August 18, 2022

Raiders to host Jackson County for opener

STEARNS — McCreary Central is set to host Jackson County for its opener in the 2022 high school football season on Friday, Aug. 19.

The Raiders and Generals did not meet during the 2021 high school football season.

McCreary Central exited the 2021 high school football season 3-8. The Raiders notched wins over Clinton County, Pineville and Lynn Camp in 2021.

Head coach Eric Privett guides the Raiders.

Jackson County exited the 2021 high school football season 1-8. The Generals notched a win over Jenkins in 2021.

Nick Sizemore is entering his first season as the Generals’ head coach.

McCreary Central’s schedule includes games versus Jackson County, Hart County, Clinton County, Pineville, Wayne County, Bell County, Garrard County, Estill County, Rockcastle County and Lynn Camp. The Raiders’ schedule features additional home games versus Wayne County, Garrard County, Rockcastle County and Lynn Camp.

McCreary Central competes in Class 3A. District 5.

Currently, Jackson County isn’t competing in a district.

Kickoff for the McCreary Central-Jackson County football game is set for 7:30 p.m. in Stearns.

photo courtesy of Scott Warrens

Maddux McKinney picked up yardage for McCreary Central during a game earlier in his high school football career. McKinney is among the players back on the field for McCreary Central in the 2022 high school football season.

McCreary Central Invitational set for Aug. 18

By Steve Lemaster

STEARNS — The McCreary Central Invitational is set to be held at McCreary County Park on Thursday, Aug. 18.

McCreary Central will compete against multiple familiar foes during its first meet in the 2022 high school cross country season.

High school cross country programs set to participate in the meet include host McCreary Central, Lynn Camp, Russell County, Somerset, Southwestern, Whitley County and Williamsburg.

The Raiders’ 2022 schedule is as follows: Aug. 18 – McCreary Central Invitational; Sept. 1 – at Oneida Park Meet 1; Sept. 8 – McCreary Central Invitational 2; Sept. 17 – at Wayne County Invitational; Sept. 24 – at Berea Invitational; Oct. 6 – at Richard Magyar Memorial Run; Oct. 8 – at Somerset Invitational; Oct. 15 – at Cave Lake Fall Classic.

McCreary Central competes in Class 2A, Region 5, along with Bell County, Boyle County, Casey County, Clay County, Corbin, East Jessamine, Garrard County, Harlan County, Knox Central, Lincoln County, Mercer County, Rockcastle County, Russell County and Wayne County.

McCreary Central, under the direction of Coach Trevor Tucker, features several experienced runners.

photos courtesy of McCreary Central Cross Country

Alyssa Tucker is among the runners back for the McCreary Central cross country program.

McKinney, Williams tabbed Class 3A, District 5 Players to Watch

By Steve Lemaster

STEARNS — McCreary Central senior quarterback/wide receiver Maddux McKinney and senior defensive end Kylon Williams have been recognized as Class 3A, District 5 Players to Watch.

McKinney completed 32 of 57 passes for 409 yards and six touchdowns during the 2021 high school football season. Leading McCreary Central in receiving, McKinney made 20 receptions for 346 yards and five touchdowns.

Williams led the Raiders defensively in 2021, recording a team-high 56 tackles and 11.5 sacks.

The Cats’ Pause 2022 Kentucky Football Yearbook recognized 10 Class 3A, District 5 Players to Watch.

The other individuals tabbed Class 3A, District 5 Players to Watch are Cade Arvin (Estill County, Jr., RB/LB), Brayden Dunn (Bell County, Jr., OL/DE), Christian Larkey (Rockcastle County, Jr., RB/DB), Ethan Raby (Bell County, Sr., FB/LB), Mason Sulla (Garrard County, Sr., OL/DL), Daniel Thomas (Bell County, Jr., RB/LB) and Braeden Waddle (Estill County, Sr., RB/LB).

Montavin Quisenberry (Garrard County, So., QB/CB) was also recognized as a Class 3A, District 5 Player to Watch but has transferred to reigning Class 4A champion Boyle County.

Bell County senior running back/linebacker Dawson Woolum has been honored as the Preseason Class 3A, District 5 Player of the Year. Woolum excelled throughout the 2021 high school football season, rushing for 1,678 yards and 21 touchdowns while recording 82 tackles.

McCreary Central is slated to host Jackson County for its season opener at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 19.

June 16th, 2022

The annual Stearns Invitational was held over the weekend of June 11-12th.  The historic June tournament, first held in 1926, was won by Florian (Flo) Loutre, middle, hoisting the “Billy Burke Cup,” named for the inaugural champion and annually awarded to the winner.  Loutre shot a course record (127) on the way to victory.  Nipping at his heels were Aaron Barnett, right, who finished second, and Clifton Scully, left, who finished third.

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June 2nd, 2022

Raiders fall to Wayne County in district tournament

By Steve LeMaster

MONTICELLO — McCreary Central came up short as rival Wayne County held on to win 8-6 in the semifinals of the 48th District Softball Tournament on Tuesday, May 24.

Wayne County prevailed on its home field.

McCreary Central and Wayne County battled back and forth throughout the 48th District Softball Tournament game.

Cami Debord earned the win in the circle for the Cardinals. Debord allowed six runs on 10 hits and five walks while recording two strikeouts over seven innings.

Ava Stephens took the loss in the circle for the Raiders. Stephens allowed eight runs on seven hits and three walks while recording 11 strikeouts over seven innings.

Debord (one hit, one RBI), Malainey Dobbs (two hits), Aston Tucker (one hit, two RBIs), Breanna Burnette (one hit, one RBI), Alexis Coyle (one hit, one RBI) and Caitlynn Lair (one hit) delivered at the plate for Wayne County in the win.

Helping her pitching cause at the plate, Stephens supplied three hits and three RBIs. Stephens drilled two home runs while Olivia Wilder homered once in the Raiders’ short effort.

Wilder (three hits, two RBIs), Makayla Stephens (two hits), Victoria Murphy (three hits) and Chelsea Whitehead (one hit, one RBI) also contributed at the plate for the Raiders.

The loss eliminated McCreary Central from the 48th District Softball Tournament. McCreary Central exited the 2022 high school softball season 14-13.

After notching the win, Wayne County advanced to meet Southwestern in the 48th District Softball Tournament title game.

file photo courtesy of James Kiser

Ava Stephens belted two home runs for McCreary Central during the Raiders’ game versus Wayne County in the 48th District Softball Tournament on Tuesday, May 24.

McCreary Central athletes set to compete in Class 2A State Meet

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — Multiple McCreary Central athletes are preparing to compete in the KHSAA Class 2A State Track and Field Meet at the University of Kentucky Outdoor Track and Field Complex later in the week.

Kendal Kidd (girls’ high jump), Reid Farris (boys’ high jump), the boys’ 4×800 meter relay team (Christian Williams, Riley Foster, Jackson Winburn, Kaleb Baird) and the boys’ 4×400 meter relay team (Noah Loudermilk, Trey Davis, Daniel Loudermilk, Lee Felix) from McCreary Central have qualified for the KHSAA Class 2A State Track and Field Meet. The Class 2A State Meet will be held at the University of Kentucky Outdoor Track and Field Complex in Lexington on Friday, June 3.

McCreary Central track and field athletes competed in the Class 2A, Region 5 Meet at Mercer County High School’s Alvis Johnson Field in Harrodsburg on Monday, May 23. The Raiders’ results from the region meet follow.

Girls’ 100 Meter Dash: 10. Megan Loudermilk.

Girls’ 200 Meter Dash: 8. Kendal Kidd.

Girls’ 400 Meter Dash: 7. Gabriella Valdez.

Girls’ 800 Meter Run: 10. Alyssa Tucker.

Girls’ 4×100 Meter Relay: 9. McCreary Central.

Girls’ 4×200 Meter Relay: 7. McCreary Central.

Girls’ 4×400 Meter Relay: 6. McCreary Central.

Girls’ High Jump: 3. Kendal Kidd.

Boys’ 100 Meter Dash: 15. Kyree Giglio, 18. Lee Felix.

Boys’ 200 Meter Dash: 18. Baylor Farris, 22. Cayden Rowe.

Boys’ 400 Meter Dash: 5. Noah Loudermilk, 19. Brokiah Kilby.

Boys’ 800 Meter Run: 11. Riley Foster, 20. Ryan Smith.

Boys’ 1,600 Meter Run: 9. Kaleb Baird, 16, Cody Taylor.

Boys’ 3,200 Meter Run: 10. Christian Williams, 14. Camron Quinn.

Boys’ 300 Meter Hurdles: 8. Kyree Giglio.

Boys’ 4×100 Meter Relay: 11. McCreary Central.

Boys’ 4×200 Meter Relay: 8. McCreary Central.

Boys’ 4×400 Meter Relay: 5. McCreary Central.

Boys’ 4×800 Meter Relay: 8. McCreary Central.

Boys’ High Jump: 4. Reid Farris, 14. Baylor Farris.

Boys’ Discus: 9. Xander Sumner, 25. Thomas Chitwood.

photo courtesy of McCreary Central Track and Field

McCreary Central High School track and field seniors Xander Sumner, Trey Davis, Kendal Kidd and Noah Loudermilk are pictured.

May 26th, 2022

Raiders fall to Casey County in high-scoring game

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — McCreary Central slipped back into the loss column as Casey County prevailed 13-10 in eight innings in a high school softball game on Tuesday, May 12.

Abbi Durham started in the circle for the Rebels and earned the win. Durham allowed seven runs on six hits and one walk while recording two strikeouts.

Harmony Meece pitched in relief for Casey County and claimed the save. Meece allowed three runs on six hits and two walks while recording three strikeouts.

Olivia Wilder took the loss in the circle for the Raiders. Wilder pitched three and one-third innings, allowing five runs on four hits and five walks while recording six strikeouts.

Ava Stephens started in the circle for the Raiders. Stephens pitched four and two-thirds innings, allowing seven runs on six hits and three walks while striking out two.

Casey County scored 11 runs on 12 hits. Durham (one RBI), Meece (one hit, one RBI), Aslan Wethington (three hits, four RBIs), Kelsey Dyer (three hits, two RBIs), Kennedy Neat (two hits, one RBI), Natalie Pierce (two hits, one RBI) and Madison Hale (one hit, two RBIs) delivered at the plate for the Rebels in the high school softball game.

McCreary Central scored 10 runs on 12 hits. Wilder (one hit, one RBI), Victoria Murphy (two hits, three RBIs), Makenna Mann (two hits, two RBIs), Rebecca Duncan (two hits), Makayla Stephens (one hit), Ava Stephens (one hit, one RBI), Chelsea Whitehead (one hit, one RBI), KyllieAnn Hayes (one hit, one RBI) and Jayci Bell (one hit) each contributed at the plate for the Raiders. Murphy doubled while Ava Stephens legged out a triple.

McCreary Central dropped its second game to Casey County in the 2022 high school softball season.

file photo courtesy of James Kiser

Makayla Stephens is among the key contributors for the McCreary Central High School softball team.

Raiders show improvement on diamond

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — McCreary Central showed improvement throughout the 2022 high school baseball season, compiling a 10-13 record.

The Raiders were more competitive after ending the 2021 high school baseball season 6-28.

On the mound for McCreary Central, Kaleb Ellis and Austin West each logged three wins. Following Ellis and West, Ranzy Vanover recorded two wins on the mound for the Raiders.

Carson McKinney led McCreary Central at the plate, batting .458 with 27 hits, 25 RBIs, eight doubles, one home run and 17 walks.

Maddux McKinney ranked as McCreary Central’s second-leading batter, hitting .419 with 26 hits, 23 RBIs, seven doubles, two triples and one home run.

Austin West batted .350 for the Raiders while Ellis amassed a .323 batting average.

McCreary Central suffered a season-ending loss to Southwestern in the semifinals of the 48th District Baseball Tournament.

The Raiders opened the 2022 high school baseball season 2-2 after splitting their first four games. During the regular season, McCreary Central notched wins over Pineville, Jellico (Tenn.), Lynn Camp, Harlan, Somerset Christian and Bell County. The Raiders topped Pineville on three separate occasions while claiming two wins over both Jellico and Lynn Camp.

Head coach Darrell King guides the Raiders.

May 19th, 2022

McCreary Central knocks off Wayne County, 9-6

By Steve LeMaster

McCreary Central knocked off Wayne County 9-6 in a 48th District softball game on Tuesday, May 10.

The win allowed McCreary Central to split a 48th District softball regular season series with Wayne County.

Ava Stephens earned the win in the circle for the Raiders. Stephens allowed six runs on eight hits and three walks while recording seven strikeouts.

Cami Deboard took the loss in the circle for the Cardinals. Deboard allowed nine runs on eight hits and five walks while recording three strikeouts.

Delivering defensively and offensively, Stephens paced McCreary Central at the plate. Stephens went 3-for-4 in the Raiders’ victory.

Following Stephens, Olivia Wilder delivered two hits for the Raiders.

Chipping in at the plate for McCreary Central, Chelsea Whitehead, Jayci Bell, Makayla Stephens and Makenna Mann added one hit apiece.

Ava Stephens recorded four RBIs for the Raiders.

Aiding McCreary Central in moving runners around the bases, Wilder provided two RBIs.

Aiding McCreary Central’s offensive attack, Mann, Makayla Stephens and Brayden Newton each drove in one run.

Deboard (one hit), Malainey Dobbs (three hits), Kenzie Upchurch (two hits, two RBIs), Alexis Coyle (one hit, one RBI), Aston Tucker (one hit, one RBI) and Breanna Burnette (one hit) made an impact at the plate for Wayne County in the district matchup.

file photo courtesy of James Kiser

Pictured connecting for a hit, Chelsea Whitehead continues to be among the leaders for the McCreary Central softball team. 

McCreary Central to meet Wayne County in 48th District Softball Tournament

By Steve LeMaster

MONTICELLO — McCreary Central is set to meet Wayne County in the semifinals of the 48th District Softball Tournament at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 23.

McCreary Central and Wayne County split a 48th District softball regular season series.

Wayne County defeated the Raiders 8-6 in a 48th District softball game in Monticello on Monday, May 9.

But the Raiders bounced back.

McCreary Central pulled away to beat Wayne County 9-6 in a 48th District softball game in Stearns on Tuesday, May 10.

McCreary Central entered the final week of the regular season with games remaining versus Casey County and Adair County.

At the start of the week, Wayne County’s remaining regular season schedule included games versus Casey County, Clinton County and Lincoln County.

Southwestern is the reigning 48th District softball champion.

Both the champion and runner-up from the 48th District will move on to the 12th Region Softball Tournament.

The winner of the McCreary Central-Wayne County matchup will advance to face Southwestern in the 48th District Softball Tournament title game at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 24.

file photo courtesy of James Kiser

Jayci Bell remains among the key players for the McCreary Central softball team.

McCreary Central to compete in Class 2A, Region 5 Meet

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — McCreary Central is scheduled to compete in the Class 2A, Region 5 Meet at Alvis Johnson Field on Monday, May 23.

Mercer County High School is preparing to host the Class 2A, Region 5 Meet.

Class 2A, Region 5 includes Mcreary Central, Mercer County, Bell County, Boyle County, Casey County, Clay County, Corbin, East Jessamine, Garrard County, Harlan County, Knox Central, Lincoln County, Rockcastle County, Russell County and Wayne County.

The top two finishers from each event in the Class 2A, Region 5 meet will advance to the KHSAA State Track & Field Championships. The state event will be held at the University of Kentucky Outdoor Track and Field Complex on Friday, June 3.

The complete breakdown for Class 2A follows.

Region 1 – Caldwell County, Calloway County, Hopkins County Central, Paducah Tilghman, Trigg County, Union County, Webster County.

Region 2 – Adair County, Allen County-Scottsville, Bardstown, Breckinridge County, Butler County, Elizabethtown, Franklin-Simpson, Glasgow, Hart County, John Hardin, LaRue County, Marion County, Nelson County, Taylor County, Thomas Nelson, Warren Central, Warren East.

Region 3 – Christian Academy-Louisville, DeSales, Doss, Henry County, Jeffersontown, North Oldham, Shelby County, Spencer County, Waggener, Western.

Region 4 – Bourbon County, Franklin County, Harrison County, Highlands, Holmes, Lexington Catholic, Pendleton County, Scott, Western Hills.

Region 5 – Bell County, Boyle County, Casey County, Clay County, Corbin, East Jessamine, Garrard County, Harlan County, Knox Central, Lincoln County, McCreary Central, Mercer County, Rockcastle County, Russell County, Wayne County.

Region 6 – Ashland Blazer, Boyd County, East Carter, Fleming County, Greenup County, Lewis County, Mason County, Rowan County, Russell.

Region 7 – Belfry, Estill County, Floyd Central, Knott County Central, Lawrence County, Letcher County Central, Magoffin County, Perry County Central, Pike County Central, Powell County.

Raiders conclude regular season 10-12

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — McCreary Central compiled a 10-12 record during the 2022 high school baseball regular season.

The Raiders notched back-to-back wins over Bell County and Lynn Camp during the final week of the 2022 high school baseball regular season, which concluded over the weekend.

McCreary Central upended Bell County 5-2 on Monday, May 10.

Continuing to win on Thursday, May 12, McCreary Central shut out Lynn Camp 17-0 in three innings.

However, Lincoln County dealt McCreary Central a loss in its regular season finale. Lincoln County pulled away to defeat the homestanding Raiders 10-1 on Friday, May 13.

The Raiders claimed additional wins over Pineville, Jellico (Tenn.), Lynn Camp, Harlan, Somerset and Bell County during the regular season.

McCreary Central dropped additional regular season games to Clinton County, Williamsburg, Bell County, Pulaski County, Southwestern, South Laurel and Wayne County.

Showing improvement, McCreary Central has nearly doubled its win total from the 2021 high school baseball season. The Raiders compiled a 6-28 record in 2021.

McCreary Central entered the week set to meet rival Southwestern in the semifinals of the 48th District Baseball Tournament on Tuesday, May 17.

May 12th, 2022

Raiders to meet Southwestern in 48th

District Baseball Tournament

By Steve LeMaster

MONTICELLO — McCreary Central is set to meet Southwestern in the semifinals of the 48th District Baseball Tournament at Wayne County High School on Tuesday, May 17.

First pitch for the McCreary Central-Southwestern baseball game is set for 7 p.m.

McCreary Central entered the final week of the regular season 8-11. The Raiders had regular season games remaining versus Bell County, Lynn Camp and Lincoln County at the start of the week.

A McCreary Central-Harlan game scheduled for Saturday, May 14 was canceled.

Southwestern entered the final week of the regular season 8-12. The Warriors had regular season games remaining versus Danville, Corbin, Clinton County and Clay County at the start of the week.

A Southwestern-Pulaski County game scheduled for Saturday, May 14 was canceled.

Southwestern swept a 48th District baseball regular season series from the Raiders, winning 15-1 and 17-0.

The schedule for the 48th District Baseball Tournament follows.

48th District Baseball Tournament

at Wayne County High School

Tuesday, May 17

Semifinals

Southwestern

vs.

McCreary Central, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, May 18

Championship Game

Southwestern/McCreary Central winner

vs.

Wayne County, 7 p.m.

(Schedule subject to change.)

Raiders pound Pineville, 24-8

By Steve LeMaster

PINEVILLE — Visiting McCreary Central pounded Pineville 24-8 in four innings in the opening game of a high school baseball doubleheader on Monday, May 2.

Kaleb Ellis claimed the win on the mound for the Raiders. Ellis pitched three innings, allowing seven runs on two hits and six walks while recording five strikeouts.

Both Riley Newman and Brady Corder pitched in relief for the Raiders.

Sam Caldwell started on the mound for Pineville and took the loss.

McCreary Central excelled offensively, scoring 24 runs on 17 hits. Corder led McCreary Central at the plate, recording four hits in five at-bats. Following Corder, Carson McKinney and Ranzy Vanover added three hits apiece for the Raiders.

Contributing to McCreary Central’s offensive attack, Maddux McKinney and Austin West added two hits apiece. Chipping in at the plate for the Raiders, Tristan West, Keegan Musgrove and Cameron Burke provided one hit each.

Maddux McKinney homered for the Raiders in the convincing victory. Moving runners around the bases, Maddux McKinney delivered five RBIs.

Aiding the Raiders in run production, Vanover and Carson McKinney each collected three RBIs.

As part of the Raiders’ balanced offensive effort, Corder and Musgrove each drove in two runs.

Contributing to McCreary Central’s scoring, Ellis, Burke, Austin West and Tristan West each drove in one run.

Deacon Partin paced Pineville at the plate, recording two hits. Contributing offensively for the Mountain Lions, Caldwell, Tim Hall and Caden Havens added one hit apiece.

Havens and Kaiden Robbins collected two RBIs each while Logunn Littles drove in one run.

Raiders drop game to Clinton County

STEARNS — McCreary Central was limited at the plate as visiting Clinton County pulled away to win 10-1 in a high school softball game on Tuesday, May 3.

Breanna Hurst earned the win in the circle for the Lady Bulldogs. Hurst pitched a complete game, allowing one run on six hits and one walk while recording six strikeouts over seven innings.

Ava Stephens took the loss in the circle for the Raiders. Stephens pitched a complete game, allowing 10 runs on eight hits and three walks while recording five strikeouts.

Clinton County plated 10 runs on 13 hits. Hurst paced Clinton County offensively, finishing 3-for-3.

Following Hurst in Clinton County’s offensive attack, Maggie England and Loren Little each connected for two hits.

Chipping in at the plate for Clinton County, Makenzie Cope, Lilly Hickman, Ella Marlow, Bailey Polston, Trinady Warinner and Delaney Chilton contributed one hit apiece.

Hurst collected three RBIs while England, Little and Polston provided two RBIs apiece.

Aiding Clinton County at the plate, Marlow drove in one run.

Makayla Stephens paced McCreary Central at the plate, delivering two hits.

Contributing at the plate for McCreary Central, Victoria Murphy, Jayci Bell and Chelsea Whitehead added one hit each.

Stephens and Murphy each doubled for the Raiders. Allowing a teammate to score, Murphy drove in McCreary Central’s run.

file photo courtesy of James Kiser

McCreary Central’s Jayci Bell connected for a hit earlier in her high school softball career.

Raiders roll past Somerset Christian, 13-4

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — McCreary Central rolled past visiting Somerset Christian 13-4 in a high school baseball game on Tuesday, May 3.

Ranzy Vanover started on the mound for the Raiders and claimed the win. Vanover pitched four and two-thirds innings, allowing four runs on two hits and eight walks while recording four strikeouts.

Riley Newman closed the game out on the mound for the Raiders. Newman pitched two and one-third innings, allowing two hits and zero runs while recording two strikeouts.

Luke Atwood started on the mound for the Cougars and took the loss. Atwood pitched five innings, allowing 13 runs on 16 hits and two walks while recording one strikeout.

Shadrach Barnett closed the game out on the mound for Somerset Christian, pitching two scoreless innings.

McCreary Central scored 13 runs on 12 hits. Vanover, Newman, Kaleb Ellis and Austin West recorded two hits apiece for the Raiders.

Contributing to McCreary Central’s offensive attack, Carson McKinney, Noah Shook, Maddux McKinney and Brady Corder added one hit apiece.

Newman and West delivered two RBIs each in the Raiders’ win.

Helping McCreary Central move runners around the bases, Vanover, Corder, Carson McKinney and Maddux McKinney each drove in one run.

Atwood paced Somerset Christian at the plate, connecting for two hits and supplying one RBI.

Chipping in at the plate for Somerset Christian, Emory Whitescarver and Gavin Lewis add

May 5th, 2022

Raiders knock off Jellico (Tenn.), 11-7

By Steve LeMaster

JELLICO, Tenn. — Visiting McCreary Central knocked off Jellico (Tenn.) 11-7 in a high school baseball game on Friday, April 29.

The win allowed McCreary Central to halt a five-game losing skid.

Austin West started on the mound for the Raiders and claimed the win. West pitched five and one-third innings, allowing six runs on eight hits and three walks while recording five strikeouts.

Mason Ball pitched the final one and two-thirds innings for the Raiders. Ball allowed one run on one hit while recording two strikeouts.

Players from throughout McCreary Central’s lineup contributed offensively.

West, Carson McKinney, Ranzy Vanover and Maddux McKinney contributed two hits apiece for the Raiders in the win. Vanover and Maddux McKinney each collected two RBIs while Carson McKinney drove in one run.

Aiding McCreary Central at the plate, Brady Corder, Noah Shook and Keegan Musgrove added one hit apiece.

McCreary Central completed a sweep of longtime rival Jellico in a regular season series.

The Raiders returned to the win column for the first time since April 2.

Raiders compete in South Laurel Invitational

photo courtesy of McCreary Central Track & Field

McCreary Central track and field athlete Lee Felix competed in the South Laurel Invitational.

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — McCreary Central competed in the South Laurel Invitational on Friday, April 29.

The high school track and field meet featured South Laurel, McCreary Central, Barbourville, Bell County, Bluegrass United Homeschool, CKY Homeschool, Clay County, Corbin, Harlan County, Jackson County, Knox Central, Leslie County, Lynn Camp, Madison Southern, Middlesboro, North Laurel, Pineville, Pulaski County, Rockcastle County, Somerset, Southwestern, Wayne County, Whitley County and Williamsburg.

McCreary Central’s results from the South Laurel Invitational follow.

Girls’ 100 Meter Dash: 27, Gabriella Valdez, 14.93.

Girls’ 400 Meter Dash: 16. Gabriella Valdez, 1:07.93; 24. Kendal Kidd, 1:13.12.

Girls’ 3,200 Meter Run: 16. Callie Shook, 15:16.24.

Girls’ 4×200 Meter Relay: 11. McCreary Central Relay Team, 2:05.96.

Girls’ High Jump: 5. Kendal Kidd, 4-6.

Boys’ 200 Meter Dash: 28. Reid Farris, 28.28.

Boys’ 400 Meter Dash: 8. Noah Loudermilk, 54.60; 16. Daniel Loudermilk, 56.35.

Boys’ 1,600 Meter Run: 15. Kaleb Baird, 5:09.95; 28. Cody Taylor, 5:44.87.

Boys’ 3,200 Meter Run: 7. Christian Williams, 10:54.74; 16. Camron Quinn, 12:15.65.

Boys’ 4×200 Meter Relay: 14. McCreary Central, 2:00.14.

Boys’ 4×400 Meter Relay: 6. McCreary Central, 3:49.72.

Boys’ 4×800 Meter Relay: 7. McCreary Central, 9:25.74.

Boys’ High Jump: 7. Reid Farris, 5-6; 11. Baylor Farris, 5-2.

Raiders sweep Williamsburg in doubleheader

file photo courtesy of James Kiser

Chelsea Whitehead continues to produce at the plate and in the field for the McCreary Central softball team.

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — Continuing to win, McCreary Central swept visiting Williamsburg in a high school softball doubleheader on Saturday, April 30.

The Raiders prevailed 12-1 and 13-1.

McCreary Central 12, Williamsburg 1 (5 innings): Homestanding McCreary Central defeated Williamsburg 12-1 in five innings in a high school softball game on Saturday, April 30.

Olivia Wilder claimed the win in the circle for the Raiders. Wilder allowed one run on two hits and two walks while recording 11 strikeouts.

McCreary Central scored 12 runs on eight hits.

Victoria Murphy and Ava Stephens combined to pace McCreary Central at the plate, recording two hits apiece. Murphy and Stephens collected three RBIs and two RBIs, respectively.

Chipping in offensively for the Raiders, Wilder, Makenna Mann, Jayci Bell and Heaven Longmire added one hit apiece.

Longmire and Makayla Stephens each drove in one run for the Raiders.

McCreary Central 13, Williamsburg 1 (5 innings): McCreary Central pulled away to beat visiting Williamsburg 13-1 in five innings in another high school softball game on Saturday, April 30.

Ava Stephens claimed the win in the circle for the Raiders. Stephens allowed one run on two hits and two walks while recording 10 strikeouts.

Chelsea Whitehead, Makayla Stephens and Caroline Richmond paced McCreary Central at the plate, providing two hits apiece for the Raiders.

Aiding McCreary Central offensively, Olivia Wilder and Makenna Mann added one hit apiece.

Wilder homered and collected four RBIs for the Raiders in the victory.

Helping to move runners around the bases, Whitehead and Makayla Stephens each drove in two runs.

Mann, Brayden Newton and Victoria Murphy each drove in one run.

April 28th, 2022

McCreary Central to visit Buckhorn

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — McCreary Central is scheduled to visit Buckhorn for a high school softball game on Thursday, April 28.

The Raiders entered the week 8-6.

McCreary Central has additional regular season games remaining versus West Jessamine, Clay County, Berea, Williamsburg, Somerset Christian, Jellico (Tenn.), Clinton County, Pineville, Wayne County, Danville, Bell County, Lincoln County, Owsley County and Casey County.

The Raiders are scheduled to host Buckhorn in another regular season game on Saturday, May 7.

McCreary Central is slated to compete in the 48th District Softball Tournament in late-May.

First pitch for the upcoming McCreary Central-Buckhorn softball game is set for 6 p.m.

photo courtesy of James Kiser Jayci Bell is among the experienced players for the McCreary Central softball team. 

Raiders compete in Lake Cumberland Classic

photos courtesy of McCreary Central Track and Field

McCreary Central’s Trey Davis competed in the Lake Cumberland Classic on Saturday, April 23. 

McCreary Central’s Gabriella Valdez competed in the Lake Cumberland Classic on Saturday, April 23.

McCreary Central’s Hallie Lay competed in the Lake Cumberland Classic on Saturday, April 23.

McCreary Central’s Noah Loudermilk competed in the Lake Cumberland Classic on Saturday, April 23.

Raiders drop one-run game to Jackson County

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — Jackson County managed to outlast homestanding McCreary Central 6-5 in a high school softball game on Tuesday, April 19.

Candice Williams claimed the win in the circle for visiting Jackson County. Pitching a complete game, Williams allowed five runs on six hits and two walks while registering 11 strikeouts.

Ava Stephens pitched a complete game for McCreary Central and absorbed the loss. Stephens allowed six runs on six hits and one walk while recording two strikeouts over seven innings.

Jackson County pushed across seven runs on eight hits. Pacing Jackson County at the plate, Kenna Creech, Madison Belt and Madison Curry delivered two hits apiece. Chipping in offensively for Jackson County, Larrysa Hillard and Blakelynn Fee added one hit apiece.

Creech and Hillard supplied two RBIs apiece while Curry drove in one run.

Belt drilled a double, delivering an extra-base hit for the Generals.

McCreary Central plated five runs on eight hits.

Victoria Murphy and Makenna Mann paced McCreary Central at the plate, supplying two hits apiece for the Raiders. Murphy homered and drove in two of the Raiders’ five runs.

Contributing offensively for McCreary Central, Ava Stephens, Chelsea Whitehead, Makayla Stephens and Heaven Longmire added one hit apiece, Both Whitehead and Longmire doubled.

Aiding McCreary Central at the plate, Wilder drove in one run.

Raiders drop game to South Laurel

By Steve LeMaster

LONDON — Visiting McCreary Central was limited at the plate as South Laurel pulled away to win 6-1 in a high school baseball game on Thursday, April 21.

South Laurel moved ahead early, scoring two runs in the bottom half of the first inning.

McCreary Central cut South Laurel’s lead in half late in the game, scoring one run in the top half of the sixth inning. But South Laurel managed to extend its lead, erupting for four runs in the home portion of the sixth inning to lead 6-1.

The Cardinals outhit the Raiders 7-4 and finished error-free in the field.

Connor Combs pitched a complete game and earned the win on the mound for the Cardinals. Combs allowed one run on four hits over seven innings, recording seven strikeouts.

Carson McKinney took the loss on the mound for the Raiders. McKinney surrendered two runs on two hits and one walk over one inning.

Kaleb Ellis pitched five innings for the Raiders, allowing four runs on five hits and six walks while recording five strikeouts.

Ashton Garland went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead the Cardinals. Following Garland’s offensive performance, Combs, Harrison Byrd, Alex Collett, Mason Lewis and Hunter Bundy added one hit apiece for 13th Region member South Laurel.

Providing a lift offensively for the Cardinals, Byrd homered in the first inning. Byrd drove in two of South Laurel’s six runs.

Maddux McKinney, Carson McKinney, Ranzy Vanover and Noah Shook each provided one hit for the Raiders.

Defensively, McCreary Central committed one error.

April 21st, 2022

Raiders blank Barbourville in five innings, 10-0 

By Steve LeMaster

BARBOURVILLE — Returning to the win column, McCreary Central blanked Barbourville 10-0 in five innings in a high school softball game on Friday, April 15.

Prevailing on the road, McCreary Central claimed its third win in four games.

The Raiders moved ahead early and forced homestanding Barbourville to play from behind in the high school softball matchup.

A pair of McCreary Central pitchers combined to throw a three-hit shutout.

Ava Stephens started in the circle for the Raiders and claimed the win. Stephens pitched four innings, allowing two hits and giving up two walks while recording five strikeouts.

Olivia Wilder closed out the game in the circle for McCreary Central, pitching one inning. Wilder allowed one hit and gave up one walk while recording one strikeout.

McCreary Central scored 10 runs on 13 hits. Pacing McCreary Central at the plate, Stephens, Victoria Murphy and Jayci Bell delivered two hits apiece.

Contributing offensively for the Raiders, Wilder, Harley Gilreath, Rebecca Duncan, Makenna Mann, Chelsea Whitehead, Caroline Richmond and Makayla Stephens added one hit apiece.

Richmond collected two RBIs while Wilder, Gilreath, Murphy, Duncan, Mann, Ava Stephens and Makayla Stephens each drove in one run.

McCreary Central posted its second win over Barbourville in the 2022 high school softball season.

File photo courtesy of James Kiser

McCreary Central’s Olivia Wilder continues to produce at the plate and in the field. 

Raiders drop district series to Southwestern

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — McCreary Central dropped its annual 48th District baseball series to Southwestern.

The Raiders and Warriors played the two-game series over three days.

Southwestern 15, McCreary Central 1 (5 innings): Visiting McCreary Central fell behind early and couldn’t battle back as Southwestern pulled away to win 15-1 in five innings in a 48th District baseball game on Wednesday, April 13.

Jonas Gallagher was the winning pitcher for the Warriors. Gallagher allowed one run on one hit and two walks while recording eight strikeouts.

Maddux McKinney started on the mound for the Raiders and suffered the loss.

Gallagher, Wyatt Morgan and Tyler Pumphrey provided two hits apiece for the Warriors.

Pushing multiple runners around the bases, Caleb Ramsey collected three RBIs for Southwestern in the win. Helping to move runners around the bases for the Warriors, Gallagher and Kolton Durham drove in two runs each.

Austin West recorded the Raiders’ lone hit in the setback.

Southwestern 17, McCreary Central 0 (4 innings): Host McCreary Central was held scoreless as Southwestern won 17-0 in four innings in a 48th District baseball game on Friday, April 15.

Wyatt Morgan pitched a one-hit shutout and claimed the win on the mound for the Warriors. Morgan gave up only one walk while recording five strikeouts.

Carson McKinney started on the mound for the Raiders and took the loss.

Jonas Gallagher delivered three hits for the Warriors. Along with Gallagher delivering at the plate, Tyler Pumphrey and Caleb Ramsey provided two hits apiece.

Pumphrey supplied five RBIs in Southwestern’s win. Helping to move runners around the bases for Southwestern, Kolton Durham drove in three runs.

Aiding the Warriors at the plate, Caleb Ramsey and Cameron Shipp drove in two runs apiece.

McCreary Central was limited to one hit. Ranzy Vanover connected for McCreary Central’s only hit in the loss.

McCreary Central-Barbourville

game canceled

STEARNS — The McCreary Central-Barbourville baseball game scheduled for Monday, April 18 was canceled due to the weather.

McCreary Central entered the week 4-7. The Raiders have posted wins over Pineville, Jellico (Tenn.), Lynn Camp and Harlan. McCreary Central has dropped games to Clinton County, Williamsburg, Bell County, Pulaski County, Williamsburg and Southwestern. Both Williamsburg and Southwestern have dealt McCreary Central two losses.

The Raiders entered the week with additional regular season games remaining versus Clinton County, South Laurel, Bell County, Wayne County, Jellico (Tenn.), Williamsburg, Pineville, Somerset Christian, Cumberland County, Lynn Camp, Lincoln County, Leslie County and Harlan.

Raiders compete in Williamsburg All-Comers Meet 

By Steve LeMaster

WILLIAMSBURG — The McCreary Central track and field program competed in the Williamsburg All-Comers Meet on Friday, April 15.

The results for the McCreary Central track and field athletes from the Williamsburg All-Comers Meet follow.

Girls’ 100 Meter Dash: 22nd-Megan Loudermilk; 33rd-Gabriella Valdez.

Girls’ 200 Meter Dash: 17th-Kendal Kidd.

Girls’ 400 Meter Dash: 16th-Megan Loudermilk, 20th-Hallie Lay, 38th-Callie Shook.

Girls’ 3,200 Meter Run: 13th-Callie Shook.

Girls’ 300 Meter Hurdles: 15th-Alyssa Tucker.

Girls’ 4×200 Meter Relay: 9th-McCreary Central.

Girls’ 4×400 Meter Relay: 6th-McCreary Central.

Girls’ 4×800 Meter Relay: 7th-McCreary Central.

Girls’ High Jump: 3rd-Kendal Kidd.

Boys’ 100 Meter Dash: 17th-Lee Felix, 25th-Daniel Loudermilk, 38th-Kyree Giglio, 48th-Ashton Williams.

Boys’ 200 Meter Dash: 24th-Daniel Loudermilk, 53rd-Reid Farris, 61st-Cade Smith.

Boys’ 400 Meter Dash: 7th-Noah Loudermilk, 9th-Lee Felix, 23rd-Trey Davis, 41st-Cayden Rowe.

Boys’ 800 Meter Run: 11th-Riley Foster, 12th-Jackson Winburn, 20th-Cody Taylor, 31st-Ryan Smith.

Boys’ 1,600 Meter Run: 13th-Kaleb Baird.

Boys’ 3,200 Meter Run: 5th-Christian Williams, 10th-Camron Quinn, 20th-Kyree Giglio.

Boys’ 300 Meter Hurdles: 9th-Kyree Giglio.

Boys’ 4×100 Meter Relay: 12th-McCreary Central.

Boys’ 4×200 Meter Relay: 5th-McCreary Central.

Boys’ 4×400 Meter Relay: 5th-McCreary Central.

Boys’ 4×800 Meter Relay: 6th-McCreary Central.

Boys’ High Jump: 12th-Reid Farris.

Complete results from the Williamsburg All-Comers Meet are available online at https://ky.milesplit.com/meets/457201-williamsburg-high-school-all-comers-2022/teams/3645#.Yl790IXMLrc

The Williamsburg All-Comers Meet included host Williamsburg, McCreary Central, Barbourville, CKY Homeschool, Clay County, Corbin, Harlan, Harlan County, J. Frank White Academy, Jackson County, Knox Central, Lee County, Leslie County, Lynn Camp, Middlesboro, North Laurel, Pineville, Pulaski County, South Laurel, Southwestern, Wayne County and Whitley County.

April 14th, 2022

Raiders defeat Harlan, 12-2

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — McCreary Central pulled away to defeat Harlan 12-2 in six innings in a high school softball game on Monday, April 4.

The Raiders moved ahead early and gradually pulled away to win convincingly.

Ava Stephens earned the win in the circle for the Raiders. Stephens allowed two runs on four hits and four walks while recording eight strikeouts over six innings.

Carley Thomas started in the circle for Harlan and suffered the loss. Thomas pitched four innings, allowing 10 runs on eight hits and seven walks while recording two strikeouts.

Following Thomas, Mallory McNiel pitched in relief for Harlan.

McCreary Central scored a dozen runs on four hits.

Brayden Newton recorded two hits for McCreary Central in the win. In addition to Newton producing at the plate for the Raiders, Olivia Wilder and Victoria Murphy connected for one hit apiece. Wilder doubled for the Raiders.

Murphy, Rebecca Duncan, Makayla Stephens and Ava Stephens each drove in one run for McCreary Central in the victory.

Pacing Harlan at the plate, Ella Lisenbee provided two hits, including a double.

Contributing offensively for Harlan, Emma Eversole and Addison Jackson added one hit apiece. Eversole drove in one run for the Green Dragons.

photo courtesy of James Kiser

Ava Stephens continues to produce at the plate and in the field for the McCreary Central softball team.

Raiders to compete in

Williamsburg All-Comers Meet

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — The McCreary Central track and field team is scheduled to compete in the Williamsburg All-Comers Meet on Friday, April 15.

The Raiders haven’t been on the track or in the field since for a meet since competing in the Lindsey Wilson College-hosted Blue Raider High School Invitational on Friday, April 1.

Several area high school track and field programs are poised to compete in the Williamsburg All-Comers Meet. In addition to host Williamsburg and McCreary Central, Barbourville, Commonwealth of Kentucky Homeschool, Clay County, Corbin, Harlan, Harlan County, J. Frank White Academy, Jackson County, Knox Central, Lee County, Leslie County, Lynn Camp, Middlesboro, North Laurel, Pineville, Pulaski County, South Laurel, Southwestern, Wayne County and Whitley County are scheduled to compete in the upcoming high school track and field meet.

McCreary Central is slated to compete in the Class 2A, Region 5 Meet in May. Along with McCreary Central, Class 2A, Region 5 includes Bell County, Boyle County, Casey County, Clay County, Corbin, East Jessamine, Garrard County, Harlan County, Knox Central, Lincoln County, Mercer County, Rockcastle County, Russell County and Wayne County.

The Raiders are scheduled to compete in Somerset-hosted Lake Cumberland Classic on Saturday, April 23.

Closing out the month, McCreary Central is slated to compete in the South Laurel Invitational on Friday, April 29.

McCreary Central’s Kendal Kidd competed in the Girls’ High Jump during the Blue Raider High School Invitational at Lindsey Wilson College on Friday, April 1.

photo courtesy of McCreary Central Track and Field

McCreary Central sprinters Daniel Loudermilk and Kyree Giglio (pictured from left to right) competed in the Blue Raider High School Invitational at Lindsey Wilson College on Friday, April 1.

McCreary Central sprinter Lee Felix is pictured competing in the Blue Raider High School Invitational at Lindsey Wilson College on Friday, April 1.

April 7th, 2022

McCreary Central handles Harlan in six innings, 12-2

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — Remaining in the win column, McCreary Central defeated visiting Harlan 12-2 in six innings in a high school softball game on Monday, April 4.

After claiming the win, McCreary Central improved to 7-3.

Ava Stephens started in the circle for the Raiders and earned the win. Stephens allowed two runs on four hits and four walks over six innings, recording eight strikeouts.

Carley Thomas started the game in the circle for the Lady Dragons. Thomas pitched four innings, allowing 10 runs on eight hits and seven walks while striking out two.

Mallory McNiel threw one and one-third innings in relief for Harlan in the high school softball matchup.

Victoria Murphy, Olivia Wilder and Brayden Newton each recorded multiple hits for the Raiders. Murphy went 3-for-3 at the plate to lead McCreary Central’s offensive attack. Behind Murphy, Wilder and Newton added two hits apiece for the Raiders.

Contributing at the plate for McCreary Central, Makenna Mann and Makayla Stephens supplied one hit apiece.

Wilder collected two RBIs while Murphy, Ava Stephens, Makayla Stephens and Rebecca Duncan drove in one run apiece.

Ella Lisenbee led Harlan at the plate, providing two hits in three at-bats.

McCreary Central is scheduled to visit Harlan on Monday, April 18.

photo courtesy of James Kiser

Makenna Mann continues to produce for McCreary Central in the 2022 high school softball season. 

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Denney Field

Photos by Eugenia Jones

McCreary Central High School’s former baseball coach, Darrell Denney, was honored by staff, community members, and former players during a ceremony held last weekend at McCreary Central.  During the ceremony, officials dedicated and named the McCreary Central baseball field in honor of Denney.  Denney’s name is synonymous with McCreary Central baseball because of his efforts in establishing the successful program and maintaining a top-notch high school baseball field.  During his career, Denney was inducted into the Hall of Fame.  He is pictured with his family on the high school field’s home plate during the ceremony.

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McCreary Central rolls past Lynn Camp, 27-10

By Steve LeMaster

CORBIN — Visiting McCreary Central pulled away to defeat Lynn Camp 27-10 in four innings in a high school baseball game on Thursday, March 31.

The Raiders scored first and never trailed. McCreary Central forced Lynn Camp to play from behind throughout the high school baseball game.

After exiting the first inning ahead 5-3, McCreary Central erupted for 11 runs during its second at-bat.

Austin West earned the win on the mound for the Raiders. West allowed 10 runs on five hits and six walks over four innings, recording five strikeouts.

Nick Sanders started on the mound for the Wildcats. Sanders pitched two and a third innings, allowing 17 runs on six hits and seven walks while striking out three.

Contributing on the mound for Lynn Camp, Mathew Burnette pitched one and two-thirds innings.

West and Maddux McKinney each delivered two hits and two RBIs for the Raiders.

Helping to move runners around the bases for McCreary Central, Carson McKinney and Aaron Trammell added three RBIs and two RBIs, respectively

Ian Santiago, Ethan Blevins, Austin Mounce, Bradley Day and TJ Mills each collected one hit for the Wildcats.

McCreary Central is scheduled to host Lynn Camp for another high school baseball game on Saturday, April 9.

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Stephens pitches perfect in Raiders’ win

McCreary Central shut out Jellico (Tenn.) in three innings, 15-0

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — Behind a perfect game from Ava Stephens, McCreary Central shut out visiting Jellico (Tenn.) 15-0 in three innings in a high school softball game on Thursday, March 31.

After notching the win, McCreary Central improved to 6-3.

Strong from start to finish, Stephens registered eight strikeouts.

McCreary Central scored 15 runs on 14 hits in the high school softball game.

Jayci Bell finished 3-for-3 at the plate for the Raiders. In addition to Bell, Makenna Mann, Makayla Stephens, Chelsea Whitehead, Victoria Murphy and Ava Stephens delivered two hits apiece for homestanding McCreary Central. Adding another lift at the plate, Olivia Wilder provided one hit for the Raiders.

Murphy, Ava Stephens and Rebecca Duncan collected two RBIs apiece for McCreary Central in the victory. Aiding McCreary Central at the plate, Bell, Whitehead, Wilder and Makayla  Stephens each drove in one run.

Both Stephens and Wilder homered for the Raiders.

McCreary Central is scheduled to visit Jellico for another high school softball game on Thursday, April 14.

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McCreary Central falls to Clay County in shutout

By Steve LeMaster

MANCHESTER — Preventing the visiting team from winning, Clay County limited McCreary Central at the plate and shut out the Raiders 9-0 in a high school softball game on Tuesday, March 29.

Homestanding Clay County moved ahead early and gradually pulled away to defeat the Raiders.

Abby Bowling earned the win in the circle, pitching a three-hit shutout. Strong from start to finish for Clay County, Bowling recorded 13 strikeouts while limiting McCreary Central to three hits.

Ava Stephens started in the circle for McCreary Central and suffered the loss.

Finishing out the game in the circle for the Raiders, Olivia Wilder pitched in relief.

Clay County scored nine runs on nine hits. Bowling and Emma Tuttle combined to lead Clay County at the plate, providing two hits apiece. Contributing at the plate for the Lady Tigers, Chloe Bowling, Carley Shepherd, Elizabeth Black, Kylie Frost and Riley Tuttle connected for one hit apiece. Frost delivered two RBIs while Black and Chloe Bowling drove in one run each.

Wilder provided all of McCreary Central’s offense, finishing 3-for-3 with two doubles.

McCreary Central entered the week set to host Clay County on Tuesday, April 5.

March 31, 2022

Raiders blank Somerset Christian School, 4-0

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — McCreary Central blanked visiting Somerset Christian School 4-0 in a high school softball game on Tuesday, March 22.

The Raiders returned to the win column following a loss at Clinton County one day earlier.

Ava Stephens pitched a one-hit shutout to lead the Raiders to the victory. Stephens allowed only one hit and one walk while recording 15 strikeouts as she claimed the win in the circle.

Somerset Christian pitcher Abi Whitescarver suffered the loss. Whitescarver pitched four and two-thirds innings, allowing four runs on two hits and eight walks while registering eight strikeouts.

McCreary Central made the most of its offensive opportunities, plating four runs on three hits.

Victoria Murphy, Makenna Mann and Chelsea Whitehead provided one hit apiece for the Raiders. Mann drove in two of McCreary Central’s four runs. Delivering an extra-base hit, Whitehead doubled for the Raiders.

McCreary Central dealt Somerset Christian its first loss in the 2022 high school softball season.

The Raiders are scheduled to visit Somerset Christian on Tuesday, April 12.

Raiders dominate Jellico (Tenn.), win 16-0 in three innings

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — Remaining in the win column, McCreary Central blanked visiting Jellico (Tenn.) 16-0 in three innings in a high school baseball game on Thursday, March 24.

The win allowed McCreary Central to even its record to 2-2 in the 2022 high school baseball season.

Austin West pitched a two-hit shutout to lead McCreary Central to the win. West gave up two walks while recording four strikeouts.

McCreary Central set the tone early and dominated throughout the high school baseball matchup.

The offensive-heavy Raiders scored 16 runs on 12 hits.

West, Carson McKinney, Maddux McKinney and Kaleb Ellis connected for two hits apiece in McCreary Central’s victory. Aiding the Raiders’ offensive attack, Brady Corder, Cameron Burke, Keegan Musgrove and Ranzy Vanover provided one hit apiece.

Ellis and Maddux McKinney delivered three RBIs apiece for the Raiders.

West, Carson McKinney and Corder drove in two runs each for 48th District member McCreary Central.

Musgrove, Vanover and Tristan West supplied one RBI apiece for the Raiders.

McCreary Central is scheduled to host Jellico for another high school baseball matchup on Thursday, April 28.

McCreary Central 12, Pineville 2

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — McCreary Central pulled away to defeat visiting Pineville 12-2 in six innings in a high school baseball game on Tuesday, March 22.

The Raiders moved ahead early and forced Pineville to play from behind throughout the high school baseball game.

Ranzy Vanover started on the mound for the Raiders and earned the win. Vanover pitched three innings, allowing two runs on two hits and three walks. The McCreary Central starting pitcher recorded four strikeouts.

Kaleb Ellis pitched three scoreless innings in relief for the Raiders. Ellis didn’t allow any hits while giving up two walks and recording five strikeouts.

McCreary Central plated 12 runs on nine hits.

Carson McKinney led McCreary Central at the plate, connecting for two hits in three at-bats. McKinney doubled and delivered four RBIs.

Contributing at the plate for McCreary Central, Ellis, Tristan West, Brady Corder, Maddux McKinney, Austin West, Cameron Burke and Keegan Musgrove added one hit apiece.

Ellis and Maddux McKinney drove in one run apiece for McCreary Central n the victory.

The Raiders are scheduled to host Pineville in another matchup on Tuesday, April 5.

Champion Cheers

McCreary Central High School brought home the 2022 Division Scholastic level national championship by finishing 1st out of 5 squads competing.  McCreary County Middle School finished first of four squads competing and brought home the 2022 Advanced Junior High National Championship.  The cheerleaders are coached by Brandon Singleton and Sherry Baker.

MCMS Cheerleading tryouts scheduled 

Students interested in the McCreary County Middle School cheerleading program will learn materials April 25, 26 and 28 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. each day.

Tryouts for the McCreary County Middle School cheerleading program will start at 6:30 p.m. on April 29.

The cheerleading tryouts are open to students in grades 5-8. Each student must have a valid KHSAA Sports Physical to participate in the cheerleading tryouts

March 24th, 2022

McCreary Central competes in Southwestern Invitational

By Steve LeMaster

SOMERSET — The McCreary Central track and field team competed in the Southwestern Invitational on Saturday, March 19.

The McCreary Central girls’ 4×100 team of Hallie Neal, Callista Shook, Gabriella Valdez and Abbagail Neal placed seventh.

Leading the Raiders, Kendal Kidd finished second in the girls’ high jump.

The McCreary Central boys’ 4×800 team of Kaleb Baird, Christian Williams, Riley Foster and Jason Jones placed fourth.

The McCreary Central boys’ 4×200 team of Noah Loudermilk, Daniel Loudermilk, Cody Taylor and Brokiah Kilby also placed fourth.

The McCreary Central boys 4×100 team of Kyree Giglio, Jackson Winburn, Lee Felix and Xander Sumner finished seventh

In the boys’ 400 meter dash, Noah Loudermilk and Daniel Loudermilk finished 9th and 10th place, respectively. Only 1.5 seconds separated the two McCreary Central runners.

Giglio finished sixth in the boys’ 300 meter hurdles.

Foster placed ninth in the boys’ 800 meter run.

Felix finished ninth in the boys’ 200 meter dash.

Cameron Quinn placed seventh in the boys’ 3,200 meter run.

Sumner finished ninth in boys’ discus.

photo courtesy of McCreary Central Track and Field 

McCreary Central’s Christian Williams and Kaleb Baird competed in the Southwestern Invitational on Saturday, March 19.

Stephens perfect in McCreary Central’s win over Burgin

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — Behind a dominant pitching performance from Ava Stephens, McCreary Central blanked visiting Burgin 15-0 in three innings in a high school softball game on Saturday, March 19.

With the win, McCreary Central moved to 2-0.

Burgin dropped to 1-2 following the loss.

Stephens needed only 38 pitches to prevail in her latest outing in the circle, recording eight strikeouts as she held Burgin hitless and claimed the pitching win.

McCreary Central took control early. The Raiders forced Burgin to play from behind throughout the high school softball game.

Olivia Wilder led McCreary Central at the plate, finishing 4-for-4.

Stephens, Hayleeh Martinez and KyllieAnn Hayes added three hits apiece for the Raiders while Chelsea Whitehead contributed two hits.

Chipping in offensively for McCreary Central, Victoria Murphy, Makenna Mann and Heaven Longmire provided one hit apiece.

McCreary Central plated 15 runs on 18 hits.

Helping her pitching cause at the plate, Stephens doubled.

Whitehead drove in two runs for the Raiders.

McCreary Central and Burgin aren’t scheduled to meet again in the 2022 high school softball season.

Raiders defeat Barbourville, 10-2

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — McCreary Central pulled away to defeat visiting Barbourville 10-2 in a high school softball season opener on Friday, March 18.

The Raiders gradually pulled away to win convincingly over 13th Region member Barbourville in the high school softball game.

Olivia Wilder led McCreary Central to the win. Claiming the pitching win, Wilder limited Barbourville to two runs on five hits over seven innings. Wilder recorded 12 strikeouts.

Offensively, McCreary Central plated 10 runs on 11 hits.

Eight different players provided at least one hit for the Raiders.

Olivia Wilder, Heaven Longmire, Makayla Stephens and Victoria Murphy delivered two hits apiece for McCreary Central in the convincing victory. Supplying an extra base hit, Wilder drilled a double.

Contributing at the plate for the Raiders, KyllieAnn Hayes, Ava Stephens and Chelsea Whitehead added one hit apiece.

Wilder, Longmire and Hayes drove in two runs apiece for the Raiders.

Aiding McCreary Central’s offensive attack, Stephens drove in one run.

McCreary Central is scheduled to visit Barbourville on Friday, April 15.

Raiders drop high-scoring game to Williamsburg

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — McCreary Central fell short in a high-scoring high school baseball game as visiting Williamsburg prevailed 14-11 on Monday, March 21.

The Raiders and Yellow Jackets battled back and forth throughout the high school softball matchup. However, Williamsburg finished strong.

Working out of a relief role, Austin West suffered the pitching loss for the Raiders. Carson McKinney started on the mound for McCreary Central in the matchup. West and McKinney each pitched 2.2 innings.

Ranzy Vanover paced McCreary at the plate, finishing 3-for-3.

Kaleb Ellis collected two hits in three at-bats for the Raiders, driving in three runs.

Maddux McKinney, Carson McKinney and Keegan Musgrove added one hit apiece for the Raiders. Musgrove drove in two runs.

The Raiders and Yellow Jackets are longtime rivals from bordering regions.

McCreary Central is scheduled to visit Williamsburg on Saturday, April 30.

March 17th, 2022

Four Raiders named to All-12th Region Academic Team

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — Four McCreary Central High School student-athletes — seniors Trey Davis, Carson McKinney, Noah Loudermilk and Trent Conatser — were named to the All-12th Region Boys’ Basketball Academic Team.

The Raiders thrived the classroom and on the court throughout the 2021-22 boys’ high school basketball season.

McCreary Central remains on top in the 48th District. The Raiders pulled away to defeat longtime rival Wayne County 58-40 in the 2021-22 48th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament title game.

McCreary Central advanced to the semifinals of the 2021-22 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament at Pulaski County High School. The Raiders won a thrilling matchup in the opening round of the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament, outlasting Mercer County 53-50 in double overtime.

Following a loss to Lincoln County in the semifinals of the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament, McCreary Central exited the 2021-22 season 17-12.

Stephens, Davis named to All-12th Region Tournament Team

By Steve LeMaster

SOMERSET — Kyle Stephens and Trey Davis represented McCreary Central on the All-12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament Team.

The McCreary Central duo was honored following the conclusion of the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament at Pulaski County High School on Tuesday, March 8,

Lincoln County upended Pulaski County 42-40 in overtime in the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament title game.

Stephens and Davis combined to lead McCreary Central past Mercer County 53-50 in double overtime in the opening round of the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament.

Lincoln County eliminated McCreary Central from the postseason, pulling away to defeat the Raiders in the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament Semifinals.

Following the loss to Lincoln County in the semifinals of the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament, McCreary Central exited the 2021-22 season 17-12.

In addition to the duo from McCreary Central, the All-12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament Team included Jackson Sims (Lincoln County), Cayden Lancaster (Pulaski County), Tramane Alcorn (Lincoln County), Zach Travis (Pulaski County), Jaxon Smith (Lincoln County), Gavin Stevens (Pulaski County), Colton Ralston (Lincoln County), Jake Sanders (Rockcastle County), Trevor Ellis (Mercer County), Mason Burchett (Wayne County), Drew Marshall (West Jessamine), William Carr, (Boyle County) and Luke Imfeld (Boyle County).

photo courtesy of Pulaski County High School

Kyle Stephens and Trey Davis represented McCreary Central on the All-12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament Team. The All-12th Region Boys’ Basketball Team is pictured. Front row, left to right: Jackson Sims, Lincoln County; Cayden Lancaster, Pulaski County; Tramane Alcorn, Lincoln County; Zach Travis, Pulaski County; Jaxon Smith, Lincoln County; Gavin Stevens, Pulaski County; Colton Ralston, Lincoln County. Back row, left to right: Jake Sanders, Rockcastle County; Trevor Ellis, Mercer County; Mason Burchett, Wayne County; Drew Marshall, West Jessamine; Kyle Stephens, McCreary Central; Trey Davis, McCreary Central; William Carr, Boyle County. Not pictured: Luke Imfeld, Boyle County.

Photo submitted

Carter Snyder, left, a McCrearyCounty 5th grader won 1st place at the state wrestling tournament held in Richmond, Kentucky.  His brother, Corban Snyder, right, was also a participant, placing 5th in the tournament.

Raiders to host Barbourville for season opener

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — McCreary Central is scheduled to host Barbourville for its opener in the 2022 high school softball season on Friday, March 18.

First pitch for the McCreary Central-Barbourville softball game is set for 6 p.m..

McCreary Central and Barbourville, rivals from neighboring regions, met once during the 2021 high school softball season. The Raiders blanked Barbourville 22-0 in four innings on May 18, 2001.

McCreary Central finished runner-up to Southwestern in the 48th District during the 2021 high school softball season. Following a loss to Boyle County in the opening round of the 12th Region Softball Tournament, McCreary Central exited the 2021 season 9-22.

Head coach Anthony Smith guides the Raiders.

After falling to Knox Central in the semifinals of the 51st District Softball Tournament, Barbourville concluded the 2021 season 2-18.

Head coach Luster Powers guides the Tigers.

McCreary Central is slated to host Burgin on Saturday, March 19. First pitch for the McCreary Central-Burgin game is set for noon.

The Raiders opened preseason practice in February.

McCreary Central’s 2022 schedule includes games versus Barbourville, Burgin, Clinton County, Somerset Christian, Bell County, Owsley County, Casey County, Clay County, Jellico (Tenn.), Williamsburg, Harlan, Jackson County, Martin County, Oneida (Tenn.), Lincoln County, Buckhorn, Southwestern, West Jessamine, Berea, Lynn Camp, Pineville, Wayne County and Danville.

photo courtesy of James Kiser

McCreary Central catcher Caroline Richmond covered home plate during a game versus Lincoln County in the 2021 high school softball season.

March 10th, 2022

Gilreath finishes first in Region 2 Middle School Wrestling Tournament

By Steve LeMaster

FRANKFORT — McCreary County wrestler Max Gilreath finished first in the Region 2 Middle School Wrestling Tournament on Saturday, March 5.

Gilreath was guided by head coach Ronnie Perry and assistant coach Vince Lewis.

Along with Gilreath making the podium in the top spot for the Raiders, teammates Mason Acres placed sixth and Kabryn Perry fifth in their respective classes.

In addition, Tanner Bowsher, Michael Hall, Kendall Whitehead, Maddox King and Nathan Kramer also competed for the McCreary County Middle School wrestling team.

Gilreath will represent the McCreary County in the state middle school wrestling tournament in Corbin.

photo courtesy of McCreary County Wrestling

MCMS wins March To State Archery Tournament

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — McCreary County Middle School won the March To State Archery Tournament.

The Raiders took top honors in the team standings of the middle school archery event.

McCreary County Middle School archer Sammy Meadows finished second in the boys’ individual standings.

McCreary County Middle School archer Cassidy Garland placed third in the girls’ individual standings.

The Raiders are preparing to compete in the middle school archery state tournament.

photo courtesy of McCreary County Middle School Archery 

McCreary County Middle School won the March To State Archery Tournament.

McCreary Central to visit Whitley County for season opener

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — McCreary Central is set to visit Whitley County for its opener in the 2022 high school softball season on Tuesday, March 15.

The Raiders and Colonels did not meet during the 2021 high school softball season.

However, McCreary Central and Whitley County are longtime high school softball rivals.

The Raiders, under the direction of head coach Anthony Smith, finished as the 2021 48th District Runner-up. After making an appearance in the 12th Region Softball Tournament, McCreary Central exited the 2021 season 9-22.

Whitley County, under the guidance of head coach Angela Singleton, ended its 2021 season in the semifinals of the 50th District Softball Tournament. Following the loss in the 51st District Tournament, Whitley County exited the 2021 season 13-16.

McCreary Central is scheduled to host Whitley County for another game on Saturday, May 7.

In addition to Whitley County, McCreary Central’s 2022 schedule includes games versus Oneida (Tenn.), Pulaski County, Pineville, Harlan County, Barbourville, Middlesboro, Clay County, Jackson County, Elliott County, Hickman County, Corbin, Williamsburg, South Laurel, Knox Central, Lynn Camp, Lincoln County and Middlesboro.

First pitch for the McCreary Central-Whitley County softball game is set for 6 p.m..

Raiders to visit Clinton County for season opener

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — McCreary Central is set to visit Clinton County for its opener in the 2022 high school baseball season.

The Raiders, under the direction of head coach Darrell King, opened spring practice in mid-February.

Following a loss to rival Southwestern in the semifinals of the 48th District Baseball Tournament, McCreary Central exited the 2021 season 6-28.

The Raiders suffered a pair of shutout losses to Clinton County during the 2021 season.

Clinton County, under the guidance of head coach Jared Bertram, concluded the 2021 high school baseball season 16-18. The Bulldogs finished as the 16th District runner-up and made an appearance in the 4th Region Baseball Tournament during the 2021 prep baseball campaign.

The Raiders are slated to host Clinton County for another game on Tuesday, April 19.

In addition to Clinton County, McCreary Central’s regular season schedule includes games versus Williamsburg, Pineville, Jellico (Tenn.), Bell County, Lynn Camp, Pulaski County, South Laurel, Harlan, Barbourville, Burgin, Southwestern, Somerset Christian, Garrard County, Wayne County, Lincoln County and Leslie County.

First pitch for the McCreary Central-Clinton County baseball game is set for 6 p.m..

Raiders fall to Lincoln County in 12th Region Tournament Semifinals

By Steve LeMaster

SOMERSET — McCreary Central was limited offensively as Lincoln County pulled away to win 69-49 in the semifinals of the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament at Pulaski County High School on Monday, March 7.

Following the loss, McCreary Central exited the 2021-22 boys’ high school basketball season 17-12.

The Raiders faced a deficit at the conclusion of each quarter in the region tournament game versus the Patriots.

Lincoln County outscored McCreary Central 18-15 in the first quarter, forcing the Raiders to play from behind early.

The Patriots led 31-21 and extended their lead after the intermission period.

Forcing the Raiders to continue to play from behind after the break, Lincoln County led 45-32 at the conclusion of the third quarter.

Lincoln County shot 56 percent (25-of-46) from the field. The Patriots shot 40 percent (eight-of-20) from three-point range.

Lincoln County shot 79 percent (11-of-14) from the free throw line.

Jaxon Smith and Tramane Alcorn scored 18 points apiece to lead Lincoln County to the win. Accompanying Smith and Alcorn in double figures for the Patriots, Jackson Sims netted 16 points.

Contributing to Lincoln County’s offensive attack, Colton Ralston and Clayton Davis added nine points and eight points, respectively.

Kyle Stephens scored a game-high 19 points to lead the Raiders. Joining Stephens in double figures for McCreary Central, Trey Davis scored 13 points and Noah Loudermilk netted 11 points.

Chipping in offensively for the Raiders, Maddux McKinney and Trent Conatser contributed four points apiece.

McCreary Central shot 39 percent from the field in the season-ending setback. The Raiders shot 44 percent (seven-of-16) from the free throw line in the loss.

Lincoln County (28-7) moved on to meet Pulaski County (30-2) in the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament title game. The Patriots have advanced to three of the last four 12th Region boys’ basketball title games.

McCreary Central will return to the court during the offseason to prepare for the 2022-23 boys’ high school basketball season.

March 3rd, 2022

McCreary Central repeats as 48th District Champion

STEARNS — McCreary Central is the Back-to-Back 48th District Boys’ Basketball Champion.

The Raiders, under the guidance of head coach Wade Davis, pulled away to defeat rival Wayne County 58-40 in the 48th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament championship game on Friday, Feb. 25.

McCreary Central won on its home court.

The Raiders defeated Wayne County convincingly after knocking off Pulaski County 71-65 in the semifinals of the 48th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament on Tuesday, Feb. 22.

