In these times of uncertainty, the Wayne County High School basketball teams were scheduled to begin action this week. The WCHS Ladycats were to be on the road on Saturday, November 21, traveling to Gleason, but due to schools closing down, those games against Greenfield and Dyer County have been cancelled. Both the Wildcats and Ladycats were scheduled to travel to Hampshire on the 23rd and return home on the 24th to host Decatur/Riverside, but an attempt is being made to reschedule those games. As of now, the action will begin on November 30 as Lewis County comes to town.
The Ladycats are again under the direction of former Wayne County star Coach Molly York Ashley. She is assisted by Scott Ashley. The Ladycats look to improve on their 15 – 12 performance of last season, and return several experienced squad members. Three starters returning from last year are juniors Michaela Gallian, Savanna McClain, and Cambree Camfield. Gallian averaged 10.4 ppg, hitting over 50% from the field and 76% from the foul line to lead the team, and was last season’s leading rebounder at 5.1 rpg. McClain scored 7.0 ppg and 4.6 rpg. She hit 72% from the foul line. Camfield averaged 6 ppg and 2.9 rpg. Sophomore Lauren Bryant hit 36% from long range to lead the Ladycats and 70.0% from the foul line, averaging 6.7 ppg. She led the returners with 36 steals and 45 assists. Senior Charlee Woodside averaged 1.2 ppg, participating in all 27 games.
Allie Hill is the other returning senior squad member, seeing action in 12 games last year. Junior returner is Jamie Lauren Hickman. Other sophomores will be looked at to add depth and support: Kylee Brewer, Kelsey Carroll, Bailey Kilburn, Annie Lee, Alexis Maghielse, Celia Powell, Cimmie Willis, and Lauren Prater. The Ladycats have three freshman members in Jac Keaton, Isabella Ludeke, and Kinzie Griggs. Freshman Ella Van Fleet is the manager for the Ladycats.
The Wildcats will again be under the leadership of Ryan Franks, with David Sisk and Charlie Mosley assisting. The Wildcats look to better their 5 – 20 record from last year. They will return starters, juniors Tyler Moser and senior Clay Baugus. Baugus led the Wildcats in scoring with 16 ppg and also led in steals with 49 and assists with 44. Moser, a junior, averaged 7.6 ppg and led the team in rebounding at 7.4 rpg. He played in all 25 games last season. Senior squad members looking to help out this season are Gaynes Keaton and Braxton Butler. Junior Ethan Camfield (2.5 ppg) and Dawson Willis will provide depth and energy. Camfield led the ‘Cats in free throw shooting at 81.8%. Austin Whitson, a sophomore, averaged 2.1 ppg and 2.2 rpg in 23 games of action. Other sophomore squad members are Preston Stegall, Avery Wilson, Eli McClain, Landyn Prater, and Jesse Dixon, and they will be fighting for playing time. Newcomers to the Wildcat squad are Ryder Butler and Jace Foster.
The teams will be cheered on by the cheerleaders under the direction of Tara Hollis and Anna Beth Haggard. Twelve young ladies will be working to cheer on the teams: seniors Camryn Holder and Brooke Byrd, juniors Alex Hollis, Madison Gobbell, and McDaya Bright, sophomores Olivia Gobbell, Isabelle Davis, Carlie Staggs, and Karson Crews, and freshmen Nevaeh Bayless, Audrey Franks, and Reyna Prince will serve as this year’s cheer squad with Jaleigh Powell serving as Cheer Manager.
With the uncertainty of the virus, games are subject to change or cancellation. Keep up with the teams and support their efforts. They are working hard in preparation for what they hope to be great seasons! “GOOD LUCK ‘CATS AND LADYCATS!”—Submitted
