 rebounds.
Six –five Derek Adams leads the team in scoring at 18.3 per contest, and is
complemented by 6-5 Kevin Johnson, who puts in another 16. Muhlenberg won the 10th
District championship last season and look to improve as the season goes on.
Pinckneyville
The third-ranked team in the Associated Press’ Class A preseason poll,
Pinckneyville returns four starters from last year’s 19-9 squad.