Following the win in the district championship game, McCreary Central improved to 16-11.

Wayne County dropped to 14-17 following the loss in the district title matchup.

McCreary Central gradually separated itself from familiar foe Wayne County in the 48th District boys’ basketball championship game. The Raiders forced the Cardinals to play from behind during the title contest. Defensively, McCreary Central limited Wayne County’s offensive opportunities. Offensively, the Raiders managed to covert to move ahead and keep Wayne County facing a deficit.

McCreary Central won handily after dropping a pair of 48th District games to Wayne County during the regular season. The Raiders suffered two district losses to Wayne County from Jan. 14-Feb. 4.

Raiders Kyle Stephens, Trey Davis, Trent Conatser and Noah Loudermilk were named to the All-48th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament Team.

Both McCreary Central and Wayne County advanced to the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament.

McCreary Central has been a fixture in the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Top 10 throughout the 2021-22 boys’ high school basketball season, ranking among the first five teams on multiple occasions. The Raiders are currently fifth in the KHSAA RPI Rankings.

McCreary Central was facing 46th District Runner-up Mercer County in the opening round of the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament at Pulaski County High School on Wednesday, March 2. The McCreary Central-Mercer County game ended too late to make this edition. Coverage of the McCreary Central-Mercer County boys’ basketball postseason matchup will appear in next week’s edition.

12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament

at Pulaski County High School

Wednesday, March 2 – Quarterfinals

McCreary Central vs. Mercer County

Lincoln County vs. Rockcastle County

Thursday, March 3 – Quarterfinals

Pulaski County vs. Wayne County, 6:30 p.m.

West Jessamine vs. Boyle County, 8:15 p.m.

Monday, March 7 – Semifinals 

6;30 p.m., 8:15 p.m.

Tuesday, March 8 – Championship Game – 7 p.m.

Standout Kendal Kidd is set to compete for McCreary Central in the 2022 high school track and field season. Kidd won the 2021 Class 2A, Region 5 title in the high jump and competed in the state meet at the University of Kentucky track and field complex. An accomplished female student-athlete, Kidd holds the McCreary Central school record in the high jump.

A McCreary Countian, Aaron Barnett, set a new course record at General Burnside Island State Golf Course with a 60.   Aaron was -11 in 18 holes of golf.

Junior Moses Navarro represented McCreary Central in the KHSAA State Wrestling Tournament. Among the state’s top high school wrestlers, Navarro competed in the 106-pound weight class.

February 24th, 2022

photo courtesy of James Kiser 

Sophomore Olivia Wilder is among the players set to return to the field for McCreary Central in the 2022 high school softball season. The Raiders are scheduled to host Barbourville for a season opener on Friday, March 18. First pitch for the McCreary Central-Barbourville softball game is set for 6 p.m. in Stearns.

photo courtesy of James Kiser

Freshman Makayla Stephens is back on the field for the McCreary Central High School softball team after making an impact in 2021. The Raiders are scheduled to host Barbourville for a season opener on Friday, March 18.

Raiders outlast Danville Christian in  regular season finale, 56-50

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — McCreary Central won its regular season finale on Friday, Feb. 18, outlasting visiting Danville Christian 56-50

The Raiders, under the direction of head coach Wade Davis, improved to 14-11 after claiming the win in the late-season boys’ high school basketball game.

McCreary Central shot 40 percent (16-of-40) from the field. The Raiders connected on three of 14 attempts from three-point range.

McCreary Central shot 87.5 percent (21-of-24) from the free throw line.

Kyle Stephens scored 16 points to lead McCreary Central to the win. Stephens is among the top boys’ high school basketball players in the 12th Region.

Accompanying Stephens in double figures for the Raiders, Trent Conatser scored 14 points.

Narrowly missing double figures for McCreary Central in the regular season finale, Noah Loudermilk netted nine points.

Providing additional scoring for the Raiders, Trey Davis added eight points, Maddux McKinney contributed six points and Carson McKinney posted three points.

Conatser paced McCreary Central inside, pulling down a team-high seven rebounds for the Raiders.

The Raiders and Warriors, 12th Region rivals, met for the first time in the 2021-22 boys’ high school basketball season.

McCreary Central entered the boys’ high school basketball postseason earlier in the week.

McCreary Central falls to Whitley County in regular season finale

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — McCreary Central was limited offensively as visiting Whitley County pulled away to win 56-35 in a girls’ high school basketball regular season finale on Thursday, Feb. 17.

Following the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 3-25.

Moving one game above the .500 mark, Whitley County improved to 14-13 after notching the win.

Whitley County shot 32.7 percent (18-of-55) from the field in the hoops matchup. The Colonels shot 33.3 percent (seven-of-21) from three-point range.

Whitley County shot 56.5 percent (13-of-23) from the free throw line.

Inside, Whitley County outrebounded McCreary Central 39-18.

Marissa Douglas scored a game-high 23 points to lead Whitley County to the win. Douglas was the only Whitley County player to reach double figures in scoring. However, several players contributed to Whitley County’s victory.

Finishing one field goal short of reaching double figures for the Colonels, Kaytlynn Collier scored eight points.

Whitley County received scoring from eight different players as Jonna Rice (seven points), Aubree Clemens (five points), Kylee Brown (four points), Taylor Rice (four points), Jaelyn Brackett (three points) and Martina Ahumada Xirgo (two points) also delivered offensively.

Rice paced Whitley County inside, pulling down 10 rebounds.

McCreary Central shot 27.7 (13-of-47) from the field in the girls’ high school basketball game. The Raiders connected on five of 15 three-point field goal attempts, shooting 33.3 percent beyond the arc.

McCreary Central shot 57.1 percent (four-of-seven) from the free throw line.

Megan Loudermilk scored 17 points to lead the Raiders. Loudermilk was the only McCreary Central player to reach double figures in scoring.

Narrowly missing double figures for McCreary Central, Kendyl Walters netted nine points.

Aiding McCreary Central offensively, Kaylee Chitwood (four points), Corinne Trammell (three points) and Victoria Murphy (two points) accounted for the rest of the Raiders’ scoring.

Raiders defeat Casey County, 68-57

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — McCreary Central defeated visiting Casey County 68-57 in a boys’ high school basketball game on Monday, Feb. 14.

Winning on its home floor, McCreary Central shot 56.2 percent (27-of-48) from the field. The Raiders shot 33.3 percent (six-of-18) from three-point range.

McCreary Central shot 72.7 percent (eight-of-11) from the free throw line in the win.

Kyle Stephens scored a game-high 26 points to lead McCreary Central to the win.

Stephens, who entered the game as the Raiders’ leading scorer in the 2021-22 boys’ high school basketball season, shot 90.9 percent from inside the arc, connecting on 10 of 11 two-point field goal attempts.

Accompanying Stephens in double figures for McCreary Central, Trey Davis scored 11 points.

Narrowly missing double figures for the Raiders, Noah Loudermilk and Trent Conatser netted nine points apiece.

Finishing near double figures for McCreary Central, Maddux McKinney added eight points.

Rounding out McCreary Central’s individual scoring, Ben Trammell and Brady Corder chipped in three points and two points, respectively.

McKinney paced McCreary Central inside, pulling down five rebounds.

Casey County shot 54.3 percent (19-of-35) from the field in the boys’ high school basketball matchup. The Rebels shot 46.2 percent (six-of-13) from three-point range.

Casey County shot 72.2 percent (13-of-18) from the free throw line.

The Rebels managed to edge the Raiders in rebounding, 21-20.

Ethan Willoughby scored 19 points and claimed eight rebounds to lead Casey County in the boys’ high school basketball game. Following Willoughby in scoring for the Rebels, Nate Goode netted 16 points. Aiding Casey County’s attack, Logan Stephens added 10 points and eight rebounds.

Behind the three players in double figures, Caleb Brown (eight points), Solomon Stonebraker (two points) and Walker Johnson (two points) accounted for Casey County’s additional scoring.

photo courtesy of Scott Warren Photography 

McCreary Central senior Noah Loudermilk defended a Knox Central shot attempt during a game earlier in the 2021-22 boys’ high school basketball season.

February 17th, 2022

Raiders notch win over Model, 48-40

By Steve LeMaster

McCreary Central returned to the win column on the road over the weekend, defeating Model 48-40 in a girls’ high school basketball game Saturday, Feb. 12.

McCreary Central shot 41.5 percent (17-of-41) from the field. The Raiders shot 56.2 percent (nine-of-16) from three-point range, faring better beyond the arc.

McCreary Central connected on five of nine free throw attempts.

Megan Loudermilk scored a game-high 22 points tp lead McCreary Central to the win. Loudermilk was the only McCreary Central player to reach double figures in scoring.

Narrowly missing a double-double for the Raiders. Kendyl Walters netted nine points and pulled down 11 rebounds.

Finishing near double figures for McCreary Central, Corinne Trammell added eight points.

Rounding out the Raiders’ individual scoring, Jayci Bell and Kaylee Chitwood contributed five points and four points, respectively.

Producing inside for the Raiders, Trammell has hauled down nine rebounds.

Model shot 34.1 percent (14-of-41) from the field. The Patriots shot 38.5 percent (five-of-13) from three-point range.

Model connected on seven of 15 free throw attempts.

Emma Lawson scored 14 points to lead the Patriots. Accompanying Lawson in double figures for Model, Kenzie Ferguson netted 12 points.

The additional scorers for Model included Maiya Bhandari (seven points), Taylor LeCompte (six points) and Paige Mattingly (one point).

Pacing Model inside, LeCompte hauled in 11 rebounds.

Raiders to meet Wayne County in district semifinals

By Steve LeMaster

McCreary Central is set to meet Wayne County in the semifinals of the 48th District Girls’ Basketball Tournament at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 21.

McCreary Central dropped a pair of games to Wayne County during the regular season. However, each matchup was decided by single digits.

The winner of the McCreary Central-Wayne County matchup will move on to face Southwestern in the 48th District Girls’ Basketball Tournament title game at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24.

The champion and runner-up from the 48th District will advance to the 12th Region Girls’ Basketball Tournament.

Southwestern is the reigning 48th District girls’ basketball champion.

Raiders to face Southwestern in district semifinals

By Steve LeMaster

Host McCreary Central is scheduled to face Southwestern in the semifinals of the 48th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament on Tuesday, Feb. 22.

The Raiders swept a two-game regular season series from the Warriors.

McCreary Central defeated Southwestern 59-51 in the two teams’ first district game in Somerset on Friday, Dec. 17.

Pulling away to defeat Southwestern more convincingly, McCreary Central prevailed 70-50 in a matchup in Stearns on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

The winner of the McCreary Central-Southwestern matchup will advance to the 48th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament title game at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 18.

The champion and runner-up from the 48th District will advance to the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament.

McCreary Central is the reigning 48th District boys’ basketball champion.

photo courtesy of Scott Warren Photography

McCreary Central is set to host the 48th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament.

photo courtesy of McCreary Central Track and Field

Kaleb Baird is among the experienced athletes set to compete for McCreary Central in the 2022 high school track and field season.

photo courtesy of James Kiser

Junior Makenna Mann is among the players due back on the diamond for the McCreary Central High School softball team.

February 10th, 2022

Raiders ranked fifth in 12th Region RPI Rankings

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — With less than two weeks remaining in the 2021-22 regular season, McCreary Central is ranked fifth in the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball RPI Rankings.

After beating Barbourville 52-47 on Monday, Feb. 7, McCreary Central evened its record to 11-11.

The Raiders are ranked ahead of Danville Christian, West Jessamine, Garrard County, Wayne County, Danville, Mercer County, Somerset, Casey County, Southwestern, East Jessamine and Burgin in the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Rankings.

McCreary Central is listed behind Rockcastle County, Boyle County, Lincoln County and Pulaski County.

RPI stands for Ratings Percentage Index. It is a way to measure a team’s strength relative to other teams, based largely on the strength of their schedules. The RPI formula is used by both the NCAA and NAIA, along with many high school associations and among other organizations, as part of their postseason system. RPI is calculated from the team’s Winning Percentage (WP), the Opponent’s Winning Percentage (OWP) and the Opponents’ Opponents’ Winning Percentage (OOWP). The KHSAA is uniquely positioned to be the sole and authenticated source of RPI data due to the maintenance of required score reporting and scoreboard data for Baseball, Basketball, Field Hockey, Football, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball.

McCreary Central is scheduled to compete in the 48th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament later in the month. Both the champion and runner-up from the 48th District will advance to the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament.

photo courtesy of McCreary Central Boys’ Basketball

Reigning 48th District champion McCreary Central is 11-11 through its first 22 games in the 2021-22 boys’ high school basketball season.

McCreary Central to host Region 7 Tournament

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — McCreary Central is set to host the 2022 Region 7 Wrestling Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 12.

Heading into the postseason, several McCreary Central players are ranked in their respective weight classes and will be attempting to advance to the State Tournament.

Under the direction of veteran head coach Gary Parriman, McCreary Central will compete against several familiar opponents and longtime rivals during the 2022 Region 7 Wresting Tournament.

McCreary Central is among the most experienced high school wrestling teams in Region 7.

The Region 7 Wrestling Tournament is scheduled to start at 9:45 a.m.

High school wrestling teams from throughout the state are preparing to compete in region tournaments.

Along with McCreary Central, Region 7 includes Barbourville, Bell County, Boyle County, Danville, Green County, Harlan County, Knox Central, Madison Central, Madison Southern, Somerset, Taylor County, Wayne County and Whitley County.

photo courtesy of McCreary Central Wrestling

McCreary Central is set to host the 2022 Region 7 Wrestling Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 12. The Raiders are pictured following the 2021 Region 7 Wrestling Tournament.

photo courtesy of James Kiser

Ava Stephens connected on a hit for McCreary Central during the 2021 high school softball season. Stephens is among the players due back for McCreary Central in the upcoming prep softball

McCreary Central falls in district game at Southwestern

By Steve LeMaster

SOMERSET — Visiting McCreary Central fell behind early and couldn’t battle back as Southwestern pulled away to win 76-18 in a 48th District girls’ basketball game on Thursday, Feb. 3.

Southwestern shot 44.1 percent (30-of-68) from the field in the district game. The Warriors shot 37.5 percent (nine-of-24) from three-point range.

Southwestern, which featured four scorers in double figures, shot 100 percent (seven-of-seven) from the free throw line.

Dominant inside, Southwestern outrebounded McCreary Central 42-13.

Kinsley Molden scored 16 points to lead the Warriors. Accompanying Molden in double figures for Southwestern, Ayden Smiddy scored 13 points, Payton Acey netted 11 points and Kaylee Young tallied 10 points.

Southwestern received scoring from 10 different players, including Taylor Nelson (nine points), Makayla Noritis (seven points), Kamryn Hall (three points), McKenzie Williams (three points), Jordyn McDonald (two points) and Audrey Teeter (two points).

Acey led Somerset around the goal, grabbing eight rebounds.

Limited offensively, McCreary Central shot 21.4 percent (six-of-28) from the field. The Raiders connected on two of 12 three-point field goal attempts.

McCreary Central shot 66.7 percent (four-of-six) from the free throw line.

Megan Loudermilk accounted for half of McCreary Central’s scoring, netting a team-high nine points for the Raiders.

In addition to Loudermilk, McCreary Central received scoring from Kaylee Chitwood (four points), Chelsea Whitehead (three points) and Jayci Bell (two points).

Balanced Raiders beat Somerset, 75-61

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — McCreary Central pulled away to defeat visiting Somerset 75-61 in a boys’ high school basketball game on Tuesday, Feb. 1.

The Raiders and Briar Jumpers are rivals from bordering districts.

McCreary Central shot 63.6 percent (28-of-44) from the field in the win. The Raiders shot 60 percent (nine-of-15) from three-point range.

McCreary Central shot 66.7 percent (10-of-15) from the free throw line.

Controlling the backboards, McCreary Central outrebounded Somerset 26-14.

Kyle Stephens and Trent Conatser scored 20 points apiece to lead McCreary Central to the non-district win. Accompanying Stephens and Conatser in double figures for the Raiders, Trey Davis netted 19 points.

The additional scorers for McCreary Central included Maddux McKinney (eight points), Carson McKinney (five points) and Ben Trammell (three points).

Conatser paced McCreary Central inside, claiming eight rebounds for the Raiders.

Somerset shot 48 percent (24-of-50) from the field. The Briar Jumpers shot 50 percent (11-of-22) from three-point range.

Somerset connected on both of its free throw attempts.

Jack Harmon scored 21 points to lead the Briar Jumpers.

Accompanying Harmon in double figures for Somerset, Jamison Coomer scored 18 points and Indred Whitaker netted 16 points.

Chipping in offensively for the Briar Jumpers, Landen Lonesky, Jack Bruner and Ben Godby tallied two points apiece.

February 3rd, 2022

Raiders roll past Williamsburg, 64-42

Photo submitted

Front row (L-R) Jaycee Bell, Kendyl Walters, Kaylee Chitwood, back row (L-R) Chelsea Whitehead, Sam Privett, Lily Smith, Corinne Trammel, Victoria Murphy, Megan Loudermilk, Kennedy Creekmore, Isabella Canada. They are coached by Sammy Strunk, Mindy Creekmore, assisted by Lacey Shelton.

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — McCreary Central rolled past Williamsburg 64-42 in a girls’ high school basketball game on Friday, Jan. 28.

The win allowed McCreary Central to halt an 18-game losing streak.

McCreary Central shot 46.2 percent (24-of-52) from the field. Thriving beyond the arc, McCreary Central shot 50 percent (10-of-20) from three-point range.

The Raiders shot 54.5 percent (six-of-11) from the free throw line.

Megan Loudermilk scored a game-high 29 points to lead McCreary Central to the win. Loudermilk connected on five three-point field goals.

Narrowly missing double figures for McCreary Central, Kaylee Chitwood scored nine points while Jayci Bell and Corinne Trammell netted eight points apiece.

Rounding out McCreary Central’s individual scoring, Kendyl Walters and Chelsea Whitehead chipped in seven points and three points, respectively.

McCreary Central entered the week with regular season games remaining versus Wayne County, Southwestern, Pulaski County, Model, Casey County and Whitley County.

Raiders drop game to Clinton County

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — McCreary Central was limited offensively as visiting Clinton County pulled away to win 40-27 in a girls’ high school basketball game on Tuesday, Jan. 25.

Clinton County won despite shooting 24.9 percent (12-of-49) from the field. The Bulldogs connected on only one of 16 attempts from three-point range.

Clinton County shot 88.2 percent (15-of-17) from the free throw line.

Thriving inside, Clinton County outrebounded McCreary Central 34-21.

Landree Moons led Clinton County to the win. Recording a game-high double-double, Moons scored 19 points and pulled down 12 rebounds.

Accompanying Moons in double figures for Clinton County, Aysha Sutton netted 16 points.

Rounding out Clinton County’s individual scoring, Sara Turner and Tatum Harlan chipped in three points and two points, respectively.

McCreary Central connected on eight of 44 attempts from the field. The Raiders finished two-of-30 from three-point range.

However, McCreary Central managed to shoot 60 percent (nine-of-15) from the free throw line.

Megan Loudermilk scored 15 points to lead the Raiders.

Contributing offensively for McCreary Central, Kaylee Chitwood added eight points and Corinne Trammell contributed four points.

Raiders remain ranked seventh in 12th Region RPI Rankings

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — McCreary Central remains ranked seventh in the KHSAA 12th Region Boys’ Basketball RPI Rankings.

Through Monday, Jan. 31, McCreary Central’s RPI was .53474.

The Raiders are ranked ahead of Garrard County, Danville, Wayne County, Mercer County, Somerset, Casey County, Southwestern, East Jessamine and Burgin.

McCreary Central is listed behind West Jessamine, Danville Christian, Rockcastle County, Lincoln County, Boyle County and Pulaski County.

RPI stands for Ratings Percentage Index. It is a way to measure a team’s strength relative to other teams, based largely on the strength of their schedules. The RPI formula is used by both the NCAA and NAIA, along with many high school associations and among other organizations, as part of their postseason system. RPI is calculated from the team’s Winning Percentage (WP), the Opponent’s Winning Percentage (OWP) and the Opponents’ Opponents’ Winning Percentage (OOWP). The KHSAA is uniquely positioned to be the sole and authenticated source of RPI data due to the maintenance of required score reporting and scoreboard data for Baseball, Basketball, Field Hockey, Football, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball.

McCreary Central is scheduled to compete in the 48th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament later in the month. Both the champion and runner-up from the 48th District will advance to the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament.

Stephens leads Raiders in scoring

photo courtesy of Scott Warren Photography

Kyle Stephens, pictured being recognized at the conclusion of a 2A sectional tournament earlier in the 2021-22 boys’ high school basketball season, leads McCreary Central in scoring.

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — Junior guard Kyle Stephens is averaging 19.4 points per game for the McCreary Central boys’ basketball team.

Through 19 games, Stephens has scored 350 points.

Currently, three players are averaging double figures in scoring for the Raiders.

Ranking second in scoring for McCreary Central, Noah Loudermilk is averaging 13.2 points per game.

Third in scoring for the Raiders, Trey Davis is averaging 12.5 points per game.

Trent Conatser ranks fourth in scoring for McCreary Central and leads the Raiders in rebounding, averaging 8.3 points and a team-high 5.9 rebounds per game.

As a team, McCreary Central is shooting 49.1 percent (415-of-846) from the field. The Raiders are shooting 36.5 percent (104-of-285) from three-point range, faring well beyond the arc.

McCreary Central is shooting 71.7 percent (220-of-307) from the free throw line.

The Raiders entered February with regular season games remaining versus Somerset, Wayne County, Barbourville, Clinton County, Casey County and Danville Christian.

McCreary Central is slated to compete in the 48th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament later in the month.

January 27th, 2022

photo courtesy of James Kiser

Junior Jayci Bell is among the players due back on the field for McCreary Central in the 2022 high school softball season. The Raiders are scheduled to visit Clinton County for a season opener on Monday, March 21.

McCreary Central drops game to East Jessamine

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – McCreary Central was limited offensively as visiting East Jessamine pulled away to win 56-27 in a girls’ high school basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 22.

After claiming the win, East Jessamine evened its record to 8-8.

McCreary Central dropped to 1-18 following the loss.

East Jessamine shot 41 percent (25-of-61) from the field. The Jaguars connected on two of 17 attempts from three-point range.

East Jessamine hit four-of-nine free throw attempts.

Controlling the backboards, East Jessamine outrebounded the Raiders 38-22.

Iesha Dean netted 19 points to lead East Jessamine to the win. Accompanying Dean in double figures for East Jessamine, Jermyra Christian scored 16 points.

East Jessamine featured nine different scorers, including Shelby Luong (six points), Gabrielle Curtis (four points), Reece Evans (four points), Irma Hagins (two points), Linzey Napier (two points), Kyla Hunt (two points) and Alexandra Cox-Smith (one point).

McCreary Central shot 22.2 percent (10-of-45) from the field. The Raiders connected on three of 25 three-point field goal attempts.

McCreary Central hit four of 10 free throws

Megan Loudermilk scored 12 points to lead the Raiders. Loudermilk was the only McCreary Central player to reach double figures in scoring.

Along with Loudermilk, McCreary Central received scoring from Corinne Trammell (seven points), Samantha Privett (six points) and Kaylee Chitwood (two points).

Trammell paced McCreary Central inside, pulling down eight rebounds.

McCreary Central and East Jessamine, 12th Region rivals, met for the first time in the 2021-22 girls’ high school basketball season.

Raiders ranked seventh in 12th Region RPI Ranking

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — McCreary Central is ranked seventh in the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball RPI Rankings.

Currently, McCreary Central’s RPI is .53696.

RPI stands for Ratings Percentage Index. It is a way to measure a team’s strength relative to other teams, based largely on the strength of their schedules. The RPI formula is used by both the NCAA and NAIA, along with many high school associations and among other organizations, as part of their postseason system. RPI is calculated from the team’s Winning Percentage (WP), the Opponent’s Winning Percentage (OWP) and the Opponents’ Opponents’ Winning Percentage (OOWP). The KHSAA is uniquely positioned to be the sole and authenticated source of RPI data due to the maintenance of required score reporting and scoreboard data for Baseball, Basketball, Field Hockey, Football, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball.

Through 19 games, McCreary Central is 9-10. The Raiders have notched wins over Rockcastle County, Danville, Southwestern, Barbourville, Lynn Camp, Taylor County and Somerset Christian. McCreary Central has defeated both Southwestern and Somerset Christian twice.

The Raiders, under the direction of head coach Wade Davis, compete in the 48th District. McCreary Central is the reigning 48th District boys’ basketball champion.

Raiders knock off  Somerset Christian

By Steve LeMaster

SOMERSET — McCreary Central knocked off Somerset Christian 69-65 in a boys’ high school basketball game on Monday, Jan. 24.

With the win, McCreary Central improved to 9-10.

Somerset Christian dropped to 8-14 as a result of the loss.

The Raiders clung to a 22-20 lead at the conclusion of the first quarter. However, Somerset Christian battled back to lead 42-40 at halftime.

The Cougars were hanging on to a 55-54 lead at the start of the fourth quarter but faltered.

McCreary Central used an 8-0 run in the fourth quarter to move ahead 65-59 and managed to hold on for the win.

Kyle Stephens poured in a game-high 33 points to lead McCreary Central to the victory. Stephens scored 11 of McCreary Central’s 14 points in the fourth quarter.

Accompanying Stephens in double figures for the Raiders, Noah Loudermilk scored 19 points and Trey Davis netted 13 points.

Braydon Moore paced Somerset Christian, scoring a team-high 22 points for the Cougars. Accompanying Moore in double figures for the Cougars, Noah Brummett added 17 points and Luke Atwood contributed 13 points.

The Raiders defeated Somerset Christian for the second time in the 2021-22 boys’ high school basketball season.

photo courtesy of Scott Warren Photography

Baylor Farris dribbled for McCreary Central during a game earlier in the 2021-22 boys’ high school basketball season.

Raiders capture tournament title

By Steve LeMaster

IG STONE GAP, Va. — The McCreary Central High School wrestling team, under the guidance of head coach Gary Parriman, won a tournament title at Union High School in Big Stone Gap, Va. on Saturday, Jan. 22.

The Raiders traveled three hours for the tournament after only practicing one day earlier in the week due to poor weather conditions.

But the Raiders persevered. McCreary Central was able to notch five dual wins to claim the tournament’s championship trophy.

The Raiders defeated Virginia Central, Lee County, Union County, Letcher County Central and Eastside during the tournament.

McCreary Central excelled throughout the tournament, which featured high school wrestling teams teams from multiple states. Eight Raiders recorded first-place finishes. In addition, three McCreary Central wrestlers finished runner-up.

Following the first-place team finish in the Virginia tournament, McCreary Central has turned its attention to an upcoming state event. The Raiders are preparing to compete in the KYWCA Kentucky State Duals on Saturday, Jan. 29.

photos courtesy of McCreary Central Wrestling

The McCreary Central wrestling team captured a tournament title in Big Stone Gap, Va. on Saturday, Jan. 22.

January 20th, 2022

Raiders notch district win over Southwestern

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – McCreary Central pulled away to defeat visiting Southwestern 70-51 in a 48th District boys’ basketball game on Tuesday, Jan. 11.

Following the win, McCreary Central improved to 8-9 overall and 2-0 in the 48th District.

McCreary Central shot 59.6 percent (28-of-47) from the field in the district win. The Raiders shot 33.3 percent (five-of-15) from three-point range.

McCreary Central, which featured three scorers in double figures, shot 81.8 percent (nine-of-11) from the free throw line.

Controlling the backboards, McCreary Central outrebounded Southwestern 27-13.

Kyle Stephens led McCreary Central to the district win. Nearly recording a double-double for the Raiders, Stephens scored 28 points and claimed nine rebounds.

Accompanying Stephens in double figures for McCreary Central, Noah Loudermilk scored 16 points and Trey Davis netted 12 points.

Chipping in offensively for the Raiders, Trent Conatser and Maddux McKinney added seven points apiece.

Southwestern shot 52.4 percent (22-of-42) from the field. The Warriors connected on three of 14 three-point field goal attempts.

Southwestern shot 66.7 percent (four-of-six) from the free throw line.

Andrew Jones led Southwestern, scoring a team-high 22 points and pulling down a team-best eight rebounds for the Warriors.

Joining Jones in double figures for Southwestern, Eli Meece netted 15 points.

The additional scorers for Southwestern in the district game included Heagan Galloway (six points), Connor Hudson (three points), Brody Perkins (three points) and Collin Burton (two points).

The win allowed McCreary Central to sweep a regular season district series from rival Southwestern.

McCreary Central drops home game to Casey County

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – McCreary Central was forced to play from behind as Casey County steadily pulled away to win 55-36 in a girls’ high school basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 15.

Following the loss, McCreary Central slipped to 1-17.

Casey County shot 41.4 percent (24-of-58) from the field. The Lady Rebels connected on three of 18 three-point field goal attempts.

Casey County shot 66.7 percent (four-of-six) from the free throw line.

Three Casey County players reached double figures in scoring.

Jalee Yocum scored 13 points to lead Casey County to the win. Accompanying Yocum in double figures for the Lady Rebels, Chloe Dunn scored 12 points and Molly Gill netted 11 points.

Nearly reaching double figures for Casey County, Natalie Pierce chipped in nine points.

The additional scorers for Casey County in the win included Aslan Wethington (four points), Gabby Burkhart (two points), Maddie Campbell (two points) and Elizabeth Forbes (two points).

Nearly recording double-doubles, Yocum and Dunn grabbed nine rebounds apiece for the Lady Rebels.

McCreary Central shot 31.6 percent (12-of-38) from the field. The Raiders connected on three of 15 three-point field goal attempts.

McCreary Central shot 64.3 percent (nine-of-14) from the free throw line.

Megan Loudermilk scored 16 points to pace the Raiders. Loudermilk drained seven of eight free throw attempts.

Accompanying Loudermilk in double figures for McCreary Central, Corinne Trammell netted 13 points.

Rounding out McCreary Central’s individual scoring, Jayci Bell and Kaylee Chitwood chipped in five points and two points, respectively.

Trammell paced McCreary Central inside, claiming a team-high seven rebounds.

McCreary Central is scheduled to host Casey County for a late-season hoops matchup on Monday, Feb. 14.

McCreary Central qualifies for State Duals

By Steve LeMaster

BARBOURVILLE – The McCreary Central wrestling team traveled to Knox Central High School to compete in the Small School Section 4 Tournament on Saturday, Jan. 15 with the hopes of qualifying for the State Duals.

And the Raiders did just that

McCreary Central beat Barbourville 72-12 in the first round of the section tournament.

The Raiders’ next match was against Wayne County, an opponent that McCreary Central had never beaten head-to-head in a dual match. This time, McCreary Central started strong and never looked back on its way to a first-ever win over Wayne County, The Raiders defeated Wayne County 46-30.

In the next round, the semifinal round, McCreary Central wrestled Knox Central, another familiar opponent. Three weeks earlier, Knox Central had notched a five-point win over McCreary Central in the final of a Bell County-hosted tournament. However, this time, McCreary Central dominated, defeating Knox Central 66-18.

McCreary Central faced Boyle County in the final of the section tournament. Boyle County won the sectional dual last year and was looking to repeat. Once again, McCreary Central started off strong, opening the event with three straight pins. The Raiders went on to beat Boyle County 47-43.

McCreary Central will now advance to the State Duals on Saturday, Jan. 29.

“I am very proud of this group of kids,” McCreary Central Coach Gary Parriman said, following his team’s victory. “This is the first weekend we have had all of our guys together without sickness or injury and other issues and we performed really well.”

McCreary Central is scheduled to compete in Union County, Va., on Saturday, Jan. 22.

photo courtesy of McCreary Central Wrestling

The McCreary Central wrestling team has qualified for the State Duals after winning the sectional tournament.

January 13th, 2022

Raiders roll past Somerset Christian, 73-39

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – McCreary Central pulled away to defeat visiting Somerset Christian 73-39 in a boys’ high school basketball game on Monday, Jan. 3.

Hot-shooting McCreary Central shot 54 percent (27-of-50) from the field. The Raiders shot 42.9 percent (6-of-14) from three-point range.

Productive McCreary Central shot 86.7 percent (13-of-15) from the free throw line.

Inside, McCreary Central outrebounded Somerset Christian 21-18.

Kyle Stephens scored 17 points to lead the Raiders to the win. Joining Stephens in double figures for McCreary Central, Noah Loudermilk scored 12 points and Trent Conatser netted 10 points.

McCreary Central featured a dozen different scorers, including Maddux McKinney (seven points), Austin West (six points), Ben Trammell (five points), Drew Privett (four points), Baylor Farris (three points), Brady Corder (three points), Kamari Giglio (two points), Carson McKinney (two points) and Reid Farris (two points).

Somerset Christian shot 35 percent (14-of-40) from the field in the matchup. The Cougars shot 27.8 percent (five-of-18) from three-point range.

Somerset Christian shot 54.5 percent (six-of-11) from the free throw line.

Noah Crummett scored 11 points to lead the Cougars. Accompanying Crummett in double figures for Somerset Christian, Luke Atwood tallied 10 points.

Nearly reaching double figures for the Cougars, Brayden Moore netted nine points.

Chipping in offensively, David Crubaugh (four points), Ethan Meggs (three points) and Elijah Ray (two points) accounted for the rest of Somerset Christian’s scoring.

McCreary Central is scheduled to visit Somerset Christian for another boys’ high school basketball game on Monday, Jan. 24.

photo courtesy of Scott Warren Photography
Noah Loudermilk lofted a shot for McCreary Central during a boys’ high school basketball game versus Knox Central in December. 

Raiders come up short at Lynn Camp

Photo courtesy of Scott Warren Photography

McCreary Central’s Carson McKinney defended a Knox Central shot attempt during a boys’ high school basketball game in December.

By Steve LeMaster

Lynn Camp held on to defeat visiting McCreary Central 66-63 in a boys’ high school basketball game on Tuesday, Jan. 4. Following the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 7-9.

Lynn Camp improved to 9-4 after posting the win.

The Raiders and Wildcats battled back and forth throughout the boys’ high school basketball matchup.

Lynn Camp shot 54.3 percent (25-of-46) from the field in the mid-season contest. The Wildcats shot 30.8 percent (4-of-13) from three-point range.

Lynn Camp shot 85.7 percent (12-of-14) from the free throw line.

Owning an advantage inside, the Wildcats outrebounded the Raiders 30-26.

Micah Engle scored a game-high 28 points to lead Lynn Camp to the win. Engle drained 10 of 12 two-point field goal attempts.

Accompanying Engle in double figures for the Wildcats, Landon White netted 13 points.

Contributing offensively, Gavin Allen (eight points), Duane Sparks (eight points), Maison Prater (five points), Nick Sanders (two points) and Ashton Walters (two points) were the additional scorers for the Wildcats.

Allen and Sparks combined to pace McCreary Central inside, pulling down nine rebounds and eight rebounds, respectively.

McCreary Central shot 45.6 percent (26-of-57) from the field. The Raiders shot 30.8 percent (eight-of-26) from three-point range.

Limited but productive at the foul line, McCreary Central connected on all three of its free throw attempts.

Trent Conatser scored a team-high 16 points to pace the Raiders. Accompanying Conatser in double figures for McCreary Central, Noah Loudermilk netted 11 points.

McCreary Central received scoring from eight different players, including Carson McKinney (eight points), Ben Trammell (seven points), Reid Farris (seven points), Maddux McKinney (six points), Brady Corder (five points) and Baylor Farris (three points).

Baird remains ranked fourth in 113-pound weight class

By Steve LeMaster

McCreary Central senior Jeremiah Baird remains ranked fourth in the KentuckyWrestling.com 113-Pound Weight Class Rankings.

The rankings, released on Tuesday, Jan. 4, include the state’s top 25 113-pound high school wrestlers.

Baird has helped to lead McCreary Central throughout his high school wrestling career.

The KentuckyWrestling.com 113-Pound Weight Class Rankings are as follows: 1. Jordyn Raney (Union County), 2. Mason Orth (Campbell County), 3. James Morris (Johnson Central), 4. Jeremiah Baird (McCreary Central), 5. JaRi Campbell (Christian County), 6. Jayven Williams (Paducah Tilghman), 7. Trushawn Matt (Hopkinsville), 8. Nico Plumeri (Louisville Trinity), 9. Anthony Condi (Frederick Douglass), 10. Kentrell Mayfield (Meade County), 11. Adyn Funkhouser (Harrison County), 12. Ethan Davis (Grant County), 13. Charles Young (Oldham County), 14. Brock Gross (LaRue County), 15. Troy Gardner (Ashland), 16. Callen Schmidt (Ryle), 17. Michael Smith (Scott), 18. Aiden Marquis (Conner), 19. Lacey Gilbert (Madison Central), 20. Jaxon Staggs (Great Crossing), 21. Landon Wettlaufer (Woodford County), 22. Nathan White (Henry Clay), 23. CJ Holt (Walton Verona), 24. Dakota Phillips (Boyle County), 25. Shayne Stilts (DeSales).

January 6th, 2022

Raiders fall to Danville Christian

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – McCreary Central was limited offensively as Danville Christian pulled away to win 58-33 in the Arby’s/KFC Classic on Thursday, Dec. 23.

Danville Christian shot 33.8 percent (24-of-71) from the field in the girls’ high school basketball matchup. The Lady Warriors won despite connecting on only one of 21 three-point field goal attempts.

Danville managed to shoot 56.2 percent (nine-of-16) from the free throw line.

Dominating inside, Danville Christian outrebounded McCreary Central 49-16.

Grace Mbugua led Danville Christian with a double-double, scoring 18 points and hauling down 17 rebounds.

Accompanying Mbugua in double figures in scoring for the Lady Warriors, Maggie Bentley netted 14 points.

McCreary Central shot 36.4 percent (12-of-33) from the field. Faring better beyond the arc, McCreary Central shot 45.5 percent (five-of-11) from three-point range.

McCreary Central shot 50 percent (four-of-eight) from the free throw line.

Megan Loudermilk led McCreary Central, scoring 21 points for the Raiders. Loudermilk, who was the only McCreary Central player to reach double figures, connected on four of six three-point field goal attempts.

In addition to Loudermilk, Corinne Trammell (seven points), Samantha Privett (three points) and Kendyl Walters (two points) provided scoring for the Raiders.

Raiders drop three games in White, Greer & Maggard Holiday Classic

McCreary Central finished runner-up to Knox Central in the 2A Sectional in December.

By Steve LeMaster

LEXINGTON – McCreary Central dropped three games in the White, Greer & Maggard Holiday Classic.

The Raiders lost games to host Lexington Catholic, Trinity and Great Crossing during the holiday tournament.

Lexington Catholic 57, McCreary Central 53: McCreary Central fell short as Lexington Catholic held on to win 57-53 in the opening round of the White, Greer & Maggard Holiday Classic on Sunday, Dec. 26.

Lexington Catholic shot 75 percent (nine-of-12) from the free throw line in the win.

Jack Gohmann scored a game-high 19 points to lead the Knights. Accompanying Gohmann in double figures for Lexington Catholic, Hudson Sparks scored 14 points and Reece Potter netted 12 points.

The additional scorers for Lexington Catholic included John Reinhart (four points), Blake Busson (three points), Rowan Williams (three points) and Sam Clements (two points).

McCreary Central shot 43.5 percent (20-of-46) from the field. The Raiders shot 41.7 percent from beyond the arc, draining 10 of 24 three-point field goal attempts.

McCreary Central shot 60 percent (three-of-five) from the free throw line.

Four players reached double figures and accounted for all of the Raiders’ scoring.

Kyle Stephens led McCreary Central with a team-high 16 points. Accompanying Stephens in double figures for the Raiders, Trey Davis scored 15 points while Noah Loudermilk and Trent Conatser netted 11 points apiece.

Trinity 60, McCreary Central 34: McCreary Central fell behind early and couldn’t battle back as Trinity, a powerhouse out of Louisville, pulled away to win 60-34 in the White, Greer & Maggard Holiday Classic on Tuesday, Dec. 28.

Trinity shot 51 percent (25-of-49) from the field. The Shamrocks connected on five of 19 three-point field goal attempts.

Trinity hit five of six free throw attempts.

Matthew Toller led a balanced Trinity scoring attack, netting 11 points.

Finishing directly behind Toller in scoring for the Shamrocks, David Pfieffer netted 10 points.

Narrowly missing double figures for Trinity, CJ Walls and Andrew Allen added nine points apiece.

The other scorers for Trinity included Noah Lovan (six points), Michael Long (six points), Alex Jenkins (four points), Cam McClain (three points) and Camryn Warfield (two points).

McCreary Central shot 28.3 percent (13-of-46) from the field. The Raiders shot 25 percent (four-of-16) from three-point range.

McCreary Central connected on all four of its free throw attempts in the matchup.

Kyle Stephens scored 14 points to lead the Raiders. Accompanying Stephens in double figures for McCreary Central, Trey Davis netted 11 points.

Rounding out McCreary Central’s individual scoring, Trent Conatser contributed five points while Noah Loudermilk and Kamari Giglio added two points apiece.

Great Crossing 70, McCreary Central 69: McCreary Central came up one shot short as Great Crossing prevailed 70-69 in the final round of the White, Greer & Maggard Holiday Classic on Wednesday, Dec. 29.

Great Crossing shot 60.9 percent (28-of-46) from the field in the boys’ high school basketball matchup. The Warhawks shot 46.7 percent (seven-of-15) from the field.

Great Crossing shot 70 percent (seven-of-10) from the free throw line.

Malachi Moreno scored 19 points to lead Great Crossing to the win. Following Moreno in scoring for the Warhawks, Jeremiah Godfrey and Vince Dawson netted 15 points apiece while Gage Richardson added 11 points.

Aiding Great Crossing’s offensive attack, Tye Schureman and Ethan Payne chipped in eight points and two points, respectively.

Excelling offensively, McCreary Central shot 62.2 percent (28-of-45) from the field. The Raiders shot 64.7 percent (11-of-17) from three-point range.

McCreary Central featured four scorers in double figures.

Trey Davis scored a game-high 23 points to lead the Raiders. Accompanying Davis in double figures for McCreary Central, Kyle Stephens scored 20 points while Trent Conatser and Noah Loudermilk netted 11 points apiece.

Rounding out the Raiders’ individual scoring, Madux McKinney and Reid Farris added two points apiece.

photos courtesy of Scott Warren Photography

McCreary Central’s Baylor Farris defended during a boys’ high school basketball game in December.

McCreary Central’s Kyle Stephens put up a shot during a boys’ high school basketball game in December.

December 23rd, 2021

Deer harvest

Heather Meadows with her 2 boys, Emmanuel Meadows and Sammy Meadows.

Jacob Jones Bow kill on Wednesday November 24th.

James Jones – 10 point, bow.

Raiders come up short in district game at Wayne County

By Steve LeMaster

MONTICELLO – McCreary Central pushed for a win on the road but fell short as Wayne County prevailed 51-46 in a 48th District girls’ basketball game on Thursday, Dec. 16.

Wayne County overcame a hot-shooting performance from McCreary Central to claim the district win.

McCreary Central shot 48.5 percent (16-of-33) from the field. The Raiders connected on eight of 14 three-point field goals, shooting 57.1 percent beyond the arc.

McCreary Central shot 60 percent (six-of-10) from the free throw line.

Megan Loudermilk scored 17 points to lead the Raiders. Loudermilk was the only McCreary Central player to reach double figures in scoring.

Nearly reaching double digits for the Raiders, Corinne Trammell netted nine points and Kaylee Chitwood contributed eight points.

Rounding out McCreary Central’s individual scoring, Jayci Bell and Kendyl Walters added seven points and five points, respectively.

McCreary Central is scheduled to host Wayne County for another 48th District girls’ basketball game on Monday, Jan. 31, 2022.

Raiders upend Southwestern, notch district win

By Steve LeMaster

SOMERSET – McCreary Central upended homestanding Southwestern 59-51 in a 48th District boys’ basketball game on Friday, Dec. 17.

The Raiders returned to the win column after falling to Knox Central in the Kentucky 2A Sectional Tournament three days earlier.

McCreary Central shot 48.8 percent (20-of-41) from the field. The Raiders shot 43.8 percent (seven-of-16) from three-point range.

McCreary Central shot 57.1 percent (12-of-21) from the free throw line.

Inside, McCreary Central outrebounded Southwestern 32-24.

Noah Loudermilk scored a game-high 22 points to lead McCreary Central to the win. Thriving beyond the arc, Loudermilk drained five of eight three-point field goal attempts.

Accompanying Loudermilk in double figures in scoring for the Raiders, Kyle Stephens netted 15 points.

The additional scorers for McCreary Central included Trey Davis (eight points), Trent Conatser (seven points), Carson McKinney (five points) and Maddux McKinney (two points).

Conatser paced McCreary Central inside, grabbing nine rebounds.

Southwestern shot 44.4 percent (20-of-45) from the field. The Warriors shot 38.8 percent (five-of-13) from three-point range.

Struggling to connect on foul shots, Southwestern shot 42.9 percent (six-of-14) from the free throw line.

Leading a trio of scorers in double figures for Southwestern, Eli Meece netted 15 points. Accompanying Meece in double figures for the Warriors, Connor Hudson and Andrew Jones added 13 points apiece.

Chipping in offensively for Southwestern, Heagan Galloway (four points), JJ Hutchinson (two points), Brody Perkins (two points) and Campbell Coffey (two points) accounted for the rest of the Warriors’ scoring.

McCreary Central wrestling team wins championship

photo courtesy of Bell County High School

The McCreary Central wrestling team won the Apex Physical Therapy Bobcat Brawl team championship at Bell County High School on Tuesday, Dec. 21.

photo courtesy of McCreary Central Wrestling

McCreary Central High School senior Hayleeh Martinez signed with the University of the Cumberlands women’s wrestling program during a ceremony held at MCHS on Wednesday, Dec. 8. Martinez is the first female wrestler from McCreary Central High School to sign with a college wrestling program.

December 16th, 2021

McCreary Central falls to West Jessamine

By Steve LeMaster

NICHOLASVILLE – McCreary Central fell behind early and couldn’t battle back as West Jessamine, playing on its home floor, pulled away to win 62-32 in a girls’ high school basketball game on Saturday, Dec. 11.

The loss forced McCreary Central to drop to 1-4.

West Jessamine improved to 4-2 after notching the win.

Host West Jessamine shot 38.7 percent (24-of-62) from the field. Faring better beyond the arc, West Jessamine shot 40.9 percent (nine-of-22) from three-point range.

West Jessamine, which featured four scorers in double figures, shot 62.5 percent (five-of-eight) from the free throw line.

Thriving inside, West Jessamine outrebounded McCreary Central 32-19.

Anaya Chestnut led West Jessamine, scoring 15 points for the Colts. Accompanying Chestnut in double figures in scoring for West Jessamine, Ariana McLoney netted 14 points while Aaliyah Edenstrom and Claire Marshall added 10 points apiece.

Recording a double-double, Edenstrom pulled down 10 rebounds.

Chipping in offensively, Delaysia Thomas (six points), Katie Mastin (four points) and Isabella Lewis (three points) accounted for the rest of West Jessamine’s scoring.

McCreary Central shot 30.8 percent (12-of-39) from the field. In a similar offensive effort, McCreary Central shot 30 percent (three-of-10) from three-point range.

The Raiders shot 83.3 percent (five-of-six) from the free throw line.

Megan Loudermilk scored 15 points to lead McCreary Central to the win.

Accompanying Loudermilk in double figures in scoring for the Raiders, Corinne Trammell netted 10 points.

Jayci Bell (two points), Kaylee Chitwood (two points), Kendyl Walters (two points) and Samantha Privett (one point) combined to round out the Raiders’ scoring.

McCreary Central girls’ wrestling team finishes eighth in tournament

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – Members of the McCreary Central boys’ wrestling team were sidelined, but the girls were on the mats over the weekend and made a strong showing in a tournament.

“The boys took the weekend off and the let the girls have the spotlight,” said McCreary Central Coach Gary Parriman. “We took the girls team to its first-ever all-girls tournament and they represented well. Finishing eighth overall out of 15 teams for the first event was very good. All the girls wrestled hard and seemed to get better each match. This young group of first-year wrestlers have really put in the work to be able to perform at their highest level. The coaching staff was super proud of them for their effort all day. All the girls finished in the top six of their respected weight class. The girls were led by freshman Kaden Thompson as she had a great day of wrestling that ended with her pinning the defending state champion in her weight class in her final match of the day in the first period. She secured her very first high school championship.”

The McCreary Central boys’ and girls’ wrestling teams are scheduled to compete at Somerset High School on Wednesday, Dec. 15 and at Louisville Central on Saturday, Dec. 18.

Raiders defeat Danville, 59-51

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – Returning to the win column, McCreary Central defeated visiting Danville 59-51 in a boys’ high school basketball game on Friday, Dec. 10.

McCreary Central improved to 2-3 after notching the win.

Connecting on over half of its attempts, McCreary Central shot 51.2 percent (22-of-43) from the field. The Raiders were three-of-nine (33.3 percent) from three-point range.

McCreary Central shot 60 percent (12-of-20) from the free throw line.

Dominating inside, McCreary Central outrebounded Danville 37-20.

Recording a double-double, Kyle Stephens scored 26 points and pulled down 11 rebounds to lead McCreary Central to the win.

Accompanying Stephens in double figures in scoring for the Raiders, Noah Loudermilk netted 18 points.

Contributing to McCreary Central’s offensive attack, Trey Davis added seven points, Maddux McKinney six points and Trent Conatser two points.

Delivering around the goal for the Raiders, Carson McKinney provided 11 rebounds.

Danville shot 38.9 percent (21-of-54) from the field. Limited beyond the arc, Danville shot 21.1 percent (four-of-19) from three-point range.

The Admirals finished five-of-six from the free throw line.

Jarius Bryant led Danville in scoring, netting 12 points for the Admirals.

Accompanying Bryant in double figures for Danville, Dante Hayden scored 11 points.

Narrowly missing double figures for the Admirals, Jalen Dunn contributed nine points.

The additional scorers for Danville included Demauriah Brown (six points), Trevarion Paige (six points), Ontario Hill (four points) and Camron Jackson (three

December 9th, 2021

Raiders open 2021-22 season on mats at Madison Central

By Steve LeMaster

RICHMOND – McCreary Central opened the 2021-22 high school wrestling on the road at Madison Central High School on Saturday, Dec. 4.

The Raiders made a strong showing during their 2021-22 season debut.

Senior Jeremiah Baird led the Raiders.

McCreary Central notched a win in its first four duals, defeating Green County, George Rogers Clark, West Carter and Daviess County before falling to Madison Central.

“Jeremiah Baird had a great day and we saw a lot of young guys getting some match time due to injury and sickness of some upperclassmen,” said McCreary Central Coach Gary Parriman. “Also, the lady wrestlers all competed very well. I couldn’t be prouder for these young ladies. They are putting in work and it shows.”

The Raiders are scheduled to be back on the mats at Boyle County on Saturday, Dec. 11.

photo courtesy of McCreary Central Wrestling

McCreary Central wrestlers Jeremiah Baird, Blake Botts and Elijah Baird are back on the mats for the 2021-22 high school wrestling season.

Raiders defeat Rockcastle County, 68-59

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – Notching its first win in the 2021-22 boys’ high school basketball season, McCreary Central pulled away to defeat visiting Rockcastle County 68-59 on Friday, Dec. 3.

McCreary Central worked its way into the win column after dropping a season opener to South Laurel three days earlier.

Each team carried a 1-1 record out of the game.

McCreary Central shot 53.1 percent (26-of-49) from the field. The Raiders finished 5-of-15 (33.3 percent) from three-point range.

McCreary Central shot 100 percent (11-of-11) from the free throw line.

Thriving inside, McCreary Central outrebounded Rockcastle County 31-17.

Reigning 48th District boys’ basketball champion McCreary Central featured three scorers in double figures.

Kyle Stephens led McCreary Central to the win. Recording a double-double, Stephens scored 24 points and pulled down 10 rebounds. Shooting, Stephens was 11-of-16 from the field.

Following Stephens, Trey Davis netted 16 points for the Raiders.

Accompanying Stephens and Davis in double figures in scoring for McCreary Central, Noah Loudermilk posted 12 points.

The additional scorers for McCreary Central in the win were Trent Conatser (six points), Maddux McKinney (five points), Carson McKinney (three points) and Baylor Farris (two points).

Rockcastle County shot 41.5 percent (22-of-35) from the field. The Rockets finished 9-of-19 (42.1 percent) from three-point range.

Rockcastle County shot 70 percent (7-of-10) from the free throw line.

Daniel Mullins poured in a game-high 32 points to lead the Rockets.

Accompanying Mullins in double figures in scoring for the Rockcastle County, Reese Coguer netted 10 points.

Aiding Rockcastle County’s offensive attack, Jake Sanders (seven points), Jonathan Hopkins (six points), Matthew Chasteen (two points) and Skyler Durham (two points) combined to account for the rest of the Rockets’ scoring.

Raiders notch win over Cumberland County, 48-38

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – Breaking into the win column, McCreary Central pulled away to beat visiting Cumberland County 48-38 in a girls’ high school basketball game on Saturday, Dec. 4.

McCreary Central shot 43.8 percent (14-of-32) from the field. The Raiders finished three-of-seven from three-point range.

McCreary Central, which featured three scorers in double figures, shot 85 percent (17-of-20) from the free throw line.

Megan Loudermilk led McCreary Central, scoring a game-high 16 points for the Raiders.

Finishing directly behind Loudermilk in scoring for McCreary Central, Corinne Trammell netted 15 points.

Accompanying Loudermilk and Trammell in double figures, Kaylee Chitwood scored 10 points for the Raiders.

Rounding out McCreary Central’s individual scoring, Jayci Bell and Kendyl Walters chipped in three points and two points, respectively.

Walters led McCreary Central inside, securing six rebounds.

Cumberland County shot 31.8 percent (14-of-44) from the field. The Panthers finished three of 10 (30 percent) from three-point range.

Cumberland County shot 63.6 percent (seven of 11) from the free throw line.

Kaylen Franklin and Carly Nettles combined to lead Cumberland County, scoring 12 points and 11 points, respectively.

The additional scorers for Cumberland County in the early-season girls’ high school basketball matchup were Maggie Morgan (seven points), Jayleana Smith (six points) and Gracie Craft (two points).

Morgan paced Cumberland County on the backboards, pulling down nine rebounds.

December 2nd, 2021

Seven Raiders earn All-Class 3A, District 5 honors

photo courtesy of Scott Warren

Maddux McKinney is among the seven McCreary Central football players that have earned All-Class 3A, District 5 honors.

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — Seven members of the McCreary Central football team have earned All-Class 3A, District 5 honors.

The All-Class 3A, District 5 honors were announced recently.

A breakdown of the All-Class 3A, District 5 honors follows.

McCreary Central —  All-Class 3A, District 5 First Team: Maddux McKinney, Davon Campbell, Jared Kidd, Kamari Giglio. All-Class 3A, District 5 Honorable Mention: Ben Trammell, Carson McKinney, Kylon Williams.

Rockcastle County —  All-Class 3A, District 5 First Team: Matthew Chasteen, Isaiah DeHart, Jake Sanders, Landon Dillingham, Landen Broaddus, Ethan Tyree, Reese Couger. All-Class 3A, District 5 Honorable Mention: Garrett Hamilton, Anthony Goodin, Javon Bowden.

Garrard County —  All-Class 3A, District 5 First Team: Montavin Quisenberry, Mason Sulla, Austin Adams, Maishaun Baker-Thomas, Jacob Brown, Chase Burkhart.

All-Class 3A, District 5 Honorable Mention: Cruz Juarez, Hayden Elleman, Bennett Sparks.

Estill County —  All-Class 3A, District 5 First Team: Ty Niece, Johnathan Short, Braeden Waddle, Gabe Hall, Dustin Beeler, Canon Scenters.

All-Class 3A, District 5 Honorable Mention: Caleb Scenters, Jeremiah Stephens, Noah Lutes.

Bell County —  All-Class 3A, District 5 First Team: Cameron Burnett, Tucker Hunley, Dawson Woolum, Daniel Thomas, Hayden Dameron, Ethan Raby, George Pace, Brayden Dunn.

All-Class 3A, District 5 Honorable Mention: Devin Reese, Carter McCune, Blake Evans.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission to hold quarterly meeting Dec. 3

The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission will hold a video teleconference meeting at 8:30 a.m. (EST) on Friday, Dec. 3.

View the agenda for the quarterly meeting at fw.ky.gov.

The meeting will be livestreamed on the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ YouTube channel at youtube.com/FishandWildlifeKY. A link to the livestream will be posted on the department’s homepage at fw.ky.gov at the start of the meeting.

A meeting room at the Salato Wildlife Education Center at 1 Sportsman’s Lane in Frankfort will be available starting at 8:15 a.m. (EST) for public viewing of the live-streamed video teleconference. Masks are currently required in Executive Branch state buildings due to COVID-19.

Public comments will be handled as follows:

Those wishing to comment about a topic on the agenda may email their comments with “Commission meeting” in the email’s subject line to FW.PublicAffairs@ky.gov through 5 p.m. (EST) on Dec. 2.

Comments will be read by department staff during the “Public Comments” portion of the agenda, up to 3 minutes total per commenter, time permitting and at the discretion of the Commission chair.

Commenters should include their first and last name, Kentucky county of residence, or state of residence if a nonresident, and organizational affiliation and position if they are an officer or official representative for a particular organization. A commenter’s contact information is not required for emailed comments, but will be necessary if information is requested, and other than name and affiliation it will not be publicly disclosed if provided.

Anonymous comments will be reviewed by the Commission but may not be read during the meeting.

The Commission chair reserves the right to not read publicly any comments that are libelous, profane, derogatory of others, or not relevant to the meeting agenda.

The Commission will review all public comments.

Questions will receive an email response.

The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission is a nine-member board, comprised of volunteers who serve four-year terms. The Commission recommends hunting, fishing and boating regulations on behalf of the sportspersons of the Commonwealth.

Stephens ranked ninth in 12th Region Player Rankings

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — McCreary Central junior guard Kyle Stephens is ranked ninth in the BluegrassPreps.com Preseason 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Player Rankings.

Stephens is listed ranked ahead of Gavin Salva (West Jessamine).

The McCreary Central junior guard is listed behind Ethan Cooper (Garrard County), Montavin Quisenberry (Garrard County), Daniel Mullins (Rockcastle County), Zach Travis (Pulaski County), Evan Smith (Lincoln County), Dante Hayden (Danville), Luke Imfeld (Boyle County) and Jaxon Smith (Lincoln County).

Stephens led 48th District champion McCreary Central throughout the 2020-21 boys’ high school basketball season, averaging 17.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game for the rejuvenated Raiders.

The BluegrassPreps.com Preseason 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Player Rankings follow.

BluegrassPreps.com Preseason 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Player Rankings

1. Jaxon Smith (Lincoln County)
2. Luke Imfeld (Boyle County)
3. Dante Hayden (Danville)
4. Evan Smith (Lincoln County)
5. Zach Travis (Pulaski County)
6. Daniel Mullins (Rockcastle County)
7. Montavin Quisenberry (Garrard County)
8. Ethan Cooper (Garrard County)
9. Kyle Stephens (McCreary Central)
10. Gavin Salva (West Jessamine)

Raiders ranked seventh in

Preseason 12th Region Rankings

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS — McCreary Central is ranked seventh in the BluegrassPreps.com Preseason 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Rankings.

The Raiders are ranked ahead of Wayne County (8), Garrard County (9), Danville Christian (10), East Jessamine (11), Southwestern (12), Mercer County (13), Somerset (14), Casey County (15), Somerset Christian (16) and Burgin (17).

McCreary Central is listed behind Rockcastle County (6), Danville (5), West Jessamine (4), Pulaski County (3), Boyle County (2) and Lincoln County (1).

The reigning 48th District champion, McCreary Central concluded the 2020-21 boys’ high school basketball season 10-9.

Kyle Stephens and Noah Loudermilk are back to lead the Raiders in the 2021-22 boys’ high school basketball season.

Head coach Wade Davis guides the Raiders.

The BluegrassPreps.com Preseason 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Rankings follow.

BluegrassPreps.com Preseason

12th Region Boys’ Basketball Rankings

Navaro moves up to eighth in state rankings

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – McCreary Central junior Moses Navaro has moved up to eighth in the KentuckyWrestling.com Preseason 106-Pound Weight Class Rankings.

One of the state’s top high school wrestlers regardless of class, Navaro is poised to help lead McCreary Central in the 2021-22 season.

The current KentuckyWrestling.com 106-Pound Weight Class Rankings are as follows: 1. Jayden Raney (Union County), 2. Sebastian Vega (Conner), 3. Trushawn Matt (Hopkinsville), 4. Landon Evans (Ryle), 5. Aydn Funkhouser (Harrison County), 6. Ryan Smith (Johnson Central), 7. Troy Gardner (Ashland), 8. Moses Navaro (McCreary Central), 9. Dakota Phillips (Boyle County), 10. Jonah McCloskey (Simon Kenton), 11. Anthony Condi (Frederick Douglass), 12. Logan Brown (Caldwell County), 13. Payton Durbin (Meade County), 14. Vidit Risaily (Madison Central), 15. Benjamin Ogara (South Oldham), 16. Trent Cano (Great Crossing), 17. Jake Ramsey (Apollo).

Baird ranked fourth in 113-pound weight class

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – McCreary Central senior Jeremiah Baird is ranked fourth in the latest KentuckyWrestling,com 113-pound Weight Class Rankings, which were released on Thursday, Nov. 25.

Baird is among the state’s top high school wrestlers, regardless of class. The senior grappler is poised to help lead McCreary Central in the 2021-22 high school wrestling season.

The KentuckyWrestling,com 113-pound Weight Class Rankings are as follows: 1. Jordyn Raney (Union County), 2. Collin Teutsch (Caldwell County), 3. Amari Hardin (John Hardin), 4. Jeremiah Baird (McCreary Central), 5. James Morris (Johnson Central), 6. Trevor Miller (Dixie Heights), 7. Colin Tucker (Wayne County), 8. Kelton Bailey (Western Hills), 9. Aidan Cook (East Jessamine), 10. Jeremiah Wilbers (Campbell County), 11. Clayton Bradley (Montgomery County), 12. Steven Smith (Frederick Douglass), 13. Leydon Nelson (Harrison County), 14. Eh Keh John (Male), 15. Aiden Marquis (Conner), 16. Jaxon Staggs (Great Crossing), 17. Ethan Davis (Grant County), 18. Brock Gross (LaRue County), 19. Davin Skinner (West Carter), 20. Landon Wettlauffer (Woodford County), 21. Addai Dunn (Oldham County), 22. Morgan Frederick (Louisville Trinity), 23. Lacey Gilbert (Madison Central), 24. Jack Willard (Bullitt East).

November 25th, 2021

photos courtesy of McCreary Central High School Boys’ Golf

McCreary Central High School senior Ben Barnett signed with the University of the Cumberlands men’s golf program during a ceremony held on Friday, Nov. 19.

Hunting Season Safety on the Daniel Boone National Forest

With the start of Kentucky’s modern gun deer hunting season on Saturday, November 13, visitors to the Daniel Boone National Forest are likely to see an increase in orange across the Forest. During this busy time, hunters and recreational visitors alike are encouraged to follow safety precautions, like wearing blaze orange clothing, as well as all state and federal hunting laws and regulations.

Modern gun season lasts from November 13 to November 28, but bowhunting season continues through January 2022 so visitors should continue to practice hunting season safety through the new year. These dates, as well as all licensing, bag limits, and other seasonal regulations, are set by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and are enforced in all areas of the Forest.

During this time, all visitors should ensure that they and their companions can be easily identified from a distance by avoiding neutral colors like tan or grey. Hunters are required to wear blaze orange on their head and torso, but it is best practice for all Forest visitors, including accompanying pets or service animals, to wear blaze orange into the Forest.

While hunting is allowed in most areas of the Forest, there are certain locations where hunting is prohibited. There is to be no hunting or shooting into or from inside of caves, across developed roadways or bodies of water, or within 150 yards of a residence, building, or developed recreation site. While hunters may use developed recreation sites like campgrounds, they may not display firearms within the site unless they are cleaning or transporting them from a vehicle. There are also several areas on the Forest where hunting is prohibited to protect specific resource areas. Hunters should carefully plan their routes to avoid these areas and to avoid inadvertently crossing onto privately-owned lands.

Hunters should also note that baiting is not allowed anywhere on the Forest and hunting stands and blinds must be portable with no permanent fasteners such as screws or nails. Stands and blinds must be removed by the end of hunting season; any stands that remain on the Forest after the end of bowhunting season will be confiscated. As a best practice, hunters should label stands with contact info and remove them as soon as they have completed their season.

All visitors should also remain on the lookout for deer that display erratic behavior or that appear sick. They may be impacted by Chronic Wasting Disease and should be reported immediately to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. Similarly, any sightings of feral pigs should also be reported. Hunting feral pigs teaches them to evade capture and makes it more difficult to contain this invasive species.

For more information on state hunting laws and regulations, visit the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources website.

For more information on the Daniel Boone National Forest, visit the Forest website, Forest Facebook, or Forest Twitter. For hunting specific information, visit the hunting section of the Forest website.

2022 high school baseball season alignment set

LEXINGTON – The Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) has set the alignment for the 2022 prep baseball season.

Locally, McCreary Central competes in the 48th District. The 48th District is comprised of McCreary Central, Southwestern and Wayne County.

The KHSAA 2022 baseball alignment for Region 12 is as follows:

Region 12

District 45 – Boyle County, Danville, Garrard County, Lincoln County

District 46 – Burgin, East Jessamine, Mercer County, West Jessamine

District 47 – Casey County, Pulaski County, Rockcastle County, Somerset

District 48 – McCreary Central, Southwestern, Wayne County

McCreary Central basketball teams’ season openers near

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – The McCreary Central boys’ and girls’ basketball teams are headed into season openers.

The Raiders are slated to host 13th Region member South Laurel for a boys’ high school basketball season opener on Tuesday, Nov. 30.

McCreary Central dropped a game to South Laurel during the 2020-21 boys’ high school basketball season.

The Wade Davis-coached Raiders are ranked sixth in The Cats’ Pause 2021-22 Kentucky Basketball Yearbook Preseason 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Rankings.

The reigning 48th District champion, McCreary Central concluded the 2020-21 boys’ high school basketball season 10-9.

McCreary Central is set to tip off the 2021-22 girls’ high school basketball season at home versus Lincoln County on Monday, Nov. 29.

The Raiders and Patriots are 12th Region rivals.

