Elementary Boys PotW: Week 2
The boys elementary basketball league is starting to take shape in Warren County, with undefeated teams trying to separate themselves from the pack and plenty of young players beginning to make names for themselves on the hardwood.
The Warren County Way is recognizing nine boys as Players of the Week for performances during games played Sept. 28, Oct. 13 and Oct. 15. The recognition covers three nights of county league action, including the return from fall break that saw several teams pick up right where they left off.
West has continued to roll behind its speed and defensive pressure, while Irving College remains unbeaten and Dibrell has found its footing after an opening-night loss. Centertown is right in the championship hunt, too, with the Warriors continuing to produce talented guards who know how to run an offense.
The latest selections feature everything from bruising rebounders and developing shooters to guards who can control the tempo and players willing to do the dirty work that doesn't always show up in a box score.
Special thanks goes out to all of our sponsors for the elementary boys Players of the Week. Those businesses are Dos Marias Street Food, Crisp Springs Fireworks, Prince HVAC, Family Care Clinic, Moore Automotive, Sara Collins with Tree City Realty and Parkhurst Restoration. Not only are our sponsors featured in this article and our social media posts, they are also featured during our Games of the Week broadcasts involving the schools they sponsor.
If you'd like to join in, reach out to Jeff Simmons at wcsportsauthority@gmail.com.
Bobby Ray – River Green
Green has been one of the young Stars stepping forward as Bobby Ray continues searching for its first victory of the season. He scored four points in a tight 20-16 loss to unbeaten Irving College on Oct. 15, helping keep Bobby Ray within striking distance.
With the Stars looking for more consistent offensive production, Green is showing he can be part of the solution. His contributions against one of the league's unbeaten teams offered another encouraging sign for Bobby Ray as it continues to develop.
Boyd – Jax Burger
Burger isn't the type of guard who is going to shy away from contact. The burly Boyd ball handler can do a little bit of everything for the Broncos, whether it's bringing the ball up against pressure, battling his way into the paint or providing the toughness needed to keep his team competitive.
Burger scored seven points against Morrison in Boyd's final county matchup before fall break, but his value goes beyond the scoring column. The Broncos have leaned on him to handle responsibilities on both ends of the floor, and he's shown a willingness to battle even when things aren't going Boyd's way.
Centertown – Colt Bratcher
There's a long line of talented guards who have come through Centertown over the years, and Bratcher looks ready to add his name to the list.
The young Warrior has the tools coaches love in a lead guard. He can handle the basketball, find teammates with a pass and knock down shots when defenses give him room. Bratcher has been a steady contributor for coach Kim Woods, helping Centertown remain among the teams capable of making a championship run.
Bratcher scored seven points in the Warriors' 42-4 victory over Boyd on Sept. 28, then added four against West on Oct. 13. With Greyson Eubanks and a host of other scoring options around him, Bratcher gives Centertown another guard opponents have to account for every possession.
Dibrell – Jean Garcia
There's nothing fancy about the way Dibrell wants to win basketball games. The Wildcats are going to pressure opponents, fight for every loose ball and make teams earn everything they get. Garcia embodies that grind mentality.
The Dibrell standout has become one of the Wildcats' most dependable contributors during their climb up the standings, providing scoring while fitting perfectly into a team that prides itself on effort and toughness.
Garcia scored seven points against Eastside on Oct. 13, then followed with a team-high nine in a 21-10 victory over Hickory Creek two nights later. Those two victories helped Dibrell improve to 4-1, putting the Wildcats right back in the thick of the championship race.
Eastside – Kaden Tate
The Bulldogs have found a young big man willing to do the dirty work in the paint. Tate is developing into an important interior presence for Eastside, using his size and effort to establish position around the basket and make life tougher for opposing players trying to score inside.
While Eastside continues searching for its first win, Tate has been working hard to seal up the paint and give the Bulldogs some muscle in the middle. He added two points against Dibrell on Oct. 13, but his contributions go beyond the scoring column. Having a player willing to battle inside gives Eastside something to build around as the season progresses.
Hickory Creek – Caleb Lippe
Lippe is growing into his shot, and that's becoming a welcome development for the Hawks.
The Hickory Creek guard has shown flashes of what he can become as a perimeter threat, adding another dimension to a team that already has plenty of athleticism and scoring options. When Lippe is comfortable stepping into his jumper, defenses have another problem to solve.
He showed that potential against Morrison on Sept. 28, knocking down a 3-pointer and converting a three-point play during an eight-point performance in Hickory Creek's 34-19 victory. His outside shooting helped the Hawks create separation in the second half.
With every game, Lippe looks more comfortable taking those opportunities. That confidence could make Hickory Creek even tougher to defend as the season continues.
Irving College – Tucker Fann
The Tigers haven't lost a game yet, and Fann has helped make sure their unbeaten start continues.
Irving College needed somebody to step forward in a tight matchup with Bobby Ray on Oct. 15, and Fann answered with a team-high nine points as the Tigers held on for a 20-16 victory.
His offensive production proved especially valuable in a game where every basket mattered. Irving College has shown it can win close contests, and having another player capable of leading the scoring gives the Tigers more options as the schedule gets tougher.
Morrison – Trey Hawkins
Morrison has plenty of players willing to battle, and Hawkins has emerged as one of the Eagles' offensive options.
He scored seven points against Hickory Creek on Sept. 28, then came back with nine in Morrison's 35-21 victory over Boyd before fall break. When the Eagles returned to county action Oct. 15, Hawkins again led the way with seven points against unbeaten West.
Hawkins has shown he can provide offense against different styles of defense, whether Morrison is playing in a tight game or trying to keep pace with one of the league's top teams. His willingness to attack and look for scoring opportunities will be important as the Eagles try to climb the standings.
West – Byron Keyes
Cam Chadwell may be the engine that makes West go, but Keyes is quickly becoming the undisputed chairman of the boards in Warren County's elementary league.
The Wizards have plenty of guards who can fly around the floor, pressure the basketball and turn turnovers into easy points. What makes Keyes different is the presence he gives West in the paint. Opponents have yet to figure out how to consistently limit his impact around the basket, particularly when he's cleaning up missed shots and creating extra opportunities for the Wizards.
Keyes scored seven points against Eastside on Sept. 28, added six against Centertown on Oct. 13 and finished with seven more against Morrison on Oct. 15. That's 20 points across three victories, but the rebounding and physical presence are what make him such a difficult matchup.
West is 4-0 and has won every game by double figures. As long as Keyes keeps controlling the glass, the Wizards will have a major advantage that goes well beyond their already impressive speed.
Boys standings (through Oct. 15)
West 4-0
Irving College 3-0
Dibrell 4-1
Centertown 3-1
Hickory Creek 2-2
Boyd 1-3
Morrison 1-3
Bobby Ray 0-4
Eastside 0-4
This week's schedule
Monday, Oct. 19
Bobby Ray at Hickory Creek, 6 p.m.
Eastside at Boyd, 6 p.m.
Dibrell at Morrison, 6 p.m.
Irving College at West, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 20
Centertown at Irving College, 6 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 22
Boyd at Hickory Creek, 6 p.m.
Centertown at Morrison, 6 p.m.
Irving College at Dibrell, 6 p.m.