Head coach Sammy Strunk guides the McCreary Central girls’ basketball team. The Raiders ended the 2020-21 girls’ high school basketball season 6-20. McCreary Central lost to Wayne County in the semifinals of the 2020-21 48th District Girls’ Basketball Tournament.

Lincoln County compiled a 9-15 record in the 2020-21 girls’ high school basketball season. Boyle County outlasted Lincoln County 44-42 in overtime in the semifinals of the 2020-21 45th District Girls’ Basketball Tournament. The loss to Boyle County eliminated Lincoln County from the 2020-21 girls’ high school basketball postseason.

Each McCreary Central basketball team opened preseason practice in mid-October

November 18th, 2021

Cheerleaders win competition

Photo submitted The McCreary County Middle School Cheerleaders won the 12th Region Large Division KAPOS Cheer competition.

Alignment for 2021-22 high school wrestling season in place

By Steve LeMaster

LEXINGTON – The alignment for the 2021-22 high school wrestling season is in place.

McCreary Central competes in Region 7. In addition to McCreary Central, Region 7 features Barbourville, Bell County, Boyle County, Danville, Green County, Harlan County, Knox Central, Madison Central, Madison Southern, Somerset, Taylor County, Wayne County and Whitley County.

McCreary Central is a contender for the 2021-22 Region 7 title.

The 2021-22 KHSAA wrestling alignment follows.

Region 1 – Apollo, Caldwell County, Calloway County, Christian County, Daviess County, Fort Campbell, Fulton City, Henderson County, Hopkinsville, McCracken County, Owensboro, Owensboro Catholic, Paducah Tilghman, Trigg County, Trinity (Whitesville), Union County

Region 2 – Bardstown, Bethlehem, Central Hardin, Fort Knox, Greenwood, Hart County, John Hardin, LaRue County, Meade County, Nelson County, North Hardin, Ohio County, South Warren, Thomas Nelson, Warren Central, Warren East

Region 3 – Bullitt Central, Bullitt East, Central, DeSales, Doss, DuPont Manual, Fairdale, Iroquois, Kentucky School f/t Blind, Male, North Bullitt, Pleasure Ridge Park, Shawnee, St. Xavier, Trinity (Louisville), Valley, Western

Region 4 – Anderson County, Atherton, Ballard, Fern Creek, Franklin County, Jeffersontown, Moore, North Oldham, Oldham County, Seneca, South Oldham, Southern, Spencer County, Waggener, Western Hills, Woodford County

Region 5 – Boone County, Campbell County, Conner, Cooper, Covington Catholic, Dixie Heights, Highlands, Holmes, Newport, Ryle, Scott, Simon Kenton, Walton-Verona

Region 6 – Bourbon County, Bryan Station, East Jessamine, Frederick Douglass, George Rogers Clark, Grant County, Great Crossing, Harrison County, Henry Clay, Lafayette, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Sayre, Scott County, Tates Creek, West Jessamine

Region 7 – Barbourville, Bell County, Boyle County, Danville, Green County, Harlan County, Knox Central, Madison Central, Madison Southern, McCreary Central, Somerset, Taylor County, Wayne County, Whitley County

Region 8 – Ashland Blazer, Belfry, Boyd County, Greenup County, Hazard, Johnson Central, Knott County Central, Letcher County Central, Martin County, Mason County, Montgomery County, Paintsville, Perry County Central, Phelps, Pike County Central, Pikeville, Prestonsburg, West Carter

Placed, but not currently offering team – Fulton City, Paintsville.

Raiders’ opponents for Arby’s/KFC Classic set

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS –  McCreary Central’s schedule for the Arby’s/KFC Classic is set.

The Raiders are slated to face teams from three different regions during the annual boys’ high school basketball holiday event.

McCreary Central is matched up against Barbourville in the opening round of the Arby’s/KFC Classic on Monday, Dec. 20.

In the second round of the Arby’s/KFC Classic on Tuesday, Dec. 21, McCreary Central is pitted against Perry County Central.

McCreary Central is due to meet Lynn Camp in the third round of the Arby’s/KFC Classic on Wednesday, Dec. 22.

On the final day of the Arby’s/KFC Classic on Thursday, Dec. 23, McCreary Central is slated to meet Taylor County.

Under the guidance of head coach Wade Davis, McCreary Central captured the 2020-21 48th District championship. The Raiders pulled away to defeat Southwestern 79-69 in the 2020-21 48th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament title game.

The Raiders’ 2021-22 schedule includes additional games versus South Laurel, Rockcastle County, Pulaski County, Lincoln County, Danville, Knox Central, Southwestern, Lexington Catholic, Somerset Christian, Frankfort, Wayne County, Somerset, Clinton County, Casey County and Danville Christian.

November 11th, 2021

Raiders ranked third in Region 7

Photo courtesy of McCreary Central Wrestling

Several experienced wrestlers are back on the mats and set to compete for McCreary Central in the 2021-22 high school wrestling season.

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – Heading into the 2021-22 high school wrestling season, McCreary Central is ranked third in Region 7.

McCreary Central is ranked 20th in the KentuckyWrestling.com Preseason Team Rankings. The Raiders are listed behind Region 7 rivals Lafayette (16) and Madison Central (14).

The other Region 7 members ranked in the KentuckyWrestling.com Preseason Team Rankings are Madison Southern (24), Frederick Douglass (28), Wayne County (37), Boyle County (39), Knox Central (44), Paul Laurence Dunbar (48), Sayre (58) and Danville (65).

Multiple McCreary Central grapplers are ranked individually in the KentuckyWrestling.com rankings.

A breakdown of the McCreary Central wrestlers ranked individually follows.

Junior Moses Navaro is ranked 14th in the 106-pound weight class.

Senior Jeremiah Baird is ranked sixth in the 113-pound weight class.

Junior Elijah Baird is ranked fifth in the 120-pound weight class.

Senior Chase Bowlin is ranked 23rd in the 126-pound weight class.

Junior Blake Botts is ranked sixth in the 150-pound weight class.

Junior Kylon Williams is ranked 21st in the 190-pound weight class.

Raiders to open season with back-to-back home games

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – McCreary Central is set to open the 2021-22 boys’ high school basketball season with back-to-back home games.

The Raiders slated to host 13th Region member South Laurel for a season opener on Tuesday, Nov. 30.

Due to remain at home for its second game in the 2021-22 boys’ high school basketball season, McCreary Central is matched up against 12th Region rival Rockcastle County on Friday, Dec. 3.

The Raiders dopped a game to South Laurel during the 2020-21 season.

McCreary Central and Rockcastle County did not meet during the previous hoops campaign.

The Raiders have additional regular season games scheduled versus Pulaski County, Lincoln County, Danville, Knox Central, Southwestern, Barbourville, Perry County Central, Lynn Camp, Taylor County, Somerset Christian, Frankfort, Wayne County, Clinton County, Casey County and Danville Christian.

McCreary Central is ranked sixth in The Cats’ Pause 2021-22 Kentucky Basketball Yearbook Preseason 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Rankings, which were released in early-October.

The Raiders are ranked ahead of East Jessamine (7), Wayne County (8), Danville (9) and Southwestern (10).

McCreary Central is listed behind Rockcastle County (5), West Jessamine (4), Pulaski County (3), Boyle County (2) and top-ranked Lincoln County (1).

The reigning 48th District champion, McCreary Central concluded the 2020-21 boys’ high school basketball season 10-9.

The Raiders opened preseason practice in mid-October. Head coach Wade Davis guides the McCreary Central boys’ basketball team.

November 4th, 2021

Stephens, Spradlin combine to lead Raiders

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – Kaylee Stephens and Kynder Spradlin combined to help lead McCreary Central during the 2021 high school volleyball season.

Stephens (158 kills, 18 blocks, 4 assists, 60 digs, 30 service aces) and Spradlin (342 assists, 109 digs, 39 service aces, 12 kills) were among the leaders for McCreary Central throughout the latest prep volleyball campaign.

Additional contributors for McCreary Central in the 2021 high school volleyball season included Hallie Lay (74 kills, 7 blocks, 9 assists, 112 digs, 24 service aces), Kaylee Clark (49 kills, 4 assists, 153 digs, 16 service aces), Lily Kidd (15 kills, 6 assists, 179 digs, 22 service aces), Emily Swain (18 kills, 3 assists, 145 digs, 29 service aces), Alexis Jones (94 kills, 8 blocks, 2 assists, 13 digs, 11 service aces), Allison Watters (10 digs, 11 service aces), Lilly Stout (10 kills, 24 assists, 39 digs, 5 service aces), Megan Loudermilk (15 kills, 2 assists, 61 digs, 6 service aces), Heaven Perry (2 kills, 4 assists, 7 digs, 1 service ace), Lacey Watters (8 kills, 1 assist, 16 digs, 1 service ace), Topasio Felix (11 kills, 1 block, 1 dig), Hannah Hamlin (2 kills, 1 assist, 2 service aces) and Kinsey Irvin (4 digs, 2 service aces) each contributed for McCreary Central as well.

Following a loss to Wayne County in the semifinals of the 48th District Volleyball Tournament, McCreary Central concluded the season 9-21.

Raiders compete in Class 2A State Meet

photo courtesy of McCreary Central Cross Country

The McCreary Central boys’ cross country team placed 16th in the KHSAA State Cross Country Meet at Bourbon County Park on Friday, Oct. 29.

By Steve LeMaster

PARIS – The McCreary Central boys’ cross country competed at the KHSAA State cross Country Meet at Bourbon County Park on Friday, Oct. 29.

As a team, McCreary Central competed in the state meet for the second time in five seasons. The Raiders finished 16th out of 31 teams.

Leading McCreary Central, Kaleb Baird finished 45th, showing much improvement from his effort in the previous state meet. In 2020, Baird, competing as an individual state qualifier, finished 126th.

Christian Williams followed with a 65th place finish for the Raiders.

Giving McCreary Central three runners in the Top 100, Riley Foster placed 71st.

Others individual finishes for the McCreary Central boys’ cross country team were Jackson Winburn, 153rd; James Taylor, 183rd; Cody Taylor, 215th; Cameron Quinn, 222nd.

North Oldham won the Class 2A team title.

Additional teams competing in the state meet included Corbin, Webster County, Highlands, Boyd County, Thomas Nelson, Bell County, Trigg County, Calloway County, Christian Academy-Louisville, Harlan County, LaRue County, Spencer County, Lexington Catholic, John Hardin, Russell, Bourbon County, Butler County, Mercer County, Ashland Blazer, Scott, Warren East, Mason County, Allen County-Scottsville, Union County, Western Hills, Shelby County, Pike County Central and Magoffin County.

Elijah Baird ranked fifth in 120-pound class

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – McCreary Central junior Elijah Baird is ranked fifth in the KentuckyWrestling.com Preseason High School 120-Pound Weight Class Rankings.

Baird is one of the top grapplers for the McCreary Central wrestling team.

Heading into the 2021-22 high school wrestling season, Baird is ranked ahead of Rider Trumble (Ryle), TJ Meyer (Walton-Verona), Patrick Meek (Johnson Central), Tyler Lattin (Meade County), Brayden Wells (Campbell County), Noah Toomey (Grant County), Brock Messer (Martin County), Braedon Kelley (Madison Southern), Mason Davis (Valley), Keaton Shott (Paul Laurence Dunbar), Brock Gross (LaRue County), Colton Kilburn (Wayne County), Dawson Blacketer (Anderson County), Alex Sauss (Bullitt East), Isaac Ogle (Bullitt Central), Kaleb Wilcher (Danville) and Landon Justice (Oldham County),.

Baird is listed behind Leland Reeves (Taylor County), Hunter Jenkins (Union County), Joe Lampe (Male) and top-ranked Timmy Nichols (Caldwell County).

The McCreary Central wrestling team is preparing to open the 2021-22 season.

Jeremiah Baird ranked sixth in 113-pound class

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – McCreary Central senior Jeremiah Baird is ranked sixth in the KentuckyWrestling.com Preseason High School 113-Pound Weight Class Rankings.

An experienced grappler, Baird is among McCreary Central’s top wrestlers heading into the 2021-22 high school wrestling season. The senior and his McCreary Central teammates compete in Region 7.

Baird is ranked ahead of Trevor Miller (Dixie Heights), Kelton Bailey (Western Hills), Aidan Cook (Lafayette), Hunter Luttrell (Fairdale), Clayton Bradley (Montgomery County), Steven Smith (Frederick Douglass), Nico Plumeri (Louisville Trinity), Leydon Nelson (Harrison County), Eh Keh John (Male), Aiden Marquis (Conner), Jaxon Staggs (Great Crossing), Ethan Davis (Grant County), Davin Skinner (West Carter), Landon Wettlaufer (Woodford County), Dakota Phillips (Boyle County), Addai Dunn (Oldham County) and Lacey Gilbert (Madison Central).

The McCreary Central senior is listed behind Cole Harrod (Anderson County), Collin Teutsch (Caldwell County), Mason Orth (Campbell County), Breydan Whorton (LaRue County) and top-ranked Jordyn Rainey (Union County).

Botts ranked sixth in 150-pound class

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – McCreary Central junior Blake Botts is ranked sixth in the KentuckyWrestling.com Preseason High School 150-Pound Weight Class Rankings.

Baird is one of the top wrestlers for the McCreary Central wrestling team.

Heading into the 2021-22 high school wrestling season, Botts is ranked ahead of Kolby Sparks (Martin County), Caleb Baumgardner (Central Hardin), Jackson Burger (Boyle County), Matthew Ball (LaRue County), Frank Chisley (Scott County), Josiah McNeeley (Daviess County), Logan Dingus (Harrison County), Alex Hall (South Oldham), Clayton Shaddix (Great Crossing), Kevin Reyes (Southern) and Jake Dowdy (Union County).

Baird is listed behind Reece Goss (Johnson Central), Malachi Rider (Paducah Tilghman), Jeffrey Kinley (Madison Central) and top-ranked Devon Herron (North Hardin).

A longtime leader for the Raiders, Botts is an experienced high school wrestler.

Botts is back on the mats after helping to lead McCreary Central in the 2021 high school football season.

Multiple players combine to lead McCreary Central on gridiron

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – Multiple players combined to lead McCreary Central in the 2021 high school football season.

The Raiders ended the 2021 high school football season 3-8, claiming wins over Clinton County, Pineville and Lynn Camp. McCreary Central dropped games to Fleming County, Hart County, Wayne County, Bell County, Garrard County, Estill County, Rockcastle County and Williamsburg during its latest gridiron campaign.

Quarterback Ben Trammell led McCreary Central through the air, completing 43 passes for 481 yards and five touchdowns.

Maddux McKinney, another player who spent time at quarterback for the Raiders, completed 32 passes for 409 yards and six touchdowns.

Leading the Raiders in receiving, McKinney reeled in 20 receptions for 346 yards and five touchdowns. Following his brother in receiving for McCreary Central, Carson McKinney hauled in 19 receptions for 194 yards and one touchdown.

Contributing to the Raiders’ passing attack as a receiver, Trammell made eight catches for 166 yards and two touchdowns.

Aiding the Raiders through the air, Lee Felix hauled in seven receptions for 90 yards and three touchdowns.

Jared Kidd led McCreary Central on the ground, rushing 96 times for 539 yards and five touchdowns. Ranking as McCreary Central’s second-leading rusher, Blake Botts rushed 81 times for 471 yards and two touchdowns.

As a team, McCreary Central rushed 254 times for 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Defensively, Kylon Williams paced the Raiders with 56 tackles, three tackles for a loss and 11.5 sacks.

McCreary Central has entered the offseason. The Raiders’ 2022 schedule will be finalized and released at a later date.

October 28th, 2021

Raiders advance to KHSAA Class 2A State Meet

By Steve LeMaster

MONTICELLO – McCreary Central has advanced to the KHSAA Class 2A State Cross Country Meet.

The Raiders placed fourth out of 15 teams at the KHSAA Class 2A, Region 5 Meet at Cave Lake Park on Saturday, Oct. 23.

Kaleb Baird finished 10th in 18:10.94 in the region meet to lead the Raiders.

Directly behind Baird, Riley Foster finished 11th in 18:11.38.

Christian Williams finished 19th (18:35.53),  Jackson Winburn 36th (19:58.93), James Taylor 44th (20:38.15), Cody Taylor 47th (20:58.42) and Cameron Quinn 59th (22:36.00) for the Raiders.

The region meet featured runners from McCreary Central, Lincoln County, Rockcastle County, Harlan County, Mercer County, Corbin, Boyle County, Wayne County, Casey County, Knox Central, Bell County, East Jessamine, Russell County, Garrard County and Clay County high schools.

The Raiders are slated to compete in the KHSAA Class 2A State Cross Country Meet at Bourbon County Park in Paris on Friday, Oct. 29.

Raiders drop non-district game to Williamsburg

By Steve LeMaster

WILLIAMSBURG – McCreary Central was held to one touchdown as Williamsburg pulled away to win 44-7 in a non-district high school football game on Friday, Oct. 22.

Following the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 2-8.

Williamsburg moved ahead early and gradually pulled away from the Raiders.

Defensively, Williamsburg limited McCreary Central throughout the matchup.

Quarterback Syndey Bowen led Williamsburg to the win. Through the air, Bowen completed 16 of 25 passes for 217 yards and one touchdown. On the ground, Bowen rushed nine times for 60 yards and one touchdown for the Yellow Jackets.

As a team, Williamsburg rushed 26 times for 175 yards and five touchdowns. Marty Gilley paced Williamsburg on the ground, rushing 10 times for 64 yards and two touchdowns

In addition to Bowen reaching the endzone once via the ground, Jayden Rainwater and Jordan Perkins added one rushing touchdown apiece for the Yellow Jackets

Martin Shannon was Bowen’s top target, hauling in five receptions for 90 yards and one touchdown.

Following Shannon in receiving for Williamsburg, Bryson Potter recorded six receptions for 63 yards.

Quarterback Ben Trammell scored Williamsburg’s only touchdown in the non-district game. Trammell reached the endzone on a seven-yard run for the Yellow Jackets.

Defensively for McCreary Central, Jacob Cecil recorded a team-high seven tackles. Following Cecil in the key defensive category for the Raiders, Kamari Giglio tallied six tackles and Treylan King posted five tackles.

Raiders pick up forfeit win over Lynn Camp

STEARNS – McCreary Central has picked up a forfeit win over non-district opponent Lynn Camp.

The forfeit gave McCreary Central its third win in the 2021 high school football season.

McCreary Central was scheduled to visit Lynn Camp for a regular season finale on Friday, Oct. 29. However, Lynn Camp opted to end its season early.

Earlier in the season, McCreary Central claimed back-to-back non-district wins over Clinton County and Pineville.

The Raiders have suffered losses to Fleming County, Hart County, Wayne County, Bell County, Garrard County, Estill County, Rockcastle County and Williamsburg.

Raiders ranked 20th in state

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – McCreary Central is ranked 20th in the KentuckyWrestling,com Preseason Rankings.

Coach Gary Parriman guides the Raiders. After starting preseason practice earlier in the month, McCreary Central is preparing to open its 2021-22 season.

The KentuckyWrestling,com Preseason Rankings are as follows: 1. Ryle (Region 6), 2. Johnson Central (Region 8), 3. Union County (Region 1), 4. Paducah Tilghman (Region 1), 5. Trinity (Louisville) (Region 4), 6. Caldwell County (Region 1), 7. Campbell County (Region 6), 8. Woodford County (Region 5), 9. Walton-Verona (Region 6), 10. Oldham County (Region 5), 11. Conner (Region 6), 12. LaRue County (Region 2), 13. John Hardin (Region 2), 14. Madison Central (Region 7), 15. Fairdale (Region 3), 16. Lafayette (Region 7), 17. Taylor County (Region 2), 18. Christian County (Region 1), 19. Great Crossing (Region 5), 20. McCreary Central (Region 7), 21. North Hardin (Region 2), 22. Martin County (Region 8), 23. Meade County (Region 2), 24. Madison Southern (Region 7), 25. South Oldham (Region 5), 26. Ohio County (Region 1), 27. Ashland Blazer (Region 8), 28. Frederick Douglass (Region 7), 29. Moore (Region 4), 30. Male (Region 4), 31. St. Xavier (Region 4), 32. Holmes (Region 6), 33. Central Hardin (Region 2), 34. Anderson County (Region 5), 35. Simon Kenton (Region 6), 36. Daviess County (Region 2), 37. Wayne County (Region 7), 38. Harrison County (Region 8), 39. Boyle County (Region 7), 40. Pike County Central (Region 8), 41. Owensboro (Region 2), 42. Montgomery County (Region 8), 43. Covington Catholic (Region 6), 44. Knox Central (Region 7), 45. Dixie Heights (Region 6), 46. Trigg County (Region 1), 47. Cooper (Region 6), 48. Paul Dunbar (Region 7), 49. West Carter (Region 8), 50. Fern Creek (Region 3), 51. Western Hills (Region 5), 52. McCracken County (Region 1), 53. Scott (Region 6), 54. Calloway County (Region 1), 55. Spencer County (Region 5), 56. Grant County (Region 5), 57. Bullitt East (Region 3), 58. Sayre (Region 7), 59. DuPont Manual (Region 4), 60. Hopkinsville (Region 1), 61. Scott County (Region 5), 62. Henderson County (Region 1), 63. Letcher County Central (Region 8), 64. Seneca (Region 4), 65. Danville (Region 7).

October 21st, 2021

Baird, Foster finish sixth-seventh in Cave Lake Classic

By Steve LeMaster

MONTICELLO – Kaleb Baird and Riley Foster combined to lead McCreary Central in the Cave Lake Classic on Saturday, Oct. 16, finishing sixth-seventh.

McCreary Central competed in its seventh meet in the 2021 boys’ high school cross country season at Cave Lake Park.

The Raiders placed third out of nine teams in the Cave Lake Classic.

Individually, four members of the McCreary Central boys’ cross country team placed in the Top 30 of the Wayne County High School-hosted meet.

Following Foster for McCreary Central, Jackson Winburn placed 18th. Along with three of his teammates, James Taylor finished 28th..

McCreary Central is scheduled to return to Monticello for the KHSAA Class 2A, Region 5 Meet at Cave Lake Park on Saturday, Oct. 23.

Tucker leads McCreary Central ladies in Cave Lake Classic

By Steve LeMaster

MONTICELLO – Alyssa Tucker led McCreary Central in the Cave Lake Classic on Saturday, Oct. 16, finishing 18th.

McCreary Central competed in its seventh meet in the 2021 girls’ high school cross country season. Wayne County High School hosted the Cave Lake Classic.

Following Tucker to the Cave Lake Classic finish line for the Raiders, Gabriella Valdez finished 28th.

McCreary Central featured four runners in the Wayne County High School-hosted meet’s Top 50.

Contributing for the Raiders, Calli Shook finished 35th while Kendal Kidd placed 46th.

Representing McCreary Central in another race, Bristol Broadfoot finished seventh.

McCreary Central is scheduled to return to Cave Lake Park to compete in the KHSAA Class 2A, Region 5 Meet on Saturday, Oct. 23.

McCreary Central blanks Williamsburg, 3-0

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – McCreary Central blanked visiting Williamsburg 3-0 in a high school volleyball match on Tuesday, Oct. 12.

The Raiders pulled out a hard-fought win. McCreary Central beat Williamsburg, a rival from the nearby 13th Region, 25-20, 25-12, 25-22.

Alexis Jones (5 kills, 1 block, 1 dig), Kynder Spradlin (1 kill, 17 assists, 7 digs), Kaylee Stephens (5 kills, 2 digs, 1 service ace), Lily Kidd (1 kill, 3 digs, 2 service aces), Hallie Lay (2 kills, 1 service ace), Megan Loudermilk (1 kill, 9 digs, 3 service aces), Kaylee Clark (3 kills, 9 digs), Allison Watters (2 digs, 2 service ace) and Lilly Stout (2 kills, 1 dig, 2 service aces) contributed for McCreary Central in the win.

McCreary Central dealt Williamsburg its eighth straight loss. The Raiders defeated Williamsburg for the second time in the 2021 high school volleyball season.

Both McCreary Central and Williamsburg were competing in the 2021 high school volleyball regular season’s final week

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – McCreary Central blanked visiting Williamsburg 3-0 in a high school volleyball match on Tuesday, Oct. 12.

The Raiders pulled out a hard-fought win. McCreary Central beat Williamsburg, a rival from the nearby 13th Region, 25-20, 25-12, 25-22.

Alexis Jones (5 kills, 1 block, 1 dig), Kynder Spradlin (1 kill, 17 assists, 7 digs), Kaylee Stephens (5 kills, 2 digs, 1 service ace), Lily Kidd (1 kill, 3 digs, 2 service aces), Hallie Lay (2 kills, 1 service ace), Megan Loudermilk (1 kill, 9 digs, 3 service aces), Kaylee Clark (3 kills, 9 digs), Allison Watters (2 digs, 2 service ace) and Lilly Stout (2 kills, 1 dig, 2 service aces) contributed for McCreary Central in the win.

McCreary Central dealt Williamsburg its eighth straight loss. The Raiders defeated Williamsburg for the second time in the 2021 high school volleyball season.

Raiders on bye week

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – McCreary Central is on its bye week in the 2021 high school football season.

After opening the season 2-2, McCreary Central has suffered five straight losses.

McCreary Central is 2-7 overall. The Raiders finished 0-4 in Class 3A, District 5.

Under the direction of head coach Chad Privett, McCreary Central has notched wins over Clinton County and Pineville. The Raiders have dropped games to Fleming County, Hart County, Wayne County, Bell County, Garrard County, Estill County and Rockcastle County.

Through nine games, opponents have outscored McCreary Central 369-165. However, McCreary Central has scored two or more touchdowns in eight of its nine games. Thus far, McCreary Central has avoided being shutout in the 2021 high school football season.

McCreary Central is scheduled to visit Lynn Camp for a regular season finale on Friday, Oct. 29.

Lynn Camp has regular season games remaining versus Williamsburg and McCreary Central. Currently, Lynn Camp is winless. Lynn Camp is scheduled to visit Williamsburg on Friday, Oct. 22.

The Raiders and Wildcats are longtime rivals.

Kickoff for the McCreary Central-Lynn Camp game is set for 7:30 p.m. in Corbin.

October 14th, 2021

Raiders place third in Somerset Invitational

By Steve LeMaster

SOMERSET – McCreary Central placed third in the Somerset Invitational at SomerSplash Water Park on Saturday, Oct. 9.

The Raiders finished ahead of Southwestern (4), Cumberland County (5), Mercer County (6), Lynn Camp (7), Whitley County (8), Somerset (9) and Boyle County (10). McCreary Central placed behind South Laurel (2) and first-place finisher Williamsburg (1).

Individually, Christian Williams led McCreary Central, finishing 10th in 18:59.32.

Finishing directly behind his teammate, Riley Foster placed 11th in 19:00.24 for the Raiders.

Following Foster for McCreary Central, Jackson Winburn placed 24th in 20:13.94.

Additional competitors for McCreary Central in the Somerset Invitational included Kaleb Baird (30th, 21:05.10), James Taylor (41st, 21:44.15), Cameron Quinn (61st, 24:02.80), Caleb Musgrove (65th, 24:48.10), Cody Taylor (66th, 25:08.31), Ashton Williams (70th, 25:30.93) and Cayden Rowe (72nd, 25:32.61).

McCreary Central is scheduled to compete in the Cave Lake Fall Classic in Monticello on Saturday, Oct. 16.

Martinez, Lyons combine to lead Raiders

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – Senior Hayleeh Martinez and junior Jayden Lyons combined to lead McCreary Central in the 2021 girls’ high school soccer season.

Martinez led McCreary Central in scoring. The Raiders’ top scorer, Martinez netted 10 goals in 16 games.

Pacing McCreary Central defensively, Lyons, a goalkeeper, recorded 268 saves in 14 games.

Jovannah Neal ranked second in scoring for the Raiders, netting seven goals.

Rounding out McCreary Central’s individual scoring, Lyons netted one goal.

Sariea Privett appeared in nine games at goalkeeper for the Raiders, recording 42 saves.

Additional contributors for McCreary Central in the 2021 girls’ high school soccer season included Cassandra Bowling, Emma Bryant, Madilyn Carter, Angel Daugherty, Harley Gilreath, Isabella Hammons, Aleah Lewis, Yasinya Mitchell, Lailah Nerli, Kaitlyn Privett, Tera Strunk and Megan Sellers.

Following a loss to Wayne County in the semifinals of the 48th District Girls’ Soccer Tournament, McCreary Central concluded the 2021 season 3-12-1.

Head coach Katlyne King guides the Raiders.

Raiders headed to Rockcastle County for district game

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – McCreary Central is scheduled to visit Rockcastle County for a Class 3A, District 5 game on Friday, Oct. 15.

The Raiders are 2-6 overall and 0-3 in Class 3A, District 5. McCreary Central has notched wins over Clinton County and Pineville. The Raiders have dropped games to Fleming County, Hart County, Wayne County, Bell County. Garrard County and Estill County.

McCreary Central has regular season games remaining versus Rockcastle County and Lynn Camp.

Head coach Eric Privett guides the Raiders.

The Rockets are 4-3 overall and 1-1 in Class 3A, District 5. Rockcastle County has posted wins over East Jessamine, LaRue County, South Laurel and Estill County. The Rockets have dropped games to Taylor County, Wayne County and Bell County.

Rockcastle County has regular season games remaining versus McCreary Central, Garrard County and Lincoln County.

McCreary Central and Rockcastle County did not meet during the 2020 high school football season.

Head coach Scott Parkey guides the Rockets.

Kickoff for the McCreary Central-Rockcastle County football game is set for 7:30 p.m. in Mount Vernon.

October 7th, 2021

Raiders dominate Richard Magyar Memorial Run

By Steve LeMaster

ONEIDA, Tenn. – The McCreary Central boys’ cross country team dominated the Richard Magyar Memorial Run at Oneida City Park on Thursday, Sept. 30.

McCreary Central’s Kaleb Baird, Riley Foster and Christian Williams finished 1-2-3 in the Richard Magyar Memorial Run. Baird won the Richard Magyar Memorial Run Varsity Boys’ 5,000 Meter Run in 17:51.00.

Each of McCreary Central’s eight runners cracked the Top 20 in the Richard Magyar Memorial Run.

The individual results for McCreary Central from the Richard Magyar Memorial Run were as follows: 1. Kaleb Baird, 17:51.00; 2. Riley Foster, 17:52.00; 3. Christian Williams, 17:58.00; 7. Jackson Winburn, 19:55.60; 14. James Taylor, 21:35.00; 15. Cody Taylor, 21:49.00; 18. Cayden Rowe, 22:11.00; 19. Camron Quinn, 22:20.00.

The Raiders are scheduled to compete in the Somerset Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 9.

Four members of the McCreary Central girls’ cross country team finished in the Top 10 of the Richard Magyar Memorial Run at Oneida City Park on Thursday, Sept. 30.

Alvin C. York Institute senior Kaitlin Beaty won the Richard Magyar Memorial Run Varsity Girls’ 5,000 Meter Run in 24:44.00.

McCreary Central sophomore Alyssa Tucker placed second in the Richard Magyar Memorial Run, finishing in a time of 24:51.00.

The individual results for the McCreary Central girls’ cross country team from the Richard Magyar Memorial Run were as follows: 2. Alyssa Tucker, 24:51.00; 3. Gabriella Valdez, 26:13.00; 4. Callista Shook, 26:51.00; 8. Bristol Broadfoot, 30:03.00.

The Raiders are scheduled to compete in the Somerset Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 9.

McCreary Central loses

district match to Southwestern

STEARNS – McCreary Central was forced to play from behind as visiting Southwestern pulled away to win 3-0 in a 48th District girls’ soccer match on Thursday, Sept. 30.

Southwestern defeated the Raiders 25-14, 25-10, 25-9.

Katie Shaw (7 digs, 3 service aces), Kylee Tucker (7 kills, 3 blocks, 1 dig, 1 service ace), Kamryn Young (3 kills, 13 assists, 6 digs, 6 service aces), Paige Truett (2 assists, 2 digs, 2 service aces), Avery Rose (6 kills, 4 service aces), Ashlynn Davidson (3 kills), Hollyn Gover (1 assist), Halle Norvell (6 kills, 1 block, 10 assists, 3 digs, 3 service aces) and Payton Acey (4 kills, 1 block, 1 dig) contributed for Southwestern in the district win.

Hallie Lay (2 kills, 3 digs), Kynder Spradlin (4 assists, 2 digs), Megan Loudermilk (1 kill, 2 digs), Kaylee Stephens (4 kills), Kaylee Clark (1 dig), Lily Kidd (1 dig, 1 service ace), Lilly Stout (2 assists, 1 dig) and Lacey Watters (1 dig) chipped in for the Raiders throughout the district match.

Both McCreary Central and Southwestern are scheduled to compete in the 48th District Volleyball Tournament later in the month.

Raiders to host Estill County for home finale

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – McCreary Central is scheduled to host Estill County for a Class 3A, District 5 game on Friday, Oct. 8.

The Raiders are 2-5 overall and 0-2 in Class 3A, District 5. McCreary Central has claimed wins over Clinton County and Pineville. The Raiders have dropped games to Fleming County, Hart County, Wayne County, Bell County and Garrard County.

Opponents have outscored the Raiders 270-139.

Head coach Eric Privett guides the Raiders.

The Engineers are 4-3 overall and 0-1 in Class 3A, District 5. Estill County has notched wins over Powell County, South Laurel, Dayton and Harrison County. In addition to a COVID cancellation, Estill County has suffered losses to Rockcastle County and East Carter.

Estill County has outscored opponents 181-95.

Head coach Jordan Marcum guides the Engineers.

The Raiders and Engineers did not meet during the 2020 high school football season.

McCreary Central has regular season games remaining versus Estill County, Rockcastle County and Lynn Camp.

Kickoff for the McCreary Central-Estill County football game is set for 7:30 p.m.

September 30th, 2021

Raiders to visit Clinton County for 2022 season opener

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – McCreary Central is scheduled to visit Clinton County for its opener in the 2022 high school softball season.

The Raiders’ 2022 schedule has taken shape.

McCreary Central is scheduled to compete in the Buckhorn-hosted HC Sparks Classic on April 9, 2022.

The Raiders are slated to host the McCreary Central Triangle on May 14, 2022.

McCreary Central’s 2022 schedule includes games versus Clinton County, Buckhorn, Somerset Christian, Bell County, Clay County, Jellico (Tenn.), Williamsburg, Barbourville, Jackson County, Casey County, Lincoln County, Southwestern, West Jessamine, Berea, Lynn Camp, Pineville, Whitley County and Danville.

The Raiders, following a loss to Boyle County in the opening round of the 12th Region Softball Tournament, posted a 9-22 record in the 2021 season. McCreary Central finished runner-up to rival Southwestern in the 48th District in June.

Several experienced players are due back on the diamond for McCreary Central during the upcoming high school softball campaign. The Raiders will open practice in mid-February.

Raiders to visit Garrard County for district matchup

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – McCreary Central is set to visit Garrard County for a Class 3A, District 5 game on Friday, Oct. 1.

The Raiders are 2-4 overall and 0-1 in Class 3A, District 5. McCreary Central has notched wins over Clinton County and Pineville. The Raiders have dropped games to Fleming County, Hart County, Wayne County and Bell County.

Fleming County pulled away to defeat McCreary Central 48-13 in a season opener on Friday, Aug. 20.

Forcing McCreary Central to remain in the loss column one week later on Friday, Aug. 27, Hart County defeated the Raiders 42-18.

However, McCreary Central bounced back, beating Clinton County for its first win on Saturday, Sept. 4.

Remaining in the column on Friday, Sept. 10, McCreary Central topped Pineville 33-26.

Forcing McCreary Central to drop back into the loss column, Wayne County defeated the Raiders 34-6 on Friday, Sept. 17.

Dealing McCreary Central its second straight loss on Friday, Sept. 24, Bell County beat the Raiders 44-18.

Through five games, opponents have outscored McCreary Central 216-124.

McCreary Central is averaging nearly 200 yards per game. Leading the Raiders on the ground, Blake Botts has rushed 67 times for 447 yards and two touchdowns in five games.

The Golden Lions are 2-3 overall and 0-0 in Class 3A, District 5. Garrard County has notched wins over Anderson County and Paintsville. The Golden Lions have dropped games to Danville, Casey County and Middlesboro.

Garrard County has managed to outscore opponents 92-81.

The Golden Lions are averaging 226 rushing yards per game. Montavin Quisenberry leads Garrard County. Quisenberry has rushed 59 times for 490 yards and six touchdowns in four games.

McCreary Central and Garrard County did not meet during the 2020 high school football season.

Kickoff for the McCreary Central-Garrard County football game is set for 7:30 p.m. in Lancaster.

September 23rd, 2021

Tucker finishes 20th in Wayne County Invitational

By Steve LeMaster

MONTICELLO – Sophomore Alyssa Tucker led the McCreary Central girls’ cross country team in the Wayne County Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 18, finishing 20th.

Tucker completed the Wayne County Invitational in 25:38.57.

Three members of the McCreary Central girls’ cross country team finished in the Top 50 of the Wayne County Invitational.

Following Tucker for the Raiders, eighth grader Gabriella Valdez finished 43rd in 30:16.42.

Behind Tucker, eighth grader Callista Shook finished 47th in 31:20.99 for the Raiders.

The McCreary Central girls’ cross country runners are slated to compete in the Richard Magyar Memorial at Oneida Park on Thursday, Sept. 30.

photos courtesy of McCreary Central Cross Country 

McCreary Central sophomore Alyssa Tucker finished 20th in the Wayne County Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 18.

Baird finishes 16th in Wayne Invitational

By Steve LeMaster

MONTICELLO – Sophomore Kaleb Baird led McCreary Central in the Wayne County Invitational at Cave Lake Park on Saturday, Sept. 18, finishing 16th out of 95 runners from 13 high schools.

Baird completed the event in 19:36.20.

Four runners from the McCreary Central boys’ cross country team placed inside the Top 50 during the Wayne County Invitational.

The complete individual results for the McCreary Central boys’ soccer team were as follows: 16th – Kaleb Baird, 19:36.20; 17th – Christian Williams, 19:41.51; 27th – Riley Foster, 20:14.33; 47th – Jackson Winburn, 22:06.47; 57th – Ashton Williams, 23:23.49.

The Raiders are scheduled to compete in the Richard Magyar Memorial at Oneida Park on Thursday, Sept. 30.

Raiders set to host Bell County for district opener

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – McCreary Central is set to host Bell County for a Class 3A, District 5 opener on Friday, Sept. 24.

The Raiders compiled a 2-3 record during the first half of the 2021 high school football season. After opening the season with two straight losses to Fleming County and Hart County, McCreary Central worked its way into the win column. The Raiders claimed back-to-back wins earlier in the month, beating Clinton County and Pineville. However, Wayne County dealt McCreary Central a loss on Friday, Sept. 16, defeating the Raiders 34-6. The loss to Wayne County forced McCreary Central to drop one game below the .500 mark.

McCreary Central has regular season games remaining versus Bell County, Garrard County, Estill County, Rockcastle County and Lynn Camp. Head coach Eric Privett guides the Raiders.

Bell County is 3-1. After dropping a season opener to North Laurel, Bell County has reeled off wins over Knox Central, Lincoln County and Whitley County.

Bell County is doing most of its offensive damage on the ground. In four games, Bell County has rushed 183 times for 951 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Bell County has regular season games remaining versus McCreary Central, Rockcastle County, Garrard County Pulaski County, Estill County and Harlan County.  Veteran head coach Dudley Hilton guides the Bobcats. Earlier in the season, Hilton recorded his 300th career win.

McCreary Central dropped two games to Bell County in 2020, losing to the Bobcats during the regular season and in the Class 3A Playoffs.

Kickoff for the McCreary Central-Bell County football game is set for 7:30 p.m..

Raiders come up short at Williamsburg

By Steve LeMaster

WILLIAMSBURG – Visiting McCreary Central fell short as Williamsburg held on to win 2-1 in a high school volleyball match on Tuesday, Sept. 21.

Williamsburg won 25-12, 18-25, 26-24 over the Raiders.

Lyiah Mattingly (6 kills, 1 block), Vidisha Banker (5 kills, 1 assist, 4 digs, 6 service aces), Madison Baird (4 kills, 14 assists, 9 digs), Zoie Brown (3 kills, 2 assists, 9 digs, 1 service ace), Grace Abbott (2 kills, 1 block, 1 assist, 4 digs, 2 service aces), Abbigayle Chinn (2 kills, 2 digs), Kaylee Graham (8 digs, 3 service aces) and Kaylee Bolton (3 service aces) delivered for Williamsburg in the win.

Kaylee Stephens (8 kills, 8 digs, 1 service ace), Hallie Lay (6 kills, 1 dig), Lacey Watters (3 digs, 1 dig), Lily Kidd (2 kills, 11 digs), Kynder Spradlin (1 kill, 16 assists, 8 digs, 4 service aces), Lilly Stout (6 digs), Heaven Perry (1 assist, 4 digs), Emily Swain (8 digs, 1 service ace), Kaylee Clark (3 digs) and Kinsey Irvin (1 dig) contributed for the Raiders.

The Raiders and Yellowjackets are familiar foes.

McCreary Central met Williamsburg for the first time in the 2021 high school volleyball season.

The Raiders are scheduled to visit Williamsburg for a late-season high school volleyball match on Tuesday, Oct. 12.

September 16th, 2021

Raiders outlast Pineville, 33-26

McCreary Central claims second straight win

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – Claiming its second straight win in the 2021 high school football season, McCreary Central outlasted visiting Pineville 33-26 on Friday, Sept. 10.

After posting the win, McCreary Central improved to 2-2.

The Raiders remained in the win column after defeating visiting Clinton County 36-22 one week earlier.

Quarterback Maddux McKinney led McCreary Central to the win. Through the air, McKinney completed eight of 11 passes for 124 yards and four touchdowns. On the ground, McKinney rushed four times for 26 yards and one touchdown.

Lee Felix led McCreary Central in receiving, hauling in four receptions for 77 yards and three touchdowns.

Contributing to McCreary Central’s passing attack, Ben Trammell hauled in two receptions for 34 yards and one touchdown.

Following Trammell, Carson McKinney reeled in two receptions for 20 yards.

The Raiders were productive through the air and on the ground, rushing 40 times for 251 yard and one touchdown.

Blake Botts led the Raiders on the ground, rushing 18 times for 106 yards.

Following Botts, Jared Kidd rushed 15 times for 95 yards for the Raiders.

Kamari Giglio recorded 10 tackles to lead McCeary Central’s defensive effort.

Turning in another solid defensive performance for the Raiders, Sam Jones added nine tackles, one tackle for a loss and one interception.

McCreary Central is scheduled to scheduled to visit Wayne County on Friday, Sept. 17.

McCreary Central-Barbourville match canceled

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – A McCreary Central-Barbourville volleyball match scheduled for Monday, Sept. 13 was canceled due to COVID.

McCreary Central was awarded the win.

The Raiders were slated to visit Williamsburg on Tuesday, Sept. 14. McCreary Central is scheduled to visit Southwestern for a 48th District match on Thursday, Sept. 16.

The Raiders are due to host Williamsburg on Tuesday, Oct. 12. In another match, McCreary Central is due to host Southwestern on Thursday, Sept. 30.

The Raiders have additional regular season matches remaining versus Wayne County, Somerset, Lynn Camp, Jellico (Tenn.), Somerset Christian and Whitley County.

Foster wins McCreary Central Invitational 2

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – Sophomore Riley Foster won the McCreary Central Invitational at McCreary County Park on Saturday, Sept. 11, finishing the Varsity Boys’ 5,000 Meter Run in 17:50.01.

Four McCreary Central teammates accompanied Foster in the Top 10. Christian Williams (18:25.92) finished third, Jackson Winburn (19:37.61) fifth, James Taylor (20:17.22) seventh and Cody Taylor (20:34.80) 10th for the Raiders.

Ashton Ball (17th), Cayden Rowe (18th), Camron Quinn (19th) and Connor Cordell (20th) also competed for McCreary Central in the meet.

The McCreary Central Invitational 2 featured runners from host McCreary Central, Leslie County, Whitley County, Scott (Tenn.) and Oneida (Tenn.).

The Raiders are scheduled to compete in the Wayne County Invitational at Cave Lake Park on Saturday, Sept. 18.

Raiders to visit Wayne County

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – McCreary Central is set to visit Wayne County for another non-district game in the 2021 high school football season.

The Raiders (2-2) have recorded back-to-back wins after opening the 2021 high school football season 0-2.

McCreary Central dropped games to Fleming County and Hart County in late-August but has fared better since the 0-2 start. The Raiders have notched back-to-back wins over Clinton County and Pineville.

McCreary Central has rushed 130 times for 843 yards and six touchdowns. Blake Botts is on pace to rush for over 1,000 yards for the Raiders. Leading McCreary Central on the ground, Botts has rushed 61 times for 426 yards and two touchdowns.

Following Botts, Jared Kidd has rushed 29 times for 163 yards and two touchdowns for the Raiders.

Ranking as the Raiders’ third-leading rusher, Lee Felix has rushed 14 times for 140 yards and one touchdown.

Quarterback Maddux McKinney paces McCreary Central through the air. McKinney has completed 22 of 39 passes for 292 yards and six touchdowns. The McCreary Central signal-caller has thrown three interceptions.

Ben Trammell leads the Raiders in receiving. Trammell has hauled in five receptions for 107 yards and two touchdowns.

Behind Trammell in the key category, Felix has hauled in seven receptions for 90 yards and three touchdowns.

Kylon Williams leads McCreary Central’s defensive unit. Williams has recorded 33 tackles, three tackles for a loss and seven sacks.

Wayne County has missed a pair games due to COVID and is 2-0. The Cardinals have posted wins over Clinton County and Adair County.

Through its first two games, Wayne County has rushed 75 times for 463 yards and eight touchdowns.

Wesley Cares leads Wayne County. In two games, Cares has rushed 40 times for 262 yards and seven touchdowns.

Colin Tucker has recorded eight tackles and paces the Cardinals defensively.

McCreary Central and Wayne County did not meet during the 2020 high school football season.

Kickoff for the McCreary Central-Wayne County football game is set for 7:30 p.m. in Monticello.

September 9th, 2021

Tucker wins Oneida Park Meet 1 Girls’ 5,000 Meter Run

ONEIDA, Tenn. – McCreary Central sophomore Alyssa Tucker won the Oneida Park Meet 1 Girls’ 5,000 Meter Run on Thursday, Sept. 2, finishing the event in 24:39.00..

McCreary Central traveled to Oneida Park for its second meet in the 2021 girls’ high school cross country season.

McCreary Central eighth grader Gabriella Valdez placed second, crossing the finish line in 27:45.00.

Calli Shook finished fifth and Bristol Broadfoot placed seventh for McCreary Central in the event.

The Raiders are scheduled to host the McCreary Central Invitational at McCreary Park at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 9.

Foster wins Oneida Park Meet 1 Boys’ 5,000 Meter Run

By Steve LeMaster

ONEIDA, Tenn. – McCreary Central sophomore Riley Foster won the Oneida Park Meet 1 Boys’ 5,000 Meter Run on Thursday, Sept. 2, finishing the event in 18:36.10.

McCreary Central traveled to Oneida Park for its second meet in the 2021 boys’ high school cross country season.

Christian Williams placed second behind Foster, crossing the finishing line in 18:36.50.

Jackson Winburn finished fourth, James Taylor seventh and Ashton Williams ninth to round out the Top 10 for the Raiders.

McCreary Central claimed its second straight win.

The Raiders are scheduled to host the McCreary Central Invitational at 6 p.m. at McCreary Park on Thursday, Sept. 9.

Martinez leads Raiders’ offensive attack

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – Senior Hayleeh Martinez is averaging one goal per game for McCreary Central in the 2021 girls’ high school soccer season.

Martinez has netted five goals in five games for the Raiders.

Following Martinez in scoring for McCreary Central, freshman Jovannah Neal has netted three goals.

Martinez and Neal have accounted for all of McCreary Central’s scoring thus far in the 2021 girls’ high school soccer season.

Defensively for McCreary Central, goalkeeper Jayden Lyons has recorded one shutout and 85 saves. Lyons, a junior, has allowed 31 goals.

McCreary Central is 1-4 through its first five games in the 2021 girls’ high school soccer season. Turning in a solid performance, McCreary Central blanked Bell County 5-0 for its first win in the 2021 girls’ high school soccer season on Thursday, Sept. 2.

Under the guidance of head coach Katlyne King, McCreary Central will compete in the 48th District Girls’ Soccer Tournament in October.

McCreary Central drops section title match to Corbin

By Steve LeMaster

CORBIN – McCreary Central was limited as visiting Corbin pulled away to win 3-0 in the Class 2A, Section 7 Championship on Saturday, Sept. 4.

Corbin (6-0) won 25-12, 25-13, 25-11.

Kaylee Stephens (7 kills, 1 block, 1 dig, 2 service aces), Kaylee Clark (4 kills, 8 digs), Hallie Lay (2 kills, 1 assist, 2 digs), Emily Swain (1 kill, 12 digs), Kynder Spradlin (1 kill, 6 assists, 3 digs), Lily Kidd (1 kill, 9 digs), Lilly Stout (6 assists, 5 digs, 1 service ace) and Topasio Felix (1 dig) contributed for the Raiders.

McCreary Central and Corbin, rivals from neighboring regions, met for the first time in the 2021 high school volleyball season.

Following the conclusion of the regular season, McCreary Central will compete in the 48th District Volleyball Tournament in October.

Raiders to host Pineville

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – McCreary Central is set to host Pineville for its fourth game in the 2021 high school football season.

The Raiders will carry momentum into the upcoming gridiron matchup. McCreary Central, under the direction of head coach Eric Privett, pulled away to defeat Clinton County 36-22 for its first win in the 2021 high school football season on Saturday, Sept. 4.

The Raiders notched the win after opening the season with back-to-back losses to Fleming County and Hart County.

Fleming County pulled away to defeat McCreary Central 48-13 in a season opener on Friday, Aug. 20.

Forcing McCreary Central to remain in the loss column one week after the season opener, Hart County defeated the Raiders 42-18 on Friday, Aug. 27.

Pineville outlasted Phelps 26-20 in a season opener on Friday, Aug. 20.

The Mountain Lions earned a forfeit win over Fairview on Saturday, Aug. 28.

Remaining in the win column, Pineville outlasted Cumberland Gap (Tenn.) 55-50 on Friday, Sept. 3.

Head coach Jason Chappell guides the Mountain Lions.

Pineville competes in Class 1A, District 8.

McCreary Central and Pineville did not meet during the 2020 high school football season.

Kickoff for the McCreary Central-Pineville game is set for 7:30 p.m..

September 2nd, 2021

McCreary Central set to host Clinton County for home opener

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – McCreary Central is scheduled to host Clinton County for its home opener in the 2021 high school football season on Saturday, Sept. 4.

The Raiders are 0-2 after opening the 2021 high school football season with back-to-back losses to Fleming County and Hart County.

Through two games, opponents have outscored McCreary Central 90-31.

McCreary Central, following a loss to Bell County in the first round of the Class 3A Playoffs, concluded the 2020 high school football season 3-3.

The Bulldogs are 0-2 after opening the 2021 high school football season with back-to-back losses to Wayne County and Clay County (Tenn.).

Through two games opponents have outscored Clinton County 76-6.

Clinton County, following a loss to Edmonson County in the opening round of the Class 2A Playoffs, concluded the 2020 high school football season 2-3.

McCreary Central and Clinton County did not meet during the 2020 high school football season.

The Raiders resumed practice at the start of the week, preparing for the upcoming home opener.

Kickoff for the McCreary Central-Clinton County football game is set for 7:30 p.m..

Trammell named Class 3A, District 5 Player to Watch

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – McCreary Central senior Ben Trammell has been named a Class 3A, District 5 Player to Watch.

Trammell is listed as one of the Class 3A, District 5 10 Players to Watch in The Cats’ Pause 2021 Kentucky Football Yearbook, which was published in July.

Versatile, Trammell can excel passing, receiving and rushing.

One of the most underrated players in Class 3A, Trammell helped to lead McCreary Central throughout the 2020 high school football season. Trammell completed 49 of 120 passes for 678 yards and six touchdowns in 2020. On the ground during the 2020 high school football season, Trammell rushed 15 times for 103 yards and three touchdowns.

Class 3A, District 5 includes McCreary Central, Bell County, Rockcastle County, Estill County and Garrard County.

Estill County senior quarterback Ty Niece has been tabbed the Preseason Class 3A, District 5 Player of the Year.

Accompanying Trammell on the Class 3A, District 5 10 Players to Watch list are Rockcastle County senior tight end/defensive back Landen Broaddus, Rockcastle County junior running back/linebacker Matthew Chasteen, Rockcastle County senior wide receiver/defensive back Landon Dillingham, Estill County senior running back/linebacker Johnothon Short, Garrard County sophomore quarterback/defensive back Montavin Quisenberry, Bell County junior running back/linebacker Ethan Raby, Rockcastle County senior offensive lineman/defensive lineman Jake Sanders, Estill County senior running back/linebacker Braeden Waddle and Bell County senior running back/cornerback Dawson Woolum.

Raiders finish 3-4 in Battle in the Barrens

By Steve LeMaster

GLASGOW – McCreary Central finished 3-4 in the Battle of the Barrens at Barren County High School on Saturday, Aug. 28.

The Raiders notched wins over Butler County, Russellville and Warren Central during the Battle in the Barrens.

McCreary Central suffered losses to Barren County, Monroe County and Metcalfe County during the event. Host Barren County beat McCreary Central twice during the Battle in the Barrens.

A breakdown of McCreary Central’s results from matches played in the Battle in the Barrens follows.

McCreary Central 2, Butler County 1 (25-16, 22-25, 15-13);

Barren County 2, McCreary Central 0 (25-19, 25-22);

Barren County 2, McCreary Central 0 (26-24, 25-13);

Monroe County 2, McCreary Central 0 (26-24, 25-20);

McCreary Central 2, Russellville 0 (25-5, 25-6);

McCreary Central 2, Warren Central 0 (25-7, 25-16);

Metcalfe County 2, McCreary Central 1 (25-22, 25-27, 15-4).

The Raiders exited the weekend 6-9.

McCreary Central entered the week with opponents Cumberland Homeschool, Southwestern, Bell County, Somerset Christian, Whitley County, Barbourville, Williamsburg, Casey County, Wayne County, Somerset, Lynn Camp and Jellico (Tenn.) remaining on its 2021 regular season schedule.

McCreary Central drops district match to Wayne County

By Steve LeMaster

MONTICELLO – Visiting McCreary Central slipped into the loss column as Wayne County pulled away to win 3-0 in a 48th District volleyball match on Tuesday, Aug. 24.

Wayne County won 25-21, 25-12, 25-9 over McCreary Central in the district match.

Mallory Campbell (11 kills, 3 digs, 2 service aces), Sydney Alley (10 kills, 7 digs), Addy Rice (5 kills, 1 assist, 6 digs), Elizabeth Wright (4 kills, 1 block, 1 dig, 1 service ace), Mariah Bowlin (2 kills, 29 assists, 7 digs), Jaden McClellan (3 kills), Kennedy Keith (3 digs), Cassidy Evans (2 digs), Neveah Anderson (2 digs) and Alexis Coyle (1 assist) delivered for Wayne County in the district win.

Kaylee Stephens (7 kills, 1 block, 1 assist), Alexis Jones (5 kills, 1 block, 1 assist, 1 service ace), Emily Swain (3 kills, 8 dig, 1 assist), Kynder Spradlin (2 kills, 11 assists, 8 digs), Hallie Lay (1 kill, 6 digs, 1 service ace), Kaylee Clark (1 kill, 9 digs, 1 service ace) and Lily Kidd (1 kill, 2 assists, 4 dig) contributed for the Raiders.

McCreary Central is scheduled to host Wayne County for a 48th District volleyball match on Tuesday, Sept. 21.

Both McCreary Central and Wayne County are slated to compete in the 48th District Volleyball Tournament in October.

Raiders ranked fifth in Class 3A, District 5

By Steve LeMaster

stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central is ranked fifth in The Cats’ Pause 2021 Kentucky Football Yearbook.

Despite advancing to the 2020 Class 3A Playoffs, McCreary Central is listed behind Garrard County (4), Bell County (3), Estill County (2) and top-ranked Rockcastle County (1).

The Raiders compiled a 3-3 record in 2020. Ben Trammell, Blake Botts and Maddux McKinney are among the players back back for the McCreary Central.

Trammell led McCreary Central through the air in 2020, passing for 678 yards and six touchdowns.

Botts was the Raiders’ leading rusher in 2020, rushing 37 times for 317 yards and one touchdown. As a team, McCreary Central rushed 169 times for 1,089 yards and 11 touchdowns in six games during the 2020 high school football season.

Garrard County ended the COVID-shortened 2020 high school football season 2-2. Sophomore quarterback/defensive back Montavin Quisenberry is back to lead the Golden Lions.

Perennial Class 3A, District 5 title contender Bell County, following a loss to Belfry in the region title game, concluded the 2020 high school football season 6-4. Veteran head coach Dudley Hilton, fresh off his 400th win, guides the Bobcats. Junior running back/linebacker Ethan Raby is back to lead former state champion Bell County.

Estill County compiled  2-2 record in 2020. Much-improved Estill County has 15 starters back from the 2020 high school football season, including senior quarterback Ty Niece.

Top-ranked Rockcastle County has reloaded after finishing the 2020 season 4-5. Junior running back/linebacker Matthew Chasteen is back to lead the Rockets.

McCreary Central is scheduled to host Bell County for a Class 3A, District 5 opener on Friday, Sept. 24

August 26th, 2021

Raiders finish first in McCreary Central Invitational

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – McCreary Central opened the 2021 high school cross country season by hosting the McCreary Central Invitational on Thursday, Aug. 19.

The McCreary Central boys’ cross country team finished first overall in the meet.

Kaleb Baird paced McCreary Central individually, placing second.

Finishing directly behind Baird in the McCreary Central Invitational, Riley Foster placed third.

Following Baird and Foster in the McCreary Central-hosted high school cross country meet, Christian Williams rounded out the Top 10.

The McCreary Central girls’ cross country team placed third overall.

Individually for the McCreary Central girls’ cross country team, Alyssa Tucker placed second.

Finishing near the Girls’ Top 10 in the McCreary Central Invitational, Gabbriella Valdez and Kendal Kidd placed 11th and 13th, respectively.

Photo courtesy of McCreary Central Cross Country

The McCreary Central High School cross country program hosted the McCreary Central Invitational on Thursday, Aug. 19. The McCreary Central boys’ cross country team placed first in the meet, which served as a season opener for the Raiders.

McCreary Central Softball Fall Ball and Open Field underway

By Steve LeMaster

stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – The McCreary Central High School softball program started fall ball and open field on Monday, Aug. 23 and will continue the sessions through October.

There is no cost.

Fall ball and open field are held at the McCreary Central High School Softball Complex Mondays and Fridays from 3-5 p.m. each day.

Middle school and high school student-athletes in grades 6-12 are eligible to attend fall ball and open field.

An optional pitching and catching clinic conducted by the University of the Cumberlands coaching staff will be offered for $30 on Wednesdays from 3-5 p.m..

Raiders shut out Casey County

By Steve LeMaster

stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central shut out visiting Casey County 3-0 in a high school volleyball match on Thursday, Aug. 19.

The Raiders won 25-13, 25-14, 25-22.

Kaylee Stephens (10 kills, 2 assists, 1 dig, 3 service aces), Alexis Jones (9 kills, 2 digs), Hallie Lay (5 kills, 8 digs, 2 service aces), Kaylee Clark (4 kills, 9 digs), Kynder Spradlin (1 kill, 2 assists, 3 digs), Emily Swain (1 kill, 3 digs, 4 service aces), Lily Kidd (10 digs, 3 service aces) and Lilly Stout (1 assist) contributed for the Raiders.

In a high school volleyball season opener on Monday, Aug. 16, McCreary Central blanked Jellico (Tenn.) 3-0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-16).

More on the McCreary Central-Jellico (Tenn.) match follows.

McCreary Central 3, Jellico (Tenn.) 0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-16): McCreary Central pulled away to beat Jellico (Tenn.) 3-0 on the road in a high school volleyball season opener on Monday, Aug. 16.

Alexis Jones (12 kills, 1 assist, 2 service aces), Hallie Lay (6 kills, 1 assist, 10 digs, 1 service ace), Kaylee Stephens (6 kills, 2 digs, 6 service aces), Kaylee Clark (5 kills, 1 assist, 1 dig, 2 service aces), Emily Swain (2 kills, 2 digs, 2 service aces), Kynder Spradlin (1 kill, 28 assists, 1 dig, 9 service aces), Lily Kidd (1 kill, 2 digs) and Lilly Stout (1 dig) contributed for McCreary Central in the victory over Jellico (Tenn.).

Pine Knot Elementary cheer tryouts set

PINE KNOT – The Pine Knot Elementary cheerleading program will hold cheer tryouts for PKE students in grades 3-5 Sept. 1-2.

The tryouts will be held in the Pine Knot Elementary Building 1 Lunchroom from 5:30-6:30 p.m. each day.

Students must have an updated sports physical to participate in the Pine Knot Elementary cheer tryouts.

For more information on the cheer tryouts, contact Chelsea Bozeman at 606-354-2161 or chelsea.bozeman@mccreary.kyschools.us

McCreary Central suffers shutout loss to Southwestern

By Steve LeMaster

stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

SOMERSET – Visiting McCreary Central was held scoreless as Southwestern pulled away to win 10-0 in a 48th District boys’ soccer match on Monday, Aug. 23.

Following the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 0-4 overall.

Southwestern improved to 4-1 overall with the win.

Kelsey Miller scored two goals and distributed one assist to lead Southwestern to the district win.

Along with Miller, Jadyn Campbell (one goal, one assist), Ella Vaught (one goal), Carrine Souders (one goal), Reagan Brummett (one goal), Riley Sumner (one goal), Josie Traver (one goal), Rebekah Clark (one goal), Kate Hutchinson (one goal), Ashlan Cunnagin (two assists), Sydney Jones (two assists), Vanessa Cortez (two assists) and Lauren Tyler (one assist) contributed for Southwestern in the victory.

Defensively for the Warriors, Sumner and Jaycee Daulton split time at goalkeeper and combined to record a shutout.

McCreary Central is scheduled to host Southwestern for a 48th District boys’ soccer match on Tuesday, Sept. 21. Both McCreary Central and Southwestern will compete in the 48th District Girls’ Soccer Tournament in October.

Raiders drop season opener to Fleming County

By Steve LeMaster

stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

FLEMINGSBURG – Visiting McCreary Central was limited to two touchdowns as Fleming County pulled away to win 48-13 in a high school football season opener on Friday, Aug. 20.

Quarterback Zeke Conn led Fleming County to the win, completing 10 of 12 passes for 179 yards and three touchdowns.

Logan Pinkley paced the Panthers in receiving, reeling in six receptions for 126 yards and one touchdown.

In addition to Pinkley, Landon Johnson and Levi Denton hauled in one touchdown pass reception apiece for the Panthers.

Along with thriving through the air, Fleming County excelled on the ground. Fleming County rushed 19 times for 154 yards and three touchdowns.

Denton led Fleming County on the ground, rushing five times for 60 yards and one touchdown.

In addition to Denton, Caleb Igo and Austin Trent added one rushing touchdown apiece for the Panthers.

Fleming County scored first and never trailed. The Panthers took control early, outscoring the Raiders 22-7 in the first quarter. Fleming County led 36-7 at halftime and stretched its lead after the intermission period, adding two touchdowns in the third period.

Maddux McKinney and Ben Trammell each delivered a touchdown pass for the Raiders while ranking as McCreary Central’s top two receivers. McKinney completed six of 12 passes for 81 yards. Following McKinney through the air, Trammell completed three of eight passes for 56 yards.

Trammell reeled in two receptions for 68 yards. Behind Trammell, McKinney hauled in two receptions for 52 yards.

The Raiders rushed for 99 yards in the season opener. Kamari Giglio led McCreary Central on the ground, rushing four times for 48 yards.

The Raiders have regular season games remaining versus Hart County, Clinton County, Pineville, Wayne County, Bell County, Garrard County, Estill County, Rockcastle County and Lynn Camp. McCreary Central is scheduled to face Hart County in the Don Franklin Auto Trojan Trail Turf War at Barren County High School on Friday, Aug. 27. Kickoff for the McCreary Central-Hart County football game is set for 7 p.m. in Glasgow.

August 19th, 2021

photo courtesy of McCreary Central Track & Field

After winning a region championship, McCreary Central’s Kendal KIdd finished 12th in high jump at the KHSAA Class 2A State Track & Field Championship at the University of Kentucky in Lexington. Kidd will compete as a senior later in 2021-22 schoolyear.

GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER

McCreary Central falls to Whitley County

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – Homestanding McCreary Central broke into the scoring column but was limited offensively as visiting Whitley County pulled away to win 8-1 in a girls’ high school soccer match on Thursday, Aug. 12.

Following the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 0-2.

Whitley County moved to 2-0 after notching the win.

Autumn Sawyers (four goals, two assists), Deserae Haynes (two goals, two assists), Chelsey Logan (two goals, one assist) and Norma Proffitt (one assist) combined to lead Whitley County’s offensive effort.

Pacing the Colonels defensively, goalkeepers Lillian Nelson and Zoie Moore combined to record eight saves while allowing only one goal.

Hayleeh Martinez netted McCreary Central’s lone goal.

Defensively for the Raiders, goalkeeper Jayden Lyons record 17 saves.

McCreary Central is scheduled to visit Whitley County on Thursday, Sept. 16.

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

McCreary Central shuts out Jellico (Tenn.), 3-0

By Steve LeMaster

JELLICO, Tenn. – McCreary Central shut out visiting Jellico (Tenn.) 3-0 in a high school volleyball season opener on Monday, Aug. 16.

The Raiders won the high school volleyball season opener convincingly.

Starting strong, McCreary Central defeated Jellico 25-13 in the opening game of the high school volleyball match.

The Raiders continued to control the high school volleyball match in the second game, winning 25-13.

Finishing strong, McCreary Central won the third game 25-16.

McCreary Central is scheduled to visit Jellico for a match on Tuesday, Sept. 28.

The Raiders are slated to host Casey County for a home opener on Thursday, Aug. 19.

Casey County is due to entertain McCreary Central on Friday, Sept. 17.

The McCreary Central Invitational is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 21. Perry County Central, Somerset, Williamsburg, Buckhorn, Barren County and Danville are due to join the Raiders to compete in the McCreary Central Invitational.

McCreary Central has additional regular-season matches scheduled versus Somerset, Buckhorn, Lincoln County, Wayne County, Barren County, Barbourville, Southwestern, Somerset Christian, Whitley County, Williamsburg and Lynn Camp.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

McCreary Central

Jackson County game canceled due to COVID

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – McCreary Central was scheduled to kick off the 2021 high school football season on the road at Jackson County on Friday, Aug. 20.

However, COVID forced the high school football game to be canceled.

On Tuesday, Aug. 17, the KHSAA Scoreboard listed the game was a win for McCreary Central.

The Raiders and Generals are no strangers. McCreary Central moved ahead early and never faltered on its way to defeating Jackson County 36-8 when the two teams met on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020.

Experienced McCreary Central returns its top passer, receiver and rusher from the 2020 high school football season.

Senior quarterback Ben Trammell is poised to lead McCreary Central in the 2021 gridiron campaign. Trammell was productive for McCreary Central throughout the 2020 season, completing 49 passes for 678 yards and six touchdowns.

Junior wide receiver Maddux McKinney is back for the Raiders. McKinney hauled in 21 receptions for 309 yards and three touchdowns in 2020, leading McCreary Central in receiving.

On the ground, junior running back Blake Botts is back for the Raiders. Botts rushed 37 times for 317 yards and one one touchdown in 2020.

McCreary Central has additional regular-season games scheduled versus Hart County, Clinton County, Pineville, Wayne County, Bell County, Garrard County, Estill County, Rockcastle County and Lynn Camp.

The Raiders ended the 2020 season 3-3 following an appearance in the Class 3A Playoffs.

Missing out on advancing to the Class 3A Playoffs, Jackson County ended the 2020 season 1-4.

Photo courtesy of Scott Warren

Quarterback Ben Trammell directed the McCreary Central offensive unit during a game in the 2020 high school football season.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Raiders’ 2021 schedule set

STEARNS – McCreary Central’s schedule is set for the 2021 high school football season.

The Raiders were scheduled to kick off the 2021 high school football season at Jackson County on Friday. Aug. 20. However, due to COVID, the McCreary Central-Jackson County gridiron matchup was canceled. Pulling away to win convincingly, McCreary Central defeated Jackson County 36-8 during the 2020 high school football season.

McCreary Central is slated to face Hart County in the Don Franklin Auto Trojan Trail Turf War at Barren County on Friday, Aug. 27. Newfound rivals, McCreary Central and Hart County did not meet during the 2020 high school football season.

The Raiders are due to host Clinton County for a home opener on Saturday, Sept. 4. McCreary Central did not face the Bulldogs during the 2020 high school football season.

Remaining at home, McCreary Central is scheduled to entertain Pineville on Friday, Sept. 10. Familiar foes, McCreary Central and Pineville did not meet in 2020.

The Raiders are slated to visit Wayne County on Friday, Sept. 17. Longtime rivals, McCreary Central and Wayne County did not meet in 2020.

McCreary Central is matched up against Bell County on Friday, Sept. 24. Bell County notched a pair of wins over McCreary Central in 2020.

The Raiders have games scheduled versus Garrard County (Oct. 1, away), Estill County (Oct. 8, home), Rockcastle County (Oct. 15, away) and Lynn Camp (Oct. 29, away) during the final month of the regular season.

McCreary Central compiled a .500 record in 2020. Following a loss to Bell County in the opening round of the Class 3A Playoffs, McCreary Central concluded the 2020 high school football season 3-3.

Head coach Eric Privett guides McCreary Central, which competes with Bell County, Estill County, Garrard County, Jackson County and Rockcastle County in Class 3A, District 5.

2021 Schedule

Aug. 20 at Jackson County, COVID Cancellation

Aug. 27 Hart County, 7 p.m.

(Don Franklin Auto Trojan Trail Turf War at Barren County)

Sept. 4 Clinton County, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 10 Pineville, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 17 at Wayne County, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 24 Bell County, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Garrard County, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 Estill County, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Rockcastle County, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 29 at Lynn Camp, 7:30 p.m.

June 3rd, 2021

Softball Senior Night

McCreary Central loses to Casey County

By Steve LeMaster

LIBERTY – McCreary Central was unable to prevail in its regular season finale as Casey County pulled away to win 12-4 on Tuesday, May 25.
The Raiders moved ahead early, plating two runs in the top half of the first inning of the late-season high school softball matchup.
McCreary Central clung to a 2-1 lead at the conclusion of the top half of the fourth inning but couldn’t limit Casey County. Finishing strong, Casey County plated 11 runs over its last three at-bats.
Abbie Durham earned the win in the circle for Casey County. Durham pitched a complete game, allowing four runs on 10 hits while striking out three over seven innings.
Celya Kiser took the pitching loss for McCreary Central. Kiser surrendered 10 runs on 10 hits over five and two-thirds innings, striking out five.
Casey County outhit the Raiders 12-10.
Durham, Macie Lee, Kennedy Neat, Natalie Pierce and Gaeda Gertler each recorded multiple hits for Casey County. Leading the Rebels at the plate, Durham and Lee delivered three hits apiece.
Neat, who finished with two hits, a home run and a double, drove in five runs for the Rebels.
Kiser, Jayci Bell and Emily Anderson paced McCreary Central at the plate, delivering two hits apiece for the Raiders.
Casey County and McCreary Central combined to commit seven errors. The Rebels made four defensive miscues in the high school softball contest.
Longtime 12th Region rivals, McCreary Central and Casey County met for the first time in the 2021 high school softball season.

Raiders fall to Southwestern in district
tournament

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

SOMERSET – McCreary Central was limited at the plate as Southwestern pulled away to win 16-1 in five innings in the semifinals of the 48th District Baseball Tournament on Saturday, May 29.
The loss eliminated McCreary Central from the high school baseball postseason.
After notching the win, Southwestern advanced to the 48th District Baseball Tournament title game.
Each team pushed across one run in the opening inning of the district tournament game.
But Southwestern separated itself, scoring 15 runs over the next three innings to move ahead 16-1 in the postseason high school baseball matchup.
Wyatt Morgan earned the win on the mound for Southwestern. Morgan allowed one run on two hits while walking one and striking out six over five innings.
Carson McKinney took the loss on the mound for McCreary Central. McKinney pitched four innings, allowing 16 runs on seven hits while recording five strikeouts.
Southwestern outhit McCreary Central 7-2
Caleb Ramsey delivered a triple and drove in five runs for the Warriors.
Providing another extra-base hit for Southwestern, Riley McBryde doubled and drove in three runs.
Kaleb Ellis and Maddux McKinney each collected one hit to for McCreary Central in the season-ending setback.
Defensively, McCreary Central committed eight errors.
McCreary Central dropped its third game to Southwestern in the 2021 high school baseball season.

May 20th, 2021

Raiders split doubleheader with Bell County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central split a high school baseball doubleheader with visiting Bell County on Monday, May 17.
A breakdown of each game played as part of the McCreary Central-Bell County baseball doubleheader follows.
McCreary Central 8, Bell County 6 (5 innings): Determined McCreary Central held on to defeat visiting Bell County 8-6 in five innings in the nightcap of a high school baseball doubleheader on Monday, May 17.
The Bobcats outhit the Raiders 8-5. However, Bell County committed four errors.
Carson McKinney earned the win on the mound for the Raiders. McKinney surrendered five runs on eight hits while recording nine strikeouts and giving up one walk over five innings. .
Cole Hoskins absorbed the loss on the mound for Bell County. Hoskins allowed seven runs on four hits over three innings, striking out three.
Noah Shook led McCreary Central at the plate, finishing 2-for-2.
Daniel Thomas and Cole Hoskins each racked up multiple hits for Bell County.
The Raiders overcame three errors to notch the win.
Bell County 12, McCreary Central 2 (5 innings): Bell County pulled away to beat host McCreary Central 12-2 in five innings in the opening game of a high school baseball doubleheader on Monday, May 17.
Hayden Clark earned the win on the mound for Bell County. Clark surrendered two runs on two hits over five innings, registering nine strikeouts.
Maddux McKinney took the pitching loss for McCreary Central. McKinney surrendered nine runs on five hits over four and a third innings, striking out nine.
Bell County outhit McCreary Central 10-2 and overcame two errors to notch the win.
Clark, Cole Hoskins and Alex Mays each recorded multiple hits for Bobcats. The productive Clark led Bell County at the plate. logging three hits in four at-bats.

McKinney and Austin West recorded one hit apiece for the Raiders in the setback.

McCreary Central loses to Knox Central

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

BARBOURVILLE – McCreary Central couldn’t prevail on the road as Knox Central pulled away to win 12-1 in six innings in a high school softball game on Friday, May 14.
Amber Partin led Knox Central to the victory in the pitcher’s circle. Partin pitched six innings, allowing one run on six hits, striking out six and walking zero as she claimed the win.
Celya Kiser took the loss in the circle for McCreary Central. Kiser pitched five and two-thirds innings, allowing 12 runs on six hits while striking out two.
Each team collected six hits.
Jayme Swafford and Morgan Bright paced Knox Central at the plate, providing two hits and three RBIs apiece.
Another batter, Makayla Hinkle, doubled for Knox Central.
Ava Stephens led McCreary Central at the plate, delivering two hits in three at-bats. Stephens doubled for the Raiders.
Longtime rivals, McCreary Central and Knox Central met for the first time in the 2021 high school softball season.
McCreary Central entered the week with regular season games remaining versus Lynn Camp, Barbourville, Garrard County, Corbin, Casey County and Wayne County.

Raiders fall to Whitley County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

CORBIN – McCreary Central was limited at the plate as host Whitley County pulled away to win 16-1 in three innings in a high school baseball game on Saturday, May 15.
Mason Croley and Tyler Rose split time on the mound for Williamsburg. Croley pitched two innings and claimed the win.
Ranzy Vanover took the pitching loss for the Raiders.
Whitley County outhit McCreary Central 8-2 and committed only one error.
Caden Petrey paced Whitley County at the plate, finishing 2-for-3 with four RBIs for the Colonels.
Instrumental in Whitley County’s win, Luke Stanfill, Bryce Anderson and Trevor Downs each drove in two runs.
Riley Newman and Carson McKinney recorded one hit apiece for the Raiders. Newman drove in McCreary Central’s only run.
McCreary Central committed four errors in the setback.
Longtime rivals, McCreary Central and Whitley County met for the first time in the 2021 high school baseball season.

May 13th, 2021

Raiders beat Buckhorn in five innings, 11-1

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

McCreary Central shook a slow start to beat 14th Region member Buckhorn 11-1 in five innings in a prep baseball game at Williamsburg High School on Saturday, May 8.
Kaleb Ellis earned the win on the mound for the Raiders. Ellis pitched three innings, allowing one run on four hits while recording three strikeouts.
Maddux McKinney threw two innings in relief for the Raiders. McKinney recorded the last six outs to claim the save.
Austin Riley took the pitching loss for the Wildcats. Riley allowed 11 runs on 13 hits over four and a third innings, striking out one.
McCreary Central outhit Buckhorn 13-4 and turned in an error-free performance defensively.
Ellis, Ranzy Vanover, Austin West, Tristan West and Keegan Musgrove paced McCreary Central at the plate, delivering two hits apiece. The versatile Ellis doubled twice and drove in three runs. McKinney doubled once and drove in two runs as part of the Raiders’ winning effort.
Buckhorn plated its lone run in the top half of the fourth inning.
Austin Riley, Jayden Barger, Justin Woods and Colton Southwood recorded one hit apiece for the Wildcats.
McCreary Central and Buckhorn met for the first time in the 2021 high school baseball season.

Raiders to face
Southwestern in 48th District Baseball
Tournament

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

SOMERSET – McCreary Central is set to face Southwestern in the 48th District Baseball Tournament on Saturday, May 29.
The Raiders and Warriors are set to meet in the semifinals of the 48th District Baseball Tournament.
McCreary Central dropped two 48th District games to Southwestern in April.
The winner of the McCreary Central/Southwestern matchup will advance to meet Wayne County in the 48th District Baseball Tournament title game.
Southwestern captured the previous 48th District championship in 2019.
High school baseball teams across the state will enter the postseason at the end of the month.
Both the champion and runner-up from the 48th District will advance to the 12th Region Baseball Tournament.
The schedule for the 48th District Baseball Tournament follows.

48th District Baseball Tournament
at Southwestern High School

Saturday, May 29
Semifinals
Southwestern vs. McCreary Central, 4 p.m.

Sunday, May 30
Championship Game
Southwestern/McCreary Central winner vs.
Wayne County, 2 p.m.

2021 Tennis Senior Night

McCreary Central falls to Clinton County

McCreary Central’s Makayla Stephens (left) caught a fly ball as the Raiders faced Clinton County on the road. McCreary Central catcher Caroline Richmond (right) tracked down a pop foul during a game on Thursday, May 6.

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

ALBANY – Visiting McCreary Central scored first but faltered late as Clinton County battled back to win 6-2 in a high school softball game on Thursday, May 6.
Bailey Polston earned the win in the circle for Clinton County. Polston surrendered two runs on eight hits over seven innings, recording four strikeouts.
Celya Kiser suffered the loss in the circle for McCreary Central. Kiser allowed six runs on six hits and recorded 10 strikeouts in six innings.
McCreary Central lost despite outhitting Clinton County 8-6.
Rheagan Leveridge drove in two runs for Clinton County, which claimed its second win over McCreary Central in the 2021 high school softball season.
Ava Stephens and Jayci Bell paced McCreary Central at the plate, providing two hits apiece for the Raiders.
Kiser, Heaven Perry, Makenna Mann and Chelsea Whitehead added one hit each for McCreary Central in the setback. Helping her pitching cause, Kiser drove in one run for the Raiders.
Each high school softball team committed four errors.
McCreary Central entered the week with regular season games remaining versus Somerset Christian, Williamsburg, Knox Central, Lynn Camp and Garrard County.

McCreary Central to meet Wayne County in 48th District Softball Tournament

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

SOMERSET – McCreary Central is slated to meet Wayne County in the 48th District Softball Tournament at Southwestern High School on Monday, May 31.
The Raiders and Cardinals are due to square off in the semifinals of the 48th District Softball Tournament.
McCreary Central notched back-to-back 48th District wins over rival Wayne County in late-April.
High school softball teams across the state will enter the postseason at the end of the month.
The winner of the McCreary Central/Wayne County matchup will advance to meet tournament host Southwestern in the 48th District Softball Tournament title game.
Both the champion and runner-up from the 48th District will advance to the 12th Region Softball Tournament.
Southwestern won the previous 48th District softball championship in 2019.
The schedule for the 48th District Softball Tournament follows.

48th District Softball Tournament
at Southwestern High School

Monday, May 31
Semifinals
McCreary Central vs. Wayne County, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 1
Championship Game
McCreary Central/Wayne County winner vs.
Southwestern, 7:30 p.m.

May 6th, 2021

 

Raiders edge Jackson County, 10-9

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

McKEE – Visiting McCreary Central edged Jackson County 10-9 in a high school softball matchup on Saturday, May 1.
The Raiders and Generals met in a Jackson County-hosted event.
Ava Stephens was the winning pitcher for the Raiders. Stephens pitched six and a third innings, allowing eight runs on 10 hits while striking out six and walking one as she claimed her first win.
Celya Kiser threw two-thirds of an inning in relief for McCreary Central. Kiser recorded the last two outs to claim the save.
Candace Williams took the loss in the circle for Jackson County. Williams allowed 10 runs on 15 hits over seven innings, recording five strikeouts.
McCreary Central outhit Jackson County 15-11.
Stephens, Kiser, Victoria Murphy, Brayden Newton and Jayci Bell each recorded multiple hits for the Raiders. Stephens went 4-for-4 at the plate to lead McCreary Central’s offensive attack. Murphy tallied four RBIs for the Raiders in the victory. Stephens, Murphy and Newton each doubled for McCreary Central.
Madison Belt, Hannah Creech, Larrysa Hillard and Blakelynn Fee each recorded multiple hits for Jackson County.
McCreary Central and Jackson County committed one error apiece in the high school softball game.

McCreary Central pulls away to defeat Cumberland County, 11-4

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

McKEE – Winning at a neutral site, McCreary Central pulled away to defeat Cumberland County 11-4 in a high school softball matchup at Jackson County High School on Saturday, May 1.
The Raiders and Panthers met in a Jackson County-hosted high school softball event.
McCreary Central prevailed in the one-day event, defeating both Cumberland County and Jackson County.

Olivia Wilder earned the win in the circle for the Raiders. Wilder surrendered four runs on five hits over four and a third innings, striking out two and walking zero.
Celya Kiser threw two and two-thirds innings in relief for McCreary Central. Kiser recorded the last eight outs to claim the save for the Raiders.
Annslie Booher suffered the loss for the Panthers. Booher allowed two runs on five hits over four and a third innings, striking out three and walking one.
Sarah Jane Stalcup started the game in the circle for Cumberland County. Stalcup pitched two and two-thirds innings, allowing nine runs on nine hits and striking out two.
McCreary Central outhit Cumberland County 14-9.

Kiser, Ava Stephens, Jayci Bell, Victoria Murphy and Emily Anderson each recorded multiple hits for the Raiders. Kiser and Stephens each collected three hits to lead McCreary Central’s offensive attack. Providing an early lift for McCreary Central, Stephens smacked a grand slam in the first inning. Stephens delivered a game-high five RBIs in the Raiders’ win
Maggie Morgan, Carly Jo Nettles and Jaylenna Smith each recorded multiple hits for Cumberland County.
The Raiders overcame two errors to claim the win.
Cumberland County committed three errors.

Raiders
fall to
Cumberland County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

MONTICELLO – Suffering a loss on a neutral field, McCreary Central fell as Cumberland County pulled away to win 15-5 in five innings in the Mylan Wright State Farm Classic at Wayne County High School on Saturday, May 1.
The Raiders plated five runs in the top half of the first inning but faltered.
Answering, Cumberland County battled back and led 12-4 at the conclusion of the third inning.
Kurtis Lee earned the win on the mound for Cumberland County. Lee pitched three innings, allowing five runs on two hits while registering six strikeouts.
Working out of a relief role, Braden Perdue pitched two innings for the Panthers.
Riley Newman suffered the loss on the mound for McCreary Central. Newman pitched three innings, allowing 12 runs on 10 hits while recording one strikeout.
Cumberland County outhit McCreary Central 10-3.
Perdue, Briley Sewell and Colby Huddleston paced Cumberland County at the plate, providing two hits apiece for the Panthers. The versatile Perdue tallied four RBIs.
Austin West, Carson McKinney and Tristen West each collected one hit for the Raiders.
Thriving offensively and defensively, Cumberland County turned in an error-free performance in the field.
McCreary Central committed six errors in the setback.

April 15th, 2021

McCreary Central falls to Garrard County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

LANCASTER – Visiting McCreary Central was limited offensively as Garrard County pulled away to win 14-0 in five innings in a high school softball game on Friday, April 9.
Kylee Tudor earned the win in the circle for Garrard County. Tudor pitched all five innings, allowing four hits and zero runs while striking out 10 and walking zero.
Celya Kiser suffered the pitching loss for McCreary Central. Kiser surrendered nine runs on nine hits over three and a third innings, striking out five.
Garrard County outhit the Raiders 12-4.
Jade Pevley, Nadia Robertson and Macy Abney each managed to record multiple hits for Garrard County. Pevley went 3-for-4 at the plate and racked up four RBIs to lead Garrard County. Behind Pevley, Robertson and Abney added two hits apiece. Abney drove in three runs for the Lady Lions.
Chelsea Whitehead led McCreary Central’s offensive attack, providing two hits in three at-bats.
Following Whitehead, Kiser and Makenna Mann added one hit apiece for the Raiders in the setback.
Thriving defensively, Garrard County turned in an error-free performance.
McCreary Central committed four errors in the setback.
The Raiders are scheduled to host Garrard County on May 20.

Raiders suffer shutout loss to Somerset

By Steve LeMaster

SOMERSET – Visiting McCreary Central was held scoreless as Somerset prevailed 17-0 in four innings in a high school softball game on Monday, April 12.
Following the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 1-6.
Somerset improved to 5-2 with the win.
Carly Cain was the winning pitcher for Somerset. Cain pitched four innings, allowing zero runs on three hits while striking out eight and walking zero.
McCreary Central pitcher Olivia Wilder suffered the loss. Wilder allowed five hits and nine runs over three innings, striking out one and walking one.
Setting the tone early, Somerset plated three runs in the bottom half of the third inning.
The Briar Jumpers added four runs in the home portion of the third inning.
Erupting offensively during its fourth at-bat, Somerset scored nine runs to notch the win via the KHSAA Mercy Rule.
Somerset outhit McCreary Central 9-3 and overcame two errors to win convincingly.
Emma Hawk, Allison Coffey and Kaley Harris paced Somerset at the plate, providing two hits apiece. Hawk smacked two home runs, one of which was a grand slam. She collected six RBIs.
Emily Anderson, Jayci Bell and Brayden Newton each recorded one hit for the Raiders in shutout loss.
McCreary Central committed three errors.

Raiders drop district game to Southwestern

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – Visiting Southwestern scored first and never trailed on its way to defeating McCreary Central 17-1 in four innings in a 48th District baseball game on Monday, April 12.
Southwestern set the tone early, scoring four runs in the top half of the first inning.
Ian Maybrier earned the win on the mound for the Warriors. Maybrier pitched three innings, allowing two hits and one run while striking out six and walking one.
Cameron Shipp threw one inning in relief for the Warriors.
Maddux McKinney suffered the pitching loss for the Raiders. McKinney allowed eight hits and 11 runs over three innings.
Carson McKinney and Keandre Giglio provided one hit to lead McCreary Central’s offensive attack.
Southwestern outhit McCreary Central 11-2.
Micha Mullins, Tucker Howard, Wyatt Morgan and Caleb Ramsey each collected multiple hits for the Raiders. Southwestern didn’t commit a single error in the field. Leading Southwestern’s defensive effort, Riley McBryde had the most chances in the field with eight.
Carson McKinney and Keandre Giglio collected one hit apiece for the Raiders.
Defensively, McCreary Central committed five errors.

McCreary Central loses to visiting Casey County

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – McCreary Central faced a deficit early and couldn’t overcome its slow start as visiting Casey County pulled away to win 20-1 in three innings in a high school baseball game on Friday, April 9.
Casey County pitcher Collin Wesley picked up the win on the mound. Wesley surrendered zero runs on zero hits over two innings, striking out two and walking one.
Caleb Brown pitched one inning in relief for the Rebels.
McCreary Central pitcher Ranzy Vanover was saddled with the loss on the mound. Vanover pitched two and a third innings, allowing 10 hits and 13 runs while striking out two.
Casey County outhit McCreary Central 18-1 and committed only one error.
Wesley, Walker Johnson, Lukas Bowmer, Lincoln Phillips and Wyatt Stonecypher each collected multiple hits for the Rebels.
Pacing Casey County at the plate, Wesley, Johnson and Bowmer provided three hits apiece. Johnson drilled two doubles for Casey County in the victory.
Stonecypher delivered a game-high five RBIs for the Rebels.
Maddux McKinney provided McCreary Central’s lone hit in the setback.
Defensively, McCreary Central committed two errors.

April 8th, 2021

McCreary Central limited in loss to Garrard County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central fell behind and couldn’t overcome the early deficit as Garrard County pulled away to win 17-1 in four innings in a high school baseball on Friday, April 2.
Longtime 12th Region rivals, McCreary Central and Garrard County met for the first time in the 2021 high school baseball season.
Following the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 0-3.
Garrard County improved to 1-2 after notching the win.
Merrick Graham earned the win on the mound for the Golden Lions. Graham allowed three hits and one run over four innings, striking out five and walking one.
Maddux McKinney suffering the pitching loss for the Raiders. McKinney pitched two innings, allowing nine runs on one hit and striking out two.
Garrard County outhit McCreary Central 5-3.
Hudson Cornett and Tavion Neff drove in two runs apiece for Garrard County.
Kaleb Ellis, Alex Jones and Carson McKinney each collected one hit to pace McCreary Central at the plate.

Defensively, McCreary Central committed four errors.

Williamsburg doubles up Raiders, 10-5

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – Visiting Williamsburg doubled up McCreary Central 10-5 in a high school baseball game on Tuesday, March 30.
The loss dropped McCreary Central to 0-2.
With the win, Williamsburg evened its record to 1-1.
Casey Kysar earned the win on the mound for Williamsburg. Kysar allowed two hits and two runs over five innings, striking out 11.
Sydney Bowen started the game on the mound for Williamsburg. Bowen pitched two innings, allowing three runs on four hits while striking out four and walking one
McCreary Central pitcher Austin West suffered the loss on the mound. West allowed nine hits and seven runs over two innings, striking out two and walking one.
Carson McKinney started the game on the mound for McCreary Central. McKinney allowed four hits and three runs over five innings, striking out six.
Williamsburg, an opponent from the neighboring 13th Region, outhit McCreary Central 13-6.
Bowen, Bradyn Hopkins, Landon Walker and Jackson Osborne collected two hits apiece to pace Williamsburg. Hopkins and Kysar, who provided one hit, recorded two RBIs apiece for the Yellow Jackets.
Maddux McKinney and Carson McKinney each collected two hits to pace McCreary Central at the plate.
Kaleb Ellis and Austin West connected for one hit apiece in the Raiders’ setback. Ellis supplied two RBIs for McCreary Central. Following Ellis, Maddux McKinney, Carson McKinney and Tristen West drove in one run apiece.
Defensively, each team committed one error.

Raiders defeat Williamsburg, 14-6

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central pulled away to defeat visiting Williamsburg 14-6 in a high school softball game on Thursday, April 1.
The win allowed McCreary Central to even its record to 1-1.
Williamsburg slipped to 0-3 after suffering the loss.
McCreary Central outhit Williamsburg 7-5. Productive McCreary Central plated 10 runs over its last three at-bats to pull away to win convincingly.
In the circle, McCreary Central pitcher Celya Kiser earned the win. Kiser allowed five hits and six runs over seven innings, striking out nine.
Allie Wilson took the pitching loss for Williamsburg. Wilson went three and a third innings, allowing six runs on two hits and striking out three.
Ava Stephens and Makayla Stephens led McCreary Central at the plate, providing two hits apiece for the Raiders. Stephens finished with a game-high four RBIs.
Contributing at the plate for McCreary Central, Heaven Perry, who finished with one hit, drove in two runs.
Chloe Barman and Morgan Prewitt paced Williamsburg offensively, providing two hits apiece. Barman drove in two of Williamsburg’s six runs.
Defensively, each team committed three errors.
McCreary Central is scheduled to visit Williamsburg on May 13.

McCreary Central loses home game to Somerset

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central fell short as visiting Somerset plated one run in each of its last two at-bats to win 7-5 in a high school softball game on Saturday, April 3.
Familiar rivals from neighboring districts, McCreary Central and Somerset battled back and forth throughout the game.
Somerset outhit the Raiders 9-5 and overcame three errors to notch the win.
Carly Cain was the winning pitcher for Somerset. Cain pitched three and a third innings, allowing two hits and zero runs while striking out six and walking zero.
Jill Langford started the game in the circle for the Briar Jumpers. Langford pitched three and two-thirds innings, allowing three hits and five runs while striking out three.
McCreary Central pitcher Ava Stephens took the loss in the circle. Stephens surrendered two runs on three hits over two innings, striking out two.
Celya Kiser started the game in the circle for the Raiders. Kiser pitched five innings, allowing five runs on six hits while striking out five.
Allison Coffey and Addi Langford collected two hits apiece for the Briar Jumpers. Cain and Olivia Ulrich drove in two runs apiece for Somerset.
Ava Stephens went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead McCreary Central offensively.
Contributing offensively, Kiser, Emily Anderson and Jay Bell provided one hit apiece for the Raiders.

April 1st, 2021

Trio places in state tournament

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

WINCHESTER – Three McCreary Central wrestlers placed in the KHSAA Wrestling State Tournament at George Rogers Clark High School on Saturday, March 27.
Individually for McCreary Central, each of the three wrestlers concluded the 2020-21 high school wrestling season with a Top 8 finish.
Elijah Baird placed sixth in the 120-pound weight class.
Jeremiah Baird placed seventh in the 113-pound weight class.
Blake Botts placed eighth in the 152-pound weight class.
As a team, McCreary Central finished 21st.
Head coach Gary Parriman and assistant coach Keith Botts guided the Raiders throughout the 2020-21 high school wrestling season.
The Raiders faced adversity during the the latest prep wrestling season but persevered throughout the campaign.

Several experienced wrestlers are poised to return for McCreary Central in the 2021-22 high school wrestling season.

Hardwood success: Raiders compile winning record

McCreary Central returns to top in 48th District

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central wrapped up a successful season on the hardwood earlier in the month.
Under the direction of Coach Wade Davis, McCreary Central compiled a 10-9 overall record. The Raiders captured the 48th District title and made an appearance in the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament. Eventual champion Boyle County beat McCreary Central 63-49 in the opening round of the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament.
The Raiders notched wins over Somerset Christian, Danville, Wayne County, Cumberland Homeschool, Cumberland County, Southwestern and Russell County during the 2020-21 boys’ high school basketball season.
Kyle Stephens led McCreary Central throughout the 2020-21 boys’ high school basketball season, averaging 17.8 points per game for the Raiders. In 19 games, Stephens scored 338 points.
McCreary Central featured two scorers averaging double figures in the 2020-21 boys’ high school basketball season.
Noah Loudermilk averaged 11.6 points per game for the Raiders. In 19 games, Loudermilk netted 221 points.
Trent Conatser averaged 9.9 points per game for the Raiders. Conatser scored 179 points in 18 games for the Raiders.
Following Conatser, Kyle Davis averaged 8.7 points per game for McCreary Central.
Additional key contributors for the Raiders during the 2020-21 boys’ high school basketball season included Carson McKinney (3.6 ppg) and Maddux McKinney (3.4 ppg).
Conatser led McCreary Central on the backboards, averaging 6.1 rebounds per game.
Stephens ranked as McCreary Central’s second-leading rebounder, averaging 5.3 rebounds per game for the Raiders.
As a team, McCreary Central shot 47.2 percent (422-of-895) from the field. The Raiders shot 35 percent (106-of-303) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 63.2 percent (191-of-302) from the free throw line.
The Raiders defeated rival Southwestern 79-69 in the 2020-21 48th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament title game.
Several experienced players are due back for McCreary Central in the 2021-22 boys’ high school basketball season.

Raiders drop season opener to Lynn Camp

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central dropped a high-scoring high school baseball season opener as visiting Lynn Camp prevailed 16-11 on Monday, March 29.
The Raiders lost despite outhitting Lynn Camp 11-7.
McCreary Central and Lynn Camp swapped leads during the high school baseball season opener. The Raiders clung to a 6-5 lead at the conclusion of the fourth inning but faltered. Lynn Camp outscored McCreary Central 11-5 over the final three innings to pull away to win.
Lynn Camp pitcher Luke Ledington picked up the win on the mound. Ledington pitched two and a third innings, allowing five runs on five hits, striking out four and walking zero.
Two additional Lynn Camp pitchers, Spencer Gilbert and Chance Wyatt, entered the game out of the bullpen and helped to close out the matchup in relief roles.
McCreary Central pitcher Ranzy Vanover suffered the loss. Vanover pitched three innings, allowing three hits and three runs while striking out three.
Spencer Gilbert led Lynn Camp offensively, finishing 2-for-4 at the plate. Thriving as a hitter, Wyatt delivered three RBIs.
Vanover, Kamari Giglio, Carson McKinney and Kaleb Ellis paced McCreary Central at the plate, collecting two hits apiece. McKinney and Ellis recorded two RBIs apiece for McCreary Central in the setback.
Defensively, each team committed four errors.
The Raiders’ 2021 schedule includes games versus Lynn Camp, Williamsburg, Whitley County, Garrard County, Lincoln County, Clinton County, Cumberland County, Casey County, Southwestern, Barbourville, South Laurel, Jackson County, Jellico (Tenn.), Wayne County, Pulaski County and Bell County.

McCreary Central is scheduled to visit Lynn Camp on April 23.

Elizabeth Anderson leads Lady Raiders

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – Senior forward/guard Elizabeth Anderson led McCreary Central throughout the 2020-21 girls’ high school basketball season, pacing the Lady Raiders in both scoring and rebounding.
As a senior, Anderson averaged a team-high 19.5 points and 7.6 rebounds per game for the Lady Raiders. In 26 games, Anderson scored 507 points and grabbed 198 rebounds.
Kennedy Creekmore accompanied Anderson in averaging double figures in scoring for McCreary Central. Creekmore averaged 13.1 points per game for the Lady Raiders. In 26 games, Creekmore netted 341 points.
Megan Loudermilk (5.2 ppg), Emily Anderson (4.7 ppg) and Corinne Trammell (4.5 ppg) rounded out McCreary Central’s top five scorers in the 2020-21 prep hoops season.
As a team, McCreary Central shot 39.8 percent (478-of-1,200) from the field during its latest campaign. The Lady Raiders shot 31.5 percent (128-of-406) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 73.3 percent (297-of-405) from the free throw line.
Trammell ranked second in rebounding for McCreary Central, hauling down five rebounds per game.
Following a loss to Wayne County in the 48th District Girls’ Basketball Tournament, McCreary Central concluded the 2020-21 season 6-20. A longtime member of the 48th District, McCreary Central notched a pair of wins over Barbourville during he 2020-21 girls’ high school basketball season.
The Lady Raiders will return to the court during the offseason.

March 25th, 2021

Three McCreary Central wrestlers advance to State Tournament

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

INEZ – All seven Semi-State qualifiers from McCreary Central wrestled in the KHSAA Semi-State 4 Wrestling Tournament at Martin County High School on Saturday, March 20.
Three McCreary Central wrestlers have qualified for the KHSAA State Wrestling Tournament. Raiders Jeremiah Baird, Elijah Baird and Blake Botts are poised to compete in the state event during the upcoming weekend.
“Although we didn’t get the results we were hoping for everyone wrestled hard and represented McCreary Central very well,” said McCreary Central Coach Gary Parriman. “We had three Raiders advance to the State Tournament next weekend where they are guaranteed to place in the Top 8 and stand tall on the podium for the season’s accomplishments. Jeremiah Baird, Elijah Baird and Blake Botts each have advanced. Elijah (Baird) won the Semi-State and Jeremiah (Baird) and Blake (Botts) each finished as runner-ups.
“The other kids wrestled really hard and each of them placed fifth. I am so very proud of the boys and their effort. We coach about effort every day and how that’s what it takes and over the last two weeks these guys have really got after it.”

Annually, McCreary Central, a tradition-rich program, produces some of the state’s top high school wrestlers.

Raiders set to host Lynn Camp for season opener

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central is set to host Lynn Camp for an opener in the 2021 high school baseball season.
A familiar foe for the Raiders, Lynn Camp hails from the neighboring 13th Region.
Prep teams across the state are preparing to take the field for openers in the 2021 high school baseball season.
The 2020 Kentucky high school baseball season was canceled due to COVID-19.
The Raiders ended the 2019 high school baseball season 10-16. McCreary Central’s 2019 season ended with a two-run loss to rival Wayne County in the 48th District Baseball Tournament Semifinals.
In addition to Lynn Camp, McCreary Central’s 2021 schedule includes games versus Williamsburg, Whitley County, Garrard County, Lincoln County, Clinton County, Cumberland County, Casey County, Southwestern, Barbourville, South Laurel, Jackson County, Jellico (Tenn.), Wayne County, Pulaski County and Bell County.
McCreary Central resumed practice at the start of the week.
Coach Darrell King guides the Raiders.

Lady Raiders fall to Wayne County in 48th District Semifinals

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

MONTICELLO – McCreary Central suffered a season-ending loss as tournament host Wayne County pulled away to win 68-49 in the 48th District Girls’ Basketball Semifinals on Tuesday, March 16.
The win allowed Wayne County to advance to the 48th District girls’ basketball title game.
With the loss, McCreary Central ended its season 6-20.
Wayne County improved to 18-2 with the win.
Tournament host Wayne County shot 43.1 percent (25-of-58) from the field. The Lady Cardinals were 7-of-20 (35 percent) from 3-point range.
Wayne County shot 84.6 percent (11-of-16) from the free throw line.
Mallory Combs scored a game-high 21 points to lead Wayne County to the victory. Campbell was 3-of-4 from 3-point range.
Accompanying Combs in double figures in scoring for Wayne County, Macey Blevins netted 19 points.
Combined, Campbell and Blevins were 11-of-11 from the free throw line.
Narrowly missing double figures in scoring, Mariah Bowlin netted nine points for the Lady Cardinals.
The additional scorers for Wayne County in the win were Kenzie Upchurch (eight points), Amber Jones (six points), Jade Turner (three points) and Xaviea West (two points).
Blevins and Upchurch ranked as Wayne County’s top two rebounders, pulling down eight rebounds and seven rebounds, respectively.
McCreary Central shot 32.6 percent (15-of-46) from the field. The Lady Raiders were 3-of-14 from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 84.2 percent (16-of-19) from the free throw line.
Kennedy Creekmore led McCreary Central, scoring 18 points for the Lady Raiders. Creekmore was 10-of-12 from the free throw line.
Accompanying Creekmore in double figures in scoring, Eiizabeth Anderson netted 12 points.
McCreary Central featured seven different scorers, including Corinne Trammell (seven points), Emily Anderson (five points), Celya Kiser (three points), Jayci Bell (two points) and Megan Loudermilk (two points).

McCreary Central to open season at home versus South Laurel

McCreary Central is scheduled to open the 2021 high school softball season at home versus visiting South Laurel on Monday, March 29.
South Laurel competes in the nearby 13th Region.
High school softball teams across the state are preparing to take the field for season openers.
Prep softball squads have been sidelined.
The 2020 Kentucky high school softball season was canceled due to COVID-19.
McCreary Central concluded the 2019 high school softball season 10-20. The Raiders finished as the 2019 48th District runner-up and made an appearance in the 12th Region Softball Tournament.
In addition to South Laurel, McCreary Central has regular season games scheduled versus Clinton County, Williamsburg, Jackson County, Somerset, Clay County, Garrard County, Jellico (Tenn.), Cumberland County, Oneida (Tenn.), Southwestern, Russell County, Lincoln County, West Jessamine, Wayne County, Knox Central, Pineville, Danville, Pulaski County and Somerset Christian.
Coach Anthony Smith guides McCreary Central.

McCreary Central falls to Boyle County in 12th Region Tournament

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STANFORD – McCreary Central’s postseason run ended in the opening round of the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament. Boyle County pulled away to defeat the Raiders 63-49 in the first round of the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament at Lincoln County High School on Saturday, March 20.
The win allowed Boyle County to advance to the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament Semifinals.
With the loss, McCreary Central ended its season 10-9.
Boyle County improved to 19-4 with the win.
A 12th Region title contender, Boyle County shot 44.7 percent (21-of-47) from the field. The Rebels were 7-of-18 (38.9 percent) from 3-point range.
Boyle County shot 51.9 percent (14-of-27) from the free throw line.
As part of a balanced offensive effort, four Boyle County players reached double figures in scoring.
Jagger Gillis paced Boyle County, scoring a game-high 17 points for the Rebels.
Following Gillis in scoring for the Rebels, Luke Shepperson and Luke Imfeld netted 12 points apiece.
Accompanying three of his teammates in double figures in scoring, Hagan Webb added 11 points for the Rebels.
McCreary Central outscored Boyle County 15-13 in the opening quarter but faltered.

Boyle County shook a slow start to lead 31-19 at halftime.
The Raiders were limited following the opening quarter.
Kyle Stephens led McCreary Central, scoring 16 points and recording eight blocks. Stephens led the Raiders in scoring and blocks.
In the other opening round games in the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament it was Lincoln County 52, West Jessamine 50; Pulaski County 49, Southwestern 40 and East Jessamine 61, Rockcastle County 54

March 18th, 2021

Lady Raiders knock off Casey County, 61-55

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

Returning to the win column, McCreary Central knocked off homestanding Casey County 61-55 in a girls’ high school basketball game on Tuesday, March 9.
Visiting McCreary Central thrived offensively.
McCreary Central shot 56.8 percent (21-of-37) from the field. The Lady Raiders were 3-of-7 from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 88.9 percent (16-of-22) from the free throw line.
Kennedy Creekmore scored a game-high 24 points to lead McCreary Central to the win. Creekmore was 9-of-14 from inside the arc.
Finishing directly behind Creekmore in scoring for McCreary Central, Elizabeth Anderson netted 23 points.
Completing McCreary Central’s individual scoring, Corinne Trammell and Emily Anderson posted six points apiece while Jayci Bell added two points.
Trammell paced McCreary Central on the backboards, pulling down nine rebounds.
Casey County shot 40 percent (12-of-30) from the field. The Lady Rebels were 7-of-15 from 3-point range, shooting 46.7 percent beyond the arc.
Casey County shot 75 percent (3-of-4) from the free throw line.
Natalie Pierce netted 11 points to lead Casey County. Finishing directly behind Pierce in scoring for Casey County, Madison Chansler scored 10 points.

Contributing offensively, Jalee Yocum (eight points), Chloe Dunn (three points) and Sadie Edwards (two points) provided Casey County’s additional scoring.

Raiders finish fourth in Region 7 Tournament

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

RICHMOND – McCreary Central finished fourth in the KHSAA Region 7 Wrestling Tournament at Madison Central High School on Saturday, March 13.
Seven Raiders have qualified for the state tournament. The top finishers for McCreary Central in the KHSAA Region 7 Wrestling Tournament were Moses Navaro (3rd), Jeremiah Baird (1st), Elijah Baird (1st), Chase Bowlin (4th), Julian Cruz (2nd) Blake Botts (2nd) and Kylon Williams (2nd).
In addition to McCreary Central, Region 7 includes Barbourville, Boyle County, Bryan Station, Danville, Danville Christian, East Jessamine, Frederick Douglass, Henry Clay, Knox Central, Lafayette, Lexington Christian, Lynn Camp, Madison Central, Madison Southern, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Sayre, Tates Creek, Wayne County, West Jessamine and Whitley County.
Coach Gary Parriman guides the Raiders on the mats.
McCreary Central is set to compete in Semi-State on Saturday, March 20.

McCreary Central drops regular season finale to Russell County

By Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – Visiting Russell County dealt McCreary Central a loss in a girls’ high school basketball regular season finale finale, defeating the Lady Raiders 62-45 on Thursday, March 11.
With the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 6-19.
Russell County improved to 14-11 with the win.
A team from the 4th Region, Russell County shot 43.6 percent (24-of-55) from the field. The Lady Lakers were 1-of-11 from 3-point range.
Russell County shot 65 percent (13-of-20) from the free throw line.
Dominating on the backboards, Russell County outrebounded McCreary Central 42-16.
Star Marcum scored a game-high 26 points to lead Russell County to the win. Marcum was 11-of-16 from inside the arc.
Accompanying Marcum in double figures for Russell County, Juliah Bault scored 15 points.
Narrowly missing a double-double, Hannah Yates netted nine points and pulled down 10 rebounds for the Lady Lakers
Chipping in offensively for Russell County, Maleah Preston (four points), Sophie Shearer (three points), Kenzie Kelsey (two points), Rachel Bolin (two points) and Jaterria Coffey (one point) provided additional scoring.
McCreary Central shot 25 percent (12-of-48) from the field. The Lady Raiders were 5-of-22 from 3-point range.
McCreary Central managed to shoot 88.9 percent (16-of-18) from the free throw line.
Elizabeth Anderson led McCreary Central with a double-double, scoring 21 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Anderson was 11-of-12 from the free throw line.
Accompanying Anderson in double figures in scoring for McCreary Central, Kennedy Creekmore netted 17 points. Creekmore was 5-of-6 from the free throw line.
Rounding out McCreary Central’s individual scoring, Emily Anderson added three points while Kendyl Walters and Corinne Trammell contributed two points apiece.

              Clinton County 63, McCreary Central 60

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

ALBANY – McCreary Central came up short on the road during the final week of the regular season. Clinton County held on to win 63-60 over visiting McCreary Central in a girls’ high school basketball game on Monday, March 8.
Homestanding Clinton County shot 48 percent (24-of-50) from the field. The Lady Bulldogs were 5-of-13 (38.5 percent) from 3-point range.
Clinton County shot 62.5 percent (10-of-16) from the free throw line.
Landree Moons led Clinton County, scoring 20 points and pulling down nine rebounds.
Accompanying Moons in double figures for Clinton County, Braylee Mann added 13 points.
Behind Mann, Aysha Sutton (eight points), Abbi Young (eight points), Makenzie Cope (six points), Jaleigh McIntyre (three points), Loren Little (three points) and Sara Turner (two points) combined to round out Clinton County’s individual scoring.
McCreary Central shot 41.2 percent (21-of-51) from the field. The Lady Raiders were 6-of-23 from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 92.3 percent (12-of-13) from the free throw line.
Narrowly missing a double-double, Elizabeth Anderson led McCreary Central, scoring 26 points and claiming nine rebounds.
Accompanying Anderson in double figures in scoring, Kennedy Creekmore netted 15 points for the Lady Raiders.

In addition, McCreary Central received scoring from Emily Anderson (six points), Kendyl Walters (four points), Corinne Trammell (three points) and Megan Loudermilk (two points).

McCreary Central
Barbourville game
canceled due to
COVID-19

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – The McCreary Central-Barbourville boys’ basketball game scheduled for Tuesday, March 9 was canceled due to COVID-19.
The game was scheduled to serve as a regular season finale for the Raiders.
McCreary Central entered the postseason 9-8. The Raiders were slated to compete in the 48th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament title game versus Southwestern at Wayne County High School on Wednesday, March 17. Results from the district tournament title game were unavailable at press time. Complete coverage of the 48th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament title game will appear in next week’s edition.

McCreary Central ranked ninth in 12th
Region

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central is ranked ninth in the BluegrassPreps.com 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Rankings.
The Raiders entered the week 9-8. McCreary Central hasn’t played since dropping a game to North Laurel on March 2.
McCreary Central is ranked ahead of Southwestern (10), Rockcastle County (11), Casey County (12), Garrard County (13), Wayne County (14), Somerset Christian (15), Danville Christian (16) and Burgin (17).
The Raiders are listed behind Mercer County (8), Danville (7), Pulaski County (6), West Jessamine (5), Somerset (4), East Jessamine (3) Lincoln County (2) and top-ranked Boyle County (1).
McCreary Central was facing longtime rival Southwestern in the 48th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament title game at press time on Wednesday, March 18.
The BluegrassPreps.com 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Rankings follow.
12th Region Boys’
Basketball Rankings
1. Boyle County
2. Lincoln County
3. East Jessamine
4. Somerset
5. West Jessamine
6. Pulaski County
7. Danville
8. Mercer County
9. McCreary Central
10. Southwestern
11. Rockcastle County
12. Casey County
13. Garrard County
14. Wayne County
15. Somerset Christian
16. Danville Christian
17. Burgin

March 11th, 2021

Sanborn, Martinez place in state tournament

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central High School wrestlers Rayna Sanborn and Hayleeh Martinez each placed in the girls’ wrestling state tournament over the weekend, finishing fourth and fifth in their respective classes.
Sanborn and Martinez worked hard throughout the season to prepare for the state tournament.
As a team, McCreary Central placed 15th.
“The Raiders took the weekend off this past weekend and supported the only to ladies on the team,” said McCreary Central Coach Gary Parriman. “Hayleeh Martinez and Rayna Sanborn have been part of the team all season, wrestling and practicing with just the boys. Well, this weekend was all about the ladies. Hayleeh (Martinez) finished in fifth place and Rayna (Sanborn) finished with a fourth place finish, leaving them as a team in 15th overall. I’m so super proud of them for sticking it out and representing the team so well.”

Raiders fall to 13th Region frontrunner North Laurel

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

LONDON – Visiting McCreary Central was limited offensively as 13th Region frontrunner North Laurel pulled away to win 80-39 in a boys’ high school basketball game on Tuesday, March 2.
With the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 9-8.
North Laurel moved to 19-0 with the win.
Excelling offensively, North Laurel shot 58.2 percent (32-of-55) from the field. The Jaguars were 7-of-17 from 3-point range, shooting 41.2 percent beyond the arc.
North Laurel shot 81.8 percent (9-of-11) from the free throw line.
Reed Shepherd led North Laurel with a game-high double-double, scoring 26 points and pulling down 12 rebounds.
Joining Shepherd in double figures for the Jaguars, Ryan Davidson added 20 points and Brody Brock contributed 14 points.
The additional scorers for North Laurel were Clay Sizemore (eight points), Chase Keen (three points), Ashton Reynolds (three points), Caden Harris (two points), Cole Messer (two points) and Kyler Elza (two points).
McCreary Central finished 15-of-52 from the field. The Raiders were 4-of-20 from 3-point range.
McCreary Central was 5-of-7 from the free throw line.
Kyle Stephens netted 17 points to pace the Raiders. Stephens was 7-of-13 from the field.
Accompanying Stephens in double figures for McCreary Central, Trey Davis added 14 points.
Five players accounted for McCreary Central’s scoring as Trent Conatser contributed four points while Maddux McKinney and Ben Trammell netted two points apiece.

Raiders await Southwestern Wayne County winner in
district title game

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

DANVILLE – Winning on the road, McCreary Central outlasted host Danville Christian 52-49 in a girls’ high school basketball game on Thursday, March 4.
McCreary Central shot 43.5 percent (20-of-46) from the field. The Lady Raiders were 4-of-12 (33.3 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 66.7 percent (8-of-12) from the free throw line.
Productive throughout the prep hoops matchup, Elizabeth Anderson led McCreary Central with a double-double, tallying 19 points and 10 rebounds. Anderson was 5-of-6 from the free throw line.
Accompanying Anderson in double figures in scoring for McCreary Central, Corinne Trammell added 14 points and Kennedy Creekmore contributed 13 points.
Rounding out McCreary Central’s individual scoring, Celya Kiser chipped in six points.
Danville Christian shot 35.4 percent (23-of-65) from the field. The Lady Warriors were 0-for-3 from 3-point range.
Danville Christian finished 3-of-8 from the free throw line.
Ruth Mbugua scored 19 points to pace Danville Christian. Recording a double-double for the Lady Warriors, Grace Mbugua added 14 points and a game-high 15 rebounds.
Aiding Danville Christian offensively, Victoria Inmon finished with eight points, Braxtyn Heck posted six points and Maggie Bentley logged two points.
McCreary Central and Danville Christian met for the first time in the 2020-21 girls’ high school basketball season.

March 4th, 2021

McCreary Central excels in Ashland Invitational

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

ASHLAND – The McCreary Central wrestling team excelled in the Ashland-hosted Tomcat Invitational on Saturday, Feb. 27.
McCreary Central wrestlers Jeremiah Baird and Elijah Baird each captured championships in the Tomcat Invitational.
Jeremiah Baird finished first in the 113 pound weight class.
Elijah Baird finished first in the 120 pound weight class.
In addition, five other McCreary Central wrestlers placed third in their respective weight class.
The Raiders are scheduled to compete in the Region 7 Wrestling Tournament March 12-13.
“This young team has made huge strides this season while facing all the Covid-19 challenges,” said McCreary Central Coach Gary Parriman.
A pair of McCreary Central female student-athletes are scheduled to compete in the girls’ wrestling state tournament on Saturday, March 6.
“HayLee Martinez and Rayna Sanborn have been practicing and wrestling with the boys all season,” confided Parriman. “They have shown hard work and dedication and we are hoping they perform at the peak of their ability this weekend.”

McCreary Central comes up short at Williamsburg

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

WILLIAMSBURG – McCreary Central came up short on the road as host Williamsburg prevailed 61-56 in a girls’ high school basketball game on Thursday, Feb. 25.
Williamsburg shot 40.7 percent (22-of-54) from the field. The Lady Jackets were 0-for-7 from 3-point range.
Williamsburg shot 63 percent (17-of-27) from the free throw line.
Controlling the backboards, Williamsburg outrebounded McCreary Central 42-15.
Mikkah Siler led Williamsburg with a double-double, scoring a game-high 25 points and pulling down 11 rebounds.
Joining Siler in double figures in scoring for Williamsburg, Sabrina Lewis netted 12 points.
In addition to the two scorers in double figures, Kaylee Graham (eight points), Madison Prewitt (six points), Lylah Mattingly (five points) and Alexis Wilson (five points) produced offensively for the Lady Jackets.
Mattingly paced Williamsburg on the backboards, pulling down 12 rebounds.
McCreary Central shot 34 percent (16-of-47) from the field. The Lady Raiders were 5-of-16 from 3-point range, shooting 31.2 percent beyond the arc.
McCreary Central shot 79.2 percent (19-of-24) from the free throw line.
Elizabeth Anderson scored 20 points and pulled down five rebounds to lead the Lady Raiders. Anderson was 7-of-8 from the free throw line. She was the only McCreary Central player to reach double figures in scoring.
Jayci Bell, Emily Anderson and Kendyl Walters added seven points apiece for the Lady Raiders.

Rounding out McCreary Central’s individual scoring, Kennedy Creekmore and Megan Loudermilk chipped in six points apiece while Celya Kiser contributed three points.

Lady Raiders lose matchup versus Pulaski County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central was unable to return to the win column as visiting Pulaski County prevailed 65-52 in a girls’ high school basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 27.
Pulaski County shot 38.1 percent (24-of-63) from the field. The Lady Maroons were 6-of-29 (20.7 percent) from 3-point range.
Pulaski County shot 73.3 percent (11-of-15) from the free throw line.
Shelby Cothron scored a game-high 20 points to lead the Lady Maroons to the win. Accompanying Cothron in double figures for Pulaski County, Caroline Oaks posted 15 points and Sydney Martin posted 12 points.

The additional scorers for Pulaski County were Maggie Holt (five points), Madelyn Blankenship (four points), Dawn Wilson (four points), Madelyn Dunn (four points) and Madeline Butcher (one point).
McCreary Central shot 58.1 percent (18-of-31) from the field. The Lady Raiders were 3-of-7 (42.9 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 86.7 percent (13-of-15) from the free throw line.
Elizabeth Anderson scored 14 points to lead McCreary Central. Anderson was 5-of-5 from the free throw line.
Accompanying Anderson in double figures for the Lady Raiders, Kennedy Creekmore and Corinne Trammell netted 10 points apiece.
The additional scorers for McCreary Central were Emily Anderson (seven points), Megan Loudermilk (four points), Celya Kiser (four points) and Samantha Privett (three points).

Trammell led McCreary Central on the backboards, grabbing seven rebounds.

MCHS tennis team tryouts to continue Friday

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – The McCreary Central High School wrestling team will continue to conduct tryouts from 5:30-7 p.m. on Friday, March 5.
Tryouts for the high school tennis team opened on Wednesday, March 3.
Each student-athlete must have a current sports physical, parent consent form and mask to attend the tryouts.
Both male and female student-athletes from McCreary Central compete in the sport of tennis annually.
McCreary Central is a member of the 12th Region, along with Boyle County, Casey County, Danville, East Jessamine, Garrard County, Lincoln County, McCreary Central, Mercer County, Pulaski County, Rockcastle County, Somerset, Southwestern, Wayne County and West Jessamine.

Rejuvenated Raiders drill Russell County, 65-47

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central returned to the win column on Friday, Feb. 26, pulling away to defeat visiting Russell County 65-47.
With the win, McCreary Central improved to 9-7.
The Raiders thrived offensively throughout the matchup.
McCreary Central shot 65.8 percent (25-of-38) from the field. The Raiders were 10-of-17 from 3-point range, shooting 58.8 percent beyond the arc.
McCreary Central shot 83.3 percent (5-of-6) from the free throw line.
Three different McCreary Central players reached double figures in scoring as part of the winning effort.
Kyle Stephens scored 17 points to lead McCreary Central to the win. Stephens was 6-of-8 from inside the arc.
Joining Stephens in double figures for the Raiders, Noah Loudermilk added 15 points and Trent Conatser contributed 13 points.
Narrowly missing double figures in scoring for McCreary Central, Trey Davis netted nine points.
McCreary Central featured nine different scorers, including Ben Trammell (three points), Aaron Trammell (three points), Austin West (two points), Carson McKinney (two points) and Austin Corder (one point).
Russell County shot 52.5 percent (21-of-40) from the field. The Lakers were 1-of-8 from 3-point range.
Russell County shot 57.1 percent (4-of-7) from the free throw line.
Scott Hamm scored 14 points to lead the Lakers. Hamm was 6-of-9 from inside the arc.
Accompanying Hamm in double figures in scoring for Russell County, Jay Milburn added 12 points.
The other scorers for Russell County in the loss were Owen Loy (eight points), Devonte Grayson (six points), Clay Anderson (four points) and Adam Walters (three points).
McCreary Central entered the week with regular season games remaining versus North Laurel and Barbourville.

February 25, 2021

Raiders excel at Knox Central tournament

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

BARBOURVILLE – The McCreary Central wrestling team delivered a solid performance in its first tournament of the 2020-21 season at Knox Central High School on Saturday, Feb. 20.
McCreary Central was shorthanded at the Knox Central-hosted tournament with only nine scoring wrestlers. However, McCreary Central excelled as four wrestlers – Moses Navaro, Jeremiah Baird, Hank Baird and Kylon Williams – captured championships.
Two Raiders, Chase Boling and Donovan Bryant, notched runner-up finishes.
Keandre Giglio and Rayna Sanborn each finished fourth for the Raiders.
As a team, McCreary Central finished runner-up in the Knox Central-hosted tournament.
Head coach Gary Parriman guides the Raiders. McCreay Central is scheduled to return to the mats for action later in the week.

Baird ranked eighth in weight class

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central sophomore Elijah Baird is ranked eighth in the 120-pound class of the KentuckyWrestling.com High School Rankings.
Baird has excelled for McCreary Central throughout the 2020-21 high school wrestling season.
The KentuckyWrestling.com High School Rankings for the 120-pound weight class are as follows: 1. Spencer Moore (Sr., Walton-Verona), 2. Trayce Eckman (Jr., Union County), 3. Joey Sader (Jr., Ryle), 4. Rowdy Benner (Fr., Great Crossing), 5. Timmy Nichols (Fr., Caldwell County), 6. Noah Stanley (Sr., Holmes), 7. Max Speaker (Fr., St. Xavier), 8. Elijah Baird (So., McCreary Central), 9. Patrick Meek (Jr., Johnson Central), 10. Tyler Lattin (Fr., Meade County), 11. Brock Messer (Fr., Martin County), 12. Keelan Dick (Sr., Wayne County), 13. Noah Toomey (Jr., Grant County), 14. Bryce Zumwalt (Sr., Harrison County), 15. Ryan Portwood (Sr., North Hardin), 16. Joe Lampe (8th, Male), 17. Kaleb Wilcher (8th, Danville), 18. Lauren Walton (Fr., Woodford County), 19. Connor Metcalf (Fr., LaRue County), 20. Hunter Latrell (Fr., Fairdale), 21. Daemeion Leavell (7th, Christian County), 22. Brayden Wells (So., Campbell County), 23. Nico Plumeri (So., Trinity), 24, Brody McKune (8th, Moore), 25. Alex Sauss (Fr., Bullitt East).

Lady Raiders roll past Garrard County, 79-46

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – Returning to the win column, McCreary Central rolled past visiting Garrard County 79-46 in a girls’ high school basketball game on Monday, Feb. 22.
With the win, McCreary Central improved to 4-12.
Garrard County dropped to 2-8 with the loss.
McCreary Central shot 47.5 percent (28-of-59) from the field. The Lady Raiders were 8-of-14 from 3-point range, shooting 57.1 percent beyond the arc.
McCreary Central shot 83.3 percent (15-of-18) from the free throw line.

Excelling inside, McCreary Central outrebounded Garrard County 31-22.
Elizabeth Anderson scored a game-high 27 points and puled down nine rebounds to lead McCreary Central to the win. Anderson was 4-of-5 from 3-point range.

Accompanying Anderson in double figures in scoring for McCreary Central, Kennedy Creekmore netted 21 points.
Following Creekmore, Corinne Trammell netted nine points and hauled in a game-high 12 rebounds for the Lady Raiders.
Chipping in offensively for McCreary Central, Megan Loudermilk (seven points), Emily Anderson (five points), Jayci Bell (four points), Celya Kiser (three points), Kendyl Walters (two points) and Samantha Privett (one point) provided additional scoring.
Garrard County shot 34.8 percent (16-of-46) from the field. The Lady Lions were 4-of-15 (26.7 percent) from 3-point range.
Garrard County shot 71.4 percent (10-of-14) from the free throw line.
Molly Abney netted 15 points to lead the Lady Lions. Accompanying Abney in double figures in scoring for Garrard County, Jade Pevley posted 10 points.
The additional scorers for Garrard County were Hallie Martin (six points), Sarah Jennings (six points), Jaden Naylor (five points), Audrey Murphy (two points) and Morgan Day (two points).

McCreary Central was hosting Wayne County on Wednesday, Feb. 24. Results from the McCreary Central-Wayne County girls’ basketball game were unavailable at press time.

Raiders ranked 10th in 12th Region Rankings

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central is ranked 10th in the BluegrassPreps.com 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Rankings, which were released on Monday, Feb. 22.
The Raiders are ranked ahead of Southwestern, Mercer County, Wayne County, Garrard County, Somerset Christian and Danville Christian.
McCreary Central is listed behind Casey County, Rockcastle County, Danville, Lincoln County, Pulaski County, West Jessamine, East Jessamine, Somerset and top-ranked Boyle County.
The Raiders entered the week 8-5.

BluegrassPreps.com
12th Region Boys’ Basketball Rankings

1. Boyle County
2. Somerset
3. East Jessamine
4. West Jessamine
5. Pulaski County
6. Lincoln County
7. Danville
8. Rockcastle County
9. Casey County
10. McCreary Central
11. Southwestern
12. Mercer County
13. Wayne county
14. Garrard County
15. Somerset Christian
16. Danville Christian

January 28th, 2021

Raiders win at Taylor County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

CAMPBELLSVILLE – The McCreary Central wrestling team finished undefeated over the weekend, notching wins over host Taylor County, Great Crossing and Thomas Nelson on Saturday, Jan. 23.
Prior to finishing 3-0 at Taylor County, McCreary Central, under the direction of head coach Gary Parriman, notched its first win in the 2020-21 high school wrestling season at Whitley County on Wednesday, Jan. 20.
The Raiders wrestled Madison Central and Anderson County in a season opener on Saturday, Jan. 16.
McCreary Central was scheduled to face Knox Central and Barbourville on Wednesday, Jan. 27.
The Raiders are slated to meet Pikeville on Saturday, Jan. 29.
Multiple McCreary Central grapplers remain ranked in the state high school wrestling rankings.

McCreary Central
Lincoln County game
canceled

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – The McCreary Central-Lincoln County boys’ basketball game scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 19 was canceled due to COVID.
The Raiders and Patriots are longtime rivals.
McCreary Central was scheduled to visit 12th Region rival Lincoln County for an early-season boys’ high school basketball matchup.
The McCreary Central-Lincoln County boys’ basketball game has not been rescheduled.
McCreary Central entered the week with regular season games remaining versus Somerset Christian, Lynn Camp, Wayne County, Barbourville, Rockcastle County, Casey County, Southwestern, North Laurel, Pulaski County, Clinton County, South Laurel and Russell County.

Raiders top Somerset Christian, 78-57

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – Remaining in the win column, McCreary Central topped visiting Somerset Christian 78-57 in a boys’ high school basketball game on Monday, Jan. 25.
With the win, McCreary Central improved to 6-3.
Somerset Christian dropped to 1-7 with the loss.
McCreary Central shot 55.6 percent (30-of-54) from the field. The Raiders were 4-of-15 from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 70 percent (14-of-20) from the free throw line.
The Raiders outrebounded Somerset Christian 32-21.
Trey Davis led McCreary Central with a game-high 21 points. McCreary Central featured three scorers in double figures as Noah Loudermilk contributed 14 points and Kyle Stephens posted 10 points.
Barely missing double figures, Trent Conatser netted nine points for the Raiders.
McCreary Central featured 11 different scorers, including Ben Trammell (seven points), Maddux McKinney (six points), Brady Corder (three points), Aaron Trammell (two points), Austin Corder (two points), Carson McKinney (two points) and Baylor Farris (two points).

Somerset Christian shot 40.4 percent (21-of-52) from the field. The Cougars were 8-of-16 from 3-point range, shooting 50 percent beyond the arc.
Somerset Christian shot 63.6 percent (7-of-11) from the free throw line.

Luke Atwood paced Somerset Christian, scoring 20 points. Finishing directly behind Atwood in double figures in scoring for Somerset Christian, Braydon Moore netted 19 points. Accompanying Atwood and Moore in double figures, Noah Brummett added 10 points for the Cougars.

Along with the trio in double figures, Aaron Crubaugh (four points), David Crubaugh (two points) and Nic Godby (two points) provided scoring for Somerset Christian.

A McCreary Central-Lynn Camp boys’ basketball game scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 26 was canceled due to COVID.

McCreary Central rolls past Barbourville, 75-38

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

BARBOURVILLE – Returning to the win column, McCreary Central rolled past homestanding Barbourville 75-38 in a girls’ high school basketball game on Thursday, Jan. 21.
McCreary Central shot 42 percent (29-of-69) from the field. The Lady Raiders were 13-of-35 (37.1 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 57.1 percent (4-of-7) from the free throw line.
Elizabeth Anderson led McCreary Central to the win, scoring 21 points and grabbing eight rebounds.
Following Anderson in double figures in scoring for the Lady Raiders, Kennedy Creekmore netted 19 points.
Joining Anderson and Creekmore in double figures for McCreary Central, Jayci Bell added 12 points.
Narrowly missing double figures for the Lady Raiders, Emily Anderson tossed in nine points.
The additional scorers for McCreary Central in the win were Celya Kiser (five points), Megan Loudermilk (five points) and Lily Young (four points).
Defensively, McCreary Central limited Barbourville throughout the prep hoops matchup.

McCreary Central dealt Barbourville its third loss in the 2020-21 girls’ high school basketball season.

McCreary Central
Cumberland County hoops matchup canceled

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – A McCreary Central-Cumberland County girls’ basketball game scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 23 was canceled due to COVID.
The McCreary Central-Cumberland County girls’ basketball game has not been rescheduled.
McCreary Central entered the week with regular season games remaining versus Bell County, Wayne County, Somerset, Barbourville, Whitley County, Pulaski County, Casey County, Southwestern, Berea, Knox Central, Garrard County, Williamsburg, Clinton County and Clay County.

January 21st, 2021

Raiders upend Wayne County for district win, 47-36

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

MONTICELLO – Visiting McCreary Central upended Wayne County 47-36 in a 48th District boys’ basketball game on Thursday, Jan. 14.
The victory allowed McCreary Central to return to the win column following back-to-back losses.
With the win, McCreary Central improved to 3-2 overall and 1-1 in the 48th District.
Wayne County dropped to 0-2 overall and opened 0-1 in the district with the loss.
McCreary Central shot 50 percent (16-of-32) from the field in the winning effort. The Raiders were 4-of-12 (33.3 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 61.1 percent (11-of-18) from the free throw line.
Noah Loudermilk scored a game-high 15 points to lead McCreary Central to the district win. Loudermilk was 2-of-5 from 3-point range.
Accompanying Loudermilk in double figures in scoring for the Raiders, Trey Davis added 12 points.
Kyle Stephens flirted with reaching double figures for McCreary Central, netting nine points in the Raiders’ victory.
Following Stephens, Trent Conatser (four points), Maddux McKinney (four points) and Carson McKinney (three points) rounded out McCreary Central’s individual scoring.
Wayne County shot 43.8 percent (14-of-32) from the field. The Cardinals were 3-of-15 (20 percent) from 3-point range.

Wayne County shot 41.7 percent (5-of-12) from the free throw line.
Kendall Phillips paced Wayne County, scoring 12 points for the Cardinals. Phillips was the only Wayne County player to reach double figures in the scoring column.

Along with Phillips, Mason Burchett (eight points), Brody Weaver (seven points), Carson Simpson (six points), Gage Gregory (two points) and Renan Dobbs (one point) provided scoring for the Cardinals.

Raiders lose close district game to Southwestern

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

SOMERSET – McCreary Central came up short on the road as Southwestern held on to win 52-49 in a 48th District boys’ basketball game on Tuesday, Jan. 12.
Homestanding Southwestern dealt McCreary Central its second straight loss.
Southwestern shot 39.6 percent (19-of-48) from the field. The Warriors were 4-of-17 (23.5 percent) from 3-point range.
Southwestern shot 83.3 percent (10-of-12) from the free throw line.
Evan Smith led Southwestern, scoring a game-high 19 points for the Warriors. Smith was 5-of-6 from the free throw line.
Andrew Jones delivered a double-double for the Warriors, scoring 14 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.
Accompanying Smith and Jones in double figures in scoring for Southwestern, Lukas Maybrier added 10 points.
The additional scorers for Southwestern in the district win were Eli Meece (three points), Campbell Coffey (two points), Indred Whitaker (two points) and Brody Perkins (two points).
McCreary Central shot 39.3 percent (22-of-56) from the field. The Raiders were 3-of-13 (23.1 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central finished 2-of-6 from the free throw line.
Kyle Stephens scored 17 points to pace the Raiders. Stephens was 8-of-16 from inside the arc.
Nearly recording a double-double, Trent Conatser added 11 points and nine rebounds for the Raiders.
Trey Davis (seven points), Maddux McKinney (five points), Noah Loudermilk (five points) and Carson McKinney (four points) accounted for the rest of McCreary Central’s scoring in the setback.

Raiders’ games versus Lynn Camp, Lincoln County canceled

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – COVID-19 has affected the McCreary Central boys’ basketball team’s 2020-21 schedule.
A McCreary Central-Lynn Camp boys’ basketball game scheduled for Friday, Jan. 15 was canceled due to COVID-19.
McCreary Central was slated to visit Lincoln County on Tuesday, Jan. 19 but that matchup was canceled due to COVID-19 as well.
COVID-19 is forcing high school basketball programs throughout the state to alter schedules.
The Wade Davis-coached Raiders are scheduled to visit 12th Region counterpart Danville on Friday, Jan. 22. The start time for the McCreary Central-Danville boys’ basketball game is set for 7:30 p.m.

Lady Raiders fall short at Boyle County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

DANVILLE – Visiting McCreary Central fell short as Boyle County pulled away to win 49-40 in a girls’ high school basketball game on Friday, Jan. 16.
Familiar foes, McCreary Central and Boyle County met for the first time in the 2020-21 girls’ high school basketball season.
With the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 0-4.
Boyle County opened its season 1-0 with the win.
McCreary Central and Boyle County are longtime 12th Region rivals.
Boyle County won despite shooting only 26.3 percent (15-of-57) from the field. The Lady Rebels were 5-of-20 (25 percent) from 3-point range.
Boyle County shot 51.9 percent (14-of-27) from the free throw line.
Emily Glasscock paced Boyle County with a double-double, scoring 19 points and pulling down 11 rebounds.
Accompanying Glasscock in double figures in scoring for Boyle County, Peyton Bugg netted 10 points.
The additional scorers for Boyle County in the victory were Andy Glasscock (six points) Zoey Robbins (five points). Ella Coffey (four points), Annabelle Tarter (three points) and Alexus Phegley (two points).
McCreary Central shot 32.5 percent (13-of-40) from the field in the setback. The Lady Raiders were 3-of-16 from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 52.4 percent (11-of-21) from the free throw line.
Megan Loudermilk led McCreary Central with 10 points. Loudermilk was the only McCreary Central player to reach double figures in the scoring column.
Narrowly missing double figures in scoring for the Lady Raiders, Kennedy Creekmore and Elizabeth Anderson added nine points apiece.
The additional scorers for McCreary Central in the loss were Emily Anderson (six points) Celya Kiser (four points) and Corinne Trammell (two points).

Nearly recording a double-double, Elizabeth Anderson pulled down 11 rebounds for the Lady Raiders.

January 14th, 2021

Stephens leads Raiders over Somerset Christian in opener

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

SOMERSET – McCreary Central prevailed in a 2020-21 boys’ high school basketball season opener on Monday, Jan. 4, upending host Somerset Christian 67-45.
Under the direction of Coach Wade Davis, McCreary Central shot 45.2 percent (28-of-62) from the field. The Raiders were 4-of-17 (23.5 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 63.6 percent (7-of-11) from the free throw line.
The Raiders outrebounded Somerset Christian 35-26 in the winning effort.

Kyle Stephens, a sophomore guard, poured in a game-high 31 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead McCreary Central to the win. Stephens was 12-of-16 from inside the arc.
Trent Conatser accompanied Stephens in double figures in scoring for the Raiders, netting 12 points while claiming seven rebounds.
Flirting with double figures in scoring for the Raiders, Noah Loudermilk and Trey Davis posted nine points apiece.
Austin Corder and Maddux McKinney rounded out McCreary Central’s individual scoring, chipping in four points and two points, respectively.
Somerset Christian shot 51.7 percent (15-of-29) from the field. Homestanding Somerset Christian shot 46.2 percent (6-of-13) from 3-point range.
Somerset Christian shot 56.2 percent (9-of-16) from the free throw line.
Braydon Moore paced Somerset Christian with a team-high 22 points. Joining Moore in double figures in scoring for Somerset Christian, Luke Atwood added 11 points.
The additional scorers for Somerset Christian were Aaron Crubaugh (seven points), David Crubaugh (three points) and Joshua Stein (two points).
David Crubaugh paced Somerset Christian inside, securing 11 rebounds.

McCreary Central and Somerset Christian aren’t scheduled to meet again in the 2020-21 boys’ high school basketball season.

Photo courtesy of of McCreary Central Wrestling
Junior Gavin Cordell made an impact for the McCreary Central wrestling team as a sophomore in 2020. Earlier in the 2020-21 schoolyear, Cordell contributed for McCreary Central throughout the 2020 high school football season.

Raiders downs Danville, 63-53

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – Remaining in the win column at home, McCreary Central defeated visiting Danville 63-53 in a boys’ high school basketball game on Thursday, Jan. 7.
The Raiders welcomed in Danville for a home opener.
McCreary Central shot 45 percent (18-of-40) from the field. The Raiders were 4-of-13 (30.8 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 67.6 percent (23-of-34) from the free throw line.
Kyle Stephens led McCreary Central with a double, delivering 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Raiders. Stephens was 6-of-8 from the free throw line. He connected on 7-of-9 shots from inside the arc.
Noah Loudermilk accompanied Stephens in double figures in scoring for the Raiders, netting 19 points. Loudermilk was 7-of-10 from the free throw line.
Narrowly missing double figures in scoring and flirting with a double-double for McCreary Central, Trent Conatser netted nine points and grabbed eight rebounds.
Carson McKinney chipped in eight points for the Raiders while Trey Davis added four points, Ben Trammell two points and Austin Corder one point.
Danville shot 34.3 percent (23-of-67) from the field. The Admirals were 0-for-8 from 3-point range.
Danville shot 53.8 percent (7-of-13) from the free throw line.
Jalen Dunn paced Danville, scoring 13 points for the Admirals. Danville featured two scorers in double figures. Joining Dunn in double figures for the Admirals, Ethan Wood scored 10 points.
Jarius Bryant, Channing Ford and Dante Hayden added eight points apiece for the Admirals while Xzavion Grey posted six points to round out Danville’s individual scoring.

McCreary Central comes up short at Lincoln County 

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STANFORD – McCreary Central came up short in a hoops matchup over the weekend. Host Lincoln County prevailed 54-44 over McCreary Central in a girls’ high school basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 9.
Following the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 0-3.
Lincoln County evened its record to 1-1 after notching the win.
Faring well offensively, Lincoln County shot 43.9 percent (18-of-41) from the field. The Lady Patriots were 4-of-13 (30.8 percent) from 3-point range.
Lincoln County shot 58.3 percent (14-of-24) from the free throw line.
Chloe Ralston led Lincoln County with a game-high 26 points. Ralston was 4-of-6 from 3-point range. Narrowly missing a double-double, Ralston pulled down nine rebounds.
Alexia Baldock accompanied Ralston in double figures in scoring for Lincoln County, adding 14 points.
Five players accounted for all of Lincoln County’s scoring. Emily Estes and Katie Carmicle-Shields scored six points apiece while Makayla Greer contributed two points.
Estes led Lincoln County inside, claiming 10 rebounds.
McCreary Central shot 32 percent (16-of-50) from the field. The Lady Raiders were 6-of-26 (23.1 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 53.8 percent (7-of-13) from the free throw line.
Elizabeth Anderson paced McCreary Central with 19 points and nine rebounds, nearly recording a double-double. Anderson was 6-of-12 from inside the arc.
Joining Anderson in double figures in scoring for McCreary Central, Kennedy Creekmore added 12 points.
Megan Loudermilk and Emily Anderson rounded out McCreary Central’s individual scoring, finishing with nine points and five points, respectively.

January 7th, 2021

Raiders ranked 33rd in state team rankings

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central is ranked 33rd in the KentuckyWrestling.com High School Team Rankings.

Under the direction of head coach Gary Parriman, McCreary Central is among the top wrestling teams in Region 7.
In addition to McCreary Central, Region 7 includes Barbourville, Boyle County, Bryan Station, Danville, Danville Christian, East Jessamine, Frederick Douglass, Henry Clay, Knox Central, Lafayette, Lexington Christian, Lynn Camp, Madison Central, Madison Southern, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Sayre, Tates Creek, Wayne County, West Jessamine and Whitley County.

The KentuckyWrestling.com High School Team Rankings are as follows: 1. Union County (Region 1); 2. Ryle (Region 6); 3. Paducah Tilghman (Region 1); 4. Christian County (Region 1); 5. Johnson Central (Region 8); 6. Walton-Verona (Region 6); 7. Louisville Trinity (Region 4); 8. Lafayette (Region 7); 9. LaRue County (Region 2); 10. St. Xavier (Region 4); 11. Simon Kenton (Region 6); 12. Woodford County (Region 5); 13. Wayne County (Region 7); 14. Campbell County (Region 6); 15. Conner (Region 6); 16. North Hardin (Region 2); 17. Caldwell County (Region 1); 18. Madison Central (Region 7); 19. Central (Region 4); 20. Oldham County (Region 5); 21. Meade County (Region 2); 22. Bryan Station (Region 7); 23. Male (Region 4); 24. Ashland Blazer (Region 8); 25. Fairdale (Region 3); 26. Martin County (Region 8); 27. Harrison County (Region 8); 28. Montgomery County (Region 8); 29. Anderson County (Region 5); 30. John Hardin (Region 2); 31. Taylor County (Region 2); 32. Calloway County (Region 1); 33. McCreary Central (Region 7); 34. Madison Southern (Region 7); 35. Western Hills (Region 5); 36. Moore (Region 4); 37. Boyle County (Region 7); 38. McCracken County (Region 1); 39. Fern Creek (Region 3); 40. Scott (Region 6); 41. Ohio County (Region 1); 42. Central Hardin (Region 2); 43. Valley (Region 3); 44. Frederick Douglass (Region 7); 45. Great Crossing (Region 5); 46. Bullitt East (Region 3); 47. Owensboro (Region 2); 48. Holmes (Region 6); 49. Daviess County (Region 2); 50. Scott County (Region 5); 51. Danville (Region 7); 52. Apollo (Region 2); 53. Grant County (Region 5); 54. Atherton (Region 4); 55. Bullitt Central (Region 3); 56. Hopkinsville (Region 1); 57. Trigg County (Region 1); 58. DeSales (Region 3); 59. Pleasure Ridge Park (Region 3); 60. Covington Catholic (Region 6); 61. Knox Central (Region 7); 62. Dixie Heights (Region 6);

63. North Oldham (Region 5); 64. DuPont Manual (Region 4); 65. Spencer County (Region 5).

McCreary Central slated to visit Lexington
Catholic Saturday

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central is scheduled to visit Lexington Catholic for an early-season boys’ high school basketball matchup on Saturday, Jan. 9.
Lexington Catholic is among the state’s top boys’ high school basketball programs.
The Wade Davis-coached Raiders pulled away to defeat host Somerset Christian 67-45 in a boys’ high school basketball season opener on Monday, Jan. 4. McCreary Central is set to host Danville in a home opener on Thursday, Jan. 7.
The Brandon Salsman-coached Knights were set to visit familiar foe Lexington Christian for a season opener on Tuesday, Jan. 5.
McCreary Central is slated to host 48th District rival Southwestern in a home opener on Tuesday, Jan. 12.
The Raiders compiled a 9-20 record during the 2019-20 boys’ high school basketball season. McCreary Central suffered a three-point loss to Southwestern in the 2019-20 48th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament.
Lexington Catholic concluded the 2019-20 season 31-3. The Knights finished runner-up to fellow state powerhouse Scott County in the 11th Region. Lexington Catholic is the reigning 43rd District champion.
Wayne County, Somerset, Lincoln County, Danville, Cumberland County, Lynn Camp, Barbourville, Rockcastle County, Casey County, North Laurel, Pulaski County, Clinton County, South Laurel and Russell County are additional opponents on the Raiders’ 2020-21 schedule.

Raiders ranked seventh in
Herald-Leader 12th Region Poll

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com
LEXINGTON – McCreary Central is ranked seventh in the Lexington Herald-Leader Preseason 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Poll.
The Raiders are listed behind East Jessamine (6), Lincoln County (5), Boyle County (4), Pulaski County (3), Somerset (2) and top-ranked West Jessamine (1).
McCreary Central is projected to finish ahead of Danville (8), Wayne County (9) and Southwestern (10) in the 12th Region.
Head coach Wade Davis guides the Raiders. McCreary Central pulled away to defeat Somerset Christian 67-45 on the road on Monday, Jan. 4.
The Lexington Herald-Leader Preseason 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Poll follows.

Lexington Herald-Leader
Preseason 12th Region
Boys’ Basketball Poll
1. West Jessamine
2. Somerset
3. Pulaski County
4. Boyle County
5. Lincoln County
6. East Jessamine
7. McCreary Central
8. Danville
9. Wayne County
10. Southwestern

Photo courtesy of Scott Warren
McCreary Central quarterback Ben Trammell (8) will enter the 2021 high school football season as one of the top offensive players in Class 3A, District 5. Trammell is headed into his senior season. The Raiders’ 2021 schedule will be finalized and released later in the offseason.

December 17th, 2020

Photo courtesy of Scott Warren
McCreary Central’s Kendyl Walters closed in on a Bell County shooter during the 2019-20 girls’ high school basketball season. A junior forward, Walters is among the players back on the court for the McCreary Central girls’ basketball team. The Lady Raiders are preparing for the 2020-21 girls’ high school basketball season.

Navaro ranked 20th in 106 pound weight class

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central sophomore Moses Navaro is ranked 20th in the 106-pound weight class in the Kentuckywrestling.com Preseason 2020-21 High School Rankings.
Navaro is among the talented young grapplers for Region 7 member McCreary Central.
The preseason rankings for the 106-pound weight class are as follows: 1. Leland Reeves (Freshman, Taylor County, Region 2); 2. Colin Tucker (Junior, Wayne County, Region 7); 3. Amari Hardin (Sophomore, John Hardin, Region 2); 4. Collin Teutsch (Sophomore, Caldwell County (Region 1); 5. Brandon Bruner (Senior, Bryan Station, Region 7); 6. JaRi Campbell (Sophomore, Christian County, Region 1); 7. Jordyn Raney (Sophomore, Union County, Region 1); 8. TJ Meyer (Eighth Grader, Walton-Verona, Region 6); 9. Korey Mattingly (Sophomore, Male, Region 4); 10. Miler Brown (Eighth Grader, Oldham County, Region 5); 11. Cole Harrod (Sophomore, Anderson County, Region 5); 12. Tyler Lattin (Freshman, Meade County, Region 2); 13. Aiden Butler (Freshman, Scott County, Region 5); 14. Caleb Jarvis (Freshman, Fairdale, Region 3); 15. Drew Yingling (Senior, LaRue County, Region 2); 16. Hunter Hawthorne (Freshman, McCracken County, Region 1); 17. Trushawn Matt (Sophomore, Hopkinsville, Region 1); 18. Dalen Lesshafft (Junior, DeSales, Region 3);
19. Hayden Canady (Freshman, Perry County Central, Region 8); 20. Moses Navaro (Sophomore, McCreary Central, Region 7); 21. Kelton Bailey (Freshman, Western Hills, Region 5); 22. Troy Gardner (Sophomore, Ashland Blazer, Region 8); 23. Jeremiah Wilbers (Sophomore, Campbell County, Region 6); 24. Amelia Foltz (Senior, Madison Southern, Region 7); 25. Lacey Gilbert (Eighth Grader, Madison Central, Region 7).

December 10th, 2020

McCreary Central turns focus to 2021 season

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – After compiling a 3-3 record over six games, McCreary Central has turned its focus to the 2021 high school football season.
McCreary Central is rejuvenated following its latest gridiron campaign.
The Raiders, under the direction of head coach Eric Privett, showed improvement during the 2020 high school football season. McCreary Central notched wins over Jellico (Tenn.), Jackson County and Owen County during the 2020 high school football regular season, which spanned from September 11-November 6. The Raiders dropped regular season games to Casey County and Bell County. Ending McCreary Central’s latest gridiron campaign, Bell County pulled away to beat the Raiders in the opening round of the Class 3A Playoffs.
The Raiders averaged 21.5 points per game during the 2020 high school football season.
Leading the way for McCreary Central during its latest gridiron campaign, junior quarterback Ben Trammell passed for 678 yards and six touchdowns.
Sophomore wide receiver Maddux McKinney paced McCreary Central in receiving, finishing with 309 yards and three touchdowns.
On the ground, McCreary Central rushed 169 times for 1,1089 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Sophomore running back led McCreary Central on the ground, rushing for 317 yards and one touchdown.
Sophomore running back Jaymarion Hughes paced McCreary Central defensively, recording 31 total tackles.
The Raiders finished .500 after compiling a 1-9 record during the 2019 high school football season.
McCreary Central will release its 2021 schedule later in the offseason.

Strunk in the FBU National Championship

McCreary Middle School football player, Brauck Strunk, has been chosen as one of the 40 football players from Kentucky to compete in the FBU National Championship in Naples, Florida December 17-22, 2020. Brauck Strunk has played the last two years for Team Kentucky, this year winning the Regional title by defeating Kansas City and Indiana and advancing Team Kentucky to play for the National title.

Strunk, through his hard work and prowess on the field, has been chosen from hundreds of middle school football players to play for Team Kentucky and represent Kentucky in the FBU National Championship in Naples, Florida this month. Donations can be made to the Kentucky Middle School Football Association, KYMSFA, to help fund the students travel expenses. For more information and to support Strunk call 606-875-9199. Brauck is the son of Eric and NeQuila Strunk of Strunk, KY.

Baird ranked 12th in 113-pound weight class

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – Heading into the 2020-21 high school wresting season, McCreary Central junior Jeremiah Baird is ranked 12th in the 113-pound weight class.
Baird is an experienced grappler for the Raiders.
Prep wrestlers from throughout the state are preparing for the 2020-21 high school wrestling season.
The Preseason Kentucky High School Wrestling Rankings for the 113-pound weight class are as follows: 1. Spencer Moore, Sr., Walton-Verona (Region 6); 2. Yahir Menchaca, Sr., Harrison County (Region 8); 3. Riley Johnson, Jr., Caldwell County (Region 1); 4. Kellen Dick, Sr., Wayne County (Region 7); 5. Olivia Messerly, So., Ryle (Region 6); 6. Aiden Roe, Jr., Central (Region 4); 7. Mason Davis, Jr., Valley (Region 3); 8. Andres Quintana, So., Owensboro (Region 2); 9. David Griffith, Sr., Meade County (Region 2); 10. Corey Westover, Sr., LaRue County (Region 2); 11. Patrick Meek, Jr., Johnson Central (Region 8); 12. Jeremiah Baird, Jr., McCreary Central (Region 7); 13. Noah Durbin, So., Fairdale (Region 3); 14. Brock Messer, Fr., Martin County (Region 8); 15. Jy’onn Hart, So., Scott (Region 6); 16. Maximus Beltran, Sr., Central Hardin (Region 2); 17. Mason Orth, So., Campbell County (Region 6); 18. Hunter Jenkins, 8th, Union County (Region 1); 19. Timmy Cannon, So., Trigg County (Region 1); 20. Nathan Hale, So., Christian County (Region 1); 21. Caleb Tolson, So., Daviess County (Region 2); 22. Bryant Faucett, Fr., Bullitt East (Region 3); 23. Frank Armstrong, Fr., Simon Kenton (Region 6); 24. Isaac Ogle, Jr., Bullitt Central (Region 3); 25. Nick Hamilton, Fr., South Oldham (Region 5).

Felix ranked 12th in 132-pound weight class

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central junior Lee Felix is ranked 12th in the 132-pound weight class in the Preseason Kentucky High School Wrestling Rankings.
Felix was among the top wrestlers in Region 7 during the 2019-20 high school wrestling season. Fresh off a gridiron campaign, Felix has been preparing to take the mat as a junior.
The preseason high school wrestling rankings for the 132-pound weight class are as follows: 1. Devon Herron, Jr., North Hardin (Region 2); 2. Thomas Hoppes, Sr., LaRue County (Region 2); 3. Keaton Elliott, Sr., Calloway County (Region 1); 4. Jacob Cain, Jr., Johnson Central (Region 8); 5. Jamison Smith, Jr., Johnson Central (Region 8); 6. Trevor Villums, So., Male (Region 4); 7. Jack James, Fr., Paducah Tilghman (Region 1); 8. Micah Bowers, Jr., Campbell County (Region 6); 9. Gus Roberts, So., Great Crossing (Region 5); 10. Mason Polston, Jr., Central Hardin (Region 2); 11. Malachi Young, So., Grant County (Region 5); 12. Lee Felix, Jr., McCreary Central (Region 7); 13. Mason Kellett, So., Christian County (Region 1); 14. Jonathan Pittman, Sr., Woodford County (Region 5); 15. Blaine Hicks, So., Caldwell County (Region 1); 16. Ronald McGee, Sr., Hopkinsville (Region 1); 17. David Gerkin, Sr., Apollo (Region 2); 18. Hunter Sproles, Jr., Cooper (Region 6); 19. Logan Chapman, Jr., Anderson County (Region 5); 20. Matthew Goatley, So., Trinity (Louisville) (Region 4); 21. Austin Gerling, Jr., East Jessamine, (Region 7); 22. Mason Schweitzer, So., Walton Verona (Region 6); 23. Glenn Mayes, So., Union County (Region 1); 24. Harrison Turrey, Sr., Moore (Region 4); 25. Lucas Hutchison, Fr., Madison Central (Region 7).

Kidd finishes junior season as Raiders’ third-leading rusher

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – Junior running back/linebacker Jared Kidd made an impact for McCreary Central throughout the 2020 high school football season, emerging as one of the Raiders’ top three rushers.
Kidd ranked as McCreary Central’s third-leading rusher, rushing 36 times for 221 yards and three touchdowns.
Kidd finished fourth in both receiving and scoring for the Raiders. As a receiver, Kidd hauled in three receptions for 82 yards. He scored 12 points in six games.
Sophomore running back Blake Botts paced McCreary Central in rushing during the 2020 high school football season.
Botts rushed 37 times for 317 yards and one touchdown in six games for McCreary Central during his sophomore campaign.
The Raiders ended the shortened 2020 high school football season 3-3.
As a team, McCreary Central rushed 169 times for 1,089 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Raiders averaged over 180 yards and nearly two touchdowns in rushing per game during the 2020 high school football season.
Chipping in for the Raiders’ aerial attack, Botts reeled in six receptions for 41 yards and one touchdown.
Sophomore athlete Keandre Giglio ranked as the Raiders’ second-leading rusher, taking a team-high 38 carries for 254 yards and one touchdown.
Both Botts and Giglio are expected to be among the top juniors in Class 3A, District 5 during the 2021 high school football season.
Senior running back Kaden Cummins followed Kidd, rushing 28 times for 146 yards and two touchdowns.
McCreary Central scored 20 or more points in four of its six games during the 2020 high school football season.
Currently, Kidd is preparing for the 2020-21 high school wrestling season.

December 3rd, 2020

Experienced Raiders ready to hit the mats

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

Talented McCreary Central is prepared to compete in the 2020 high school wrestling season.
Six different McCreary Central wrestlers boast Top 25 rankings heading into the upcoming campaign.
The McCreary Central wrestling program’s schedule for the 2020-21 season continues to be a work in progress.
“Scheduling is very tough as we really don’t know what this season will bring,” said McCreary Central Coach Gary Parriman. “We had a schedule in place and then the season was pushed back to a January start time. So, the schedule is at a standstill until we get some definitive answers as to what we will be allowed to do. As far as the team goes we will be returning 12 wrestlers from last year as well as getting three experienced wrestlers back that were out last season. We will have what could be the toughest team we have ever had. We currently have six kids ranked in the Top 25 and I believe that we will see that number grow dramatically once we get into the season. We certainly have some experienced wrestlers who are more than ready to get to work and start the season.”
McCreary Central competes with Barbourville, Boyle County, Bryan Station, Danville, Danville Christian, East Jessamine, Frederick Douglass, Henry Clay, Knox Central, Lafayette, Lexington Christian, Lynn Camp, Madison Central, Madison Southern, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Sayre, Tates Creek, Wayne County, West Jessamine and Whitley County in Region 7.

Botts paces McCreary Central in rushing

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – Sophomore running back Blake Botts paced McCreary Central in rushing during the 2020 high school football season.
Botts, one of the top young high school athletes in the area, rushed 37 times for 317 yards and one touchdown in six games for McCreary Central during his sophomore campaign.
The Raiders ended the shortened 2020 high school football season 3-3.
As a team, McCreary Central rushed 169 times for 1,089 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Raiders averaged over 180 yards and nearly two touchdowns in rushing per game during the 2020 high school football season.
Chipping in for the Raiders’ aerial attack, Botts reeled in six receptions for 41 yards and one touchdown.
Sophomore athlete Keandre Giglio ranked as the Raiders’ second-leading rusher, taking a team-high 38 carries for 254 yards and one touchdown.
Both Botts and Giglio are expected to be among the top juniors in Class 3A, District 5 during the 2021 high school football season.
Following Giglio, junior running back Jarred Kidd rushed 36 times for 221 yards and two touchdowns for the Raiders.
Finishing behind Giglio, senior running back Kaden Cummins rushed 28 times for 146 yards and two touchdowns.
McCreary Central scored 20 or more points in four of its six games during the 2020 high school football season.
After making an appearance in the Class 3A Playoffs, McCreary Central has entered the offseason.

Kentucky Elite Football

Trammell leads Raiders’ aerial attack

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central made an appearance in the Class 3A Playoffs and finished the 2020 high school football season 3-3, thanks in part to junior quarterback Ben Trammell’s passing.
Excelling through the air, Trammell completed 49 of 120 passes for 678 yards and six touchdowns for McCreary Central during the 2020 high school football season. Trammell averaged 113 yards and one touchdown through the air per game for the Raiders.
As a team, McCreary Central completed 55 of 132 passes for 771 yards and seven touchdowns.
When Trammell was sidelined with an injury during a late-season matchup, Maddux McKinney, who ranked as McCreary Central’s leading receiver, stepped in quarterback for the Raiders. A versatile player, McKinney completed 6 of 10 passes for 93 yards and one touchdown.
Seven different McCreary Central receivers hauled in four or more passes during the 2020 high school football season.
Trammell and McKinney finished tied for second in scoring for the Raiders.
Contributing on the ground for McCreary Central, Trammell rushed 15 times for 103 yards and three touchdowns.

Trammell will push for a spot as one of Class 3A’s Top 10 quarterbacks in the 2021 high school football season.

McCreary Central shows
improvement in gridiron campaign

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central, under the direction of first-year head coach Eric Privett, showed improvement during the 2020 high school football season.
The Raiders, following an appearance in the Class 3A UK Orthopaedics/KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl, concluded the 2020 high school football season 3-3.
McCreary Central notched wins over Jellico (Tenn.), Jackson County and Owen County during the 2020 high school football season. The Raiders lost to Casey County and Bell County. Tradition-rich Bell County defeated McCreary Central in both the regular season and the playoffs.
The Raiders averaged 21.5 points per game during the 2020 high school football season.
Leading the way for McCreary Central during its latest gridiron campaign, junior quarterback Ben Trammell passed for 678 yards and six touchdowns.
Sophomore wide receiver Maddux McKinney paced McCreary Central in receiving, finishing with 309 yards and three touchdowns.
On the ground, McCreary Central rushed 169 times for 1,1089 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Sophomore running back led McCreary Central on the ground, rushing for 317 yards and one touchdown.
Sophomore running back Jaymarion Hughes paced McCreary Central defensively, recording 31 total tackles.
McCreary Central finished at the .500 mark after compiling a 1-9 record during the 2019 high school football season.
The Raiders’ 2021 schedule will be released later in the offseason.

Lady Raiders ranked 10th in Preseason 12th Region Poll

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central is ranked 10th in The Cats’ Pause 2020-21 Kentucky Basketball Yearbook Preseason 12th Region Girls’ Basketball Poll.
The Lady Raiders compiled a 10-19 record during the 2019-20 girls’ high school basketball season. Wayne County eliminated McCreary Central from the 2019-20 48th District Girls’ Basketball Tournament, defeating the Lady Raiders 86-61.
Head coach Sammy Strunk guides the Lady Raiders.
McCreary Central is ranked behind Casey County (9), Boyle County (8), Lincoln County (7), Somerset (6), Mercer County (5), Southwestern (4), Wayne County (3), Rockcastle County (2) and Danville (1) in The Cats’ Pause 2020-21 Kentucky Basketball Yearbook Preseason 12th Region Girls’ Basketball Poll.
The Cats’ Pause 2020-21 Kentucky Basketball Yearbook Preseason 12th Region Girls’ Basketball Poll follows.

November 26th, 2020

Raiders compile 3-3 record on gridiron

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central compiled a 3-3 record during the 2020 high school football season.
Eric Privett guided McCreary Central to wins in half of its games during his first season as the Raiders’ head coach.
Determined McCreary Central edged host Jellico (Tenn.) 32-30 on the road in a season opener on Friday, Sept. 11.
Following the win over Jellico in its season opener, McCreary Central suffered back-to-back losses. Casey County defeated visiting McCreary Central 42-20 on Friday, Sept. 18. Then, forcing McCreary Central to remain in the loss column one week later, homestanding Bell County pulled away to beat the Raiders 57-13 on Friday, Sept. 25.
COVID-19 forced McCreary Central to be out of action for nearly one month. However, McCreary Central managed to end the regular season with back-to-back wins.
Host McCreary Central rolled past Jackson County 36-8 on Friday, Oct. 23.
Winning its regular season finale on the road following a lengthy trip, McCreary Central upended Owen County 22-19 on Friday, Nov. 6.
Bell County dealt McCreary Central a loss in the first round of the Class 3A UK Orthopaedics/KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl, beating the Raiders 43-6 on Friday, Nov. 20.
Looking ahead, McCreary Central will welcome back many of its top players for the 2021 high school football season.

Trammell ends regular season 13th in Class 3A in passing

McKinney
concludes
regular season 14th in Class 3A in receiving

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central sophomore wide receiver Maddux McKinney concluded the 2020 high school football regular season 14th in Class 3A in receiving.
One of the most underrated receivers in Class 3A, McKinney is among the leaders for the McCreary Central football program.
McKinney hauled in 17 receptions for 266 yards and three touchdowns in five games for the Raiders during the 2020 high school football regular season.
The top 30 receivers in Class 3A for the 2020 high school football regular season were as follows: 1. Easton Messer (Christian Academy-Louisville), 2. Aden Barnett (Magoffin County), 3. Brad Standifer (Magoffin County), 4. Gage Geren (Christian Academy-Louisville), 5. Austin Clarkson (Greenup County), 6. JT Garrett (Ashland Blazer), 7. Donovan Jackson (Casey County), 8. Jaquellus Martin (Trigg County), 9. Payton Roark (Fleming County), 10. Kristopher Hughes (Union County), 11. Preston Self (LaRue County), 12. Logan Pinkley (Fleming County), 13. Brian Thomas (Paducah Tilghman), 14. Maddux McKinney (McCreary Central), 15. Khia Sherrard (Elizabethtown), 16. Livonte Dale (Webster County), 17. Dawson Witt (East Carter), 18. Camden Williams (Elizabethtown), 19. Andrew Phillips (Glasgow), 20. William Paar (Christian Academy-Louisville), 21. Ben Shreve (Union County), 22. Kellen Bowen (LaRue County), 23. Conner Roney (Taylor County), 24. Peyton Spencer (Lewis County), 25. Caleb Winebrenner (DeSales), 26. Kevin Wix (Henry County), 27. Blake Cole (Henry County), 28. Coben Clem (Estill County), 29. Taylor Chandler (Webster County), 30. Jhaden Vaughn (Trigg County).

Kentucky 2A Championships canceled

OWENSBORO – The McCreary Central boys’ and girls’ basketball teams will not have an opportunity to compete for Kentucky 2A Championships in 2021. The Kentucky 2A Championships have been canceled.
After months of collecting information and speaking with all shareholders, the Kentucky 2A Championships and partners, the Owensboro-Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau, made the difficult decision to cancel the boys’ and girls’ basketball state tournaments within its organization for the 2020-21 schoolyear.
The statewide high school basketball event was canceled due to COVID-19.
High school basketball squads from throughout the state were poised to compete in the Kentucky 2A Championships in 2021.
The McCreary Central boys’ and girls’ basketball teams will be eligible to compete in the Kentucky 2A Championships in 2022.

November 19th, 2020

Raiders to face Bell County in Class 3A Playoffs

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central is set to visit rival Bell County for the opening round of the KHSAA Class 3A Football Playoffs on Friday, Nov. 20.
The Raiders ended the 2020 high school football regular season 3-2. McCreary Central compiled a 1-1 record in Class 3A, District 5.
Under the direction of first-year head Eric Privett, McCreary Central notched wins over Jellico (Tenn.), Jackson County and Owen County during the regular season. The Raiders dropped regular season games to Casey County and Bell County.
McCreary Central is looking forward to facing Bell County in the postseason.
“Our team is fired up for the rematch,” Privett said. “Cut out our mistakes and be fully healthy, I like our chances. I am very confident in our team. It’s going to be a heck of a ball game.”
Bell County, which finished as the 2019 Class 3A runner-up, pulled away to beat McCreary Central 57-13 in a district matchup on Friday, Sept. 25.
The Bobcats concluded the regular season 4-3 overall and 3-1 in Class 3A, District 5. Bell County posted wins over Whitley County, McCreary Central, Garrard County and Jackson County. The Bobcats lost regular season games to Johnson Central, Rockcastle County and Ashland Blazer.
Bell County excelled on the ground during the 2020 regular season, rushing 224 times for 1,529 yards and 17 touchdowns in seven games. Running back Brandon Baker leads the Bobcats in both rushing and receiving. On the ground, Baker has rushed 104 times for 710 yards and eight touchdowns for the Bobcats. Through the air for Bell County, Baker has hauled in five receptions for 91 yards and two touchdowns.
Leading a limited aerial attack for Bell County, quarterback Cameron Burnett has completed 16 of 57 passes for 239 yards and five touchdowns. Burnett has thrown four interceptions.
Kickoff for the McCreary Central-Bell County postseason matchup is set for 7:30 p.m.

McCreary Central averages
200-plus rushing yards per game

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central averaged over 200 rushing yards per game during the 2020 high school football regular season.
Eric Privett-coached McCreary Central won three of its five regular season games, notching wins over Jellico (Tenn.), Jackson County and Owen County. The much-improved Raiders exited the 2020 high school football regular season 3-2.
During the regular season, McCreary Central rushed 149 times for 1,026 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Three different McCreary Central running backs have rushed for over 200 yards.
Blake Botts leads McCreary Central on the ground. Botts has rushed 31 times for 274 yards and one touchdown.
Following closely behind Botts, Keandre Giglio has rushed 38 times for 254 yards ad one touchdown.
While Giglio ranks second in rushing for the Raiders, Jarred Kidd has rushed 27 times for 208 yards and two touchdowns.
Kaden Cummins (140 yards, 2 touchdowns) and Ben Trammell (103 yards, 3 touchdowns) have contributed in the rushing column for McCreary Central as well.
Chipping in on the ground for the Raiders, Kamari Giglio and Bryer Cordell have rushed for one touchdown apiece.
Three McCreary Central players have combined to complete 43 of 103 passes for 658 yards and six touchdowns. Leading the Raiders through the air, Trammell has completed 37 of 92 passes for 565 yards and five touchdowns.
Maddux McKinney, who filled in at quarterback late in the regular season, paces McCreary Central in receiving. McKinney has hauled in 17 receptions for 266 yards and three touchdowns.
On the other end, McKinney has completed six of 10 passes for 93 yards and one touchdown.
Defensively for McCreary Central, Jaymarion Hughes has posted a team-high 31 tackles

Lady Raiders scheduled to host
Arby’s Classic in December

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central is scheduled to host the Arby’s Classic, a girls’ high school basketball holiday event, Dec. 19-22.
Along with host McCreary Central, Williamsburg, Whitley County and Somerset are slated to compete in the girls’ high school basketball holiday event.
The Lady Raiders ended the 2019-20 girls’ high school basketball season 10-19. Wayne County eliminated McCreary Central from the 2019-20 hoops postseason, defeating the Lady Raiders 86-61 in the 48th District Girls’ Basketball Tournament Semifinals.
Head coach Sammy Strunk guides the Lady Raiders.
Girls’ high school basketball teams from throughout the state are scheduled to compete in season openers later in the month.
The complete schedule for the Arby’s Classic will be published in an upcoming edition.

Bruce paces
McCreary Central in assists, service aces

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – Senior setter Alexa Bruce was among the leaders for McCreary Central during the 2020 high school volleyball season, recording a team-high 252 assists and 38 service aces.
Along with leading McCreary Central in assists and service aces, Bruce recorded 146 digs and 35 kills.
McCreary Central suffered a season-ending loss to longtime rival Wayne County in the 48th District Volleyball Tournament Semifinals. Wayne County defeated the Lady Raiders 3-1 (25-21, 18-25, 25-23, 25-14).
Bruce was among the most underrated high school volleyball players in the 12th Region during her final prep campaign.
The Lady Raiders compiled a 5-10 record in the 2020 high school volleyball season. McCreary Central notched wins over Jellico (Tenn.), Pulaski County, Barbourville and North Laurel. The Lady Raiders defeated Jellico (Tenn.) twice during the 2020 high school volleyball regular season.

November 12th, 2020

McCreary Central Williamsburg matchup

among hoops openers

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central is scheduled to travel to Williamsburg for one of the first games in the 2020-21 girls’ high school basketball season on Monday, Nov. 23.
Longtime rivals, McCreary Central and Williamsburg met once during the 2019-20 girls’ high school basketball season. Williamsburg pulled away to beat 76-47 during the second half of the 2019-20 hoops season on February 13.
McCreary Central (10-19) opened preseason practice recently. Several experienced players are poised to compete for Sammy Strunk-coached McCreary Central in the 2020-21 girls’ high school basketball season.
A team from the neighboring 13th Region, Williamsburg compiled 16-11 record during the 2019-20 girls’ high school basketball season. South Laurel eliminated Williamsburg from the 2019-20 50th District Girls’ Basketball Tournament, defeating the Lady Jackets 95-71.
Head coach Randy Crider guides Williamsburg.
In addition to Williamsburg, McCreary Central’s 2020-21 schedule includes Knott County Central, Somerset, Corbin, Southwestern, Knox Central, Wayne County, Pulaski County, Rockcastle County, Cumberland County, Bell County, Barbourville, Whitley County and Berea.

Lady Raiders to face Knott Central in Tim Short Showcase

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central is scheduled to face perennial 14th Region girls’ basketball title contender Knott County Central in the Tim Short Showcase at South Laurel High School on Saturday, Nov. 28.
The South Laurel-hosted girls’ high school basketball event will feature hoops squads from multiple regions.
McCreary Central and Knott County Central did not meet during the 2019-20 girls’ high school basketball season.
The Lady Raiders ended the 2019-20 girls’ high school basketball season 10-19. Wayne County eliminated McCreary Central from the 2019-20 hoops postseason, defeating the Lady Raiders 86-61 in the 48th District Girls’ Basketball Tournament Semifinals.
Head coach Sammy Strunk guides the Lady Raiders.
Knott County Central concluded the 2019-20 girls’ high school basketball season 20-13. The Lady Patriots finished runner-up to Letcher County Central in the 2019-20 14th Region Girls’ Basketball Tournament.
Heading into the 2020-21 hoops season, Knott County Central is among the favorites to win the 14th Region girls’ basketball title.
Head coach Jeff Honeycutt guides the Lady Patriots.
Girls’ high school basketball teams from throughout the state are scheduled to compete in season openers later in the month.

Raiders slated to visit Danville for season opener

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central is scheduled to visit Danville for a 2020-21 boys’ high school basketball season opener on Monday, Nov. 23.
Longtime rivals, McCreary Central and Danville met for a 2019-20 boys’ high school basketball season opener. Danville pulled away to defeat McCreary Central 88-60 in Stearns on December 2, 2019.
The Raiders compiled a 9-20 record during the 2019-20 boys’ high school basketball season. Southwestern held on to edge McCreary Central 48-45 in the 2019-20 48th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament Semifinals.
Head coach Wade Davis guides the Raiders.
Danville concluded the 2019-20 boys’ high school basketball season 23-13. The Admirals finished runner-up in both the 45th District and 12th Region during the 2019-20 boys’ high school basketball season. Following a district runner-up finish to Lincoln County, Danville lost to West Jessamine in the 12th Region title game.
Head coach Ed McKinney guides the Admirals.
McCreary Central’s 2020-21 schedule includes games versus Danville, Rockcastle County, Pulaski County, Barbourville, Southwestern, Lynn Camp, Somerset, Garrard County, Somerset Christian School, Wayne County, Lincoln County, Cumberland County, Clinton County, South Laurel and Casey County.

Raiders outlast Owen County, 22-19

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

OWENTON – Determined McCreary Central won its regular season finale, outlasting host Owen County 22-19 on Friday, Nov. 6.
With the win, McCreary Central improved to 3-2.
Owen County dropped to 1-8 with the loss.
McCreary Central was shorthanded in the late-season high school football matchup, minus six starters due to various non-COVID-19-related reasons, including starting quarterback Ben Trammell.
Maddux McKinney filled in at quarterback for the Raiders, completing 6 of 10 passes for 93 yards and one touchdown. McKinney threw one interception.
Jared Kidd returned from a broken collarbone and made an immediate impact for McCreary Central. Kidd, who has been sidelined since Week 1, rushed for a 61-yard touchdown.
A productive running back, Kidd added another TD in McCreary Central’s victory. Kidd rushed 22 times for 60 yards and two touchdowns.
McKinney completed a scoring pass to Blake Botts as the Raiders prevailed. Botts led McCreary Central in receiving, hauling in two receptions for 43 yards and one touchdown.
Contributing offensively for the focused Raiders, Kamari Giglio added two two-point conversions.
Defensively for McCreary Central, Chase Bolin recorded an interception. Bolin returned the picked-off pass 24 yards.
McCreary Central overcame adversity to secure the win
“Our players stepped up big, showed a lot of heart and came out with a win,” said McCreary Central Coach Eric Privett. “It’s better to get an ugly win than to have a bad loss. We will finish season with a winning record.”
Following the conclusion of the regular season, McCreary Central is preparing to compete in the KHSAA Class 3A Playoffs.

McCreary Central finishes regular season 3-2

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central finished the 2020 high school football regular season 3-2.
The Raiders, under the direction of first-year head coach Eric Privett, notched wins over Jellico (Tenn.), Jackson County and Owen County during the 2020 high school football regular season. McCreary Central dropped 2020 high school football regular season games to Casey County and Bell County.
The Raiders ended the regular season on a two-game winning streak.

McCreary Central edged Jellico, a familiar foe from nearby Tennessee, 32-30 in a season opener on Friday, Sept. 11.
Casey County dealt McCreary Central its first loss on Friday, Sept. 18, defeating the Raiders 42-20. However, McCreary Central continued to show potential in the setback to Casey County.
Bell County handed McCreary Central its second straight loss on Friday, Sept. 25, pulling away to beat the Raiders 57-13 in a Class 3A, District 5 matchup. The Raiders fell behind early and couldn’t overcome the slow start in the district game versus Bell County.

Following a lengthy break due to COVID-19, McCreary Central topped Jackson County 36-8 in a key Class 3A, District 5 game on Friday, Oct. 23. The Raiders and Generals battled throughout the district matchup.
Following another open week, McCreary Central outlasted Owen County 22-19 in a regular season finale on Friday, Nov. 6. Owen County competes in Class 2A, District 5.
McCreary Central, which finished 1-1 in Class 3A, District 5, averaged 24.6 points per game during the 2020 high school football regular season.

November 5th, 2020

Raiders slated to host Estill
County in regular season finale

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central is slated to host Estill County for a regular season finale in the 2020 high school football season on Friday, Nov. 6.
The Raiders and Engineers are familiar rivals.
McCreary Central is 2-2. The Raiders have claimed wins over Jellico (Tenn.) and Jackson County. McCreary Central has dropped games to Casey County and Bell County.
Quarterback Ben Trammell leads the Raiders. Trammell has completed 37 of 92 passes for 565 yards and five touchdowns. The McCreary Central quarterback has thrown five interceptions while rushing 15 times for 103 yards and three touchdowns.
Maddux McKinney leads McCreary Central in receiving. McKinney has hauled in 17 receptions for 266 yards and three touchdowns.
As a team, McCreary Central has rushed 111 times for 772 yars and nine touchdowns.
Keandre Giglio paces McCreary Central on the ground. Giglio has rushed 38 times for 254 yards and one touchdown.
Ranking as McCreary Central’s second-leading rusher, Blake Botts has rushed 27 times for 226 yards and one touchdown.
Following Botts, Kaden Cummins has rushed 20 times for 124 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensively for McCreary Central, Jaymarion Hughes has posted a team-high 31 tackles.
Estill County is also 2-2. The Engineers have notched wins over Lynn Camp and Owen County. Estill County has suffered losses to Breathitt County and Taylor County.
Quarterback Ty Niece leads Estill County. On the ground, Niece has rushed 42 times for 489 yards and eight touchdowns. Through the air, Niece has completed 16 of 37 passes for 282 yards and five touchdowns.
The Engineers are excelling on the ground, averaging 285.5 rushing yards per game. As a team, Estill County has rushed 135 times for 1,142 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Jonothon Short is the Engineers’ second-leading rusher. Short has rushed 42 times for 324 yards and four touchdowns.

Coben Clem paces Estill County in receiving. Clem has reeled in nine receptions for 155 yards and four touchdowns.
Defensively for Estill County, Braeden Waddle has posted a team-high 30 tackles.
Estill County shut out McCreary Central 44-0 when the two teams met during the 2019 high school football season.
Kickoff for the McCreary Central-Estill County football game is set for 7:30 p.m.

Raiders ranked 37th in state

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central is ranked 37th in the KentuckyWrestling.com 2020-21 Preseason High School Team Rankings.
The Raiders are preparing to compete in the 2020-21 high school wrestling season. Veteran head coach Gary Parriman guides the McCreary Central wrestling team.
Individually, several McCreary Central wrestlers are ranked in their respective weight classes.
The KentuckyWrestling.com 2020-21 Preseason High School Team Rankings are as follows: 1. Union County (Region 1), 2. Ryle (Region 6), 3. Christian County (Region 1), 4. Paducah Tilghman (Region 1), 5. Johnson Central (Region 8), 6. Walton Verona (Region 6), 7. Lafayette (Region 7), 8. Trinity (Louisville) (Region 4), 9. St. Xavier (Region 4), 10. Simon Kenton (Region 6), 11. Caldwell County (Region 1), 12. LaRue County (Region 2), 13. Woodford County (Region 5), 14. Madison Central (Region 7), 15. Wayne County (Region 7), 16. Campbell County (Region 6), 17. Conner (Region 6), 18. North Hardin (Region 2), 19. Male (Region 4), 20. Meade County (Region 2), 21. Central (Region 4), 22. Oldham County (Region 5), 23. Bryan Station (Region 7), 24. Martin County (Region 8), 25. Ashland Blazer (Region 8), 26. Calloway County (Region 1), 27. McCracken County (Region 1), 28. Anderson County (Region 5), 29. Fairdale (Region 3), 30. Montgomery County (Region 8), 31. Harrison County (Region 8), 32. Madison Southern (Region 7), 33. John Hardin (Region 2), 34. Taylor County (Region 2), 35. Moore (Region 4), 36. Ohio County (Region 1), 37. McCreary Central (Region 7), 38. Fern Creek (Region 3), 39. Western Hills (Region 5), 40. Central Hardin (Region 2), 41. Scott (Region 6), 42. Frederick Douglass (Region 7), 43. Valley (Region 3), 44. Great Crossing (Region 5), 45. Boyle County (Region 7), 46. Bullitt East (Region 3), 47. Apollo (Region 2), 48. Daviess County (Region 2), 49. Holmes (Region 6), 50. Owensboro (Region 2), 51. Grant County (Region 5), 52. Bullitt Central (Region 3), 53. South Oldham (Region 5), 54. Hopkinsville (Region 1), 55. Scott County (Region 5), 56. Trigg County (Region 1), 57. Covington Catholic (Region 6), 58. Knox Central (Region 7), 59. Pleasure Ridge Park (Region 3), 60. Atherton (Region 4), 61. Danville (Region 7), 62. Belfry (Region 8), 63. DeSales (Region 3), 64. Dixie Heights (Region 6), 65. DuPont Manual (Region 4).

Tucker finishes fifth in Chik-fil-A Invitational

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

WILMORE – The Lindsey Wilson College men’s cross country team claimed its third first-place finish in as many events in the 2020 season, claiming first place in the Chick-Fil-A Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 24.
Levi Owens picked up his third career victory – second straight this season – crossing the finish line with a time of 26 minutes and 34.53 seconds.
Three Blue Raiders then finished the race consecutively as Victor Clark took fourth with a time of 27:21.53, Jordan Tucker took fifth at 27:31.75 and Nolan Foushee claimed sixth with a time of 27:38.91. Tucker is a McCreary Central High School graduate.

Logan Bullock managed to finish in 20th place when he crossed the finish line at 29:21.18. Noah Brown finished in 24th place at 29:32.96, Austin Mattingly took 26th with a time of 29:48.12 as Mason Stogsdill took 27th at 30:07.18.
Harley Waters cracked the top-30 finishing with a time of 30:11.03 for 29th place. Waters is another McCreary Central High School graduate.
Of eight teams at the event, Lindsey Wilson was the only squad to average a time under 28 minutes with a team average of 27:25.58.

October 22nd, 2020

McCreary Central-Garrard County football game canceled late

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – The McCreary Central-Garrard County football game was canceled a few hours before the two squads were scheduled to meet in a Class 3A, District 5 matchup in Stearns on Friday, Oct. 16.
The McCreary Central-Garrard County football game was canceled due to COVID-19.
The Garrard County football team was travelling to McCreary County when the game was canceled abruptly. The move was made when Garrard County became a COVID-19 red county.
McCreary Central hasn’t played since visiting Bell County on September 25. The Raiders have regular season games remaining versus Jackson County (Oct. 23, home), Rockcastle County (Oct. 30, away) and Estill County (Nov. 6, home).
First-year head coach Eric Privett guides the Raiders (1-2 overall, 0-1 Class 3A, District 5). McCreary Central is preparing to host Jackson County in a Class 3A, District 5 matchup on Friday, Oct. 23.

McCreary Central drops regular season finale to Lincoln County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STANFORD – McCreary Central suffered a loss in its regular season finale as host Lincoln County held on to win 2-1 on Saturday, Oct. 17.
Homestanding Lincoln County shook off a slow start in the high school volleyball match to win 19-25, 25-15, 25-21.
With the loss, McCreary Central ended the regular season 5-9.
Kaylynn Smith (10 kills, 2 blocks, 1 dig, 1 service ace), Lacey Peyton (7 kills, 2 blocks, 4 digs), Michaela Tracy (3 kills, 1 assist, 2 digs), Gracie Gay (3 kills, 1 assist, 1 dig), Jada Whited (1 kill, 12 digs, 2 service aces), Danielle Story (1 kill, 1 assist, 7 digs), Tinsley Bastin (1 kill, 5 digs), Mayci Godbey (1 kill, 8 assists, 9 digs), Kaylie Cotter (23 digs) and Sarah Beth Grimes (13 assists, 9 digs) contributed for Lincoln County in the victory.
Elizabeth Anderson (9 kills, 1 assist, 17 digs, 2 service aces), Alexa Bruce (4 kills, 13 assists, 16 digs, 1 service ace), Kaylee Stephens (4 kills, 1 block, 1 assist, 3 digs), Alexandria Hill (2 kills, 1 assist, 8 digs, 1 service ace), Alexis Jones (2 kills, 1 dig), Emily Swain (2 assists, 13 digs, 2 service aces), Lily Kidd (7 digs) and Lacey Watters (1 assist, 4 digs) contributed for McCreary Central in the setback.
McCreary Central and Lincoln County – 12th Region rivals – met for the first time in the 2020 high school volleyball season.
Both McCreary Central and Lincoln County entered the postseason at the start of the week.

McCreary falls to Wayne County in
district
tournament

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

MONTICELLO – McCreary Central fell short as host Wayne County pulled away to win 3-1 in the 48th District Volleyball Tournament semifinals on Monday, Oct. 19.
Wayne County won 25-21, 18-25, 25-23, 25-14.
With the loss, McCreary Central ended its season 5-10.
Wayne County improved to 6-8 and advanced to the district title match with the win.
McCreary Central started strong before faltering late.
Mallory Campbell (18 kills, 1 assist, 15 digs, 2 service aces), Lorin Dodd (11 kills, 6 digs, 1 service ace), Leslie Dodd (10 kills, 1 assist, 20 digs, 1 service ace), Elizabeth Wright (9 kills, 1 block), Mariah Bowlin (4 kills, 44 assists, 14 digs, 1 service ace), Addy Rice (2 assists, 16 digs, 1 service ace), Sydney Alley (8 digs, 2 service aces), Kennedy Keith (6 digs, 1 assist), Cassidy Evans (3 digs, 1 assist) and Brooklyn Napier (1 dig) contributed for Wayne County in the victory.
Elizabeth Anderson (10 kills, 1 assist, 26 digs, 1 service ace), Kaylee Stephens (7 kills, 1 assist), Alexandria Hill (6 kills, 17 digs, 3 service aces), Alexis Jones (6 kills, 4 blocks, 1 dig), Emily Swain (4 assists, 7 digs, 1 service ace), Alexa Bruce (1 kill, 2 blocks, 21 assists, 22 digs, 1 service ace) and Lily Kidd (1 assist, 14 digs) contributed for the Lady Raiders in the season-ending loss.
Prior to entering the postseason, McCreary Central dropped a pair of regular season matches to 48th District rival Wayne County.
High school volleyball teams across the 12th Region and throughout the state entered the postseason earlier in the week.
Wayne County moved on to meet Southwestern in the 48th District Volleyball Tournament title match.

Lady Raiders shut out North Laurel, 3-0

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central returned to the win column on Friday, Oct. 16, shutting out visiting North Laurel 3-0 in a late-season high school volleyball match.
Under the direction of Coach Amy Jones, McCreary Central won 25-22, 25-19, 25-16.
Elizabeth Anderson recorded 18 kills, 14 digs, 2 assists and 2 service aces to lead McCreary Central to the win over North Laurel, a team from the 13th Region. Anderson thrived at the net throughout the high school volleyball match.
In addition to Anderson, Alexis Jones (8 kills, 1 block, 1 assist, 5 digs, 2 service aces), Kaylee Stephens (5 kills, 2 digs), Alexa Bruce (2 kills, 26 assists, 7 digs, 4 service aces), Alexandria Hill (10 digs, 2 service aces), Emily Swain (3 digs, 1 service ace) and Lacey Watters (4 digs) contributed for the Lady Raiders.
McCreary Central dealt North Laurel its sixth straight loss.
Rivals from bordering regions, McCreary Central and North Laurel met for the first time in the 2020 high school volleyball season. McCreary Central hosted North Laurel for its final home match.

Raiders scheduled to host Jackson County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central is scheduled to host Jackson County for a Class 3A, District 5 football game on Friday, Oct. 23.
The Raiders have been idle for nearly one month. McCreary Central was set to host Garrard County on Friday, Oct. 16 when the game was canceled a few hours before kickoff. The Raiders and Golden Lions were slated to meet in a Class 3A, District 5 game as well.
McCreary Central is 1-2 overall and 0-1 in Class 3A, District 5. The Raiders outlasted Jellico (Tenn.) 32-30 in a season opener before suffering back-to-back losses. During Week 2, Casey County defeated McCreary Central 42-20. Forcing McCreary Central to remain in the loss column, Class 3A, District 5 counterpart Bell County beat the Raiders 57-13 in Week 3.
Through the air, McCreary Central quarterback Ben Trammell has completed 31 of 84 passes for 390 yards and three touchdowns while throwing five interceptions.
Leading McCreary Central in receiving, Maddux McKinney has hauled in 16 receptions for 234 yards and three touchdowns.
As a team, McCreary Central has rushed 93 times for 548 yards and six touchdowns.
On the ground, Keandre Giglio has rushed 34 times for 210 yards and one touchdown to lead the Raiders’ rushing attack. Second behind Giglio in rushing, Blake Botts has rushed 24 times for 152 yards.
Delivering through the air and on the ground, Trammell has rushed 13 times for 78 yards and three touchdowns.
Defensively, Jaymarion Hughes paces McCreary Central with a team-high 31 tackles.
The Raiders are under the direction of Coach Eric Privett.
Jackson County is 1-3 overall and 0-2 in Class 3A, District 5. The Generals were sidelined due to COVID-19 in September. Jackson County defeated Shawnee earlier in the month. The Generals have dropped games to Shelby Valley, Rockcastle County and Bell County. Through four games, opponents have outscored the Generals 175-44.
Through its first three games, Jackson County had rushed 60 times for 357 yards and four touchdowns. Running back Shawn Browning and quarterback Nick Baldwin have emerged as leaders for the Generals. In three games, Browning has rushed 32 times for 278 yards and three touchdowns. During the same stretch, Baldwin has completed 21 of 40 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns. Baldwin has thrown two interceptions. The Jackson County quarterback has completed two or more passes to five different receivers.
Head coach John Hallock guides the Generals.
Kickoff for the McCreary Central-Jackson County football game is set for 7:30 p.m.

McCreary Central runners compete in Cave Lake Fall Classic

October 15th, 2020

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – After being sidelined due to COVID-19, McCreary Central is slated to visit Rockcastle County in Week 6 of the 2020 high school football season on Friday, Oct. 16.
The Raiders and Rockets are due to meet for a Class 3A, District 5 game.
After outlasting Jellico (Tenn.) 32-30 in a season opener, McCreary Central dropped back-to-back games to Casey County and Bell County.
The Raiders are 1-2 overall and 0-1 in Class 3A, District 5.
Through the air, McCreary Central quarterback Ben Trammell has completed 31 of 84 passes for 390 yards and three touchdowns while throwing five interceptions.
Leading McCreary Central in receiving, Maddux McKinney has hauled in 16 receptions for 234 yards and three touchdowns.
On the ground, Keandre Giglio has rushed 34 times for 210 yards and one touchdown to lead the Raiders’ rushing attack. Second behind Giglio in rushing, Blake Botts has rushed 24 times for 152 yards.
Delivering through the air and on the ground, Trammell has rushed 13 times for 78 yards and three touchdowns.
Rockcastle County is 4-1 overall and 3-0 in Class 3A, District 5. After suffering an upset loss to much-improved Letcher County Central in its season opener, Rockcastle County has reeled off four straight wins over Adair County, Garrard County, Bell County and Jackson County. Through five games, Rockcastle County has outscored its opponents 167-54.
Rockcastle County is thriving on the ground. The Rockets have rushed 174 times for 1,359 yards and 20 touchdowns. Leading Rockcastle County on the ground, running back Matthew Chasteen has rushed 67 times for 603 yards and eight touchdowns for the Rockets. Quarterback Noah Parkey ranks as the Rockets’ second-leading rusher. Parkey has rushed 53 times for 460 yards and two touchdowns. Through the air for Rockcastle County, Parkey has completed 24 of 41 passes for 329 yards and four touchdowns while throwing one interception.
Rockcastle County pulled away to defeat McCreary Central 49-14 when the two teams met during the 2019 high school football season.
Kickoff for the McCreary Central-Rockcastle County football game is set for 7:30 p.m. in Mount Vernon.

McCreary Central slated to compete in Cave Lake Fall Classic

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central is slated to compete the Cave Lake Fall Classic in Monticello on Saturday, Oct. 17.
The Cave Lake Fall Classic will feature cross country runners from McCreary Central, Wayne County, Bell County, Casey County, Clay County, Clinton County, Corbin, Cordia, Cumberland County, Harlan, Jackson County, Lincoln County, North Laurel, Oneida Baptist Institute, Russell County, Somerset Christian, South Laurel, Southwestern and Whitley County.
McCreary Central is slated to compete against Bell County, Boyle County, Casey County, Clay County, Corbin, East Jessamine, Garrard County, Harlan County, Knox Central, Lincoln County, Mercer County, Rockcastle County, Russell County and Wayne County in the Class 2A, Region 5 Meet later in the season.
Head coach Trevor Tucker guides the McCreary Central cross country program.

Raiders fall to Wayne County in district tournament

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

SOMERSET – McCreary Central was held scoreless as Wayne County pulled away to win 9-0 in the 48th District Girls’ Soccer Tournament Semifinals at Southwestern High School on Monday, Oct. 12.
The loss ended McCreary Central’s season.
With the loss, McCreary Central exited the shortened 2020 girls’ high school soccer season 1-7.
Wayne County improved to 5-4 and advanced to the district title match with the win.
Shelby Bell scored six goals to lead Wayne County to the victory over McCreary Central in the postseason contest.
Another leader for Wayne County, Rylee Keith netted two goals and distributed four assists.
Rounding out Wayne County’s individual scoring, Hayley Bertram netted one goal.
Pacing Wayne County defensively, goalkeeper Xaviea West recorded five saves.
McCreary Central was limited offensively throughout the postseason girls’ high school soccer match.
The Raiders notched a win over Bell County during the 2020 girls’ high school soccer regular season. McCreary Central’s roster included seniors Shana Stephens, Emma Bryant and Victoria Taylor.
Both the champion and runner-up from the 48th District will advance to the 12th Region Girls’ Soccer Tournament.

McCreary
Central loses match to
Casey County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

LIBERTY – McCreary Central slipped back into the loss column at the start of the week as host Casey County prevailed 2-0 in a high school volleyball match on Monday, Oct. 12.
Casey County won 25-18, 25-20.
With the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 4-7.
Casey County improved to 5-4 with the win.
Kailey Piatt (8 kills, 2 blocks, 2 digs, 2 service aces), Kyra Palmer (4 kills, 2 digs), Mylee Poore (3 kills, 3 blocks, 3 service aces), Tarah Durham (1 kill, 3 assists, 5 digs), Laura Bastin (12 assists, 3 digs), Sophia Lynn (11 digs) and Chloe Dunn (1 kill, 1 block) contributed for McCreary Central in the victory.
Elizabeth Anderson (5 kills, 1 assist, 17 digs), Kaylee Stephens (5 kills, 2 digs), Alexis Jones (5 digs, 5 digs), Alexa Bruce (3 kills, 14 assists, 7 digs), Emily Swain (1 assist, 8 digs), Lily Kidd (7 digs, 1 service ace), Alexandria Hill (1 kill, 4 digs) and Kacey Watters (1 dig) contributed for McCreary Central in the setback.
McCreary Central was set to host Somerset Christian School in a home finale on Tuesday, Oct. 13.
The Raiders are scheduled to visit Lincoln County for a regular season finale at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Raiders blank
Barbourville, 3-0

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

BARBOURVILLE – Turning in a solid all-around performance, McCreary Central blanked host Barbourville 3-0 in a high school volleyball match on Friday, Oct. 9
With the win, McCreary Central improved to 4-6.
Barbourville stumbled to 5-12 with the loss.
Elizabeth Anderson (10 kills, 1 block, 4 assists, 4 digs), Kaylee Stephens (7 kills, 6 assists, 1 dig), Alexis Jones (6 kills, 1 block, 1 assist, 2 digs, 1 service ace), Alexa Bruce (5 kills, 20 assists, 8 digs), Alexandria Hill (3 kills, 5 digs, 4 service aces), Lily Kidd (5 digs, 4 service aces), Emily Swain (2 kills, 1 assist, 1 dig), Lacey Watters (1 dig), Kaylee Clark (1 dig) and Emily Privett (1 assist) contributed for McCreary Central in the victory.
Kailey Napier (4 kills, 1 block, 4 digs), Tessa Hillard (3 kills, 2 digs, 1 service ace), Alexis Woolum (2 kills, 1 block, 3 assists, 11 digs, 1 service ace), Aubrey Woolum (7 digs), Sydney Jones (6 digs, 1 service ace), April Roark (2 assists, 4 digs) and Payton Brown (1 dig) contributed for Barbourville in the setback.
McCreary Central and Barbourville met for the first time in the 2020 high school volleyball season.

October 8th, 2020

Raiders turn focus to Rockcastle

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – On the gridiron, McCreary Central has turned its focus to Class 3A, District 5 rival Rockcastle County.
McCreary Central is set to visit Rockcastle County for its next game on Friday, Oct. 16.
The Raiders are off to a 1-2 start in the 2020 high school football season. After outlasting Jellico 32-30 in a season opener, McCreary Central has dropped back-to-back games to Casey County and Bell County.
Quarterback Ben Trammell, running backs Keandre Giglio and Blake Botts and receiver Maddux McKinney are combining to lead McCreary Central offensively. Through the air, Trammell has completed 31 of 84 passes for 390 yards and three touchdowns while throwing five interceptions. Leading McCreary Central in receiving, McKinney has hauled in 16 receptions for 234 yards and three touchdowns. On the ground, Giglio has rushed 34 times for 210 yards and one touchdown. Second behind Giglio in rushing, Bots has rushed 24 times for 152 yards. Showing his versatility, Trammell has rushed 13 times for 78 yards and three touchdowns.
Rockcastle County is 3-1 through its first four games in the 2020 high school football season. Following a loss to Letcher County Central in a season opener, Rockcastle County has notched wins over Adair County, Garrard County and Bell County. Showing improving, Rockcastle County defeated Bell County 13-7 in a Week 4 matchup on Friday, Oct. 2.
The Rockets are slated to visit Jackson County for a Class 3A, District 5 game on Friday, Oct. 9.
Through Rockcastle County’s first four games, running back Matthew Chasteen has rushed 60 times for 486 yards and six touchdowns. Quarterback Noah Parkey leads Rockcastle County in passing and ranks as the Rockets’ second-leading rusher. Parkey has completed 19 of 33 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns while throwing one interception. On the ground, Parkey has rushed 50 times for 368 yards and five touchdowns.
McCreary Central’s remaining schedule includes additional games versus Jackson County (Oct. 23), Lynn Camp (Oct. 30) and Garrard County (Nov. 6).

McCreary Central suffers shutout loss to Southwestern

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

SOMERSET – McCreary Central was limited offensively as host Southwestern pulled away to win 10-0 in a 48th District girls’ soccer match on Monday, Sept. 28.
With the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 1-5-1 overall.
Southwestern improved to 7-1-0 overall with the win.
Homestanding Southwestern used a balanced offensive attack to earn the district win. Carrine Souders (three goals, two assists), Rebekah Clark (three goals, one assist), Kelsey Miller (one goal, one assist), Ashlan Cunnagin (one goal), Haylee Flynn (one goal), Jadyn Campbell (one goal) and Sydney Jones (one assist) contributed offensively for the Warriors.
Defensively for Southwestern, two goalkeepers, Riley Sumner and Lauren Tyler, combined to record a shutout.
McCreary Central goalkeeper Jayden Lyons logged 14 saves in the setback.
Both McCreary Central and Southwestern are scheduled to compete in the 48th District Girls’ Soccer Tournament later in the month.

Raiders shut out Jellico, 3-0

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

JELLICO, Tenn. – Returning to the win column on Monday, Sept. 28, visiting McCreary Central shut out Jellico 3-0.
McCreary Central won 25-6, 25-15, 25-19.
With the win, McCreary Central improved to 3-6.
Alexandria Hill (9 kills, 1 block, 2 digs, 6 service aces), Elizabeth Anderson (7 kills, 1 assist, 7 digs, 1 service ace), Kaylee Stephens (6 kills, 1 dig, 1 service ace), Alexis Jones (1 kill, 1 block, 2 digs), Lacey Watters (3 digs, 3 service aces), Emily Swain (2 assists, 1 dig, 3 service aces), Lilly Kidd (3 digs, 2 service aces), Kaylee Stephens (1 dig, 1 service ace) and Kaylee Clark (1 assist) contributed for McCreary Central in the victory.
McCreary Central defeated Jellico for the second time in the 2020 high school volleyball season.
The Raiders entered October with regular season matches remaining versus Lincoln County, Barbourville, Williamsburg, Casey County and Somerset Christian School.

COVID-19 alters McCreary
Central girls’ soccer schedule

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – Due to COVID-19, the McCreary Central girls’ soccer team’s schedule has been altered.
The Raiders will be minus multiple home games as a result of the pandemic.
A McCreary Central-Knox Central girls’ soccer match scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 1 was canceled.
A McCreary Central-Lincoln County girls’ soccer match slated for Monday, Oct. 5 was also canceled.
The Raiders were set to host Middlesboro for a home match on Tuesday, Oct. 6 but that game was canceled as well.
McCreary Central was slated to visit Knox Central on Thursday, Oct. 8.
Head coach Katlyne King guides the Raiders.
McCreary Central is scheduled to compete in the 48th District Girls’ Soccer Tournament later in the month.

Martinez, Lyons combine to lead Raiders

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – Junior Hayleeh Martinez and sophomore Jayden Lyons are combining to lead McCreary Central in the 2020 girls’ high school soccer season.
Leading McCreary Central offensively, Martinez has scored five goals in seven matches for the Raiders.
Martinez is one of three scorers for McCreary Central thus far in the 2020 girls’ high school soccer season.
Following Martinez, Isabella Hammons has netted three goals for the Raiders.
Rounding out McCreary Central’s individual scoring, Shana Stephens has netted one goal.
Lyons is pacing McCreary Central defensively. As a goalkeeper, Lyons has recorded 22 saves.
Victoria Taylor has logged 19 saves for the Raiders.
Along with Lyons and Taylor, Stephens, Lydia Bryce and Tori Taylor have contributed at goalkeeper for McCreary Central, a member of the 48th District.
McCreary Central blanked Bell County 8-0 for its first win in the 2020 girls’ high school soccer season in September. The Raiders have suffered losses to Wayne County, Pulaski County, Whitley County and Southwestern. McCreary Central absorbed two losses to 48th District rival Southwestern in September.
The Raiders are preparing to enter the postseason.

October 1st, 2020

Raiders drop district game to Bell County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

PINEVILLE – McCreary Central fell behind early and couldn’t make up for its slow start as host Bell County pulled away to win 57-13 in a Class 3A, District 5 football game on Friday, Sept. 25.
With the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 1-2 and 0-1 in Class 3A, District 5.
Bell County improved to 2-1 overall and 1-0 in the district with the win.
Thriving offensively, Bell County rushed 29 times for 338 yards and six touchdowns. Brandon Baker paced Bell County on the ground, rushing nine times for 126 yards and two touchdowns.
Five different Bell County players rushed for at least one touchdown in the win.
Dawson Woolum rushed 10 times for 105 yards and one touchdown for the Bobcats.
Following Woolum, Daniel Thomas rushed six times for 76 yards and one touchdown.
Aiding the Bobcats offensively, quarterback Cameron Burnett and Jonathan Beverly added one rushing touchdown apiece.

Burnett paced Bell County through the air, completing 3 of 13 passes for 95 yards and two touchdowns while throwing one interception.
Baker and Jonathan Lankford hauled in one touchdown pass reception apiece for the Bobcats,
Beverly led Bell County defensively, recording nine tackles.
Woolum and Lankford added one interception apiece as Bell County claimed the district win.
Quarterback Ben Trammell paced McCreary Central, completing 15-of-27 passes for 123 yards and one touchdown. Trammell threw two interceptions.
Maddux McKinney led McCreary Central in receiving, hauling in six receptions for 73 yards and one touchdown.
Another reliable receiver, Trent Conatser, hauled in five receptions for 33 yards.
Rounding out McCreary Central’s receiving, Carson McKinney and Blake Botts combined to catch five passes for 17 yards.
Limited on the ground, McCreary Central rushed 21 times for 61 yards and one touchdown.
Keandre Giglio led McCreary Central on the ground, rushing 11 times for 25 yards.
Behind Giglio, Kaden Cummins rushed four times for 18 yards.
Kamari Giglio delivered McCreary Central’s only rushing touchdown, reaching the endzone from five yards out.
Defensively for McCreary Central, Jaymarion Hughes (12 tackles) Lee Felix (11 tackles), Chase Bolin (eight tackles), Bryer Cordell (seven tackles) and Sam Jones (six tackles) ranked as the top five tacklers. Chipping in defensively, Maddux McKinney added an interception for the Raiders.

Baird claims first win in career

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

ONEIDA, Tenn. – McCreary Central freshman Kaleb Baird won the first race of his cross country career during the Oneida Park Meet 2 on Thursday, Sept. 24.
Baird placed first in 18:34.00 in the Boys’ 5,000 Meter Run.
The productive Baird is among the area’s top young boys’ high school cross country runners.
The Oneida Park Meet 2 featured runners from host Oneida (Tenn.), McCreary Central, Scott (Tenn.) and Alvin C. York Institute (Tenn.).
Four McCreary Central runners placed in the Top 10 at the Oneida Park Meet 2. McCreary Central’s individual results from the Oneida Park Meet 2 were as follows: 1. Kaleb Baird, 18:34.00; 2. Christian Williams, 18:35.00; 5. Greyson Whittington, 20:16.00; 6. Riley Foster, 20:20.00; 12. Ashton Williams, 21:34.00; 14. Cayden Rowe, 22:50.00; 16. Caleb Musgrove, 23:03.00; 20. Cody Taylor, 23:55.00; 22. Jackson Winburn, 24:48.00; 24. Kenna Gibson, 26:41.00; 25. Jason Jones, 26:42.00; 28. Andrew Privett, 28:36.00.

McCreary Central Girls’ Basketball

Photo courtesy of Scott Warren
McCreary Central is scheduled to visit Williamsburg for its opener in the 2020-21 girls’ high school basketball season on Monday, Nov. 23. Sophomore guard Jayci Bell (20) is among the returning players for the McCreary Central girls’ basketball team.

McCreary Central shows
improvement, balanced offense

STEARNS – McCreary Central has won one of its first three games in the 2020 high school football season but the Raiders’ record can be deceiving.
The Raiders are showing improvement while featuring a balanced offense.
McCreary Central is averaging over 180 rushing yards per game. Through its first three games in the 2020 high school football season, McCreary Central has rushed 93 times for 548 yards and six touchdowns.
Keandre Giglio leads McCreary Central on the ground. Giglio has rushed 34 times for 210 yards and one touchdown.
Providing McCreary Central another strong rushing threat, Blake Botts has rushed 24 times for 152 yards.
Quarterback Ben Trammell has rushed 13 times for 78 yards and three touchdowns for the Raiders.
Along with the top three rushers, Kaden Cummins, Jarred Kidd and Kamari Giglio have rushed for positive yardage for the Raiders.
Pacing McCreary Central through the air, Trammell has completed 31 of 74 passes for 390 yards and three touchdowns while throwing five interceptions.
Maddux McKinney leads McCreary Central in receiving. McKinney has hauled in 16 receptions for 234 yards and three touchdowns.
Trammell has completed a pass to seven different receivers.
Defensively, Jaymarion Hughes leads McCreary Central with a team-high 31 tackles.
Another proven tackler, Lee Felix has recorded 22 tackles to rank second behind Hughes.
Along with Hughes and Felix, Botts (17 tackles), Sam Jones (17 tackles), Mike Durham (16 tackles), Bryer Cordell (12 tackles), Keandre Giglio (11 tackles), Cummins (11 tackles) and McKinney (10 tackles) have been among the key defensive players for the Raiders.

Pacing McCreary Central in another key defensive category, McKinney and Kylon Williams have recorded two interceptions apiece.

Lady Raiders fall to Wayne County in
district match

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

MONTICELLO – McCreary Central faltered as host Wayne County pulled away to win 3-1 in a 48th District volleyball match on Thursday, Sept. 24.
Wayne County won 25-13, 25-23, 19-25, 25-13.
The victory allowed Wayne County to sweep a 48th District regular-season series with McCreary Central.
Wayne County’s winning effort featured Leslie Dodd (9 kills, 1 assist, 4 digs, 2 service aces), Elizabeth Wright (7 kills, 2 digs), Mallory Campbell (7 kills, 1 assist, 11 digs), Lorin Dodd (5 kills, 2 digs, 1 service ace), Mariah Bowlin (27 assists, 10 digs), Kennedy Keith (1 kill, 2 assists, 6 digs, 1 service ace), Addy Rice (9 digs, 1 service ace), Sydney Alley (1 kill, 1 dig), Cassidy Evans (3 digs) and Brooklyn Napier (1 kill, 1 dig).
Elizabeth Anderson (11 kills, 1 assist, 20 digs, 3 service aces), Alexandria Hill (8 kills, 1 block, 1 assist, 6 digs, 1 service ace), Kaylee Stephens (5 kills, 3 blocks, 3 digs, 1 service ace), Kaylee Clark (2 kills, 1 assist, 5 digs), Alexa Bruce (1 kill, 23 assists, 11 digs, 4 service aces), Emily Swain (1 kill, 2 assists, 2 digs), Lily Kidd (1 kill, 9 digs, 1 service ace) and Lacey Watters (1 assist, 4 digs, 1 service ace) contributed for McCreary Central in the district match.
Both McCreary Central and Wayne County will compete in the 48th District Volleyball Tournament later in the month.

Tucker places second in Oneida-hosted race

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

ONEIDA – McCreary Central freshman Alyssa Tucker placed second in the Oneida Park Meet 2 Girls’ 5,000 Meter Run on Thursday, Sept. 24.
Tucker completed the race in 25:03.00.
Runners from host Oneida (Tenn.), McCreary Central, Scott (Tenn.) and Alvin C. York Institute (Tenn.) competed in the event.
The McCreary Central girls’ cross country team’s individual results from the Oneida Park Meet 2 were as follows: 2. Alyssa Tucker, 25:03.00; 5. Kendall Kidd, 26:43.00; 6. Raven King, 26:54.00; 9. Chelsea Whitehead, 28:25.00; 22. McKenzie King, 42:14.00.

September 24th, 2020

Raiders drop game at Casey County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

McCreary Central suffered its first setback as host Casey County pulled away to win 42-20 in Week 2 of the 2020 high school football season on Friday, Sept. 18.
With the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 1-1.
Casey County evened its record to 1-1 with the win.
The Rebels moved ahead early and gradually pulled away for the victory.
Casey County quarterback Ethan Willoughby completed eight of 14 passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns. Willoughby completed at least one pass to four different receivers.
Donovan Jackson and Gunner Floyd hauled in one touchdown pass reception apiece for the Rebels. Jackson led Casey County in receiving, reeling in three catches for 73 yards and one touchdown.
Casey County produced through the air and on the ground. The Rebels rushed 22 times for 223 yards and four touchdowns.
Elijah Pittman led Casey County on the ground, rushing eight times for 104 yards and two touchdowns.
Aiding the Casey County rushing attack, Jackson and Cody Publow rushed for one touchdown apiece.
Publow led Casey County defensively, recording nine tackles.
Quarterback Ben Trammell led McCreary Central, completing eight passes for 110 yards and two touchdowns while throwing a pair of interceptions. Chipping in on the ground for the Raiders, Trammell rushed five times for 40 yards.
Maddux McKinney paced McCreary Central in receiving, hauling in five receptions for 84 yards and two touchdowns.
Carson McKinney, Keandre Giglio and Lee Felix added one reception apiece for the Raiders.
As a team, McCreary Central rushed 28 times for 136 yards. Blake Botts led the Raiders on the ground, rushing 10 times for 67 yards.
Contributing in the ground for McCreary Central, Kaden Cummins and Giglio rushed for 19 yards and 12 yards, respectively. Reaching the endzone via offense, Cummins added a two-point conversion as well.
Delivering on special teams for the Raiders, Cummins returned a punt for a touchdown.

Leaders emerge for Raiders

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – Multiple leaders have emerged on the gridiron for much improved McCreary Central.
The Raiders (1-1) have produced on offense, defense and special teams during the first two games of the 2020 high school football season.
Junior quarterback Ben Trammell is on pace to pass for over 1,000 yards for the Raiders. Through two games, Trammell has completed 16 passes for 267 yards and two touchdowns. Spreading the football around, Trammell has completed at least one pass to six different receivers.
As a team, McCreary Central has rushed 72 times for 487 yards and five touchdowns.
Keandre Giglio is leading the Raiders in rushing. Giglio has rushed 23 times for 185 yards and one touchdown.
The Raiders’ second-leading rusher, Blake Botts has rushed 21 times for 144 yards.
Showing his versatility, Trammell has rushed 11 times for 73 yards and three touchdowns.
Contributing on the ground for McCreary Central, Jared Kidd and Kaden Cummins round out McCreary Central’s top five rushers. Cummins has rushed for one touchdown thus far in the 2020 season.
Maddux McKinney has been Trammell’s go-to receiver. McKinney has hauled in 10 receptions for 161 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensively, Jaymarion Hughes leads McCreary Central with a team-high 11 tackles. Following Hughes, Botts, Sam Jones, Mike Durham and Garrett Maxwell have posted eight tackles apiece for the Raiders.
Delivering in another defensive category, McKinney, Durham and Kylon Williams have recorded one interception apiece for the Raiders.
Opponents have outscored McCreary Central 72-52 through the 2020 season’s first two games. However, McCreary Central continues to show improvement during its latest campaign.

Raiders, Lakers
battle to tie

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

RUSSELL SPRINGS – Visiting McCreary Central and Russell County battled to a 1-1 tie in a girls’ high school soccer match on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
Each team moved to 0-3-1 following the tie.
Junior Hayleeh Martinez netted McCreary Central’s goal in the match.
Pacing McCreary Central defensively, senior goalkeeper Victoria Taylor recorded eight saves and limited Russell County to one goal.
Junior Samantha Betts-Jimenez netted Russell County’s goal off an assist from sophomore Abigail Money.
Defensively for Russell County, junior goalkeeper Morgan Loy recorded one save while holding the Raiders to one goal.
McCreary Central and Russell County aren’t scheduled to meet again in the 2020 girls’ high school soccer season. Each girls’ high school soccer team will enter the postseason in October.

Raiders upend Pulaski County, 3-1

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

SOMERSET – Returning to the win column, McCreary Central upended host Pulaski County 3-1 in a 48th District volleyball match on Saturday, Sept. 19.
McCreary Central won 25-23, 25-22, 9-25, 25-18.
Elizabeth Anderson (17 kills, 21 digs, 3 service ace, 1 assist) led McCreary Central to the district win.
The additional contributors for McCreary Central included Alexis Jones (3 kills, 7 blocks, 6 digs, 3 service aces), Kaylee Stephens (2 kills, 2 blocks, 1 dig), Lily Kidd (11 digs), Alexa Bruce (19 assists, 12 digs, 3 service aces), Alexandria Jill (18 digs, 1 kill, 2 blocks, 1 service ace), Emily Privett (3 digs, 1 service ace) and Emily Swain (1 dig).
Pulaski County slipped into the loss column after recording back-to-back wins.
Both McCreary Central and Pulaski County will compete in the 48th District Volleyball Tournament in October.

Baird, Tucker lead McCreary Central in Wayne County Invitational

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

Photo courtesy of McCreary Central Cross Country
McCreary Central runner Alyssa Tucker (top) finished 51st and Kendal Kidd (bottom) finished 54th in the Wayne County Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 19.

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

MONTICELLO – Kaleb Baird and Alyssa Tucker combined to lead the McCreary Central boys’ and girls’ cross country teams in the Wayne County Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 19.
Baird finished 29th in the Wayne County Invitational Boys’ 5,000 Meter Run.
Tucker finished 51st in the Wayne County Invitational Girls’ 5,000 Meter Run.
High school runners from throughout the state returned to competition in prep cross country meets within the past week.
A breakdown of the individual results for the McCreary Central cross country program follows.
Girls’ 5,000 Meter Run: 51. Alyssa Tucker, 29:42.70; 54. Kendal Kidd, 30:41.38; 55. Chelsea Whitehead, 31:38.68.
Boys’ 5,000 Meter Run: 29. Kaleb Baird, 20:13.07; 36. Christian Williams, 20:41.64; 49. Riley Foster, 22:10.60; 59. Greyson Whittington, 23:41.05; 66. Ashton Williams, 24:57.90; 67. Cayden Rowe, 25:22.66; 69. Jackson Winburn, 25:53.12; 71. Cody Taylor, 26:15.47; 73. Caleb Musgrove, 27:01.55; 74. Jason Jones, 27:11.27; 76. Kenna Gibson, 28:44.18; 77. Andrew Privett, 30:44.6.

September 17th, 2020

Raiders outlast Jellico in season opener, 32-30

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

JELLICO, Tenn. – First-year head coach Eric Privett guided McCreary Central to a thrilling 32-30 win over host Jellico (Tenn.) in a high school football season opener on Friday, Sept. 11.
Several players contributed to McCreary Central’s win.
Quarterback Ben Trammell, one of the state’s most underrated high school quarterbacks, completed 8 of 24 passes for 167 yards in the Raiders’ victory. Trammell threw one interception.
Keandre Giglio led McCreary Central on the ground, rushing 16 times for 169 yards and one touchdown.
Finishing second in rushing for the Raiders, Blake Botts rushed 11 times for 70 yards. Botts reached the endzone on a two-point conversion run.
Showing versatility, Trammell rushed six times for 33 yards and three touchdowns.
Another running back, Jarred Kidd, rushed four times for 48 yards as the Raiders prevailed in the opener.
Chipping in offensively on the ground for the Raiders, Kaden Cummins rushed six times for 19 yards and one touchdown.

Maddux McKinney emerged as McCreary Central’s leading receiver, hauling in five catches for 87 yards,
Kidd added a 59-yard reception for McCreary Central in the emotional victory.
Another McCreary Central receiver, Trent Conatser, provided a 21-yard reception.
Defensively, as a team, McCreary Central recorded 46 tackles, five sacks, seven deflections and three interceptions.
Jaymarion Hughes recorded a team-high eight tackles for the Raiders. McKinney, Mike Durham and Kylon Williams registering one interception apiece for McCreary Central in the winning effort.

McCreary Central is scheduled to visit Casey County on Friday, Sept. 18.

McCreary Central runners to
compete in Wayne County Invitational

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central is scheduled to open the 2020 high school cross country season in the Wayne County Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 19.
Local runners from various classes are poised to compete in the 2020 high school cross country season.
Along with the Wayne County Invitational, McCreary Central’s schedule will include a pair of Oneida-hosted meets.
The Oneida Park Meet 2 is scheduled for September 24.
The Richard Magyar Memorial Run is slated for October 1.
Currently, McCreary Central features the following runners: Kaleb Baird, Brady Corder, Riley Foster, Kenna Gibson, Jason Jones, Kendall Kidd, Destiny King, McKenzie King, Caleb Musgrove, Andrew Privett, Cayden Rowe, Cody Taylor, Alyssa Tucker, Chelsea Whitehead, Greyson Whittington, Ashton Williams, Christian Williams and Jackson Winburn.
Head coach Trevor Tucker guides the McCreary Central cross country program

McCreary Central drops two matches in season’s first week

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central suffered shutout losses to Wayne County and Pulaski County during the first week of the 2020 girls’ high school soccer season.
Wayne County 13, McCreary Central 0: Visiting Wayne County set the tone early and pulled away to defeat McCreary Central 13-0 in a girls’ high school soccer season opener on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
Rylee Keith (5 goals, 1 assist), Shelby Bell (4 goals, 1 assist) and Jasmine Davis (4 goals, 1 assist) combined to account for Wayne County’s offense in the win.
Wayne County goalkeeper Xaviea West recorded a shutout and two saves.
Defensively for McCreary Central, goalkeeper Tori Taylor recorded eight saves.
Pulaski County 10, McCreary Central 0: Host Pulaski County dealt McCreary Central its second straight loss on Thursday, Sept. 10, shutting out the Raiders 10-0.
With the loss, McCreary Central slipped to 0-2.
Pulaski County moved to 2-0 with the win.
Several players contributed offensively as Pulaski County notched its second win in the 2020 girls’ high school soccer season.
Defensively for McCreary Central, goalkeepers Lydia Bruce and Jayden Lyons recorded 10 saves and 8 saves, respectively.

Area High School Football Scoreboard
Results from
Friday, Sept. 11

Belfry 33,
Pulaski County 13
Clay County 35,
Lynn Camp 20
McCreary Central 32,
Jellico (Tenn.) 30
Somerset 40,
Whitley County 8
Southwestern 42,
Wayne County 41
West Jessamine 46,
South Laurel 36

McCreary Central High School Football
2020 Schedule/Results

Sept. 11
at Jellico (Tenn.), 32-30 (W)
Sept. 18
at Casey County, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 25
at Bell County, 730 p.m.
Oct. 2
Garrard County, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 9
Estill County, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 16
at Rockcastle County, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 23
Jackson County, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 30
Lynn Camp, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 6
at Clinton County, 7:30 p.m.

Raiders push Wayne County before falling

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – Host McCreary Central started strong but faltered as Wayne County pulled away to win 3-1 in a high school volleyball match on Monday, Sept. 14.
McCreary Central and Wayne County met for a 48th District volleyball match.
With the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 0-3 overall and 0-1 in the 48th District.
Wayne County improved to 1-3 overall and 1-0 in the district with the win.
In its best performance thus far in the 2020 high school volleyball season, McCreary Central featured a balanced attack.
Elizabeth Anderson led McCreary Central, posting 17 kills, 20 digs and 2 assists.
The additional contributors for the Raiders were Alexis Jones (5 kills, 1 block, 8 digs, 1 service ace), Alexa Bruce (4 kills, 1 block, 2 assists, 1 dig), Emily Swain (3 assists, 5 digs), Alexandria Hill (4 kills, 12 digs), Lily Kidd (3 assists, 13 digs), Kaylee Stephens (5 kills, 1 block, 2 digs, 4 service aces), Kaylee Clark (2 digs) and Emily Privett (1 service ace).
Both McCreary Central and Wayne County will compete in the 48th District Volleyball Tournament in October.

McCreary County Babe Ruth Champions

8U League and Softball Champs

Tucker named to MSC Men’s Track & Field Champions of Character Team

COLUMBIA – McCreary Central High School graduate Jordan Tucker (Lindsey Wilson College) was named to the 2019-20 Mid-South Conference Men’s Track & Field Champions of Character Team.
Tucker is a member of the Lindsey Wilson College men’s track and field and men’s cross country teams.
The MSC recognized a Champions of Character Team for each championship sport.
The Men’s Track & Field Champions of Character team includes; Campbellsville’s (Ky.) Camryn Snapp, Cumberland’s (Tenn.) Tyler Williams, Cumberlands’ (Ky.) Jacob Washburn, Georgetown’s (Ky.) Ross Whipple, Lindsey Wilson’s (Ky.) Jordan Tucker, Pikeville’s (Ky.) Zackary Hall, Shawnee State’s (Ohio) Steven Adams and Thomas More’s (Ky.) RJ Whitehill.
Student-athletes are nominated for the Champions of Character Team by their coaches based on campus and community leadership, future ambition and demonstration of the five core character values of the NAIA.
A former McCreary Central High School standout, Tucker is in his junior year at Lindsey Wilson College.

March 12th, 2020

Heath leads Raiders in scoring, rebounding

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – Senior Alex Heath led McCreary Central throughout the 2019-20 boys’ high school basketball season, ranking as the Raiders’ leading scorer and rebounder.
One of the most underrated boys’ basketball players in the 12th Region, Heath averaged a team-high 13.2 points and 5 rebounds per game for the Raiders during his final prep campaign.
The only McCreary Central boys’ basketball player to average double figures in scoring, Heath shot 54.1 percent from the field. The productive Heath shot 37.5 percent from 3-point range.
Brandon Longmire (7.5 ppg), Kyle Stephens (7.3 ppg), Evan Kidd (6.7 ppg), Noah Loudermlk (6 ppg), Trey Davis (5.7 ppg) and Trent Conatser (5.2 ppg) helped to pace McCreary Central offensively during the 2019-20 boys’ high school basketball season.
As a team, McCreary Central shot 45.1 percent from the field during the 2019-20 boys’ high school basketball season. The Raiders shot 34 percent from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 66.9 percent from the free throw line.
The Raiders pushed for a spot in the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament but fell short of advancing out of the 48th District during the 2019-20 season. McCreary Central concluded the 2019-20 boys’ high school basketball season 9-20. Longtime rival Southwestern ended McCreary Central’s 2019-20 season, edging the Raiders 48-45 in the 48th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament Semifinals.

March 5th, 2020

Raiders come up short in district tournament

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

SOMERSET – McCreary Central’s bid to make a return to the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament fell short. Host Southwestern managed to edge McCreary Central 48-45 in the 48th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament Semifinals on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
With the loss, McCreary Central ended its season 9-20.
Southwestern improved to 17-13 and advanced to the 48th District title game with the win.
The Raiders carried a lead out of each of the first three quarters before faltering late.
Faring well early, McCreary Central outscored Southwestern 15-12 in the first quarter. Stretching its lead out to double digits, McCreary Central outscored Southwestern 19-12 in the second quarter to lead 34-24 at halftime.
But McCreary Central was limited to less than a dozen points after the intermission period. Pulling to within one point of McCreary Central, Southwestern outscored the Raiders 12-3 in the third quarter. Finishing strong, Southwestern outscored McCreary Central 12-8 in the fourth quarter to pull out the hard-fought victory.
Southwestern shot 42.2 percent (19-of-45) from the field. The Warriors were 1-of-7 from 3-point range.
Southwestern shot 56.2 percent (9-of-16) from the free throw line.
Cole Dysinger scored a game-high 19 points to lead Southwestern to the win. Dysinger was 6-for-8 from the free throw line.
Delivering a double-double for the Warriors, Brayden Sims scored 10 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.
Hunter Coffey scored seven points for the Warriors while Jon Wood added four points. Rounding out Southwestern’s individual scoring, Tanner McKee, Andrew Smith, Andrew Jones and Cameron Pierce posted two points apiece.
Alex Heath led a balanced McCreary Central offensive attack, scoring a team-high 11 points for the Raiders. Accompanying Heath in double figures in scoring for McCreary Central, Kyle Stephens netted 10 points.
Blake Corder and Brandon Longmire contributed six points apiece for the Raiders while Cody Conatser added four points.
Completing McCreary Central’s individual scoring, Evan Kidd and Noah Loudermilk chipped in three points apiece and Trey Davis tallied two points.

McCreary Central falls to Wayne County in district semifinals

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

Photos by Greg Bird
The Lady Raiders’ season ended in disapointment with a 86-61 loss to Wayne County in the 48th District Tournament. Elizabeth Anderson (left) and Ally Anderson (center) combined for 37 points for McCreary.

SOMERSET – McCreary Central suffered a season-ending loss as familiar foe Wayne County pulled away to win 86-61 in the 48th District Girls’ Basketball Tournament Semifinals at Southwestern High School on Monday, Feb. 24.
The victory allowed Wayne County to advance to both the 48th District title game and the 12th Region Girls’ Basketball Tournament.
With the loss, McCreary Central concluded its season 10-19.
Wayne County improved to 16-13 with the win.
McCreary Central was forced to play from behind throughout the postseason matchup.
Wayne County shot 54.7 percent (35-of-64) from the field. The Lady Cardinals were 7-of-17 (41.2 percent) from 3-point range.
Wayne County shot 69.2 percent (9-of-13) from the free throw line.
Thriving around the goal, Wayne County outrebounded McCreary Central 39-23.
Macey Blevins scored a game-high 24 points to lead Wayne County to the win. Blevins was 8-of-15 from inside the arc.
Recording a double-double for Wayne County, Mallory Campbell added 19 points and a game-high 15 rebounds.
Accompanying Blevins and Campbell in double figures in scoring for the Lady Cardinals, Haleigh Criswell netted 12 points.
In all, 10 different Wayne County players provided scoring. Narrowly missing double figures for the Lady Cardinals, Kenzie Upchurch and Jade Turner chipped in nine points apiece.
The additional scorers for Wayne County were Amber Jones (four points), Mariah Bowlin (three points), Taylor Boston (three points), Xaviea West (two points) and Sydney Alley (one point).
McCreary Central shot 38.2 percent (21-of-55) from the field. The Lady Raiders were 7-of-20 (35 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 66.7 percent (12-of-18) from the free throw line.
Allyson Anderson paced McCreary Central with 22 points. Anderson was 4-of-8 from 3-point range.
McCreary Central featured three scorers in double figures as Elizabeth Anderson netted 15 points and Corinne Trammell added 13 points.
The additional scorers for McCreary Central in the campaign-concluding setback were Emily Anderson (five points), Kennedy Creekmore (four points) and Celya Kiser (two points).
Elizabeth Anderson led McCreary Central inside, grabbing eight rebounds.

McCreary Central graduate places second in high jump 

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

DEFIANCE, Ohio – The University of the Cumberlands men’s track & field team recorded 157.50 points – including three wins on day two – to capture the Mid-South Conference Indoor Track & Field championship on Saturday afternoon.
In addition to taking home the team title, several Patriots earned top honors as Simeon Coleman was named the MSC Athlete of the Year, Matthew Chavers earned MSC Freshman of the Year honors and head coach Randy Greer garnered Coach of the Year accolades.
Coleman followed up on his 400 meter win by crossing the line in 2:02.53 to win the 800 meters. That marks the sophomore’s second win of the meet. It is also the second year that Coleman earned MSC accolades as he was the Freshman of the Year last year.
Chavers posted a win and a recorded a runner-up finish on the day en route to being the second consecutive Patriot to earn Freshman of the Year honors. Chavers leaped 7.07m, which was a NAIA “B” standard, to earn first team all-conference honors. That mark was also a new stadium record. Chavers followed that up with a runner-up finish in the 60 meters and 200 meters, crossing the line in 7.01 and 22.52, respectfully.
UC started opened the day with Nicolas Grandperrin, Jarrett Forrest, Kyle Woodward and Coleman teamed up to win the 4×800 relay with a time of 8:23.15. That mark earned UC ten points and was a new track record.
Leonardo Daley, Jacob Washburn, and McCreary Central High School graduate Dillon Vanover each posted a runner-up finish in their respective event. Daley ran 8.82 in the 60 hurdles, while Washburn best mark of 15.76m earned him second team all-conference honors in the weight throw. Vanover cleared 1.81m in the high jump as teammate Chandler Powell cleared 1.71m to place sixth.
In the 1,000 meters, Grandperrin ran 2:36.16 to finish third in the event. Justin Moore added a sixth place finish in the weight throw (14.28m), while the Patriots 4×400 relay finished fifth with a time of 3:38.65.
It marks the second straight year that Greer earned MSC Coach of the Year accolades.
The Patriots will return to the track on Thursday, March 5 in Brookings, SD at the NAIA National Championships.

February 27th, 2020

Raiders take 2nd in
Regional Archery Tourney

By Greg Bird
birdman@tmcvoice.com

The McCreary Central Archery team earned a silver medal for their second-place finish at last weekend’s 11th Region Archery Tournament held in Stearns Friday night.
The Raiders finished with 3,322 team points, just 29 points behind first-place finisher Knox Central. Seven teams in all competed.
Four Raider archers finished in the top ten individually; Elisha Sheperd (8th) and Jacob Marler (10th) for the boys and Jessica Tucker (6th) and Wendy Swain (9th) for the girls.
On Saturday the squads from Pine Knot and Whitley City Elementary hoisted their bows for the 11th Region Elementary Tournament, with PKE finishing 9th out of 18 schools.
The teams, including the Middle School, will all compete against in the state tournament, which will take place on March 13-14 in Louisville.
Individual results as follows:
MCHS: Elisha Sheperd, 284; Jacob Marler, 284; Zachery Heath, 283; Jessica Tucker, 280; Nate Howard, 280; Cameron Spradlin, 280; Dalton Daugherty, 279; Wendy Swain, 278; Elly Ball, 272; Dylan Kidd, 271; Libby Sumner, 267;Devin Vanover, 264; Bryson Bryant, 259; Ivan Vanover, 254; Megan Campbell, 259; Allie Strunk, 253; Emily Watters, 244; Anthony Simpson, 242; Railey Stephens, 240; Ben Baird, 237.
Pine Knot: Samuel Meadows, 257; Kase Spradlin 247; Gut Kidd, 245; Avilee King, 242; Kyler Winchester, 218; Koda Hollan, 215; Nichole Ross, 215; Caleb Watters, 214; Logan Strunk, 210; Paul Bruner. 196, Cayden Sumner, 195, Mika Reed, 181; Liam Trammell, 170; Kaylee Dahlstrom, 153.
Whitley City: Riley Crabtree, 257; Danni Rollins, 252; Addison Cecil, 234, Isabella Newman, 232; Keyonna Perry, 218; George Phillips, 210; Kaydee Heath, 207; Lilly Sumner, 206; Gregory Phillips, 206; Kassidy Garland, 205; Addison Tucker, 131.

Raiders roll past Rebels, 72-47

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central rolled past visiting Casey County in a home finale on Monday, Feb. 17, winning 72-47.
The victory allowed McCreary Central to halt a four-game losing skid.
McCreary Central shot 51.9 percent (27-of-52) from the field. The Raiders were 5-of-17 (29.4 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 68.4 percent (13-of-19) the free throw line.
Alex Heath led McCreary Central, scoring a team-high 22 points for the Raiders. Heath was 3-of-4 from 3-point range.
Accompanying Heath in double figures in scoring for the Raiders, Evan Kidd, Brandon Longmire and Connor Campbell netted 11 points apiece.
Cody Conatser added eight points for McCreary Central while Blake Corder contributed four points.
Rounding out the Raiders’ individual scoring, Ryan Bruce and Nathaniel Griffis chipped in three points and two points, respectively.
Kidd led McCreary Central inside, grabbing eight rebounds.
Struggling offensively, Casey County shot 26.9 percent (14-of-52) from the field. The Rebels were 6-of-20 (30 percent) from 3-point range.
Casey County shot 72.2 percent (13-of-18) from the free throw line.
Spencer Baird led Casey County with a game-high 23 points. Baird was 8-of-12 from the free throw line.
Narrowly missing double figures in scoring for Casey County, Ethan Willoughby netted nine points.
The additional scorers for Casey County were Nate Goode (five points), Rylan Hamm (five points), Blake Caudill (three points) and Dawson Rousey (two points).

McCreary Central falls to Casey County

Raiders drop regular-season finale to Barbourville

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

BARBOURVILLE – McCreary Central fell short on the road as host Barbourville held on to win 49-43 in a boys’ high school basketball regular-season finale on Friday night.
With the win, loss, McCreary Central dropped to 9-19.
Barbourville improved to 12-14 with the win.
Homestanding Barbourville shot 50 percent (15-of-30) from the field. The Tigers were 5-of-10 from 3-point range.
Barbourville shot 77.8 percent (14-of-18) from the free throw line.
Shawn Vaughn paced Casey County with 14 points. Vaughn connected on 4-of-8 field goal attempts and was the only Barbourville player to reach double figures in scoring.
Narrowly missing double figures in scoring for the Tigers, Matthew Gray netted nine points.
The additional scorers for Barbourville were Colby Martin (six points), Matthew Warren (five points), Dylan Bingham (four points), Joseph Smith (four points), JT Hall (three points), Jordan Collins (two points), Dylan Moore (one point) and Michael Smith (one point).
McCreary Central shot 40 percent (16-of-40) from the field. The Raiders were 6-of-17 (35.3 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 55.6 percent (5-of-9) from the free throw line.
Evan Kidd and Brandon Longmire paced McCreary Central with 14 points apiece.
The additional scorers for McCreary Central were Alex Heath (five points), Connor Campbell (four points), Kyle Stephens (four points) and Noah Loudermilk (two points).

McCreary Central ranked 12th in final region rankings

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central is ranked 12th in the final 2019-20 BluegrassPreps.com 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Rankings.
The Raiders are listed ahead of Rockcastle County, Casey County, Danville Christian, Burgin and Kentucky School for the Deaf.
McCreary Central is listed behind Garrard County, Mercer County, Wayne County, Boyle County, Southwestern, East Jessamine, Danville, West Jessamine, Somerset, Lincoln County and frontrunner Pulaski County.
The Raiders entered the postseason 9-19.
BluegrassPreps.com

Final 2019-20 12th Region
Boys’ Basketball
Rankings

1. Pulaski County (23-5)
2. Lincoln County (22-6)
3. Somerset (23-5)
4. West Jessamine (16-11)
5. Danville (19-11)
6. East Jessamine (18-10)
7. Southwestern (16-13)
8. Boyle County (12-13)
9. Wayne County (17-12)
10. Mercer County (15-13)
11. Garrard county (9-18)
12. McCreary Central (9-19)
13. Rockcastle County (8-20)
14. Casey County (3-27)
15. Danville Christian (16-13)
16. Burgin (4-26)
17. Kentucky School for the Deaf (0-15)

February 20, 2020

District Tournaments set

By Greg Bird
birdman@tmcvoice.com

The 48th District Basketball Tournaments tip off next week, with all games taking place at Southwestern High School.
The Lady Raiders start off Tournament week Monday night when they take on the Lady Cardinals of Wayne County (14-12) at 7 p.m. McCreary enters the final week of the season with a 9-18 record and 1-3 in District play. The Lady Raiders split their regular-season meeting with Wayne, earning a 60-49 win in December, and falling 72-45 recently.
The winner of that game will face Southwestern (21-5) Friday night.
The Raiders take on Southwestern (14-13) Tuesday night. McCreary enters the final week of the season with a record of 9-18, and lost to the Warriors in both meetings this year.
The winner takes on Wayne County (17-10) Thursday night.
Tip off for all games is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Lady Raiders drop game to Pulaski County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central fell short over the weekend as visiting Pulaski County prevailed 57-46 in a girls’ high school basketball game on Saturday.
Familiar foes, McCreary Central and Pulaski County hail from neighboring districts.
With the loss, McCreary Central slipped to 9-16.
Pulaski County improved to 16-11 with the win.
Victorious Pulaski County shot 34.5 percent (19-of-55) from the field. The Lady Maroons were 11-of-29 (37.9 percent) from 3-point range.
Pulaski County shot 66.7 percent (8-of-12) from the free throw line.
Haylee Ridner led Pulaski County with 13 points. Accompanying Ridner in double figures in scoring and registering a double-double, Heidi Thompson added 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Lady Maroons.
Narrowly missing double figures in scoring for Pulaski County, McKenzie Pinkston and Dawn Wilson chipped in nine points apiece.
The additional scorers for Pulaski County were Bella Ellis (five points), Sydney Martin (four points), Madelyn Dunn (three points) and Madelyn Blankenship (two points).
McCreary Central shot 28.6 percent (12-of-42) from the field. The Lady Raiders were 2-of-15 from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 66.7 percent (20-of-30) from the free throw line.
Elizabeth Anderson led McCreary Central with a double-double, scoring 15 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.
McCreary Central featured three scorers in double figures. Allyson Anderson netted 14 points for the Lady Raiders while Emily Anderson posted 12 points.
Kendyl Walters (two points), Kaylee Stephens (two points) and Jayci Ball (one point) rounded out the Lady Raiders’ individual scoring in the setback.

Raiders stumble at East Jessamine

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

NICHOLASVILLE – McCreary Central remained in the loss column over the weekend as host East Jessamine pulled away to win 80-53 in a boys’ high school basketball game on Saturday.
With the loss, McCreary Central slipped to 8-18.
East Jessamine shot 58.8 percent (30-of-51) from the field. The Jaguars were 13-of-19 (68.4 percent) from 3-point range.
East Jessamine finished 7-of-16 (43.8 percent) from the free throw line.
Ben McNew led East Jessamine with a game-high 21 points. McNew was 5-of-6 from 3-point range,
Accompanying McNew in double figures in scoring for the Jaguars, Keegan Lockhart added 11 points.
Narrowly missing double figures for East Jessamine, Sion Thomas netted nine points while Will Hatter posted eight points.
DeQuante Jackson (seven points), Michael Powell (six pits), Joshua Hopkins (five points), Derek Kahler (four points), Zach Coleman (three points), Brycen Hubbard (two points), Collin McElfresh (two points) and Nicholas Thompson (two points) accounted for the rest of East Jessamine’s scoring in the victory.
McCreary Central shot 35.7 percent (15-of-42) from the field. The Raiders were 4-of-14 (28.6 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 90.5 percent (19-of-21) from the free throw line.
The Raiders were forced to play from behind throughout the matchup.
McCreary Central didn’t feature any scorers in double figures. Trey Davis scored seven points for the Raiders while Kyle Stephens and Ben Trammell netted six points apiece.
The additional scorers for McCreary Central were Noah Loudermilk (five points), Evan Kidd (five points), Alex Heath (four points), Blake Corder (four points), Nathaniel Griffis (four points), Brandon Longmire (three points), Connor Campbell (three points), Trent Conatser (two points), Cody Conatser (two points) and Carson McKinney (two points).

MCHS Homecoming/Senior Night

Raiders push Clinton County but come up short

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – Host McCreary Central pushed Clinton County but came up short as the Bulldogs held on to win 54-48 in a boys’ high school basketball game on Tuesday, Feb. 11.
Longtime rivals, McCreary Central and Clinton County swapped leads during the boys’ high school basketball matchup.
Clinton County shot 35.6 percent (16-of-45) from the field. The Bulldogs were 3-of-12 (25 percent) from 3-point range.
Clinton County shot 90.5 percent (19-of-21) from the free throw line.
Inside, Clinton County outrebounded McCreary Central 27-19.
Clinton County used a balanced offensive attack to notch the win. Offensively for Clinton County, Chase Sartin netted 14 points while Nick Brown and Caleb Guffey added 11 points apiece.
Nearly recording a double-double, Brown grabbed a game-high nine rebounds.
The additional scorers for Clinton County were Bryson Cross (seven points), Nick Delk (seven points), Parker Tallent (two points), Evan Dearborn (two points) and Cohen Davis (two points).
McCreary Central shot 45.9 percent (17-of-37) from the field. The Raiders were 5-of-17 (29.4 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 64.3 percent (9-of-14) from the free throw line.
Brandon Longmire scored a game-high 14 points to lead the Raiders. Longmire was 4-of-9 from 3-point range.
Accompanying Longmire in double figures in scoring for the Raiders, Kyle Stephens netted 11 points.
Chipping in offensively for McCreary Central, Alex Heath added eight points and Trent Conatser netted six points.
Rounding out McCreary Central’s individual scoring, Evan Kidd and Blake Corder contributed five points and three points respectively.

MCHS to host Region 11 Elementary and High School

Archery Tournament this weekend

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central High School will host the Region 11 Elementary and High School Archery Tournaments on Friday and Saturday.
MCHS Shoots Friday night at 7 p.m. Pine Knot Elementary will shoot at noon. Whitley Elementary will shoot at 2 p.m.
Qualifiers from the region event will advance to the state tournament in the spring.

Raiders lose to Williamsburg

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

WILLIAMSBURG – McCreary Central was unable to return to the win column on the road as host Williamsburg won 80-69 in a boys’ high school basketball game on Thursday, Feb. 13.
Productive Williamsburg shot 51.1 percent (24-of-47) from the field. The Yellow Jackets were 12-of-23 (52.2 percent) from 3-point range.
Williamsburg shot 87 percent (20-of-23) from the free throw line.
Five of Williamsburg’s six scorers reached double figures.
Caleb Rose, Slaht Hunter and Evan Steely led Williamsburg with 17 points apiece. Helping to lead the Yellow Jackets, Jason Bray added 14 points and Gavon Thomas tossed in 10 points.
Rounding out Williamsburg’s individual scoring, Dalton Ponder posted five points.
Steely recorded a double-double, pulling down 10 rebounds.
McCreary Central shot 44.4 percent (24-of-54) from the field. The Raiders were 7-of-23 (30.4 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 87.5 percent (14-of-16) from the field.
Trent Conatser and Connor Campbell led McCreary Central, scoring 11 points apiece for the Raiders.
Narrowly missing double figures in scoring for McCreary Central, Trey Davis and Evan Kidd netted nine points apiece.
The additional scorers for McCreary Central were Brandon Longmire (eight points), Blake Corder (seven points), Noah Loudermilk (six points), Kyle Stephens (six points) and Nathaniel Griffis (two points).
Conatser led McCreary Central inside, claiming seven rebounds.

Lady Raiders fall to WIlliamsburg

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

WILLIAMSBURG – Visiting McCreary Central fell behind early and couldn’t battle back as Williamsburg pulled away to win 76-47 in a girls’ high school basketball game on Thursday, Feb. 13.
Williamsburg shot 52.6 percent (30-of-57) from the field. The Lady Jackets were 3-of-12 (25 percent) from 3-point range.
Williamsburg shot 68.4 percent (13-of-19) from the free throw line.
Thriving inside, Williamsburg outrebounded McCreary Central 40-22.

Lillie Hall led Williamsburg with a game-high 20 points. Hall was 7-of-10 from the free throw line.
Delivering a double-double for Williamsburg, Madison Chapman added 17 points and 10 rebounds
Accompanying Hall and Chapman in double figures for the Lady Jackets, Mikkah Siler netted 16 points.
The additional scorers for Williamsburg were Zoe Williams (seven points), Grace Lawson (six points), Allison Caddell (four points), Alexis Wilson (four points) and Morgan Prewitt (two points).
McCreary Central shot 28.1 percent (16-of-57) from the field. The Lady Raiders were 4-of-16) from 3-point range.

McCreary Central shot 57.9 percent (11-of-19) from the free throw line.
Elizabeth Anderson led McCreary Central with 17 points. McCreary Central featured a pair of scorers in double figures as Allyson Anderson netted 14 points.
The additional scorers for McCreary Central were Kennedy Creekmore (six points), Emily Anderson (three points), Kendyl Walters (two points), Megan Loudermilk (two points), Kaylee Stephens (two points) and Celya Kiser (one point).

February 13th, 2020

Archers hit the bullseye

By Greg Bird
birdman@tmcvoice.com

McCreary County Middle School hosted the 11th Region Archery Tournament Saturday, claiming second pace overall and are riding a ton of momentum heading in to the state tournament next month.
The Middle School Raiders are ranked 19th in the state out of 193 teams following their performance.
Connor Stephens shot 286 for the tournament, earning him a second-place medal, to help lead the Raiders to their finish behind North Laurel Middle School. Stephens was one-point behind first-place finisher Trevor Wood of North Laurel.
Emanuel Meadows shot 284 for a 5th place tie finish and Tyler Taylor’s 276 earned him 10th overall.
Participating in the tournament were teams from North Laurel, Wayne County, Corbin, Knox, South Laurel, East Bernstad, Oak Grove, Lynn Camp, Jackson, Immanuel Christian, Barbourville, Blevins Homeschool and Cornerstone Christian.

Final scores for
McCreary Middle:

Boys: Connor Stephens, 286, rank 2 out of 125 boys; Emmanuel Meadows – 284, 6th; Tyler Taylor – 276, 10th; Lucas Morrow – 272, 16th, Tanner Watters – 268, 21st; Evan Jones – 265, 24th; Kameron Bowling – 262, 27th; Tristan Dahlstrom – 259, 35th; Thaddaeus Tapley – 256, 38th; Tackett Bowsher – 253, 44th; Alex Jones – 252, 48th; Brayden Mitchell – 251, 53rd; Emmanuel T. Meadows – 251, 54th; Dylan Stephens – 251, 56th; Gary C. Sumner – 251, 57th; Mason Ball – 245, 64th; Daniel Bryant – 239, 75th; Trenton Helbert – 238, 78th; Ethan Jones – 233, 86th; Keenan Vanover – 231, 90th; Jason Jones – 230, 92nd; Cayden Watson – 221, 98th; Terry Delaughter – 218, 102nd; Camron Quinn – 217, 103rd; Issac Richmond – 212, 105th; Bradley Smith – 194, 188th; Cameron Patton – 188, 120th.
Girls: Courtney Meadows – 265, 17 out of 78 girls; Cloe Rose – 262, 21st; MaKenya Marler – 261, 24th; Rachel Stephens – 254, 32nd; Sky Perry – 252, 36th; Addy Strunk – 237, 49th; Isabella Ball – 187, 74th; Abigail Sumner – 100, 78th.
The McCreary Central High School squad will compete Friday in their 11th Region Tournament, and the elementary teams will shoot on Saturday. Both events will be held at McCreary Central High School.

The state tournament will take place on March 13-14 in Louisville.

Wrestlers place fourth in Region

Voice Staff Report
editor@tmcvoice.com

The McCreary Central Wrestling team placed fourth overall in the 7th Region Tournament held in Danville last weekend, with six grapplers earning a slot in the upcoming state tournament. McCreary finished with 141.5 total points – just 8.5 points behind third-pace finisher Wayne County in the 17-team field
Led by Senior Ruben Martinez, who placed second in the 126-pound weight class, five other Raider wrestlers finished fourth or better to punch their ticket to this weekend’s state tournament at the Alltech Arena in Lexington.
Jared Kidd (160-pound) and Moses Navarro (106-pound) placed third in their class, while Jeremiah Baird (113-pound), Luke Anderson (138-pound) and Blake Botts (145-pound) each placed fourth

Raiders drop district game to Wayne County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

MONTICELLO – McCreary Central suffered a setback as host Wayne County pulled away to win 61-52 in a 48th District boys’ basketball game on Friday night.
With the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 8-15 overall and 0-4 in the 48th District.
Wayne County improved to 17-9 overall and 3-1 in the district with the win.
Excelling offensively, Wayne County shot 61.5 percent (24-of-39) from the field. The Cardinals were 5-of-13 (38.5 percent) from 3-point range.
Wayne County shot 57.1 percent (8-of-14) from the free throw line.
Inside, Wayne County outrebounded McCreary Central 20-16.
Thomas Spencer poured in a game-high 25 points to lead Wayne County to the district win. Spencer was 10-of-15 from inside the arc.
Accompanying Spencer in double figures in scoring for the Cardinals, Kameron Gehring and Mason Burchett added 14 points apiece.
Brody Weaver rounded out Wayne County’s individual scoring, posting eight points for the Cardinals in the victory.
McCreary Central shot 52.4 percent (22-of-42) from the field. The Raiders were 5-of-13 (38.5 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central finished 3-of-4 from the free throw line.
Brandon Longmire and Alex Heath led McCreary Central, scoring 12 points apiece for the Raiders.
Blake Corder contributed eight points for the Raiders while Kyle Stephens netted seven points.

The additional scorers for McCreary Central were Connor Campbell (five points), Evan Kidd (four points), Trent Conatser (two points) and Trey Davis (two points).

Dancing Little Dragons

Photo submitted
Students in Mrs. Julie Gay’s Physical Education class enjoys hoops, ball ropes and dance! These little Dragons love their PE.

February 6th, 2020

Raiders level Lynn Camp, 65-39

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central returned to the win column at home on Thursday, Jan. 30, leveling visiting Lynn Camp 65-39.
The Raiders and Wildcats are longtime boys’ high school basketball rivals.
The victory allowed McCreary Central to halt a seven-game losing streak. McCreary Central’s recent skid included losses to Somerset, Southwestern, Corbin, Russell County, Wayne County and Lincoln County. Southwestern notched a pair of wins over McCreary Central during the stretch.
With the win, McCreary Central improved to 8-14.
Lynn Camp slipped to with the loss.
The Raiders defeated the Wildcats for the second time in the 2019-20 boys’ high school basketball season. McCreary Central beat familiar foe Lynn Camp 85-72 when the two teams met in the Arby’s/KFC Holiday Classic on December 20.
Individual statistics from the most recent matchup between the McCreary Central and Lynn Camp boys’ basketball teams were unavailable at press time.
The Wildcats are scheduled to visit Wayne County for a 48th District boys’ basketball game on Friday, Feb. 7.

Lady Raiders roll past Jellico, 71-38

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

JELLICO, Tenn. – Excelling offensively, McCreary Central rolled past host Jellico (Tenn.) 71-38 in a girls’ high school basketball game on Monday, Jan. 27.
With the win, McCreary Central improved to 9-12.
The Lady Raiders returned to the win column following a loss to Rockcastle County three days earlier.
McCreary Central shot 43.5 percent (27-of-62) from the field. The Lady Raiders were 6-of-16 (37.5 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 52.4 percent (11-of-21) from the free throw line.
The Lady Raiders move ahead early and never faltered, pulling away to win convincingly over longtime rival Jellico.
Elizabeth Anderson led McCreary Central with a near-double-double, scoring 24 points and grabbing nine rebounds. The productive Anderson was 10-of-19 from the field.
Allyson Anderson added 15 points for the Lady Raiders while Emily Anderson netted 11 points.
Narrowly missing double figures in scoring for McCreary Central, Kennedy Creekmore contributed nine points.
The additional scorers for McCreary Central were Jayci Bell (three points), Megan Loudermilk (two points), Corinne Trammell (two points), Kendyl Walters (two points), Makenzie Cox (two points) and Celya Kiser (one point).

McCreary
Central drops district game to
Southwestern

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

SOMERSET – Visiting McCreary Central fell behind early and couldn’t overcome its slow start as Southwestern pulled away to win 70-29 in a 48th District girls’ basketball game on Friday night.
McCreary Central suffered its third setback in five games.
With the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 9-13 overall and 1-2 in the 48th District.
Southwestern improved to 17-4 overall and -1 in the district with the win.
Thriving offensively, Southwestern shot 62 percent (31-of-50) from the field. The Lady Warriors were 7-of-14 (50 percent) from 3-point range.
Southwestern finished 6-of-7 from the free throw line.
Alexa Smiddy led Southwestern with a game-high 19 points.
McCreary Central entered the week with regular-season games remaining versus 48th District counterpart Wayne County, Williamsburg, Pulaski County, Casey County and Barbourville.

Lady Raiders to host Wayne County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central is set to host Wayne County in a key 48th District girls’ basketball game on Thursday (Feb. 6).
Longtime rivals, McCreary Central and Wayne County will meet for the second time in the 2019-20 girls’ high school basketball season.
McCreary Central is 9-13 overall and 1-2 in the 48th District.
Wayne County is 10-11 overall and 1-2 in the district.
Earlier in the season, McCreary Central defeated Wayne County 60-49 in Monticello.
When the two teams met for a 48th District matchup on December 12, McCreary Central shot 45.8 percent (22-of-48) from the field and featured four scorers in double figures.
During that same early-season contest, Wayne County shot only 37.3 percent (19-of-51) from the field.
Teams from throughout the state are competing in the final month of the 2019-20 girls’ high school basketball regular-season.
Both McCreary Central and Wayne County will compete in the 48th District Girls’ Basketball Tournament later in the month.
Tip-off for the McCreary Central-Wayne County girls’ basketball game is set for 7:30 p.m.

Raiders fall to visiting Lincoln County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – Lincoln County forced host McCreary Central to remain in the loss column on Thursday, Jan. 30, defeating the Raiders 65-59 in a boys’ high school basketball game.

With the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 7-14.
Lincoln County shot 53.2 percent (25-of-47) from the field in the victory. The Patriots were 9-of-22 (40.9 percent) from 3-point range.
Lincoln County shot 54.5 percent (6-of-11) from the free throw line.
Riley Bodner led Lincoln County with a double-double, scoring 19 points and gabbing 13 rebounds. Bodner was 9-of-10 from inside the arc in the Patriots’ victory over McCreary Central.

Lincoln County featured three scorers in double figures. Jaxon Smith netted 17 points for the Patriots while Bryston Alcorn contributed 11 points.
Narrowly missing double figures in scoring for Lincoln county, Elijah Frye netted nine points.
Rounding out Lincoln County’s individual scoring, Colton Ralston and Baylor Mattingly posted six points and three points, respectively.
McCreary Central shot 446.3 percent (19-of-41) from the field in the short effort. The Raiders were 6-of-9 (66.7 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 83.3 percent (15-of-18) from the free throw line.
Alex Heath paced McCreary Central with a team-high 14 points. Accompanying Heath in double figures in scoring for the Raiders, Connor Campbell contributed 10 points.
Blake Corder scored eight points for the Raiders while Trent Conatser netted seven points.
The additional scorers for McCreary Central were Brandon Longmire (six points), Kyle Stephens (five points), Evan Kidd (five points) and Trey Davis (four points).

January 30th, 2020

Middle School archers shine

By Greg Bird
birdman@tmcvoice.com

The McCreary Middle School Archery team took home a first-place trophy for their performance in last weekend’s Burnside 8th Annual Archery Tournament. The Raiders finished with a 3,169 score overall, more than 100 points ahead of second place finisher Wayne County.
McCreary Central High School placed third overall in their division with a final tally of 3,255, behind only Pulaski County High School and Wayne County High School. Pine Knot Elementary placed a respectable 8th out of 11 teams, in their first year of competition.
Top 10 finishers for each squad include: MCHS – Wendy Swain, 7th in the girls division with 285, Nate Howard, 7th with 280 and Zachery Heath, 280 for 8th place.
MCMS: Connor Stephens, 282, 2nd, Emanuel Meadows 278, 3rd, Thaddaeus Tapley, 275, 6th and Kameron Bowling, 773, 9th. For the girl’s division Makenya Marler placed 5th with 259, Sky Perry 8th with 246, Courtney Meadows 9th with 245 and Cloe Rose, 10th with 244.
PKE: Samuel Meadows placed 9th with a 256.

Raiders drop district game to Southwestern

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central fell short as visiting Southwestern pulled away to win 47-40 in a 48th District boys’ basketball game on Thursday, Jan. 23.
With the loss, McCreary Central slipped to 7-13 overall and 0-3 in the 48th District.
Southwestern improved to 12-9 overall and 3-0 in the district with the win.
The Warriors and Raiders swapped leads during the district matchup.
Southwestern shot 34.1 percent (15-of-44) from the field. The Warriors were 3-of-18 from 3-point range.
Southwestern shot 66.7 percent (14-of-21) from the free throw line.
Thriving inside, Southwestern outrebounded McCreary Central 31-24.
Cole Dysinger led Southwestern with a game-high 12 points. Southwestern featured two scorers in double figures. Hunter Coffey added 10 points for the Warriors in the win.
Brayden Sims and Andrew Smith added seven points apiece for the Warriors in the victory.
The other scorers for Southwestern were Jon Wood (five points), Chase Eastham (three points) and Tanner McKee (three points).
Sims led Southwestern around the goal, grabbing a game-high 15 rebounds.
McCreary Central shot 38.2 percent (13-of-34) from the field. The Raiders were 4-of-10 (40 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 83.3 percent (10-of-12) from the free throw line.
Freshman Kyle Stephens led McCreary Central with 11 points. Stephens, 4-of-7 from inside the arc, was the only McCreary Central player to reach double figures in scoring during the district matchup.
Alex Heath narrowly missed reaching double figures for the Raiders, netting nine points in the setback.

The additional scorers for McCreary Central were Brandon Longmire (six points), Trent Conatser (six points), Noah Loudermilk (five points) and Blake Corder (three points).

Heath led McCreary Central around the goal, grabbing eight rebounds.

Lady Raiders upend Somerset, 61-58

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

SOMERSET – McCreary Central returned to the win column on the road on Monday, Jan. 20, upending host Somerset 61-58 in a girls’ high school basketball game.
Productive McCreary Central won after finishing runner-up to Bell County in the 2A, Section 7 Championship Game in its previous outing.
McCreary Central shot 42.2 percent (19-of-45) from the field in the win over Somerset. The Lady Raiders were 7-of-16 (43.8 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 80 percent (16-of-20) from the free throw line.
Allyson Anderson poured in a game-high 23 points to lead McCeary Central to the victory. The game’s leading scorer was 7-of-9 from the free throw line.
Elizabeth Anderson followed, netting 19 points for the Lady Raiders. She was 6-of-8 from the fee throw line.
Emily Anderson added 13 points. She was 3-of-6 from 3-point range.
Makenzie Cox led McCreary Central inside, pulling down a game-high 12 rebounds.
Four players accounted for all of McCreary Central’s scoring. Rounding ot McCreary Central’s scoring effort, Kennedy Creekmore chipped in six points.
Somerset shot 41.5 percent (22-of-53) from the field. The Briar Jumpers were 7-of-22 (31.8 percent) from 3-point range.
Somerset shot 63.6 percent (7-of-11) from the free throw line.
Abbi Bowling paced Somerset, scoring a team-high 16 points. Bowling was 4-of-7 from inside the arc.
Kate Bruner and Madison Garland accompanied Bowling in double figures for Somerset, scoring 10 points apiece.
Narrowly missing double figures for the Briar Jumpers, Taya Mills and Lauren Foutch netted nine points apiece.
Rounding out Somerset’s individual scoring, Makenzie Fisher chipped in four points.

McCreary Central track and field
tryouts scheduled

STEARNS – The McCreary Central High School track and field program was set to open tryouts on Wednesday, Jan. 29.
The tryouts are slated to resume at McCreary Central High School on Friday from 3:45-5:30 p.m.
Any student-athlete in grades 7-12 is eligible to attend the tryouts.
Each student-athlete attending the tryouts must have a current KHSAA Sports Physical.
All running events, high jump, long jump, hurdles, shot put and discus will be a part of the tryouts.
For more information on the tryouts, email Coach Trevor Tucker at tucker1975@yahoo.com.

Raiders finish third in Virginia tournament

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – The McCreary Central wrestling team finished third in the Union Duals in Virginia on Saturday, Jan. 18.
The Raiders finished 4-2 to place third in the event.
Six McCreary Central wrestlers earned the opportunity to compete in the individual tournament after the dual. Senior Ruben Martinez led the Raiders. Martinez was 6-0 in duals and 2-0 in the tournament on his way to being crowned champion in the 126 pound division. One of the top prep grapplers in Kentucky, Martinez also wrestled the eventual 132 pound champion earlier in the duals and defeated him as well.
Along with Martinez’s exceptional perfomance, McCreary Central Moses Navarro, Donovan Bryant, Luke Anderson, Michael Durham and Gavin Cordell each finished in the top four of their weight class.

Raiders ranked 11th in 12th Region

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central is ranked 11th in the latest BluegrassPreps.com 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Rankings.
The Raiders are ranked ahead of Danville Christian, Rockcastle County, Garrard County, Casey County, Burgin and Kentucky School for the Deaf.
McCreary Central is listed behind Wayne County, Southwestern, Mercer County, West Jessamine, Boyle County, East Jessamine, Lincoln County, Danville, Somerset and top-ranked Pulaski County.
The Raiders entered the week 7-13 overall and 0-2 in the 48th District. McCreary Central has regular-season games remaining versus Lincoln County, Lynn Camp, Cumberland County, Wayne County, Clinton County, East Jessamine, Casey County and Barbourville.

BluegrassPreps.com
12th Region Boys’ Basketball
Rankings
1. Pulaski County
2. Somerset
3. Danville
4. Lincoln County
5. East Jessamine
6. Boyle County
7. West Jessamine
8. Mercer County
9. Southwestern
10. Wayne County
11. McCreary Central
12. Danville Christian
13. Rockcastle County
14. Garrard County
15. Casey County
16. Burgin
17. Kentucky School for the Deaf

January 23rd, 2020

McCreary Central set to host Southwestern in District game

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central is set to host Southwestern in a 48th District boys’ basketball game on Thursday (Jan. 23)
The Raiders and Warriors will be meeting for the second time in exactly two weeks. Southwestern pulled away to defeat McCreary Central 76-54 in a 48th District boys’ basketball game in Somerset on Thursday, Jan. 9. In the first meeting between the two teams, Southwestern used multiple runs to distance itself from McCreary Central.
The Raiders are currently on a five-game losing skid. Wayne County defeated McCreary Central 71-64 in overtime on Friday, Jan. 17.
Heading into its 20th game in the 2019-20 boys’ high school basketball season, McCreary Central is 7-12 overall and 0-2 in the 48th District.
Southwestern is on a four-game losing skid. The Warriors are 11-9 overall and 2-0 in the district.
Cole Dysinger is leading Southwestern, averaging a team-high 19.4 points per game for the Warriors.
Both McCreary Central and Southwestern will compete in the 48th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament in February.
Tip-off for the upcoming McCreary Central-Southwestern boys’ basketball game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Raiders fall to Russell County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

RUSSELL SPRINGS – McCreary Central was limited offensively as host Russell County pulled away to win 60-45 in a boys’ high school basketball game on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
With the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 7-11.
Russell County improved to 8-9 with the win.
Productive offensively, Russell County shot 52.2 percent (24-of-46) from the field. The Lakers were 4-of-10 (40 percent) from 3-point range.
Russell County shot 61.5 percent (8-of-13) from the free throw line.
Dominating inside, Russell County outrebounded McCreary Central 31-15.
Scott Hamm led Russell County with a double-double, scoring 22 points and pulling down 11 rebounds. Hamm was 9-of-14 from the field.
Ryan Coffey accompanied Hamm in double figures in scoring for the Raiders, adding 16 points.
Briley Hadley (seven points), CJ Vonfumetti (five points), Jay Milburn (four points), Jared Sanders (four points) and Colby Smith (two points) combined to account for the rest of Russell County’s scoring in the winning effort.
McCreary Central shot 34.1 percent (15-of-41) from the field. The Raiders were 4-of-17 (23.5 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 64.7 percent (11-of-17) from the free throw line.
Alex Heath led McCreary Central’s limited attack, scoring 10 points and grabbing six rebounds. Heath was the only McCreary Central player to reach double figures in scoring.
Narrowly missing double figures in scoring for the Raiders, Trey Davis netted nine points while Noah Loudermilk added eight points.
The additional scorers for McCreary Central were Evan Kidd (six points), Brandon Longmire (six points), Kyle Stephens (three points), Blake Corder (two points) and Nathaniel Griffis (one point).

Elementary Wrestlers headed to state

MCMS archery team ranked 25th in state

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – The McCreary County Middle School archery team is ranked 25th in the state.
Excelling early in 2020, McCreary County Middle School finished second in a tournament in Pulaski County earlier in the month.
Among the top middle school archery programs in Kentucky, McCreary County will look to finish its current campaign strong.
Individually, Courtney Meadows finished fifth in the girls’ division of the Pulaski County-hosted tournament. Emmanuel Meadows placed third in the boys’ division of the same tournament while Conner Stephens finished fifth.

January 16th, 2020

Raider archers win again

By Greg Bird

The McCreary Central Archery team won the Pulaski Elementary Knocking in the New Year Tournament last weekend, their second overall win on the season.
Led by Elisha Sheperd’s near-perfect 294, the Raiders had four boys and two girls each place in the top five for the weekend. Nate Howard (281) placed 3rd, Cameron Spradlin (279) placed fourth and Ivan Vanover (278) finished fifth. On the girl’s side Wendy Swain (275) placed third and Jessica Tucker (274) finished fourth.
McCreary County Middle School placed second overall, with three archers finishing in the top 5. Emanuel Meadows (280) finished third and Connor Stephens (274) finished fifth. Courtney Meadows (263) finished fifth overall for the girls.
Pine Knot Elementary placed seventh overall, with Samuel Meadows finishing third with a 264. Whitley City Elementary also competed, but did not have enough participants to qualify as a team.
The teams will compete against in two weeks when they travel to participate in Burnside’s 8th Annual Archery Tournament. McCreary Central will be the host site for this year’s Regional Tournament later this season.

Raiders earn second straight trip to State Duals

By Steve LeMaster

LOUISVILLE – The McCreary Central wrestling team competed in the Sectional Duals at Freedom Hall Friday, Jan. 10-Saturday, Jan. 11. The Raiders finished second in the Sectionals to qualify for the State Duals.
McCreary Central qualified for the State Duals for a second straight year.
In the opening round of the Sectional Duals, McCreary Central fell to defending champion Wayne County. A veteran team, Wayne County defeated the Raiders 44-30.
After a brief break, McCreary Central bounced back to beat Knox Central 66-12.
The Raiders exited the opening round of the Sectional Duals 1-1.
In the next round of the Sectional Duals on Saturday, McCreary Central drew Boyle County. Following some back and forth action and multiple lead changes, McCreary Central beat Boyle County 37-28.
In the next round, McCreary Central topped Perry County Central to advance to face Danville. The Raiders jumped ahead of Danville early and eventually prevailed to earn their second straight trip to the State Duals.
Wayne County continued to excel and earned another Sectional Duals championship.
Senior Ruben Martinez (captain) and freshman Blake Botts led the Raiders during the Sectional Duals, recording five pins apiece.
Gavin Cordell and Jeremiah Baird both went 5-0 over the weekend to help pace McCreary Central in the Sectional Duals.

The Raiders are scheduled to compete in the Bear Den Brawl at Union High School in Norton, Va., January 17-18.

Raiders come up short in tournament game versus Corbin

By Steve LeMaster
PINEVILLE – McCreary Central came up short as Corbin held on to win 69-61 in the 2A, Section 8 Tournament on Thursday, Jan. 9.
With the loss, McCreary Central slipped to 7-10.
Corbin improved to 1-4 with the win.
The victory allowed Corbin to advance to the 2A, Section 7 title game.
Corbin shot 42.6 percent (23-of-54) from the field. The Redhounds were 5-of-15 (33.3 percent) from 3-point range.
Corbin shot 66.7 percent (18-of-27) from the free throw line.
Holding an advantage inside, Corbin outrebounded McCreary Central 33-26.
Corbin started strong, outscoring McCreary Central 17-6 during the opening quarter. But McCreary Central fared better in the second quarter to leave Corbin to cling to a 29-25 lead at halftime.
Corbin led 47-42 at the conclusion of the third quarter.
Matthew Taylor led Corbin with a game-high 25 points. Taylor was 7-of-9 from the field.
Josh Hibbits followed with 12 points for the Redhounds.
Accompanying Taylor and Hibbits in double figures for Corbin, Gavin Allen netted 10 points.
Nearly reaching double figures in scoring for the Redhounds, Alex Byrley posted nine points.
Byrley led Corbin around the goal, claiming eight rebounds.
McCreary Central shot 42.3 percent (22-of-52) from the field. The Raiders were 7-of-17 (41.2 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 58.8 percent (10-of-17) from the free throw line.
Alex Heath led McCreary Central with 17 points. Heath was 6-of-10 from the field.
Three Raiders reached double figures in scoring. Brandon Longmire scored 12 points for McCreary Central while Trey Davis added 10 points.
The additional scorers for McCreary Central were Connor Campbell (seven points), Blake Corder (six points), Evan Kidd (four points), Noah Loudermilk (two points), Kyle Stephens (two points) and Trent Conatser (one point).

Lady Raiders knock off Corbin, 52-41

By Steve LeMaster
PINEVILLE – Prevailing on a neutral floor, McCreary Central pulled away to beat Corbin 52-41 in the semifinals of the 2A, Section 7 Girls’ Basketball Tournament at Bell County High School on Thursday, Jan. 9.
The victory allowed McCreary Central to halt a three-game losing skid and advance to the 2A, Section 7 title game .
McCreary Central shot 39.6 percent (21-of-53) from the field. The Lady Raiders were 4-of-11 (36.4 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 75 percent (6-of-8) from the free throw line.
The Lady Raiders led 24-14 at halftime.
Elizabeth Anderson paced McCreary Central with a double-double, scoring 18 points and grabbing a game-high 15 rebounds.
Allyson Anderson added 16 points for the Lady Raiders, connecting on a pair of 3-point field goals.
McCreary Central featured three scorers in double figures. Kennedy Creekmoore contributed 10 points for the Lady Raiders in the winning effort.
Emily Anderson and Jayci Bell rounded out McCreary Central’s individual scoring, chipping in five points and three points, respectively.
McCreary Central limited Corbin during the tournament game.
Corbin shot 31.4 percent (16-of-51) from the field. The Lady Redhounds were 3-for-20 from 3-point range.
Corbin shot 50 percent (6-of-12) from the free throw line.
Inside, McCreary Central outrebounded Corbin 31-27.
Shelby Stewart led Corbin with a game-high 25 points and 12 rebounds, recording an impressive double-double of her own. The only player from Corbin to reach double figures in scoring, Stewart was 7-of-12 from the field.
Marissa Scott (eight points), Bailey Stewart (six points) and Kaila Stidham (two points) joined Stewart in scoring for the Lady Redhounds

Lady Raiders finish runner-up to Bell County in 2A, Section 7

By Steve LeMaster

PINEVILLE – McCreary Central finished runner-up as host Bell County pulled away to win 63-42 in the 2A, Section 7 Tournament on Saturday.
With the loss, McCreary Central slipped to 7-1.
Bell County improved to 13-1 with the win.
Faring well offensively, Bell County shot 46.3 percent (25-of-54) from the field. The Lady Cats were 3-of-18 from 3-point range.
Bell County shot 55.6 percent (10-of-18) from the free throw line.
Talyah McQueen led Bell County with a double-double, scoring 18 points and claiming 13 rebounds.
Nadine Johnson joined McQueen in double figures for the Lady Cats, scoring 12 points.
Narrowly missing double figures for Bell County, Abigail Cornett and Abby Harris added nine points apiece.
The additional scorers for Bell County included Sara Kidwell (eight points), Ashtyn Meyers (five points) and Mataya Ausmus (two points).
McCreary Central shot 30.2 percent (16-of-53) from the field. The Lady Raiders finished 4-of-22 from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 46.2 percent (6-of-13)from the free throw line.
Kennedy Creekmoore and Allyson Anderson led McCreary Central with 13 points apiece. Creekmore was 6-of-8 from the free throw line in the loss.
Emily Anderson (six points), Corinne Trammell (four points), Makenzie Cox (four points) and Elizabeth Anderson (two points) combined to account for the rest of the Lady Raiders’ scoring in the setback.
Cox and Jayci Bell led McCreary Central inside, grabbing seven rebounds apiece.

Raiders lose district game to Warriors

By Steve LeMaster
SOMERSET – Hot-shooting Southwestern pulled away to defeat visiting McCreary Central 76-54 in a 48th District boys’ basketball game on Thursday, Jan. 9.
With the loss, McCreary Central opened 0-1 in the 48th District.
Southwestern moved to 2-0 in the district with the win.
Thriving offensively, Southwestern shot 66.7 percent (30-of-45) from the field. The Warriors were 9-of-18 from 3-point range.
Southwestern was 7-for-14 from the free throw line.
Thriving inside, Southwestern outrebounded McCreary Central 33-24.
Cole Dysinger led Southwestern with a game-high 23 points. Dysinger was 5-of-7 from the field.
Hunter Coffey and Jon Wood accompanied Dysinger in double figures for the Warriors, scoring 10 points apiece.
Flirting with double figures in scoring, Brayden Sims netted nine points for the Warriors.
The other scorers for Southwestern were Tanner McKee (seven points), Andrew Smith (six points), Chase Eastham (four points), Cameron Pierce (four points) and Andrew Jones (two points).
Smith led Southwestern inside, pulling down seven rebounds.
Limited offensively during the district matchup, McCreary Central shot 34.6 percent (18-of-52) from the field. The Raiders were 4-of-14 (28.6 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 60.9 percent (14-of-23) from the free throw line.
Alex Heath paced McCreary Central with a team-best 12 points. Heath was 4-of-10 from the field.
Finishing directly behind Heath in scoring for the Raiders, Brandon Longmire netted 11 points.
Flirting with double figures in scoring for McCreary Central, Kyle Stephens and Noah Loudermilk chipped in nine points apiece.
Trey Davis (four points), Trent Conatser (four points), Evan Kidd (four points) and Connor Campbell (one point) followed Stephens and Loudermilk in scoring for the Raiders.

January 9th, 2020

Raiders outlast Williamsburg, 62-59

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – Following back-to-back losses, McCreary Central returned to the win column on Friday (Jan. 3), outlasting visiting Williamsburg 62-59.
Longtime rivals, McCreary Central and Williamsburg met for a non-district boys’ high school basketball game.
McCreary Central delivered Williamsburg its second straight setback.
With the win, McCreary Central evened its record to 7-7.
Williamsburg stumbled to 6-8 with the loss.
McCreary Central shot 51.4 percent (19-of-37) from the field. The Raiders were 2-for-14 from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 71 percent (22-of-31) from the free throw line.
Excelling inside, McCreary Central outrebounded Williamsburg 30-23.
McCreary Central used a balanced scoring attack to notch the win. Four Raiders reached double figures in the scoring column.
Kyle Stephens led McCreary Central with a team-high 18 points. Stephens was 6-of-8 from the field.
Following Stephens in scoring for McCreary Central, Alex Heath added 12 points, Evan Kidd contributed 11 points and Trent Conatser tallied 10 points.
Brandon Longmire contributed five points for the Raiders while Connor Campbell and Trey Davis finished with three points apiece.
Williamsburg shot 44.2 percent (23-of-52) from the field. The Yellow Jackets were 8-for-24 (33.3 percent) from 3-point range.
Williamsburg shot 45.5 percent (5-of-11) from the free throw line.
Caleb Rose led Williamsburg with a double-double, scoring 25 points and pulling down 10 rebounds. Rose was 7-for-12 from the field. He earned game-high honors in both scoring and rebounding.
Jason Bray accompanied Rose in double figures in scoring for the Yellow Jackets, netting 17 points.
Dalton Ponder chipped in seven points for Williamsburg while teammates Slaht Hunter and Gavon Thomas posted five points apiece.

McCreary Central falls to Somerset

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

SOMERSET – McCreary Central slipped back into the loss column earlier in the week as host Somerset pulled away to win 72-52 in a boys’ high school basketball game on Monday night.
Somerset is the number one-ranked boys’ basketball team in the 12th Region.
With the loss, McCreary Central slipped to 7-8.
Somerset improved to 12-2 with the win.
Region frontrunner Somerset shot 44.3 percent (27-of-61) from the field. The Briar Jumpers were 8-of-22 (36.4 percent) from 3-point range.
Somerset shot 71.4 percent (10-of-14) from the free throw line.
Four Somerset scorers reached double figures in the scoring column. Dylan Burton paced the Briar Jumpers with a game-high 21 points.
Gavin Stephens and Kaiya Sheron netted 15 points apiece for Somerset while Jackson Cooper added 11 points. Sheron quarterbacked Somerset to a Class 2A state title in December.
The Briar Jumpers forced McCreary Central to play from behind during the matchup.
Jase Bruner (six points), Jack Harmon (two points) and Colton Correll (two points) combined to round out the Briar Jumpers’ individual scoring.
McCreary Central shot 36 percent (18-of-50) from the field. The Raiders were 3-of-19 from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 76.5 percent (13-of-17) from the free throw line.
Alex Heath paced McCreary Central with a team-high 11 points. Heath was 7-of-10 from the free throw line.
Trent Conatser finished directly behind Heath in the McCreary Central scoring column, netting 10 points.

The additional scorers for McCreary Central were Brandon Longmire (eight points), Kyle Stephens (seven points) Evan Kidd (five points), Connor Campbell (four points), Trey Davis (four points), Noah Loudermilk (two points) and Blake Corder (one point).

Lady Raiders drop game to Pulaski County 

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

SOMERSET – McCreary Central was limited on the road at the start of the week as host Pulaski County pulled away to win 64-29 in a non-district girls’ high school basketball game.
With the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 6-9.
Pulaski County improved to 11-4 with the win.
Individual statistics from the McCreary Central-Pulaski County girls’ basketball game were unavailable at press time.
McCreary Central was set to host rival Southwestern for a 48th District girls’ basketball game on Tuesday.
The Lady Raiders have additional regular-season games remaining versus Pulaski County, Southwestern, Corbin, Williamsburg, Somerset, Rockcastle County, Jellico (Tenn.), Cumberland County, Wayne County, Casey County and Barbourville.
McCreary Central will compete in the 48th District Girls’ Basketball Tournament in February.

January 2nd, 2020

Photo courtesy of McCreary Central Wrestling
McCreary Central placed third in a Woodford County-hosted high school wrestling tournament on Saturday, December 28.

Raiders finish 3-1 in Arby’s/KFC Holiday Classic

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central compiled a 3-1 record in the Arby’s/KFC Holiday Classic.
The Raiders notched wins over Lynn Camp, Casey County and Atherton during the holiday tournament. Garrard County, a familiar foe, dealt McCreary Central its lone loss in the Arby’s/KFC Holiday Classic.
McCreary Central 85, Lynn Camp 72: Host McCreary Central prevailed in the opening round of the Arby’s/KFC Holiday Classic, defeating Lynn Camp 85-72.
McCreary Central shot 49.1 percent (28-of-57) from the field. The Raiders were 11-for-24 (45.8 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 75 percent (18-of-24) from the free throw line.
Alex Heath recorded a double-double to lead the Raiders, scoring 26 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.
McCreary Central featured four scorers in double figures. Noah Loudermilk added 20 points, Kyle Stephens netted 12 points and Evan Kidd contributed 10 points as McCreary Central prevailed.
Trent Conatser (six points), Brandon Longmire (five points), Trey Davis (four points) and Nathaniel Griffis (two points) combined to account for the rest of McCreary Central’s scoring.
Loudermilk ranked as McCreary Central’s second-leading rebounder, securing eight rebounds.
Garrard County 59, McCreary Central 56: McCreary Central stumbled as Garrard County held on to win 59-56 in the Arby’s/KFC Holiday Classic on Saturday, Dec. 20.
Garrard County won after suffering a lopsided loss to the Raiders less than one week earlier.
Hudson Cornett scored 19 points, Ethan Wall added 16 points and Montavin Quisenberry contribute 11 points as Garrard County won.
McCreary Central shot 47.4 percent (18-of-38) from the field in the setback. The Raiders were 5-or-20 from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 71.4 percent (15-of-21) from the free throw line.
Trent Conatser led McCreary Central with 18 points. Conatser was the only McCreary Central player to reach double figures in the scoring column.
Flirting with double figures in scoring for the Raiders, Alex Heath netted nine points while Noah Loudermilk posted eight points.
The other scorers for McCreary Central in the setback were Evan Kidd (six points), Connor Campbell (five points), Kyle Stephens (four points), Trey Davis (three points) and Brandon Longmire (three points).
McCreary Central 64, Casey County 50: Returning to the win column on Sunday, Dec. 22, McCreary Central defeated Casey County 64-50 in the Arby’s/KFC Holiday Classic.
The Raiders shot 45.1 percent (23-of-51) from the field. McCreary Central was 6-of-19 (31.6 percent) from 3-point range.
The Raiders shot 60 percent (12-of-20) from the free throw line.
Noah Loudermilk scored 23 points to lead McCreary Central to the victory. Loudermilk was 6-of-9 from 3-point range.
Alex Heath accompanied Loudermilk in double figures in scoring for the Raiders, posting 14 points.
The additional scorers for McCreary Central were Kyle Stephens (eight points), Evan Kidd (six points), Trey Davis (five points), Trent Conatser (five points) and Brandon Longmire (three points).
McCreary Central 61, Atherton 58: Ending its stint in the Arby’s/KFC Holiday Classic with a win, McCreary Central defeated Atherton 61-58 on Monday, Dec 23.
McCreary Central shot 45.2 percent (19-of-42) from the field. The Raiders were 5-of-18 (27.8 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 66.7 percent (18-of-27) from the free throw line.
Alex Heath led McCreary Central with a double-double, scoring 16 points and pulling down 10 rebounds.
McCreary Central featured three scorers in double figures. Kyle Stephens netted 12 points for the Raiders while teammate Trey Davis added 11 points.
Noah Loudermilk (eight points), Connor Campbell (four points), Evan Kidd (three points), Brandon Longmire (three points), Trent Conatser (two points) and Nathaniel Griffis (two points) combined to round out the Raiders’ individual scoring.

Lady Raiders split four games in Arby’s/KFC Holiday Classic

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – The McCreary Central Lady Raiders split four games in the 2019 Arby’s/KFC Holiday Classic, notching wins over Knott County Central and Clinton County.
McCreary Central 72, Knott County Central 69: Host McCreary Central pulled out a hard-fought win in the opening round of the Arby’s/KFC Holiday Classic, outlasting former 14th Region champion Knott County Central 72-69 on Friday, Dec. 20.
McCreary Central shot 46.9 percent (23-of-49) from the field. The Lady Raiders were 4-for-13 (30.8 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 73.3 percent (22-of-30) from the free throw line.
Allyson Anderson poured in a game-high 32 points to lead McCreary Central to the victory. Anderson was 14-of-18 from the free throw line.
Finishing near a double-double, Elizabeth Anderson added 19 points and eight rebounds for the Lady Raiders.
The other scorers for McCreary Central were Jayci Bell (six points), Kennedy Creekmore (five points), Corinne Trammell (four points), Makenzie Cox (four points) and Emily Anderson (two points).
Shelby County 68, McCreary Central 64: Host McCreary Central fell short as Shelby County held on to win 68-64 in the second round of the Arby’s/KFC Holiday Classic on Saturday, Dec. 21.
Shelby County shot 60.9 percent (28-of-46) from the field. The Lady Rockets were 6-of-12 from 3-point range.
Shelby County shot 66.7 percent (6-of-9) from the free throw line.
Six players accounted for all of Shelby County’s scoring. Kayla Bruner led Shelby County with game-high 28 points. Bruner was 5-of-7 from 3-point range.
Zakiyah Johnson tossed in 14 points and Kaitlyn Disch added 10 points as three Shelby County scorers reached double figures.
McCreary Central shot 36.7 percent (22-of-60) from the field. The Lady Raiders were 6-of-22 (27.3 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 82.4 percent (14-of-17) from the free throw line.
Limited inside, McCreary Central collected only 10 rebounds.
McCreary Central featured four scorers in double figures. Allyson Anderson led the Lady Raiders with 28 points, sharing game-high scoring honors with Shelby County’s Bruner. Accompanying Anderson in double figures, Kennedy Creekmore scored 12 points while Elizabeth Anderson and Emily Anderson netted 11 points apiece.
Corinne Trammell rounded out the Lady Raiders’ individual scoring, chipping in two points.
Garrard County 74, McCreary Central 72: Garrard County dealt McCreary Central its second straight loss, slipping past the Lady Raiders 74-72 in the Arby’s/KFC Holiday Classic on Sunday, Dec. 22.
Nancy Gonzalez (24 points), Carolina Gonzalez (18 points), Jade Pevley (14 points, 12 rebounds) and Madisyn Neeley (10 points) combined to lead Garrard County to the victory.
McCreary Central shot 39.3 percent (24-of-61) from the field in the setback. The Lady Raiders were 2-for-11 from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 78.6 percent (22-of-28) from the free throw line.
Allyson Anderson led McCreary Central with a team-high 26 points. Following her teammate in double figures and registering a double-double, Elizabeth Anderson scored 19 points and pulled down 12 rebounds.
Kennedy Creekmore finished directly behind Elizabeth Anderson in the McCreary Central scoring column, contributing 18 points.
Emily Anderson and Makenzie Cox rounded out the Lady Raiders’ individual scoring, netting eight points and two points, respectively.
McCreary Central 68, Clinton County 53: Finishing strong in the Arby’s/KFC Holiday Classic, host McCreary Central pulled away to defeat Clinton County 68-53 on Monday, Dec. 23.
McCreary Central shot 49.1 percent (28-of-57) from the field. The Lady Raiders were 7-of-20 (35 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 83.3 percent (5-of-6) from the free throw line.
Elizabeth Anderson led McCreary Central with a near-double-double, scoring 21 points and pulling down nine rebounds.
Emily Anderson and Kennedy Creekmore followed, scoring 16 points apiece for the Lady Raiders.
Allyson Anderson (eight points), Kendyl Walters (two points), Leslie Vanover (two points), Corinne Trammell (two points) and Makenzie Cox (one point) combined to account for the rest of the Lady Raiders’ scoring in the winning effort.

Homecoming Court

December 19th, 2019

Raider archers win Cardinal Classic

By Greg Bird
birdman@tmcvoice.com

The McCreary Central Archery Team took home first place in the 3rd Annual Cardinal Classic, held in Wayne County last weekend. The Raiders were led by Bryson Bryant, Elisha Sheperd, Cameron Spradlin and Nate Howard, who placed 1st through 4th respectively. In fact, six Raiders filled earned slots in the top 10. Rachel Stephens took home a 4th place medal for girls.
McCreary Middle’s archers performed fantastically as well, taking home a second place finish for the tournament. Connor Stephens, Lucas Morrow and Emanuel Meadows paced the team with 2nd through 4th place finishes. Addison Stephens placed fifth for the girls and Megan Campbell placed 7th.
Whitley City Elementary saw two archers place in the top 10 as well. Keyonna Perry, placed third overall for the girls with a 235, and Danni Rollins’ 231 earned her 8th place.
Other top 20 elementary finishers included WCE’s Silas Worley, who shot 224 for a 15th place finish Pine Knot Elementary’s Samual Meadows finished 17th with 218, followed by Paul Bruner with 215 for 19th and Logan Strunk shot 213 for 20th. On the girl’s side Nichole Ross finished 15th with 224.

Raiders roll past Cumberland Homeschool for first win

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central notched its first win in the 2019-20 boys’ high school basketball season on Thursday, Dec. 12, rolling past visiting Cumberland Homeschool 69-15.
The Raiders entered the win column after opening the season 0-4.
McCreary Central set the tone early, moving ahead of Cumberland Homeschool in the opening quarter. The Raiders forced Cumberland Homeschool to play from behind throughout the matchup.
Thriving offensively, McCreary Central shot 66.7 percent (30-of-45) from the field. The Raiders were 4-of-10 from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 50 percent (5-of-10) from the free throw line.
Outscoring Cumberland Homeschool himself, Alex Heath led McCreary Central with a game-high 16 points. Heath was the only McCreary Central player to reach double figures in the scoring column.
Noah Loudermilk scored seven points while Kyle Stephens and Seth Ball added six points apiece for the Raiders.
The additional scorers for McCreary Central were Brandon Longmire (five points), Trent Conatser (five points), Trey Davis (four points), Grant Hamner (four points), Nathaniel Griffis (four points), Connor Campbell (two points), Austin Corder (two points), Ben Trammell (two points), Evan Kidd (two points), Thaddeus Baird (two points) and Carson McKinney (two points).
Hamner paced McCreary Central inside, pulling down four rebounds.
McCreary Central and Cumberland Homeschool aren’t scheduled to meet again in the 2019-20 boys’ high school basketball season.

McCreary Central suffers two-point loss to Barbourville

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central fell short in a bid to notch its first win in the 2019-20 boys’ high school basketball season as visiting Barbourville prevailed 64-62 on Monday, Dec. 9.
With the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 0-4.
Barbourville, a team from the neighboring 13th Region, improved to 3-1 with the win.
Dominating inside, Barbourville outrebounded McCreary Central 27-15.
Barbourville shot 57.5 percent (23-of-40) from the field. The Tigers were 4-for-8 from 3-point range.
Barbourville shot 82.4 percent (14-of-17) from the free throw line.
Matthew Gray and Shawn Vaughn combined to lead Barbourville, scoring 20 points apiece for the Tigers in the hard-fought win.
Joining Gray and Vaughn in double figures in scoring and nearly recording a double-double, Colby Martin netted 17 points and pulled down nine rebounds for the Tigers.
Jordan Collins and Dylan Bingham rounded out Barbourville’s individual scoring, posting five points and two points, respectively.
McCreary Central shot 50 percent (25-of-50) from the field. The Raiders were 6-for-17 (35.3 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 60 percent (6-of-10) from the free throw line.
Alex Heath led McCreary Central with 19 points. Accompanying Heath in double figures in scoring for the Raiders, Kyle Stephens netted 10 points.
Nearly reaching double figures, Brandon Longmire, Trey Davis and Evan Kidd contributed eight points apiece for the Raiders.
Connor Campbell and Nathaniel Griffis rounded out the McCreary Central individual scoring, chipping in six points and three points, respectively.
Griffis paced McCreary Central inside, grabbing four rebounds.

Raiders finish second in Big Brother
Duals at Boyle County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

DANVILLE – The McCreary Central wrestling team thrived in the Big Brother Duals at Boyle County High School on Saturday, Dec. 14, finishing second overall.
The Raiders excelled during the event. McCreary Central wrestled five dual matches and finished with a 4-1 record.
The Raiders started strong, defeating Whitley County 66-9. Then, McCreary Central doubled up Danville 48-24.
Following the triumph over Danville, McCreary Central suffered its first loss as LaRue County pulled away to win 69-9. In the next round, McCreary Central was able to pull out a win over host Boyle County, prevailing 42-39 despite giving up three weight classes due to injuries and sickness.
In the final match of the day, McCreary Central topped Taylor County 56-18 to place second.
Freshmen Hank Baird and Blake Botts each compiled a 5-0 record to lead the Raiders.
“We have some guys dinged up a little right now, some guys are struggling to find there rhythm at this point in the season,” said McCreary Central Coach Gary Parriman. “We had a great showing and we’re really happy with the team overall. We have some work to do but it’s early in the season and this team has bought into what we are doing. They are killing the weights and conditioning and working extremely hard everyday.”
The Raiders were competing at home at press time on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Lady Raiders knock off Wayne County, notch district win

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

MONTICELLO – Winning on the road, McCreary Central used a balanced scoring effort to defeat host Wayne County 60-49 in a 48th District girls’ basketball game on Thursday, Dec. 12.
McCreary Central shot 45.8 percent (22-of-48) from the field. The Lady Raiders were only 3-of-16 from 3-point range but fared better when shooting foul shots. McCreary Central shot 76.5 percent (13-of-17) from the free throw line.
Four of six scorers reached double figures for the Lady Raiders.
Kennedy Creekmore led McCreary Central with 15 points. Creekmore was 6-for-6 inside the arc.
Finishing directly behind Creekmore, Emily Anderson and Allyson Anderson netted 14 points apiece for the Lady Raiders.
Accompanying three of her McCreary Central teammates in double figures in scoring, Elizabeth Anderson added 11 points.
Corinne Trammell and Makenzie Cox rounded out the Lady Raiders’ individual scoring, chipping in four points and two points, respectively.
Wayne County shot 37.3 percent (19-of-51) from the field. The Lady Cardinals were only 3-of-16 from 3-point range.
Wayne County shot 57.1 percent (8-of-14) from the free throw line.
Mallory Campbell led homestanding Wayne County with a game-high 24 points. Campbell was 10-of-16 from the field.
Haleigh Criswell accompanied Campbell in double figures for the Lady Cardinals, scoring 11 points.
Mariah Bowlin netted five points while Kenzie Upchurch chipped in three points for the Lady Cardinals.
Rounding out Wayne County’s individual scoring, Jade Turner, Amber Jones and Xaviea West chipped in two points apiece.
Campbell and Upchurch combined to pace Wayne County inside, securing seven rebounds and six rebounds, respectively.

December 12th, 2019

Archers place second in tournament

By Greg Bird
birdman@tmcvoice.com

The McCreary County School’s Archery programs got off to a strong start this past weekend with a strong showing at the Bluegrass Cellular Raider Shootout tournament, hosted by McCreary Central High School.
Competing against teams from Knox Central, Lynn Camp, Wayne County, Monticello and Oak Hill, both McCreary high school and middle school teams placed second overall in the tournament.
McCreary Central was led by Elisha Sheperd with a 283, placing 3rd overall, Dylan Kidd’s 283, placing him 4th and Cameron Spradlin, who shot 280 and placed 5th. Addison Stephens was the highest scoring girl with a 276, placing her 8th overall and 6th among girls. She was followed by Wendy Swain, 274, 8th, and Jessica Tucker, 266, 13th.
McCreary Middle’s top three performers among boys and girls were: Jeremiah Laxton, 267, 4th, Connor Stephens, 267, 5th and Dylan Stephens, 266, 6th. Courtney Meadows, 264, placed 5th among girls, followed by Cloe Rose, 259, 6th and Rachel Stephens, 256, 9th.
Pine Knot Elementary and Whitley City Elementary, both fielded teams in this tournament, just weeks after the school district officially expanded the archery program to include elementary levels.
For Pine Knot Logan Strunk placed 12th with a 215, followed by Samuel Meadows (13th, 214) and Kase Spradlin (16th, 205). For the girls Kaylee Dahlstrom shot 126 for 14th, followed by Nichole Ross, 165, 15th and Avilee King, 135, 18th.
For Whitley City Silas Worley placed 17th with 194, followed by Riley Crabtree, 175, 23rd, and River Horne, 127, 33rd. On the girl’s side Danni Rollins placed 6th overall with a 203, followed by Keyanna Perry with a 198 for 10th and Kassidy Garland with a 181 for 12th.
The Raider archers will be back in action this weekend at the Cardinal Classic in Wayne County.

McCreary Central falls to Russell County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

RUSSELL SPRINGS – McCreary Central suffered its first loss in the 2019-20 girls’ high school basketball season as host Russell County pulled away to win 72-63 on Friday, Dec. 6.
With the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 1-1.
Russell County moved to 2-0 with the win.
Homestanding Russell County shot 53.2 percent (25-of-47) from the field. The Lady Lakers were 6-of-10 from 3-point range.
Russell County shot 72.7 percent (16-of-22) from the free throw line.
The Lady Lakers used a balanced offensive attack to notch the win.
Shiyann Elkins led Russell County with 18 points. Russell County featured four scorers in double figures as Juliah Bault added 17 points, Hannah Yates netted 16 points and Star Marcum pushed in 11 points. Marcum recorded a double-double, pulling down a 10 rebounds.
Sophie Shearer finished one shot short of reaching double figures for the Lady Lakers, scoring eight points.
Rounding out the Lady Lakers’ individual scoring, Maleah Preston and Maddie McQueary chipped in one point apiece.
McCreary Central shot 37.5 percent (21-of-56) from the field. The Lady Raiders were 9-of-30 (30 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central finished 12-of-26 from the free throw line.
Allyson Anderson and Elizabeth Anderson led McCreary Central, scoring a game-high 24 points apiece.
Kennedy Creekmore (six points), Emily Anderson (six points), Makenzie Cox (two points) and Jayci Bell (one point) provided the Lady Raiders’ additional scoring in the setback.
Elizabeth Anderson paced McCreary Central inside, pulling down nine rebounds to nearly register a double-double.

Raiders drop game to
rival Pulaski County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

SOMERSET – In a battle between longtime boys’ high school basketball rivals, host Pulaski County topped McCreary Central 86-63 on Friday, Dec. 6.
With the loss, McCreary Central slipped to 0-3.
Pulaski County evened its record to 1-1 with the win.
McCreary Central shot 42.3 percent (22-of-52) from the field. The Raiders were 7-of-19 (36.8 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 60 percent (12-of-20) from the free throw line.
Alex Heath led McCreary Central with a team-high 16 points.
Following Heath in the McCreary Central scoring column, Noah Loudermilk added 12 points, draining four three-point field goals.
Accompanying Heath and Loudermilk in double figures for the Raiders, Evan Kidd contributed 11 points.
Trey Davis and Kyle Stephens chipped in eight points apiece for the Raiders in the setback.
Rounding out McCreary Central’s individual scoring, Brandon Longmire, Thaddeus Baird, Nathaniel Griffis and Connor Campbell contributed two points apiece.

Heath and Baird led McCreary Central inside, securing six rebounds apiece.

Raiders compete in Big Brother Duals at Scott County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

GEORGETOWN – The McCreary Central wrestling team competed in the Scott County-hosted Big Brother Duals on Saturday, Dec. 7.
The Raiders fared well despite being shorthanded in the early-season high school wrestling event.
Some members of the McCreary Central wrestling team have not reached their weight class due to the mandated weight management. Also, a few additional grapplers are injured. Despite giving up three weight classes, McCreary Central performed well. The Raiders were able to notch three wins, defeating Nelson County, Bryan Station and Lafayette. However, McCreary Central suffered narrow losses to Central Hardin (three points) and Scott county (two points). Ruben Martinez and Elijah (Hank) Baird led McCreary Central in scoring, recording five pins apiece.
“The team looked good for the most part, just had a few flaws that kept them from being perfect on the day,” McCreary Central Coach Gary Parriman confided.
McCreary Central is preparing to travel to Boyle County to compete in its annual Big Brother Duals on Saturday, Dec. 14.

December 5th, 2019

Raiders to host Barbourville in next home game

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central will have another opportunity to notch a win at home when it hosts Barbourville on Monday, Dec. 9.
The Raiders will return home for a matchup following back-to-back games on the road.
Tip-off for the McCreary Central-Barbourville boys’ basketball game is slated for 7:30 p.m.
McCreary Central dropped its season opener to Danville. Visiting Danville managed to pull away to defeat the Raiders 88-60 on Monday, Dec. 2.
The Wade Davis-coached Raiders visited Rockcastle County on Tuesday, falling to the Rockets 65-55 to drop to 0-2 on the season.
McCreary Central is slated to visit Pulaski County on Friday, Dec. 6. Pulaski County hails from the bordering 47th District. Tip-off for the McCreary Central-Pulaski County game is set for 7:45 p.m.
McCreary Central dropped two games to Barbourville during the 2018-19 boys’ high school basketball season.
A team from the neighboring 13th Region, Barbourville compiled a 21-10 overall record in its most recent campaign. The Tigers, under the direction of head coach Cody Messer, finished runner-up in the 51st District and made an appearance in the 13th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament during the 2018-19 season.

McCreary Central will enter its next home game looking to notch an early-season win.

Raiders to host holiday event, compete in
Williamstown tournament

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – It’ll be a busy holiday season for the McCreary Central boys’ basketball program. The Raiders are poised to compete in a pair of holiday tournaments later in the month.
McCreary Central will host the Arby’s/KFC Holiday Classic December 20-23. Host McCreary Central is slated to face Lynn Camp, Garrard County, Casey County and Atherton in the Arby’s/KFC Holiday Classic during its existence.
Basketball programs from numerous regions have competed in the tradition-rich Arby’s/KFC Holiday Classic.
The Raiders are scheduled to travel north to play in the Williamstown Holiday Tournament on December 26. The Williamstown Holiday Tournament will span multiple days as well.
Holiday high school basketball tournaments will be held across the state later in the month as teams prepare for the second half of the 2019-20 season.

The second half of McCreary Central’s 2019-20 schedule will include games versus Williamsburg, Somerset, Corbin, Russell County, Wayne County, Southwestern, Lincoln County, Lynn Camp, Cumberland County, Clinton County, East Jessamine, Casey County and Barbourville.

Back-to-back holiday tournaments await Lady Raiders

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central will take the floor for a pair of girls’ high school basketball holiday tournaments.
The Lady Raiders are scheduled to host the Arby’s/KFC Holiday Classic Dec. 20-23. A highly-anticipated event, the Arby’s/KFC Holiday Classic ranks as one of the area’s top high school basketball tournaments.
The Lady Raiders are scheduled to face Knott County Central, Shelby County, Garrard County and Clinton County during the Arby’s/KFC Holiday Classic.
After hosting its own holiday event, McCreary Central will venture to Clinton County for the Best of the Lakes Holiday Classic. The Clinton County-hosted holiday tournament is scheduled for Dec. 26-28 and annually features talented teams.
McCreary Central is slated to face Red Boiling Springs (Tenn.), Jackson County and Gallatin County in the Best of the Lakes Holiday Classic.
High school basketball teams from throughout the state will compete in holiday tournaments later in the month.
The post-holiday tournament portion of McCreary Central’s schedule will include games versus Garrard County, Pulaski County, Southwestern, Corbin, Williamsburg, Somerset, Rockcastle County, Jellico (Tenn.), Cumberland County, Wayne County, Casey County and Barbourville.

McCreary Central wrestling team enters 2019-20 season

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central was visiting Madison Central for a 2019-20 high school wrestling season opener on Wednesday. Results from the high school wrestling season opener were unavailable at press time.
The Gary Parriman-coached Raiders are scheduled to travel to Scott County on Saturday.
McCreary Central competes in Region 7, along with Boyle County, Bryan Station, Danville, Danville Christian, East Jessamine, Frederick Douglass, Henry Clay, Knox Central, Lafayette, Lexington Christian, Lynn Camp, Madison Central, Madison Southern, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Sayre, Tates Creek, Wayne County, West Jessamine and Whitley County.
Five McCreary Central wrestlers are ranked in the current Kentucky high school wrestling preseason rankings. A breakdown of the McCreary Central wrestlers currently ranked follows.
Jeremiah Baird is ranked 20th in the 106 pound weight class.
Chase Bowlin is ranked 18th in the 113 pound weight class.
Ruben Martinez is ranked 13th in the 120 pound weight class.
Julian Cruz is ranked 16th in the 138 pound weight class.
Seth Steen is ranked 14th in the 160 pound weight class.

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

COLUMBIA – Lindsey Wilson College runners Jim Headrick, Austin Mattingly, Levi Owens, Mason Stogsdill, Jordan Tucker, Harley Waters and Caleb Watson each earned Mid-South Conference Men’s Cross Country Academic honors, the MSC Office announced in November.
Both Tucker and Waters are McCreary Central High School graduates.
Mattingly, Owens and Watson all earned the award for a second time.
The seven Blue Raiders were among 21 MSC student-athletes across the conference to receive the honor. Lindsey Wilson led all institutions with the seven honorees.
In order to be nominated by an institution, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale and must have achieved at least sophomore academic status.
Prior to heading off to college, Tucker and Waters were standout student-athletes at McCreary Central High School.

November 28th, 2019

Pine Knot Football Banquet

Raiders to entertain Danville in season’s first game

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central is preparing to host Danville in a boys’ high school basketball season opener on Monday, Dec. 2.
High school basketball teams from throughout the state are headed into season-openers.
The Raiders are scheduled to face Danville, Rockcastle County and Pulaski County during the first week of the 2019-20 boys’ high school basketball season. In a quick turnaround, McCreary Central is slated to visit Rockcastle County on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
Remaining on the road later in the season’s initial week, McCreary Central is due to visit Pulaski County on Thursday, Dec. 5.
McCreary Central concluded the 2018-19 boys’ high school basketball season 9-24. However, McCreary Central finished runner-up to Wayne County in the 48th District and made an appearance in the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament. The Raiders will be looking to make a return trip to the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament during the upcoming season.
McCreary Central has been forced with the task of replacing leading scorer and rebounder Nick Longmire (17.4 ppg, 4/7 rpg). However, second-leading scorer Alex Heath (10.2 ppg) is back for the Raiders. Heath joined Longmire in averaging double figures in scoring for the Raiders during the 2018-19 boys’ high school basketball season.
After having surgery in the offseason, Blake Corder (6.9 ppg, 7 apg) is expected to return for McCreary Central in mid-season.
The Raiders opened preseason practice in mid-October.
Head coach Wade Davis guides the Raiders.
Tip-off for the McCreary Central-Danville boys’ basketball game is set for 7:30 p.m.

Lady Raiders to host Jellico in season opener

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central is set to host longtime rival Jellico (Tenn.) in a girls’ high school basketball season season opener on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
McCreary Central opened preseason practice in mid-October. The Lady Raiders are ranked among the Top 10 girls’ basketball teams in the 12th Region.
McCreary Central is ranked 10th in the 2019-20 Kentucky Basketball Yearbook Preseason 12th Region Girls’ Basketball Poll. The Lady Raiders are listed behind Somerset, Pulaski County, Rockcastle County, Wayne County, Lincoln County, Danville, Mercer County, Casey County and top-ranked Southwestern, the reigning 12th Region girls’ basketball champion.
Defending 12th Region champion Southwestern finished runner-up in the state earlier in the year.
McCreary Central concluded the 2018-19 season 9-21 following a loss to Wayne County in the semifinals of the 48th District Girls’ Basketball Tournament.

Leading scorer Allyson Anderson is back for McCreary Central after averaging 22.9 points per game for the Lady Raiders during the 2018-19 season. Second-leading scorer and top rebounder Elizabeth Anderson (14.2 ppg, 6.7 rpg) is also back for the Lady Raiders.
McCreary Central continues to conduct preseason practice sessions in preparation for the season opener. The Lady Raiders’ 2019-20 schedule features two games in the season’s first week. McCreary Central is slated to visit Russell County for an early-season girls’ high school basketball game on Friday, Dec. 6.
Head coach Sammy Strunk guides the Lady Raiders.

Tip-off for the McCreary Central-Jellico girls’ basketball game is set for 7:30 p.m.

November 21st, 2019

Five McCreary Central wrestlers ranked

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – Five McCreary Central wrestlers are ranked in the current Kentucky high school wrestling preseason rankings.
Jeremiah Baird is ranked 20th in the 106 pound weight class.
Chase Bowlin is ranked 18th in the 113 pound weight class.
Ruben Martinez is ranked 13th in the 120 pound weight class.
Julian Cruz is ranked 16th in the 138 pound weight class.
Seth Steen is ranked 14th in the 160 pound weight class.
The Raiders are slated to open the 2019-20 high school wrestling season at home on Wednesday, Nov. 27.
McCreary Central competes in Region 9. The Raiders’ 2019-20 schedule includes visits to Madison Central, Boyle County, Louisville Central, Woodford County, Wayne County, Simon Kenton and Union (Va.).
The Raiders opened preseason practice in October. The McCreary Central wrestling team is an experienced group which has set multiple goals for the 2019-20 season. Five different McCreary Central wrestlers are ranked heading into the 2019-20 high school wrestling season.
Veteran head coach Gary Parriman guides the Raiders.

November 14th, 2019

No Business 100 Moves Start/Finish Lines to Tennessee

Race Director says McCreary County’s Yamacraw race will stay as is.

By Eugenia Jones
eugenia@highland.net

Brian Gajus, race director for the No Business 100 (NB100) trail endurance race, announced last week that the 100 mile race will no longer be hosted out of Stearns and Blue Heron KY but will instead relocate its home base with start and finish lines at the Group Camp of Pickett Civilian Conservation Corps Memorial State Park in Jamestown, TN. Blue Heron will remain as part of the endurance race route.
According to Gajus of Knoxville’s Ultranaut Running organization, the relocation will make things easier for the race staff and create a more community feel before and after the race. Gajus also noted the move to Pickett will put the race’s home base in closer proximity to race aid stations.
“Running the race out of Blue Heron has been memorable but not without its challenges,” Gajus said in his announcement. “We have reserved the Group Camp at Pickett State Park, so it is ours for race weekend next year. The Group Camp gives us on site lodging at the start/finish lines with six bunkhouses that will sleep over 120 people. At a minimal cost, runners will be able to reserve bunks for themselves and any crew. We’ll also have camping available at the Group Camp and there are also cabins and a campground at Pickett State Park. Lodging now is literally on site or just two miles away.”
Gajus noted additional advantages to relocating the home base including access to a large dining hall with kitchen on site at Pickett enabling pre and post-race activities.
“There’s also the bonus of being able to apply for an alcohol permit for the weekend festivities,” Gajus added.
In addition to the new location, Gajus announced a new start day and time with next year’s race scheduled for October 16 on a Friday at 11:00 a.m. During previous NB100 races hosted at Blue Heron, runners began the race before dawn in the dark on Saturday morning and took place on the second weekend of October. Gajus said next year’s later date was the only real option in reserving the Pickett Group Camp for 2020.
Gajus said NB100 runners will still experience the thrill of racing over the tipple bridge at Blue Heron noting that runners will go through the Blue Heron aid station twice. The NB100 has also added the Blue Heron Loop trail, with runners racing through Crack in the Rocks, as part of next year’s route.
The 2020 No Business Hundred course is a single 101.6 mile loop that crisscrosses through the heart of the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area starting in Tennessee then crossing the state line into Kentucky and back on some of the oldest trails in the southeast. The race has just over 15,000 feet of elevation.
Registration for the 2020 NB100 is now open with the most popular early bird registration of $250. Regular and last call registrations at later dates are also available at a slightly higher rate. A new twist for NB100 runners in 2020 is the requirement for at least 8 hours of volunteering at another race or doing trail maintenance. Those unwilling or unable to complete eight hours of volunteer or trail work, may choose to pay the $100 opt out fee that will be donated to the Boone Trail Coalition a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and management of the natural, scenic, historic, and cultural resources associated with the recreation areas primarily in and around McCreary County, KY.
For more information about the NB100 or to register, go to: http://www.nobusiness100.com/runners/#trailwork.

BSF Veterans Hunt

Photo by Eugenia Jones
Veterans from a variety of states, including Alabama, South Carolina, and Tennessee, were welcomed to McCreary County during the annual Big South Fork Veteran Hunt dinner. The combat veterans were selected to participate in an all expense paid deer hunt (including hunting gear and equipment) in the Big South Fork area. The hunt is one of several outdoor activities sponsored throughout the year by the Big South Fork Veteran Hunt (BSFVeteran) organization. BSFVeteran is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing combat veterans together all over the nation to hunt and fish. The organization was started in 2016 by McCreary County resident, Ricky Allen, with its first event hosted in 2017. Since then, the organization has hosted over 15 events with participation from veterans from many different states. The organization’s goal is to help combat veterans with PTSD/TBI by providing opportunities for them to get outdoors in a hunting/fishing environment while bonding with other veterans in the process.

Lady Raiders to host Jellico in season opener

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – The McCreary Central girls’ basketball team is less than one month away from taking the floor for its season opener. The Lady Raiders are slated to host longtime rival Jellico (Tenn.) in a season opener on December 3.
McCreary Central opened preseason practice in mid-October. The Lady Raiders are ranked among the Top 10 girls’ basketball teams in the 12th Region.
McCreary Central is ranked 10th in The Cats’ Pause 2019-20 Kentucky Basketball Yearbook Preseason 12th Region Girls’ Basketball Poll.
The Lady Raiders are listed behind Somerset (9), Pulaski County (8), Rockcastle County (7), Wayne County (6), Lincoln County (5), Danville (4), Mercer County (3), Casey County (2) and top-ranked Southwestern (1), the reigning 12th Region girls’ basketball champion.
Defending 12th Region champion Southwestern finished runner-up in the state earlier in the year.
McCreary Central concluded the 2018-19 season 9-21 following a loss to Wayne County in the semifinals of the 48th District Girls’ Basketball Tournament.
Leading scorer Allyson Anderson is back for McCreary Central after averaging 22.9 points per game for the Lady Raiders during the 2018-19 season. Second-leading scorer and top rebounder Elizabeth Anderson (14.2 ppg, 6.7 rpg) is also back for the Lady Raiders.
McCreary Central continues to conduct preseason practice sessions in preparation for the season opener.

Raiders head into offseason

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – After missing out advancing to the Class 3A Football Playoffs, McCreary Central is headed into the offseason.
Despite finishing the 2019 season 1-9, McCreary Central showed some improvement in multiple regular-season games played over three months.
McCreary Central edged host Jackson County 21-20 for its lone win in the 2019 season on October 25. The Raiders defeated the Generals for a Class 3A, District 8 win.
The Raiders dropped games to Pineville, Clinton County, Jellico (Tenn.), Casey County, Bell County, Garrard County, Estill County, Rockcastle County and Lynn Camp during the 2019 season.
McCreary Central averaged slightly over two touchdowns per game in its latest gridiron campaign. The Raiders scored 122 points in 10 games during the 2019 season.
Quarterback Ben Trammell emerged as a leader under center in McCreary Central’s latest football season, passing for seven touchdowns.
Several members of the McCreary Central football team have moved on to either basketball or wrestling. Those McCreary Central football players who aren’t playing basketball or wrestling will be working out with the gridiron group during the offseason.
The 2020 McCreary Central football schedule will be released at a later date. The Raiders are under the direction of head coach Lucas Ford.

Experienced Raiders return to mat

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – An experienced group is back on the mats for the McCreary Central High School wrestling team.
McCreary Central Coach Gary Parriman is excited about his team heading into the 2019-20 high school wrestling season.
“This year’s team is shaping up to be very good,” said Parriman. “The numbers are the best they have ever been. Our roster is currently holding 25 kids. We have a lot of returning kids from last year after only losing three seniors. We have set some big goals for the season and are expecting big things from the team this year. The Raider wrestling team will be led by a great group of kids with Ruben Martinez, Seth Steen and Blake Botts just to name a few. We currently have five kids ranked in the preseason polls. So, we are hoping to build off that as well as the experience this team is bringing into the season. A lot of these guys have been together for a couple years now and adding a few more talented athletes to the roster makes for an exciting start to the season for sure.”
Multiple members of the McCreary Central football team made the transition to wrestling following the conclusion of the Raiders’ gridiron campaign earlier in the month.
McCreary Central competes in Region 7, along with Boyle County, Bryan Station, Danville, Danville Christian, East Jessamine, Frederick Douglass, Henry Clay, Knox Central, Lafayette, Lexington Christian, Lynn Camp, Madison Central, Madison Southern, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Sayre, Tates Creek, Wayne County, West Jessamine and Whitley County.
The Raiders are scheduled to be in action at home on Wednesday, Nov. 27.

Lady Raiders compile sixth best record in 12th Region

McCreary Central compiled the sixth-best record among 12th Region volleyball teams during the 2019 season.
The Lady Raiders, following a loss to Southwestern in the semifinals of the 48th District Volleyball Tournament, exited the 2019 season 19-12.
McCreary Central finished behind Wayne County (22-14), Pulaski County (22-12), Rockcastle County (24-12), West Jessamine (26-15) and Southwestern (29-10) in the final 2019 2019 12th Region Volleyball Standings.
West Jessamine captured the 2019 12th Region volleyball championship, defeating Pulaski County 3-1 in the title match. Earlier in the month, West Jessamine fell to Henry Clay in the opening round of the KHSAA Volleyball State Tournament. National powerhouse Assumption captured its third straight state volleyball championship.
The Lady Raiders registered an RPI of .51054 during the 2019 high school volleyball season.
Following its offseason, McCreary Central will open preseason practice for the 2020 season in July.

November 7th, 2019

Photos by Greg Bird
The Pine Knot K-2 football team finished runner-up in the PCYFL Super Bowl at Southwestern High School in Somerset on Saturday. QB Collin Sexton (above) RB Hunter Wolfe (top right) and the rest of the Dragon squad put up a tough fight against the Mustangs, but fell short of earning the title.

McCreary Central cross country program excels

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – The McCreary Central cross country program excelled throughout the 2019 season.
The McCreary Central boys’ cross country team notched three wins, prevailing in its home meet and taking two Oneida meet titles.
In boys’ high school cross country, McCreary Central posted nine Top 10 team finishes in 11 races.
The Raiders placed seventh as a team at the region meet with one individual, senior Aiden Tucker, qualifying for state competition. Tucker placed eighth in the region meet and finished 91st in the state event.
The McCreary Central girls’ cross country team notched four top five individual finishes.
The Lady Raiders logged 14 Top 10 individual finishes
All four members of the McCreary Central girls’ cross country team competed in the regional competition but fell just shy of qualifying for the state meet.
“Overall, we had a great season with the team accomplishing 64 personal records with a wide array of growth in knowledge that will follow over into next season,” said McCreary Central Coach Trevor Tucker. “With six graduating seniors in 2020, next year’s cross country team has some big shoes to fill but the treasure trove of mentoring the senior group has provided this year has given the young talent plenty to look forward to in the future. The parent support to the team has been vital to our success and the coaching staff was overwhelmed with all the fans that followed the team at each of our meets.”

Aiden Tucker competes in Class 2A State Meet

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

LEXINGTON – McCreary Central was well-represented in the Class 2A Boys’ Cross Country State Meet over the weekend. Senior Aiden Tucker represented McCreary Central in the state meet, finishing 91st among 251 boys’ high school cross country runners from throughout Kentucky.
Tucker completed the Class 2A Boys’ 5,000 Meter Run in 18:34.48.
Taylor County senior Ryan Maynard, one of the state’s top high school student-athletes, won the Class 2A Boys’ 5,00 Meter Run in 16:14.25.
Tucker qualified for the state event after finishing eighth in the Class 2A, Region 5 Boys’ Cross Country Meet. In the state event, Tucker, who will run cross country in college, competed against several new rivals.

Raiders fall to Lynn Camp in season finale

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

CORBIN – McCreary Central fell short in a bid to remain in the win column as host Lynn Camp prevailed 29-14 in a non-district high school football game on Friday, Nov. 1.
The game served as a season finale for the Raiders.
With the loss, McCreary Central ended its season 1-9.
Lynn Camp improved to 4-5 with the win.
The Raiders were unable to end the season on a two-game winning streak after edging Class 3A. District 5 counterpart Jackson County 21-20 one week earlier.
The Wildcats are headed to the postseason. Lynn Camp will visit familiar foe Pineville in the opening round of the Class 1A KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl.
Lynn Camp forced the Raiders to play from behind throughout the game.
McCreary Central managed to produce two touchdowns in the season finale. Quarterback Ben Trammell connected with receiver Cody Conatser for a touchdown through the air. One the ground for McCreary Central, Blake Botts rushed for a touchdown in the setback.
Following the season-ending loss, several members of the McCreary Central football team will make the transition to a winter sport.

October 31st, 2019

McCreary Central claims first win in 2019 season

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

Raiders edge Jackson County, 21-20

McKEE – McCreary Central is back in the win column on the gridiron. Determined McCreary Central notched its first win in the 2019 high school football season on Friday, Oct. 25, edging host Jackson County 21-20 in a Class 3A, District 5 football game.
With the win, McCreary Central improved to 1-8 overall and 1-4 in Class 3A, District 5.
Jackson County dropped to 2-7 overall and 0-5 in the district with the loss.
Determined McCreary Central dealt Jackson County its fifth straight loss in the 2019 high school football season.
McCreary Central landed in the win column after opening the 2-19 high school football season 0-8.
Quarterback Ben Trammell and receiver Cody Conatser helped to lead McCreary Central to the district win. Trammell completed a pair of scoring passes to Conatser in the Raiders’ victory over district rival Jackson County.
Contributing on the ground, running back Kaden Cummins rushed for one touchdown as McCreary Central pulled out the hard-fought district win.
Defensively for McCreary Central, Kesean Brown recorded a safety.
Familiar district foes, McCreary Central and Jackson County have developed a rivalry on the gridiron. McCreary Central posted its second straight win over Jackson County. The Raiders pulled away to defeat the Generals 40-14 in a district matchup in 2018

McCreary Central to visit Lynn Camp for regular season finale

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – After outlasting Jackson County 21-20 in a Class 3A, District 5 game, McCreary Central is set to visit Lynn Camp for a regular-season finale on Friday, Nov. 1.
The Raiders and Wildcats will battle in a non-district matchup.
McCreary Central is 1-8 overall and 1-4 in Class 3A, District 5. The Raiders have notched a win over Jackson County. McCreary Central has dropped games to Pineville, Clinton County, Jellico (Tenn.), Casey County, Bell County, Garrard County, Estill County and Rockcastle County.
Through nine games, opponents have outscored McCreary Central 346-108.
Lynn Camp is 3-5 overall and 1-2 in Class 1A, District 8. The Wildcats have notched wins over Frankfort, Jackson County and Harlan. Lynn Camp has dropped games to Middlesboro, Clay County, Estill County, Pineville and Williamsburg.
In eight games, opponents have outscored Lynn Camp 218-179.
Quarterback Tylen Smith leads the Wildcats. Through the air, Smith has completed 37 of 69 passes for 643 yards and six touchdowns. Smith has thrown six interceptions.
The experienced quarterback helps to pace Lynn Camp on the ground. Smith has rushed 48 times for 142 yards and five touchdowns.
Spencer Gilbert paces Lynn Camp in receiving. Gilbert has hauled in 11 receptions for 307 yards and five touchdowns.
Chase Brown leads Lynn Camp in rushing. Brown has rushed 97 times for 661 yards and seven touchdowns.
As a team, Lynn Camp has rushed 263 times for 1,328 yards and 16 touchdowns. Jayden Dunn ranks as the second-leading rusher for the Wildcats. Dunn has rushed 53 times for 328 yards and three touchdowns.
Kickoff for the McCreary Central-Lynn Camp football game is set for 7:30 p.m.

Tucker qualifies for Class 2A State Meet

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

MONTICELLO – Aiden Tucker is headed to the KHSAA Class 2A State Cross Country Meet.
Tucker finished eighth in the Class 2A, Region 5 Meet to qualify for the state event. The McCreary Central standout finished the region race in 17:57.68.
The individual results for the McCreary Central boys’ and girls’ cross country teams follow.
Girls’ 5,000 Meter Run: 46. Alyssa Tucker, 26:41.83; 49. Kendal Kidd, 27:48.52; 53. Chelsea Whitehead, 29:05.00; 54. Ali Waters, 30:26.00.
Boys’ 5,000 Meter Run: 8. Aiden Tucker, 17:57.68; 32. Christian Williams, 20:07.09; 3. Kyle Collins, 20:27.09; 45. Greyson Whittington, 21:20.62; 49. Brady Corder, 21:29.52; 50. Justus Whitehead, 21:37.75.
Aiden Tucker will compete in the KHSAA Class 2A State Cross Country Meet at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington on Saturday, Nov. 2.

Southwestern wins 48th District title

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

SOMERSET – After shutting out McCreary Central 3-0 (25-9. 25-9, 25-10) in the semifinals, tournament host Southwestern captured the 48th District title. The Lady Warriors defeated Wayne County 3-1 in the 48th District Volleyball Tournament title match on Tuesday, Oct. 22.
Southwestern won 25-21, 23-25, 25-13, 25-20 over familiar foe Wayne County.
With the win, Southwestern improved to 28-9.
Wayne County dropped to 22-13 with the loss.
Both Southwestern and Wayne County advanced to the 12th Region Volleyball Tournament.
McCreary Central’s Elizabeth Anderson and Taylor Davis were named to the All-48th District Volleyball Tournament Team.

October 24th, 2019

McCreary Central blanks Williamsburg, 2-0

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central prevailed in a high school volleyball regular-season finale on Senior Night Thursday, Oct. 17, blanking visiting Williamsburg 2-0.
Familiar foes, McCreary Central and Williamsburg are rivals from neighboring regions.
The Raiders exited the regular-season on a two-game winning streak.
With the win, McCreary Central improved to 19-11.
Williamsburg dropped to 13-15 with the loss.
The Raiders won 25-18, 25-16 over Williamsburg.
A former 13th Region title contender, Williamsburg suffered its second straight loss in the late-season match.
Both McCreary Central and Williamsburg entered the postseason earlier in the week.

Aiden Tucker placed eighth in the Cave Lake Fall Classic

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

MONTICELLO – Aiden Tucker led McCreary Central in the Cave Lake Fall Classic over the weekend, placing eighth during the meet held on Saturday.

The McCreary Central boys’ and girls’ cross country teams were well represented in the Wayne County-hosted event.
Individual results for the McCreary Central runners follow.
Girls’ 5,000 Meter Run: 47. Alyssa Tucker, 27:04.55; 48. Kendal Kidd, 27:11.88; 67,. Ali Waters, 32:48.08.

Boys’ 5,000 Meter Run: 8. Aiden Tucker, 17:46.93; 51. Kyle Collins, 20:06.59; 52. Christian Williams, 20:11.28; 62. JB Gamble, 20:55.73; 64. Grey Whittington, 20:55.73; 68. Brady Corder, 21:15.42; 72. Justus Whitehead, 21:21.29; 75. Kaleb Baird, 21:27.54; 80. Daniel Loudermilk, 21:43.48; 91. Riley Foster, 22:14.71; 106. Ashton Williams, 23:44.93; 108. Cayden Rowe, 24:21.79; 109. Caleb Musgrove, 24:27.54; 115. Ryan Taylor, 25:0.06; 118. Cody Taylor, 25:46.93; 122. Gavin Roberts, 27:21.82; 124. Andrew Privett, 28:33.18; 126. Kenna Gibson, 31:08.77; 128. Bryson Bryant, 34:39.00;

Photos courtesy of McCreary County Schools
Left: Alyssa Tucker placed 47th in the Cave Lake Fall Classic on Saturday. Center: Kendal Kidd finished 48th. Left: Ali Waters crossed the finish line 67th.

MCHS baseball team to host golf scramble Saturday

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – The McCreary Central High School baseball team will host a Halloween Night Golf Scramble at Stearns Heritage Golf Course on Saturday, Oct. 26.
The scramble will start at 5:30 p.m. and feature nine holes during daylight and nine holes in the dark.
The entry fee for the McCreary Central baseball team-hosted golf scramble is $50 per person. Each team will be include four players.
The McCreary Central baseball team will receive the proceeds from the golf scramble. The Raiders are scheduled to take the field for the 2020 season in March.

McCreary Central to visit Jackson City for
district clash

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central will have another opportunity to notch a Class 3A, District 5 win when it visits Jackson City on Friday, Oct. 25.
The Raiders are 0-8 overall and 0-4 in Class 3A, District 5. McCreary Central has dropped games to Pineville, Clinton County, Jellico (Tenn.), Casey County, Bell County, Garrard County, Estill County and Rockcastle County. Through eight games, opponents have outscored the Raiders 326-87.
Quarterback Ben Trammell continues to help lead the Raiders.
Jackson County is 2-6 overall and 0-4 in the district. The Generals have claimed non-district wins over Jenkins and Bracken County. Jackson County has dropped games to Berea, Lynn Camp, Garrard County, Estill County, Rockcastle County and Bell County. Opponents have outscored the Generals 306-162.
Bell County dealt Jackson County a lopsided loss in its latest outing, shutting out the Generals 45-0 on Friday, Oct. 18.
Quarterback Nick Baldwin leads the Generals. Baldwin has completed 62 of 152 passes for 823 yards and 13 touchdowns while throwing three interceptions.
Blake Allen (316 yards, four touchdowns) and Dawson Parrett (295 yards, five touchdowns combine to lead Jackson County in receiving.
Jackson County features a balanced offensive attack. The Generals have rushed 161 times for 875 yards and nine touchdowns.
Dylan Martin (422 yards, four touchdowns) and Shawn Browning (347 yards, five touchdowns) are Jackson County’s top two rushers.
McCreary Central rolled past Jackson County 40-14 when the two teams faced off in a district game during the 2018 high school football season.

Kickoff for the upcoming McCreary Central-Jackson County football game is set for 7:30 p.m.

Raiders lose district game to Rockcastle County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central reached the endzone twice but couldn’t limit its opponent as visiting Rockcastle County pulled away to win 49-14 in a Class 3A, District 5 game on Friday, Oct. 18.
The matchup served as a regular-season home finale for the Raiders.
With the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 0-8 overall and 0-4 in Class 3A, District 5.
Rockcastle County improved to 5-3 overall and 3-1 in the district with the win.
In a dominant effort, Rockcastle County moved ahead early and gradually pulled away to win convincingly.
The Rockets excelled on the ground, rushing 30 times for 288 yards and six touchdowns. Quarterback Noah Parkey paced Rockcastle County, rushing nine times for 169 yards and four touchdowns.
Contributing to Rockcastle County’s rushing attack, Matthew Chasteen and Landen Broaddus added one touchdown apiece.
Through the air for the Rockets, Parkey completed three of five passes for 74 yards and one touchdown.
Christopher Mink led Rockcastle County in receiving, reeling in two receptions for 81 yards and one touchdown.
Ben Trammell connected with Maddux McKinney on a scoring pass for one of McCreary Central’s two touchdowns. On the ground for the Raiders, Felix Lee rushed for one touchdown during the district game.
McCreary Central has regular-season games remaining versus Class 3A, District 5 nemesis Jackson County and non-district foe Lynn Camp.

McCreary Central falls to Southwestern in
district tournament

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

SOMERSET – McCreary Central fell behind early and couldn’t recover from its slow start as rival Southwestern pulled away to win 3-0 on its home floor in the 48th District Volleyball Tournament on Monday.
The Raiders fell one victory short of recording 20 wins in the 2019 high school volleyball season.
With the loss, McCreary Central ended its season 19-12.
Southwestern improved to 27-9 with the win.
The Warriors won 25-9, 25-9, 25-10.
Limited throughout the district tournament match, McCreary Central finished with six kills, three blocks, five assists, 41 digs and three service aces.
Elizabeth Anderson paced McCreary Central, delivering three kills, one block, nine digs and one service ace.
Alexis Jones, Jayden Privett and Taylor Morrow added one kill apiece for the Raiders in the victory.
Southwestern advanced to meet Wayne County in the 48th District volleyball title match on Tuesday.
McCreary Central showed improvement throughout the 2019 high school volleyball season and will carry momentum over into the offseason.

October 17th, 2019

Aiden Tucker finishes 12th
in Somerset Invitational

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

SOMERSET – Aiden Tucker led the McCreary Central cross country program during the Somerset Invitational, finishing 12th in the Boys’ 5,000 Meter Run.
The Somerset Invitational featured runners from numerous schools. The individual results for the McCreary Central runners follow.
Girls’ 5,000 Meter Run: 25. Alyssa Tucker, 29:50.50.
Boys’ 3,000 Meter Run: 19. Caleb Musgrove, 14:20.64; 20. Ashton Williams, 14:40.28; 30. Kenna Gibson, 17:05.57.
Boys’ 5,000 Meter Run: 12. Aiden Tucker, 18:39.79; 49. Christian Williams, 21:06.63; 53. Kaleb Baird, 21:19.38; 55. Brady Corder, 21:31.35; 58. Justus Whitehead, 21:58.36; 59. Kyle Collins, 22:0890; Greyson Whittington, 22:19.49; 71. Daniel Loudermilk, 22:54.35; 77. Riley Foster, 23:15.94; 92. Ryan Taylor, 28:46.01; 93. Cody Taylor, 29:43.23; 95. Gavin Roberts, 34:15.86.

Raiders to host Rock castle County in home finale

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central is slated to host Rockcastle County in a Class 3A, District 5 football game on Friday, Oct. 18. The matchup will serve as a home finale for the Raiders.
McCreary Central is 0-7 overall and 0-3 in Class 3A, District 5. The Raiders have dropped games to Pineville, Clinton County, Jellico (Tenn.), Casey County, Bell County, Garrard County and Estill County.
Through seven games, opponents have outscored the Raiders 277-73.
Rockcastle County is 4-3 overall and 2-1 in the district. The Rockets have notched wins over Casey County, Adair County, Estill County and Jackson County. Rockcastle County has dropped games to Somerset, Wayne County and Bell County.
Through seven games, opponents have outscored Wayne County 223-189.
Rockcastle County is averaging over 220 rushing yards per game. In seven games, Rockcastle County has rushed 263 times for 1,558 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Quarterback Noah Parkey leads the Rockets. Through the first seven games in the 2019 high school football season, Parkey has rushed 78 times for 606 yards and five touchdowns. Through the air, Parkey has completed 26 of 70 passes for 331 yards and five touchdowns while throwing one interception.
Defensively for Rockcastle County, Matthew Chasteen has posted a team-high 59 tackles.
McCreary Central and Rockcastle County did not meet during the 2018 high school football season.
Kickoff for the McCreary Central-Rockcastle County football game is set for 7:30 p.m.

Lady Raiders to face Southwestern in district tournament

SOMERSET – McCreary Central is set to face Southwestern in the semifinals of the 48th District Volleyball Tournament on Monday, Oct. 21.
Southwestern High School is poised to host the entire 48th District Volleyball Tournament.
The winner of the McCreary Central-Southwestern contest will advance to face Wayne County in the 48th District Volleyball Tournament title match.
McCreary Central dropped two 48th District volleyball matches to Southwestern earlier in the regular-season. Southwestern owns a pair of shutout wins over the Lady Raiders.
Wayne County is the reigning 48th District volleyball champion. The Lady Cardinals outlasted Southwestern 3-2 in the 2018 48th District volleyball title match.

Raiders suffer shutout loss to Estill County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

IRVINE – Visiting McCreary Central fell behind early and couldn’t recover from its slow start as Estill County pulled away to win 44-0 in a Class 3A, District 5 football game on Friday, Oct. 11.
The Raiders were held scoreless for the first time in the 2019 high school football season.
With the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 0-7 overall and 0-3 in Class 3A, District 5.
Estill County improved to 4-3 overall and 2-1 in the district with the win.
The Engineers dominated throughout the district matchup. Estill County claimed its second straight win.
The Engineers rushed 26 times for 235 yards and five touchdowns. Justin Stamper rushed 11 times for 122 yards and one touchdown for the Engineers in the victory. Showing his versatility, Stamper completed his lone pass attempt for a 71-yard touchdown. Coben Clem was on the receiving end of Stamper’s scoring pass.
Quarterback Ty Niece rushed six times for 74 yards and three touchdowns as Estill County prevailed for the second straight week.
Offensively, McCreary Central was limited throughout the district tilt. Numerous players contributed defensively for the Raiders in the setback.
McCreary Central has regular-season games remaining versus Rockcastle County, Jackson County and Lynn Camp.

October 10th, 2019

Lady Raiders win three of four matches in East Kentucky Mountain Classic

By Steve LeMaster

HAZARD – McCreary Central won three of four matches in the Perry County Central High School-hosted East Kentucky Mountain Classic on Saturday.
The East Kentucky Mountain Classic featured high school volleyball teams from multiple regions.
During the East Kentucky Mountain Classic, McCreary Central notched wins over June Buchanan, Lee County and Perry County Central. The Lady Raiders lost to eventual champion Breathitt County in the one-day high school volleyball event.
McCreary Central’s results from the East Kentucky Mountain Classic follow.
McCreary Central 2, June Buchanan 1 (25-12, 19-25, 15-9): Elizabeth Anderson landed six kills and Taylor Davis delivered 40 assists as McCreary Central outlasted June Buchanan 2-1.
Anderson, Davis and Tiffany Goodin contributed four assists apiece.
Breathitt County 2, McCreary Central 1 (20-25, 25-15, 15-9): McCreary Central fell short as Breathitt County held on to win 2-1.
Elizabeth Anderson led McCreary Central with four kills and 20 digs.
Helping to pace the Lady Raiders, Taylor Davis dished out 22 assists, Alexa Bruce offered up 21 assists and Tiffany Goodin recorded four service aces.
McCreary Central 2, Lee County 0 (25-14, 25-13): In a dominant performance, McCreary Central blanked Lee County 2-0.
Elizabeth Anderson recorded nine kills while Alexa Bruce provided 19 assists.
McCreary Central 2, Perry County Central 0 (25-15, 25-21): Productive McCreary Central managed to shut out host Perry County Central 2-0.
Mason Wilson and Elizabeth Anderson tallied three kills apiece while Taylor Davis registered 17 assists.

McCreary Central falls to Wayne County in finale

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central fell behind early and couldn’t recover from its slow start as Wayne County pulled away to win 7-0 in a girls’ high school soccer regular-season finale on Thursday, Oct. 3.
The Lady Raiders hosted Wayne County for Senior Night.
With the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 2-13.
Wayne County improved to 8-9 with the win.
Rylee Keith (three goals, one assist), Shelby Bell (three goals), Jacklyn Crabtree (one goal, one assist) and Hayley Bertram (two assists) combined to lead Wayne County to the victory.
Defensively for Wayne County, goalkeeper Xaviea West recorded 12 saves and a shutout.
Goalkeeper Shana Stephens paced McCreary Central, recording 16 saves.
The Lady Raiders entered the postseason over the weekend.

Raiders drop district game to Garrard County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

LANCASTER – Visiting McCreary Central was limited offensively as Garrard County pulled away to win 38-6 n a Class 3A, District 5 football game on Friday, Oct. 4.
With the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 0-6 overall and 0-2 in Class 3A, District 5.
Garrard County improved to 4-2 overall and 2-0 in the district with the win.
The Golden Lions set the tone early. Garrard County moved ahead and never faltered, pulling away to win convincingly over the Raiders.
The Golden Lions rushed 51 times for 399 yards and four touchdowns. Four different Garrard County players rushed for one touchdown apiece. Jacob Hacker led Garrard County on the ground, rushing 20 times for 137 yards. Following Hacker, Christian Hansford rushed 19 times for 115 yards in the Golden Lions’ victory. Hacker, Hansford, Jules Hale and Austin Adams each rushed for one touchdown as Garrard County won.
Contributing offensively through the air for the Golden Lions, quarterback Aidan Foley completed two of three passes for 47 yards and one touchdown.
The Raiders managed to contain Foley on the ground, limiting the Garrard County quarterback to -3 rushing yards on two carries.
Hacker paced the Golden Lions offensively and defensively, recording eight tackles.
The Raiders were forced to play from behind throughout the district matchup.
Lisandro Felix accounted for McCreary Central’s points, rushing for the Raiders’ lone touchdown.
McCreary Central has regular-season games remaining versus Estill County, Rockcastle County, Jackson County and Lynn Camp.

Raiders to visit Estill County for district game

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central is set to visit Estill County for a Class 3A, District 5 football game on Friday, Oct. 11.
The Raiders will be looking to enter the win column following a district loss to Garrard County in Week 7 of the 2019 high school football season.
McCreary Central is 0-6 overall and 0-2 in Class 3A, District 5. The Raiders have dropped games to Garrard County, Bell County, Casey County, Jellico (Tenn.), Clinton County and Pineville.
Through six games, opponents have outscored the Raiders 233-73.
Estill County is 3-3 overall and 1-1 in the district. The Engineers have notched wins over Powell County, Lynn Camp and Jackson County. Estill County has dropped games to Letcher County Central, Breathitt County and Rockcastle County.
Through six games, Estill County has outscored opponents 190-169.
Quarterback Ty Niece leads the Engineers. Through the air, Niece has completed 30 of 60 passes for 455 yards and seven touchdowns while throwing five interceptions. On the ground, Niece has rushed 60 times for 434 yards and six touchdowns.
As a team, Estill County has rushed 241 times for 1,621 yards an 17 touchdowns in six games.
Justin Stamper leads Estill County on the ground. Stamper has rushed 131 times for 771 yards and six touchdowns.
Defensively, Jonothon Short and Braeden Waddle combine to lead the Engineers. Short and Waddle have recorded 54 tackles and 53 tackles, respectively.
McCreary Central and Estill County did not meet during the 2018 high school football season.
Kickoff for the McCreary Central-Estill County football game is set for 7:30 p.m. in Irvine.

Aiden Tucker wins Richard Magyar Memorial Run

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

ONEIDA, Tenn. – McCreary Central runner Aiden Tucker won the Boys’ 5,000 Meter Run in the Richard Magyar Memorial Run on Thursday, Oct. 3.
Tucker completed the event in 18:38.00.
Both Kyle Collins (Boys) and Alyssa Tucker (Girls) turned in third-place finishes.
McCreary Central featured five of the Top 10 finishers in the boys’ race.
Complete individual results for the McCreary Central boys’ and girls’ cross country teams follow.
Girls’ 5,000 Meter Run: 3. Alyssa Tucker, 27:14.00; 6. Kendal Kidd, 28:00.00; 9. Ali Waters, 29:38.00.
Boys’ 5,000 Meter Run: 1. Aiden Tucker, 18:38.00; 3. Kyle Collins, 19:29.00; 4. Christian Williams, 19:59.00; 7. Jerry Gamble, 20:19.00; 8. Justus Whitehead, 20:25.00; 11. Kaleb Baird, 20:31.00; 14. Greyson Whittington, 21:16.00; 17. Brady Corder, 22:46.30; 19. Daniel Loudermilk, 23:16.00; 21. Riley Foster, 23:26.00; 28. Cody Taylor, 24:07.40; 29. Cayden Rowe, 24:22.00; 30. Caleb Musgrove, 24:30.00; 33. Ryan Taylor, 25:57.00; 34. Ashton Williams, 26:30.00; 37. Andrew Privett, 28:58.00; 38. Gavin Roberts, 30:40.00; 41. Bryson Bryant, 31:06.00; 43. Kenna Gibson, 32:49.00.

October 3rd, 2019

McCreary Central shuts out Green County, 10-0

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central returned to the win column over the weekend, shutting out visiting Green County 10-0 in a girls’ high school soccer match on Saturday.
With the win, McCreary Central improved to 2-11.
The Raiders, under the direction of head coach Katlyne King, excelled throughout the girls’ high school soccer match.
McCreary Central moved ahead early and never faltered. The Raiders led 3-0 at halftime.
Makenzie Cox and Hayleeh Martinez led McCreary Central with two goals apiece. Rounding out the individual scoring, Sarah Taylor, Riley King, Jayden Lyons, Shana Stephens, Kelsey Hammons and Anna Carter added one goal apiece for McCreary Central in the victory.
Cox and Shana Stephens split time at goalkeeper, recording two saves apiece and combining to register a shutout.
McCreary Central entered the week with regular-season games remaining versus Somerset and Wayne County. The Raiders are headed into the postseason.

Raiders drop district game
to Bell County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central was unable to pull off an upset win in its 2019 district debut. Instead, visiting Bell County pulled away to beat the Raiders 56-6 in a Class 3A, District 5 football opener on Friday, Sept. 27.
With the win, Bell County moved to 5-0 overall and moved to 1-0 in Class 3A, District 5.
McCreary Central slipped to 0-5 overall and opened 0-1 in the district with the loss.
Currently, Bell County in the top-ranked team in Class 3A.
In a dominant performance, Bell County scored via offense, defense and special teams.
Through the air for Bell County, quarterback London Stephney, one of the state’s top high school football players, completed five of seven passes for 104 yards and one touchdown.
Jason Jones led the Bobcats in receiving, reeling in four receptions for 89 yards and one touchdown.
As a team, Bell County rushed six times for 111 yards and four touchdowns. Brandon Baker, Dawson Woolum, William Dean and Hayden Callebs scored one rushing touchdown apiece for the Bobcats. Baker led Bell County on the ground, rushing three times for 86 yards and one touchdown.
In addition to passing for a touchdown, Stephney returned a punt to the endzone for another TD.
Jonathan Lankford returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown for the Bobcats. Delivering another score on the defensive side, Dean returned a fumble 45 yards for a touchdown.
The Raiders were limited throughout the district matchup.
Carson McKinney accounted for McCreary Central’s only touchdown in the loss. McKinney hauled in a touchdown pass reception from quarterback Ben Trammell.
The Raiders have regular-season games remaining versus Garrard County, Estill County, Rockcastle County, Jackson County and Lynn Camp. McCreary Central is scheduled to visit Garrard County on Friday, Oct. 4.

Tuckers lead McCreary Central in Berea Community Invitational

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

BEREA – Alyssa Tucker and Aiden Tucker led the McCreary Central cross country program in the Berea Community Invitational on Saturday.
The individual results for the McCreary Central girls’ cross country team were as follows: 67. Alyssa Tucker, 28:59.03; 74. Kendal Kidd, 31:33.53; 76. Ali Waters, 32:47.91.
The individual results for the McCreary Central boys’ cross country team were as follows: 43. Aiden Tucker, 20:51.44; 53. Kyle Collins, 21:13.96; 59. Jerry Gamble, 21:26.87; 69. Justus Whitehead, 21:58.25; 74. Kaleb Baird, 22:25.69; 85. Greyson Whittington, 23:29.88; 96. Christian Williams, 24:44.41; 97. Brady Corder, 24:48.94; 105. Daniel Loudermilk, 26:30.69; 107. Ryan Taylor, 26:43.94; 108. Riley Foster, 26:46.00; 114. Cody Taylor, 28:43.15; 116. Cayden Rowe, 28:46.94; 118. Ashton Williams, 29:17.03.

McCreary drops district match to
Wayne County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – Wayne County prevented McCreary Central from returning to the win column on Thursday, Sept. 26, shutting out the Raiders 3-0 in a 48th District volleyball match.
The Raiders pushed Wayne County late but fell short.
Wayne County won 25-10, 25-10, 25-21.
McCreary Central posted 15 kills, 14 blocks, 44 assists, 53 digs and three service aces.
Elizabeth Anderson (seven kills, one block, one assists, five digs, one service ace), Tiffany Goodin (16 digs, one service ace), Alexandria Hill (two kills, two blocks, three digs), Jayden Privett (one kill, one assist, four digs), Mason Wilson (two kills, two blocks, three digs), Taylor Davis (one kill, three blocks, 22 assists, 10 digs), Alexa Bruce (five blocks, 16 assists, six digs, one service ace), Alexis Jones (two kills, one block), Haley Smith (two digs), Allison Stout (four assists, one dig), and Meki Torak (three digs) contributed for the Raiders.
Corbin 2, McCreary Central 0 (25-19, 25-14): McCreary Central fell short as Corbin pulled away to win 2-0 in a high school volleyball match on Tuesday, Sept. 24.
Corbin won 25-19, 25-14.
The Raiders registered nine kills, six blocks, 33 assists, 47 digs and three service aces.
Tiffany Goodin (10 digs), Taylor Davis (three blocks, 20 assists, seven digs), Mason Wilson (one kill, one block, one assist, three digs), Jayden Privett (two kills, 11 digs), Elizabeth Anderson (four kills, two blocks, one assist, seven digs, one service ace), Alexandria Hill (two kills, two digs, one service ace) and Alexa Bruce (11 assists, seven digs, one service ace) each contributed for the McCreary Central volleyball team.

Raiders drop match to Corbin, suffer fourth straight loss

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central remained in the loss column at the start of the week as visiting Corbin held on to win to win 2-0 in a high school volleyball match on Monday.
With the setback, its fourth straight loss, McCreary Central slipped to 13-8.
Corbin improved to 17-6 with the win.
McCreary Central pushed Corbin throughout the match. However, Corbin eventually won, prevailing 25-21, 25-20.
The Raiders recorded 13 kills, four blocks, 48 assists, 21 digs and six service aces in the setback.
Taylor Davis (one kill, one block, 19 assists, one dig), Elizabeth Anderson (three kills, one block, one assist, three digs), Alexa Bruce (three kills, one block, 20 assists, one dig), Mason Wilson (two kills, one assist, two service aces), Alexis Jones (one kill, one block, one assist), Alexandria Hill (one kill, one assist), Taylor Morrow (five assists, two service aces), Jayden Privett (two kills, two digs) and Tiffany Goodin (14 digs, one service ace) each contributed for the Raiders.
McCreary Central suffered its second loss to Corbin in less than one week.

McCreary Central to visit Garrard County for district matchup

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central will look to notch its first win on the road at Garrard County in a Class 3A, District 5 football game on Friday, Oct. 4.
The Raiders are 0-5 overall and 0-1 in Class 3A, District 5.
Garrard County is 3-2 overall and 1-0 in the district. The Golden Lions have claimed wins over Marion County, Western Hill and Jackson County. Garrard County has dropped games to Middlesboro and Mercer County.
Through the first half of the 2019 high school football season, Garrard County has edged its opponents 158-155 in the scoring column.
The Golden Lions are averaging 345.2 yards per game. In five games, Garrard County has rushed 240 times for 1,726 yards and 23 touchdowns.
Christian Hansford leads Garrard County on the ground. Hansford has rushed 101 times for 1,008 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Second behind Hansford in rushing for Garrard County, Jacob Hacker has rushed 84 times for 509 yards and six TDs.
The Golden Lions have passed for only 20 yards in five games.
Defensively, Maishaun Baker paces Garrard County with a team-high 27 tackles.
In its most recent outing on Friday, Sept. 27. Garrard County defeated visiting Jackson County 56-26 in Lancaster.
McCreary Central and Garrard County did not meet during the 2018 high school football season.

Kickoff for the McCreary Central-Garrard County football game is set for 7:30 p.m.

Golf team places 3rd in Region Tournament

September 26, 2019

McCreary County Middle School places 2nd

Raiders fall to Casey County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central remained in the loss column at home as visiting Casey County pulled away to win 48-16 in a high school football game on Friday, Sept. 20.
Productive Casey County claimed its second straight victory after opening the 2019 high school football season 0-3.
With the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 0-4.
Casey County improved to 2-3 with the win.
Quarterback Ben Trammell continued to help pace the Raiders offensively. Trammell completed two scoring passes in the loss to the Rebels. Maddux McKinney and Cody Conatser hauled in one scoring reception apiece for the Raiders in the setback.
Quarterback Reece Brown led Casey County to the victory, completing 11 of 24 passes for 105 yards and one touchdown while throwing one interception.
Brown paced the Rebels through the air and on the ground, rushing five times for 89 yards.
Running back Cody Publow rushed four times for 61 yards and two touchdowns in Casey County’s winning effort.
Through the air for Casey County, Micah Pendleton and Haden Bastin hauled in one touchdown pass reception apiece.
The Raiders have regular-season games remaining versus Bell County, Garrard County, Estill County, Rockcastle County, Jackson County and Lynn Camp.
McCreary Central is scheduled to host Bell County for a Class 3A, District 5 game on Friday, Sept. 27. Kickoff for the McCreary Central-Bell County football game is set for 7:30 p.m.

Raiders blank
Burgin, 2-0

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central claimed its second straight win on Tuesday, Sept. 17, blanking visiting Burgin 2-0 in a high school volleyball match.
Non-district foes, McCreary Central and Burgin are longtime 12th Region rivals.
The Raiders dominated in the match, winning 25-6, 25-16.
McCreary Central finished with 11 kills, three blocks, 19 assists, nine digs and 13 service aces in the winning effort.
Elizabeth Anderson (six kills, two digs, two service aces), Taylor Davis (13 assists, three service aces) and Alexa Bruce (two kills, one block, five assists, three service aces) combined to lead the Raiders.
McCreary Central and Burgin met for the first time in the 2019 high school volleyball season.
The Raiders are scheduled to visit Burgin for a late-season match on October 8.

McCreary Central suffers shutout loss to Whitley County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

CORBIN – McCreary Central slipped back into the loss column as host Whitley County pulled away to win 2-0 in a high school volleyball match on Thursday, Sept. 19.
With the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 13-5.
Whitley County improved to 7-8 with the win.
Homestanding Whitley County won 25-12, 25-13.
The Raiders were limited, finishing with three kills, two blocks, 23 assists, 25 digs and three service aces.
Taylor Davis led McCreary Central, tallying 13 assists and four digs.
McCreary Central entered the week with regular-season matches remaining versus Corbin, Wayne County, Barbourville, Southwestern, Burgin, Casey County, Somerset and Williamsburg.
The Raiders will compete in the 48th District Volleyball Tournament in October.

McCreary Central drops games to Southwestern, Casey County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central was limited offensively in back-to-back girls’ high school soccer games versus Southwestern and Casey County.
Visiting Southwestern pulled away to defeat McCreary Central 6-1 in a 47th District girls’ soccer game on Tuesday, Sept. 17.
Then, on Thursday, Sept. 19, Casey County forced McCreary Central to remain in the loss column, shutting out the Raiders 8-0.
Following the loss to Casey County, McCreary Central dropped to 1-9.
McCreary Central entered the week with regular-season games remaining versus Somerset, Green County and Wayne County. The Raiders will compete in the 47th District Girls’ Soccer Tournament in October.

McCreary Central teams compete in Wayne County
Invitational

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

MONTICELLO – The McCreary Central boys’ and girls’ cross country teams competed in the Wayne County Invitational at Cave Lake park on Saturday.
The McCreary Central boys’ cross country team placed 13th out of 16 boys’ high school cross country teams. South Laurel finished first in the final boys’ team standings.
The McCreary Central girls’ cross country team didn’t record a score.
The individual results for the McCreary Central boys’ cross country team were as follows: 40. Aiden Tucker, 19:53.04; 70. Kyle Collins, 21:04.25; 74. Jerry Gamble, 21:19.11; 89. Justus Whitehead, 22:08.69; 115. Christian Williams, 23:23.17; 116. Brady Corder, 23:34.15; 122. Greyson Whittington, 23:50.52; 138. Daniel Loudermilk, 25:40.37; 140. Kaleb Baird, 25:54.31; 141. Riley Foster, 26:04.32; 152. Cayden Rowe, 27:37.68; 156. Cody Taylor, 29:06.50; 159. Caleb Musgrove, 29:35.54; 163. Ashton Williams, 31:32.87; 165. Andrew Privett, 31:9.83; 166. Ryan Taylor, 32:08.85; 167. Kenna Gibson, 32:30.50; 168. Brandon Corder, 32:50.32; 169. Gavin Roberts, 37:41.80; 170. Bryson Bryant, 37:47.36.
The individual results for the McCreary Central girls’ cross country team were as follows: 51. Chelsea Whitehead, 28:36.83; 60. Alyssa Tucker, 29:20.39; 80. Ali Waters, 3:43.90; 81. Kendal Kidd, 35:50.76.

September 19th, 2019

McCreary Central to host Casey County in Week 5

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central will have an opportunity to notch its first win in the 2019 high school football season as Casey County visits for a Week 5 game on Friday, Sept. 20.
The Raiders are 0-3. McCreary Central has dropped games to Pineville, Clinton County and Jellico (Tenn.). Through three games, opponents have outscored the Raiders 91-45.
Casey County dominated when the two teams met in 2019, rolling past McCreary Central 62-8.
The Rebels are off to a 1-3 start. After suffering losses to Campbellsville, Rockcastle County and LaRue County, Casey County managed to defeat Russell County 34-19 for its first win in Week 4.
Four games into the current campaign, opponents have outscored the Rebels 137-87.
Quarterback Reece Brown leads the Steve Stonebraker-coached Rebels. Through four games, Brown has completed 48 of 97 passes for 806 yards and six touchdowns while throwing six interceptions.
Limited on the ground, Casey County has rushed 101 times for 249 yards and seven touchdowns.
Micah Pendleton and Adam Price lead Casey County in receiving. Pendleton and Price have hauled in 20 catches apiece for a combined 672 yards and five touchdowns.
Logan Stephens paces the Casey County defensive unit with a team-high 59 tackles.
McCreary Central has additional regular-season games remaining versus Bell County, Garrard County, Estill County, Rockcastle County, Jackson County and Lynn Camp.
Kickoff for the McCreary Central-Casey County football game is set for 7:30 p.m.

Raiders come up short versus Jellico

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central flirted with its first win of the 2019 high school football season in Week 4. However, visiting Jellico (Tenn.) managed to outlast the Raiders 28-24 on Friday, Sept. 13.
With the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 0-4.
Jellico improved to 2-1 with the win.
Despite falling short, McCreary Central turned in its best all-around performance thus far in the 2019 high school football season.
Finalized statistics from the McCreary Central-Jellico (Tenn.) football game were unavailable at press time.
McCreary Central, under the direction of head coach Lucas Ford, competes in Class 3A, District 5. The Raiders’ remaining regular-season schedule shapes up as follows: Sept. 20 vs. Casey County; Sept. 27 vs. Bell County; Oct. 4 at Garrard County; Oct. 11 at Estill County; Oct. 18 Rockcastle County; Oct. 25 at Jackson County; Nov. 1 at Lynn Camp.

Lady Raiders shut out Jellico, 3-0

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central notched its fourth win in five matches on Thursday, Sept. 12, shutting out visiting Jellico (Tenn.) 3-0.

With the win, McCreary Central improved to 12-4.
As a team, McCreary Central recorded 26 kills, one block, 45 assists, 43 digs and 16 service aces.
Elizabeth Anderson (12 kills, seven digs, three aces), Tiffany Goodin (17 digs), Taylor Davis (one kill, 24 assists, three digs, six service aces), Jayden Privett (three kills, four digs, six service aces), Mason Wilson (three kills, one dig, one service ace), Alexandria Hill (five kills, one block, one dig) and Alexa Bruce (two kills, 21 assists, five digs) combined to lead McCreary Central to the victory.

McCreary Central defeated Jellico – its longtime rival from nearby Tennessee – for the third time in the 2019 high school volleyball season.
The Lady Raiders entered the week with regular-season matches remaining versus Burgin, Whitley County, Corbin, Wayne County, Barbourville, Southwestern, Casey County, Somerset and Williamsburg.

Color run

Powerlifting for charity

On September 7 nine members of the 606 Iron Gym (formerly Dynabody of Whitley City) competed in the second annual charity powerlifting event to benefit Hannah’s Care Packages. Hannah’s Care Packages is a charity dedicated to delivering care packages to families of children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses to use during lengthy hospital stays. Approximately forty lifters participated in the event. Powerlifter James Braden sponsored a local family – David and Candace Bridgeman, whose children required extensive medical care at Baptist Health and University of Kentucky Medical Centers. Candace Bridgeman was in attendance to express her gratitude.

The event included three main lifts, consisting of squat, bench press and deadlift. F the local members competition, three set state records through the Revolution Powerlifting Syndicate. 606 Iron Gym owner Ethan Jones participated in bench press only and set the state record in the Men’s 198 lb. Police/Fire Amateur Open Raw Classic Division with a press of 319.67 lbs. Trysten Adkins set the state record in the Men’s 242 lb. Amateur Junior 20-23 Raw Modern Division for his bench press of 369.27 lbs., with an overall total of 1266 pounds. Jenny Ann Correll set three state records in the Women’s 165 lb. Amateur Master 40-44 Raw Modern Division with a squat of 281.08 lbs., bench press of 148.81 lbs. and an overall total of 710.97 lbs. Other members competing were Josh King (1846.35 lbs.), Josh Renfro (1636.92 lbs.), James Braden (1432.98 lbs.), Tyler Chitwood (865.30 lbs.), Rachel Gray (545.64 lbs.) and Michelle Tucker (429.89 lbs.).
The event was sponsored by Iron Mafia and held at Crossfit Strode Station in Winchester and raised more than $7,000 for Hannah’s Care Packages. If you would like more information about Hannah’s Care Packages, please visit www.hannahscarepackages.org. 606 Iron is a 24 hour fitness center in Whitley City offering weight training and cardiovascular equipment. Information to become a member can be obtained by calling 606-310-4918 or visiting 606 Iron on Facebook.

Lady Raiders suffer district loss to Southwestern

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

SOMERSET – Visiting McCreary Central suffered a 48th District loss as Southwestern pulled away to win 3-0 in a volleyball match on Tuesday, Sept. 10.
McCreary Central dropped to 0-2 in the 48th District with the loss.
With the win, Southwestern moved to 3-0 in the district.
Southwestern won 25-12, 25-14, 25-9.
The Lady Warriors excelled throughout the match, registering 25 kills, eight blocks, 47 assists, eight digs and 11 service aces.

Payton Brock paced Southwestern at the net, delivering six kills. Contributing for the Lady Warriors, Hannah Browning distributed 24 assists and Kami Wilson landed five service aces.
McCreary Central finished with eight kills, 37 assists, 24 digs and one service ace in the setback.

The leaders for McCreary Central in the district match were Elizabeth Anderson (five kills, five digs), Taylor Davis (21 assists, three digs) and Alexa Bruce (two kills, 11 assists, four digs).
Both McCreary Central and Southwestern will compete in the 48th District Volleyball Tournament in October.

Pine Knot Dragons

Raiders finish fifth in Cards XC Challenge

LONDON – The McCreary Central boys’ and girls’ cross country teams participated in the South Laurel-hosted Cards XC Challenge on Saturday, Sept. 14.
The Raiders posted a top-five finish, placing fifth among seven squads in the boys’ team standings. McCreary Central placed ahead of Whitley County and Jackson County while finishing behind Bell County, North Laurel, Pulaski County and host South Laurel, which won the event convincingly.
The Lady Raiders did not record a team score in the Cards XC Challenge.
Aiden Tucker led the McCreary Central cross country program, placing eighth in the boys’ 5,000 meter run.
The individual results for the McCreary Central girls’ cross country team were as follows: 26. Chelsea Whitehead, 28:06.12; 31. Alyssa Tucker, 29:20.97; 34. Kendal Kidd, 31:01.41; 40. Ali Waters, 33:40.91.
The individual results for the McCreary Central boys’ cross country team were as follows: 8. Aiden Tucker, 18:43.66; 24. Kyle Collins, 20:36.59; 39. Christian Williams, 21:33.69; 42. Kaleb Baird, 22:00.22; 46. Justus Whitehead, 22:36.22; 53. Brady Corder, 24:04.28; 55. Jerry Gamble, 24:21.78; 59. Riley Foster, 24:36.18; 61. Greyson Whittington, 24:44.97; 71. Ashton Williams, 26:14.28; 72. Cody Taylor, 26:17.62; 76. Cayden Rowe, 27:47.59; 78. Caleb Musgrove, 28:12.41; 81. Kenna Gibson, 31:18.56; 83. Brandon Corder, 31:20.28; 86. Gavin Roberts, 34:57.78; 88. Andrew Privett, 35:43.72; 89. Bryson Bryant, 25:45.97.

McCreary
Central suffers district loss to Pulaski County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

SOMERSET – Visiting McCreary Central remained in the loss column as Pulaski County pulled away to win 10-0 in a 47th District girls’ soccer match on Thursday, Sept. 12.
Pulaski County dealt McCreary Central its third straight loss.
With the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 1-7-0 overall and 0-2-0 in the 47th District.
Pulaski County improved to 7-3-01 overall and 3-0-0 in the district with the win.
The Lady Maroons returned to the win column following back-to-back losses to Southwestern and Boyle County.
McCreary Central entered the week with regular-season games remaining versus Southwestern, Casey County, Whitley County, Somerset, Green County and Wayne County.
Both McCreary Central and Pulaski County will compete in the 47th District Girls’ Soccer Tournament in October.

McCreary Central loses to Lincoln County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STANFORD – McCreary Central was limited offensively as host Lincoln County pulled away to win 7-0 in a girls’ high school soccer match on Tuesday, Sept. 10.
Homestanding Lincoln County claimed its second straight victory.
With the loss, McCreary Central slipped to 1-6-0.
Lincoln County improved to 4-5-1 with the win.
Kennedy Kirkpatrick led Lincoln County to the victory, scoring a game-high four goals. Four different Lincoln County players provided scoring as Bailey Story, Libby Renner and McKenzie Settles netted one goal apiece.
Longtime 12th Region girls’ soccer rivals, McCreary Central and Lincoln County met for the first time in the 2019 girls’ high school soccer season.
McCreary Central and Lincoln County could meet again in the postseason.

September 12th, 2019

Raiders win McCreary Central Invitational

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – The McCreary Central boys’ cross country team won its second annual invitational tournament at McCreary County Park on Thursday, Sept. 5.
Along with host McCreary Central, Williamsburg, Somerset, Wayne County, Scott County (Tenn.) and Oneida (Tenn.) participated in the event.
The McCreary Central Boys and Williamsburg Girls captured team titles.
Alyssa Tucker led the McCreary Central girls’ team, finishing third with a time of 25:28:00.
Aiden Tucker led the McCreary Central boys’ team, winning with a time of 17:45:70.
Another McCreary Central runner, Christian Williams, placed sixth with a time of 19:28:08.
The complete individual results for the McCreary Central boys’ and girls’ cross country teams follow.

McCreary Central Boys: 1. Aiden Tucker, 17:45.70; 6. Christian Williams, 19:28.08; 7. Kyle Collins, 19:54.88; 10. Jerry Gamble, 20:46.40; 12. Kaleb Baird, 20:52.87; 22. Justus Whitehead, 22:00.05; 24. Greyson Whittington, 23:12.64; 25. Riley Foster, 23:16.77; 31. Cayden Rowe, 23:51.06; 32. Brady Corder, 24:18.96; 33. Daniel Loudermilk, 24:21.10; 35. Ashton Williams, 24:45.00; 37. Cody Taylor, 25:13.56; 38. Ryan Taylor, 25:25.94; 40. Caleb Musgrove, 26:50.34; 45. Gavin Roberts, 29:49.04; 46. Andrew Privett, 29:50.35; 47. Kenna Gibson, 32:39.66; 48. Bryson Bryant, 36:01.08.
McCreary Central Girls: 3. Alyssa Tucker, 25:28.00; 7. Chelsea Whitehead, 26:29.89; 8. Ali Waters, 26:34.76; 15. Kendal Kidd, 27:59.54.

WCE Indians romp over Burnside

Photos by Tiffany Watson
Whitley City swept Burnside in a pair of football games on Saturday. In K-2, Whitley City shut out Burnside 18-0. Whitley City blanked Burnside 42-0 in 3rd-4th. Abover, Weston King sprints away from the Burnside defenders. Right, Kason Lawson upends a Burnside player to stop the play cold.

McCreary Central beats
Barbourville, Williamsburg

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – In high school volleyball, McCreary Central notched two wins over a three-day span Tuesday, Sept. 3-Thursday, Sept. 5, beating Barbourville and Williamsburg.
The Lady Raiders entered the week tied with Southwestern and Rockcastle County for the most wins among 13th Region volleyball teams.
More on each match involving the Lady Raiders follows.
McCreary Central 3, Barbourville 0 (25-9, 25-16, 25-7): McCreary Central remained in the win column on Tuesday, Sept. 3, blanking Barbourville 3-0 in a high school volleyball match.
The Lady Raiders won 25-9, 25-16, 25-7.
Mason Wilson delivered eight kills to help lead McCreary Central to the win.
Alexa Bruce provided 12 assists, Elizabeth Anderson recorded six digs and Alexandria Hill landed 13 service aces as the Lady Raiders rolled to the win.
McCreary Central 2, Williamsburg 0 (25-17, 25-15): McCreary Central claimed its third straight win on Thursday, Sept. 5, shutting out Williamsburg 2-0.
The Lady Raiders won 25-17 25-15.
Elizabeth Anderson posted nine kills and five digs to help pace McCreary Central in the win
Taylor Davis led McCreary Central in another key category, recording 14 assists.
Jayden Privett posted five digs of her own while Alex Bruce finished with 12 assists and four digs.
Alexandria Hill paced McCreary Central in service aces, landing three.

12th Region
Volleyball
Records
(Through September 9)

Southwestern
(11-3)
McCreary Central (11-3)
Rockcastle County (11-7)
Danville
(10-6)
West Jessamine
(8-5)
Wayne County
(8-7)
Pulaski County
(7-5)
Somerset
(7-7)
Casey County
(6-11)
Mercer County
(5-4)
East Jessamine
(5-4)
Lincoln County
(5-7)
Boyle County
(3-8)
Danville Christian (2-5)
Burgin
(2-6)
Garrard County
(1-13)
Kentucky School for the Deaf
(0-7)

McCreary Central volleyball program

to hold alumni night

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – The McCreary Central High School volleyball program will hold alumni night as it hosts rival Jellico (Tenn.) for a regular-season match on Thursday, Sept. 12.
The alumni event will start at 5:30 p.m. Former McCreary Central High School volleyball players will be recognized as the Lady Raiders face Jellico.
Fans are asked to wear maroon and gold in support of the McCreary Central volleyball alumni.
McCreary Central was 11-3 through its first 14 matches in the 2019 high school volleyball season. The Lady Raiders were hosting Southwestern for a 48th District match on Tuesday (Sept. 10).

Raiders fall to Clinton County in home game

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central was limited offensively as visiting Clinton County pulled away to win 35-7 in a high school football game on Friday, Sept. 6.
The Bulldogs landed in the win column following a loss to Clay County (Tenn.) in Week 2.
With the loss, McCreary Central slipped to 0-2.
Clinton County evened its record to 1-1 with the win.
The Raiders were held to one touchdown in the setback. McCreary Central, which was open in Week 2, managed to score a pair of touchdowns during its season opener versus Pineville on August 23.
The Bulldogs set the tone early and gradually pulled away to win. Quarterback Chase Stines led Clinton County through the air, completing 12 of 21 passes for 269 yards and four touchdowns while throwing one interception.
Parker Tallent led Clinton County in receiving, reeling in six receptions for 105 yards and two touchdowns.
Bryson Cross and Adam Herald added one scoring catch apiece for Clinton County on the victory.
Productive on the ground, Clinton County rushed 28 times for 153 yards.
Defensively, Clinton County recorded two interceptions.
Multiple players contributed for McCreary Central, both offensively and offensively. However, Jared Kidd scored McCreary Central’s lone touchdown on a seven-yard in the first quarter. Delivering on special teams, Kaden Cummins added the extra-point kick for the Raiders.
McCreary Central is scheduled to host Jellico (Tenn.) in Week 4.

September 5th, 2019

Aiden Tucker wins Oneida Invitational

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

ONEIDA, Tenn. – McCreary Central senior Aiden Tucker won the Oneida Invitational on Thursday, Aug. 29.
Tucker completed the 2,500 meter run in 8:31.00 to finish first.
Alyssa Tucker paced McCreary Central on the girls’ side, placing fourth in 12:15.00.
The individual results for the McCreary Central boys’ and girls’ cross country teams follow.
Oneida Invitational – Girls’ 2,500 Meter Run: 4. Alyssa Tucker, 12:15.00; 5. Chelsea Whitehead, 12:16.00; 6. Ali Waters, 12:23.00; 7. Kendal Kidd, 12:45.00.
Oneida Invitational – Boys’ 2,500 Meter Run: 1. Aiden Tucker, 8:31.00; 3. Kyle Collins, 9:03.00; 4. Christian Williams, 9:18.00; 5. Kaleb Baird, 9:20.00; 9. Brady Corder, 9:55.10; 10. Jerry Gamble, 9:55.20; 15. Justus Whitehead, 10:25.00; 16. Riley Foster, 10:38.00; 23. Ryan Taylor, 11:14.10; 25. Cody Taylor, 11:15.00; 26. Daniel Loudermilk, 11:16.00; 27. Cayden Rowe, 11:19.00; 28. Greyson Whittington, 11:30.00; 30. Ashton Williams, 11:58.70; 33. Gavin Roberts, 13:28.00; 25. Andrew Privett, 13:59.00; 36. Kenna Gibson, 14:44.00; 37. Bryson Bryant, 15:42.00.

McCreary Central runners compete in Catbird Classic

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

LONDON – The McCreary Central boys’ and girls’ cross country teams competed in the North Laurel High School-hosted Catbird Classic on Saturday.
Among 16 teams, McCreary Central finished 10th in the final boys’ team standings.
McCreary Central did not register a team score on the girls’ side.
The South Laurel Boys and the Pulaski County Girls captured team titles.
Individual results for the McCreary Central boys’ and girls’ cross country teams follow.
Girls’ 5,000 Meter Run: 55. Chelsea Whitehead, 27:59.18; 59. Alyssa Tucker, 28:27.97; 73. Ali Waters, 29:26.66; 77. Kendal Kidd, 29:58.44.
Boys’ 5,000 Meter Run: 15. Aiden Tucker, 18:20.84; 54. Kyle Collins, 20:27.50; 69. Kaleb Baird, 21:28.78; 79. Jerry Gamble, 21:58.75; 101. Justus Whitehead, 23:32.66; 108. Christian Williams, 24:33.38; 113. Brady Corder, 25:20.94; 115. Riley Foster, 25:33.12; 121. Ryan Taylor, 26:42.06; 123. Cody Taylor, 27:09.94.

Lady Raiders drop district match to Wayne County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

MONTICELLO – McCreary Central suffered its second straight loss as host Wayne County pulled away to win 3-0 in a 48th District volleyball match on Thursday, Aug. 29.
Wayne County, which claimed its third straight win, defeated the Lady Raiders 25-12, 25-11, 25-16.
Elizabeth Anderson (five kills, two digs, two service aces), Taylor Davis (26 assists), Alexa Bruce (three kills, 10 assists, four digs), Jayden Privett (four digs), Tiffany Goodin (four digs), Alexandria Hill (one kill, one block, two digs, one service ace) and Meki Torak (four digs) combined to lead the Lady Raiders.
McCreary Central is scheduled to host Wayne County for a 48th District volleyball match on September 26.
Both McCreary Central and Wayne County will compete in the 48th District Volleyball Tournament in October.
Whitley County 2, McCreary Central 0 (25-16, 27-25): McCreary Central fell short as Whitley County won 2-0 in a non-district high school volleyball match on Tuesday, Aug. 27.
Whitley County defeated McCreary Central 25-16, 27-25.

Elizabeth Anderson landed four kills and three service aces for McCreary Central in the setback.
Taylor Davis (19 assists, three digs), Alexa Bruce (19 assists, seven digs), Meki Torak (eight digs) Jayden Privett (one kill, four digs, three service aces) and Tiffany Goodin (five digs) were additional productive performers for the Lady Raiders.

Raiders set to host Clinton County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – Following an off week, McCreary Central will host Clinton County in an early-season high school football game on Friday, Sept. 6.
McCreary Central is 0-1 after falling to Pineville in Week 1. Pineville managed to double up the Raiders 28-14 in the season-opening game between the two longtime high school football rivals.
Quarterback Ben Trammell led McCreary Central in both passing and rushing in the season opener. Trammell completed 16 of 34 passes for 131 yards. he threw three interceptions but managed to rush for positive yardage. The McCreary Central quarterback rushed nine times for 41 yards and one touchdown.
As a team, McCreary Central rushed 18 times for 73 yards in its opener.
Tyler Owens was responsible for McCreary Central’s other touchdown in the opener, returning a kick to the endzone.
Defensively through one game, Austin Mitchell leads McCreary Central with 11 tackles.
The Bulldogs were open in Week 1.
Clinton County is 0-1 after falling to Clay County (Tenn.) in Week 2. Clay Couty (Tenn.) blanked the Bulldogs 25-0.
Clinton County quarterback Chase Stines completed 10 of 26 passes for 101 yards while throwing three interceptions in the Bulldogs’ season opener.
Limited on the ground, Clinton County rushed for only 39 yards via 26 carries in its 2019 debut.
Devon Martin paced Clinton County defensively in the season opener, recording 10 tackles.
Clinton County won convincingly over McCreary Central when the two teams met during the 2018 high school football season, winning 62-0.
Kickoff for the latest McCreary Central-Clinton County football game is set for 7:30 p.m. on Friday night.

Whitley City Elementary Football

Lady Raiders suffer shutout loss to Wayne County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central remained in the loss column as visiting Wayne County pulled away to win 5-0 in a girls’ high school soccer match on Thursday, Aug. 29.
Longtime rivals, McCreary Central and Wayne County hail from neighboring districts and met for the first time in the 2019 girls’ high school soccer season.
With the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 0-4.
Wayne County evened its record to 3-3 with the win.
The Lady Raiders returned to the field for a match for the first time since visiting Casey County on August 19.
The victory allowed Wayne County to halt a two-game losing skid.
Rylee Keith and Shelby Bell scored two goals apiece for the Lady Cardinals.
Accompanying Keith and Bell in the Wayne County scoring column, Tori Vaughn netted one goal.
Jacklyn Crabtree dealt out two assists while Keith, Kathren Crabtree and Aileen Domingues posted one assist apiece for the Lady Cardinals.
Goalkeeper Hayley Bertram led McCreary Central defensively, recording five saves.
Due to return to action exactly one week after its most recent match, McCreary Central is scheduled to visit Wayne County for another girls’ high school soccer game on Thursday, Sept. 5.

K-2 Basketball League preparing for season

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – The annual McCreary County K-2 Basketball League will be held at the newly-renovated Lord’s Gym.
The 2019 K-2 league will feature clinics conducted by the high school players and coaching staff as well as motivational speakers.
The league will feature an extended season with more games to give students additional opportunities to learn.
Clinics will be held Sept. 9-20 at The Lord’s Gym.
Games will begin the week of Sept. 23. All games will be played at The Lord’s Gym.

August 29th, 2019

Lady Raiders capture McCreary Central Invitational title

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – Host McCreary Central captured it’s tournament championship over the weekend. The Lady Raiders claimed the McCreary Central Invitational title on Saturday.
More on McCreary Central’s journey to the tournament title follows.
McCreary Central 2, Williamsburg 0 (25-13, 25-15): McCreary Central gradually pulled away to beat longtime rival Williamsburg during its tournament.
Elizabeth Anderson landed five kills and Taylor Davis dished out 14 assists for the Lady Raiders.
Alexa Bruce (nine assists), Mason Wilson (three kills) and Jayden Privett (five digs) were additional key contributors for the Lady Raiders.
Alexandria Hill posted four service aces while Davis added three.
McCreary Central 2, Buckhorn 0 (25-8, 25-10): Homestanding McCreary Central beat Buckhorn for its most convincing win on Saturday.
The Lady Raiders dominated throughout the match.
Alexa Bruce recorded nine service aces to lead McCreary Central to the victory.
Following Bruce, Jayden Privett added five service aces.
Elizabeth Anderson posted two kills and four service aces in McCreary Central’s win.
McCreary Central 2, Jellico (Tenn.) 0 (25-13, 25-17): McCreary Central remained productive in its first match versus familiar foe Jellico in the 2019 high school volleyball season.
Elizabeth Anderson (seven kills, three service aces), Taylor Davis (21 assists), Alexa Bruce (15 assists), Tiffany Goodin (four digs) and Jayden Privett (four digs) combined to pace McCreary Central.
McCreary Central 2, Barren County 0 (25-16, 25-9): Host McCreary Central pulled away to beat Barren County convincingly.
In the victory for McCreary Central, Elizabeth Anderson recorded seven kills, 10 digs and five service aces.
Taylor Davis and Alexa Bruce helped to pace McCreary Central offensively, posting 32 assists and 17 assists, respectively.
McCreary Central 2 East Jessamine 0 (26-24, 25-20): Host McCreary Central held on to defeat East Jessamine 2-0 (26-24, 25-20) in the title match of its tournament on Saturday.
Elizabeth Anderson (10 kills), Taylor Davis (34 assists), Meki Torak (eight digs), Alexa Bruce (17 assists, eight digs), Jayden Privett (five kills, seven digs) and Alexandria Hill (two blocks, two service aces) combined to lead McCreary Central in the title match

Raiders drop opener to Pineville

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central fell short in a bid to win its season opener as visiting Pineville pulled away late to win 28-14 on Friday (Aug. 23).
Devon Morris and Colby Frazier combined to lead Pineville to the win. Morris led Pineville on the ground, rushing 15 times for 130 yards and two touchdowns. Finishing second in rushing for the Mountain Lions, Frazier took 19 carries for 110 yards and two touchdowns.
McCreary Central managed to limit Pineville’s aerial attack. Pineville quarterback Reece Capps completed only one of six pass attempts for eight yards while throwing one interception.
Frazier paced Pineville defensively, recording a dozen tackles, 10 of which were solo stops.
McCreary Central was held scoreless throughout the first half. Still, McCreary Central remaind within striking distance until late in the matchup.
Quarterback Ben Trammell broke an offensive drought for McCreary Central when he scored on a scramble from five yards.
Tyler Owens returned a kickoff 75 yards for McCreary Central’s other touchdown in the fourth quarter.
The Raiders claimed some momentum but couldn’t hold off Pineville.
“I was very pleased with our preparation and effort this week,” McCreary Central Coach Lucas Ford said, following the loss. “I thought our team played very hard but made too many mental mistakes to overcome. Pineville was a very good football team and when you play good teams you cannot turn the ball over and commit penalties to hurt yourself and expect to win.”
After suffering the setback, McCreary Central quickly turned its focus to Clinton County.
“We are very much looking forward to hosting Clinton County,” added Ford. “We hope we have a great crowd turn out like we did this past week. Even though the weather was not ideal, the community really showed up to support us.”
McCreary Central is scheduled to visit Clinton County on Friday, Aug. 30. Kickoff for the McCreary Central-Clinton County football game is set for 7:30 p.m. in Hindman.

Raiders
finish eight in Pulaski County
Invitational

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

SOMERSET – McCreary Central finished eighth in the final boys’ team standings at the Pulaski County Invitational on Saturday.
The Raiders finished ahead of Williamsburg (9), Lincoln County (10), Barren County (11) and Whitley County (12).
McCreary Central placed behind Southwestern (7), Bell County (6), Wayne County (5), Danville (4), Pulaski County (3), North Laurel (2) and top finisher South Laurel (1).
Senior Aiden Tucker led McCreary Central, finishing 16th individually in 18:51.56.
Nearly 20 runners competed for the McCreary Central boys’ cross country team. Seven runners finished inside the Top 100 as Kyle Collins placed 41st (20:34.89), Christian Williams 43rd (20:37.43), Kaleb Baird 45th (20:39.22), Brady Corder 77th (22:25.56), Jerry Gamble 89th (23:11.89) and Cody Taylor 97th (23:25.19).
Individually for the McCreary Central girls’ cross country team, Ali Waters placed 49th (27:48.72), Chelsea Whitehead 53rd (27:58.52), Alyssa Tucker 55th (28:28.75) and Kendal Kidd 61st (29:00.14).
The McCreary Central boys’ and girls’ cross country teams are scheduled to compete in nearby Oneida, Tenn., on Thursday.

McCreary Central sweeps Cumberland County

STEARNS – McCreary Central managed to sweep rival Cumberland County during the opening week of the 2019 high high school volleyball season.
The Lady Raiders shut out visiting Cumberland 3-0 (25-20, 25-10, 25-14) on Tuesday, Aug. 20.
Remaining in the win column on Thursday, Aug. 22, McCreary Central blanked host Cumberland County 2-0 (25-20, 25-17).
More on the McCreary Central-Cumberland County volleyball series follows.
McCreary Central 3, Cumberland County 0 (25-20, 25-10, 25-14): Elizabeth Anderson landed seven kills and Jayden Privett delivered six kills as McCreary Central shut out Cumberland County 3-0 (25-20, 25-10, 25-14) on Tuesday, Aug. 20.
Tiffany Goodin provided seven digs for the Lady Raiders in the winning effort.
In addition to her seven kills, Anderson recorded five service aces and four digs.
McCreary Central 2, Cumberland County 0 (25-20, 25-17): McCreary Central managed to upend Cumberland County 2-0 (25-20, 25-7) in a high school volleyball match on Thursday, Aug. 22.
For the second consecutive match, McCreary Central senior Elizabeth Anderson recorded seven kills.
Alexa Bruce registered seven assists and four service aces while Tiffany Goodin offered up five digs.
Helping to lead McCreary Central, Jayden Privett posted five service aces.

Pine Knot VS Burnside

August 22nd, 2019

Dragon V. Indians kick off

Photos by Amber Perry, Jimmy Stephens, and Whitley City Elementary.
The Pine Knot Dragons and Whitley City Indians elementary football squads squared off against each other Saturday at Somerset, with the Indians prevailing 13-6 in a defensive battle.

McCreary to kick off 2019 season versus Pineville

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central will kick off the 2019 high school football season in a game versus visiting Pineville on Friday.
Lucas Ford-coached McCreary Central has shown improvement in the preseason. The Raiders are preparing to host Pineville, a team under the direction of new head coach Randy Frazier.
Pineville concluded the 2018 high school football season 4-7 following a lopsided loss to eventual state runner-up Pikeville in the opening round of the Class 1A KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl. The Mountain Lions notched regular-season wins over Leslie County, Jackson County, Berea and Middlesboro in 2018.
Following realignment, Pineville will compete with Harlan, Lynn Camp and Williamsburg in Class 1A, District 8.
McCreary Central and Pineville did not meet during the 2018 high school football season.
The Raiders are slated to compete with Bell County, Estill County, Garrard County, Jackson County and Rockcastle County in Class 3A, District 5. McCreary Central’s 2019 schedule includes additional games versus Knott County Central, Paris, East Ridge, Middlesboro, Thomas Walker (Va.), Lynn Camp, Williamsburg, Harlan and Sayre.
Both McCreary Central and Pineville opened preseason practice in July.
Kickoff for the McCreary Central-Pineville football game is set for 7:30 p.m.

Lady Raiders drop match to Casey County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

LIBERTY – McCreary Central broke into the scoring column but ultimately faltered as host Casey County pulled away to win 6-1 in a girls’ high school soccer match on Monday.
Casey County prevailed after dropping back-to-back games to Somerset and Pulaski County.
With the loss, McCreary Central slipped to 0-3.
Casey County improved to 1-2 with the win.
The Lady Raiders are under the direction of head coach Katlyne King.
McCreary Central was hosting Clinton County on Tuesday. Results from the McCreary Central-Clinton County girls’ soccer match were unavailable at press time.
McCreary Central is scheduled to host Pulaski County on August 29.

Lady Raiders defeat Jellico in debut

Photo by Greg Bird
The Lady Raiders kept up the strong start to the season with a 3-0 win over Cumberland County Tuesday night. (L-R) Alexa Bruce sets up an attack, Elizabeth Anderson goes for a kill, and Mason Wilson serves up an ace. The Lady Raiders will host a trounament this weekend at the High School and Middle School gyms.

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

JELLICO, Tenn. – Winning on the road, McCreary Central upended host Jellico 3-1 (25-16, 25-22, 22-25, 25-11) in a high school volleyball season opener on Monday.
The Lady Raiders won the opening game 25-16.
Continuing to control the match, McCreary Central outlasted Jellico 25-22 in the second game.
But Jellico battled back, beating the Lady Raiders 25-22 in the third game.
However, McCreary Central finished strong, rolling past Jellico 25-11 in the fourth game to claim the victory.
As a team, McCreary Central logged 30 kills. Elizabeth Anderson led McCreary Central in the key category, recording a match-high 14 kills.
Jayden Privett (five kills), Alexa Bruce (four kills), Mason Wilson (four kills), Alexandria Hill (two kills) and Taylor Morrow (one kill) helped to lead McCreary Central at the net.
Bruce, Taylor Davis and Allison Stout provided four assists apiece for the Lady Raiders. Stout and Tiffany Goodin were active offensively and defensively for McCreary Central, contributing four digs and three digs, respectively.
Davis and Hill led McCreary Central in another statistic, registering a match-high seven service aces apiece. Bruce recorded six service aces, Privett four service aces and Mason Wilson three service aces.
McCreary Central was scheduled to host Cumberland County in a home opener on Tuesday. The Lady Raiders are due to visit Cumberland County for another match on Thursday. Coverage of each McCreary Central-Cumberland County volleyball match will appear in next week’s edition.

August 15th, 2019

McCreary Central to visit Jellico for 2019 debut

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

McCreary Central is preparing to open the 2019 high school volleyball season on the road in neighboring Tennessee in a match against longtime rival Jellico (Tenn.) on Monday, Aug. 19.
The Raiders split two matches with Jellico during the 2018 high school volleyball season. McCreary Central shut out Jellico 2-0 (25-17, 27-25) when the two teams met on August 13, 2018. However, Jellico bounced back to blank the Raiders 2-0 (25-20, 25-20) in another match on September 17, 2018.
The McCreary Central Invitational is slated for Saturday, Aug. 24. The early-season high school volleyball tournament will feature teams from multiple regions.
In addition to McCreary Central, the invitational high school volleyball tournament will include East Jessamine, Barren County, Perry County Central, Williamsburg and Buckhorn.
McCreary Central’s 2019 schedule features two tournaments. The Raiders are scheduled to travel to Edmonton for the Metcalfe County Slam Jam Tournament on Saturday Sept. 7.
McCreary Central’s 2019 slate features additional matches versus Cumberland County, Whitley County, Wayne County, Danville, Danville Christian, Williamsburg, Southwestern, Burgin, Corbin, Casey County and Somerset.
The Raiders will compete in the 48th District Volleyball Tournament in October.
McCreary Central opened preseason practice in July. The Raiders have shown improvement throughout the preseason.
McCreary Central compiled a 16-13 record during the 2018 season. Still, McCreary Central missed out on advancing to the 12th Region Volleyball Tournament.

The Raiders will compete in the 48th District Volleyball Tournament in October. Both the champion and runner-up from the 48th District will advance to the 12th Region Volleyball Tournament.

Raiders drop season opener to Whitley County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central was limited in a girls’ high school soccer season opener as visiting Whitley County pulled away to win 4-0 on Monday.
The Raiders fared well in each half but couldn’t contain longtime rival Whitley County.
McCreary Central is under the direction of first-year head coach Katlyne King, who replaced Jennifer Stogsdill on the Raiders’ sideline.
The Raiders returned to action after ending the 2018 girls’ high school soccer season 3-12. McCreary Central’s 2018 season ended with a loss to familiar opponent Casey County in the opening round of the 47th District Girls’ Soccer Tournament.
Girls’ high school soccer teams from throughout the state took the field for season-openers earlier in the week.
The Raiders are scheduled to visit familiar foe Whitley County for a return match on September 24.
McCreary Central is slated to visit Garrard County for its next match on Saturday.
The Raiders have additional regular-season matches scheduled versus Casey County, Clinton County, Pulaski County, Wayne County, Somerset, Southwestern, Green County and Wayne County.

Smith named team captain

By Greg Bird
birdman@tmcvoice.com

Asbury University Junior Gavin Smith has been named team captain for the Eagles’ Golf Team, a singular honor for the third-year player.
Smith, a McCreary Central graduate, signed with Asbury during his senior year at MCHS to join the golf team, and has excelled on and off the course over the past two years.
In his Sophomore season Smith was named to the 2nd Team All Conference squad as the Eagles finished second in the River State Conference Championship.
Smith said he is honored to be named captain and hopes to help lead the team to bigger and better things.
“I am blessed to have the opportunity to represent Asbury University and my team,” he said. “I have put in long hours and practice time and can’t wait for the season to start and leading my team to a district championship.”
Smith is a Health and Physical Education major at Asbury.

Lora Watson
Receives
National Honor

The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) announced student Lora Watson from Pine Knot, KY, has been selected to become a member of the esteemed organization. The Society recognizes top scholars who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, scholarship and community commitment. The announcement was made by NSHSS Founder and Chairman Claes Nobel, senior member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes.
“On’ behalf of NSHSS, I am honored to recognize the hard work, sacrifice and commitment that Lora has demonstrated to achieve this exceptional level of academic excellence,” said Nobel.
“Lora is now a member of a unique community of scholars – a community that represents our very best hope for the future.”
“We are proud to provide lifetime membership to young scholars to support their growth and development,” stated NSHSS President James W. Lewis. “We aim to help students like Lora build on their academic success by connecting them with unique learning experiences and resources to help prepare them for college and meaningful careers.”
NSHSS members automatically become lifetime members at the time of their initial membership.
Lora is the daughter of Lloyd and Victoria Petty Watson, and granddaughter of Estill Wheeler & Cleda Evans, Denville & Joan Jones and the late Jamie Petty & Lloyd J. Watson.
For more information about NSHSS visit www.nshss.org.

Augusts 8th, 2019

Raiders preparing to compete
in Class 3A, District 5

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central will still be vying for a spot in the Class 3A State Playoffs. Following an alignment move from the Kentucky High School Athletic Association, McCreary Central remains in Class 3A. However, McCreary Central has moved from District 8 to District 5. In addition to McCreary Central, Class 3A, District 5 features Bell County, Estill County, Garrard County, Jackson County and Rockcastle County.
McCreary Central concluded the 2018 high school football season 1-10. After knocking off Jackson County for its lone win in the 2018 season, McCreary Central nearly pulled off an upset victory over Breathitt County in the postseason. Breathitt County, paying at home, held on to edge the Raiders 7-6.
Bell County ended the 2018 season 10-3. The Bobcats finished runner-up to Corbin in Class 3A, Region 4.
Estill County compiled a 4-7 record in 2018. The Engineers fell to Bell County in the opening round of the 2018 Class 3A KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl.
Garrard County finished 2-9 in 2019. The Golden Lions suffered a shutout loss to perennial state title contender Belfry in the first round of the 2018 Class 3A KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl.
Jackson County went 1-9 in 2018 and missed out on advancing to the postseason.
Rockcastle County exited the 2018 season 5-6 following a loss to Shelby County in the opening round of the Class 3A KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl.
McCreary Central, under the direction of head coach Lucas Ford, opened preseason practice in July. The Raiders are slated to kick off the 2019 season at home versus visiting Pineville on Friday, Aug. 23.

Raiders to entertain Whitley County in season opener

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central will host host longtime rival Whitley County in a 2019 girls’ high school soccer season opener on August 12.
The Raiders will look to show improvement early in the 2019 girls’ high school soccer season. McCreary Central compiled a 3-12 record in 2018.
The Raiders are slated to entertain Clinton County, Pulaski County, Wayne County, Southwestern, Casey County, Somerset and Green County in additional home matches during the 2019 girls’ high school soccer season.
Leading scorer Makenzie Cox is due back for the Raiders. Cox paced McCreary Central offensively throughout the 2019 season.
McCreary Central competes with Casey County, Pulaski County and Somerset in the 47th District.
After replacing Jennifer Stogsdill as head coach, Katlyne King is poised to guide McCreary Central during the 2019 girls’ high school soccer season.
The 2019 McCreary Central girls’ soccer schedule, which is subject to change, follows.

MCHS girls’ cross country program accepting runners

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – The McCreary Central High School girls’ cross country program is still accepting runners for the 2019 season.
Female student-athletes in grades 7-12 are eligible to join the McCreary Central girls’ cross country team. Anyone who is interested in joining the girls’ cross country team is asked to email Coach Trevor Tucker at tucker1975@yahoo.com before Friday, Aug. 16.
McCreary Central competes in Class 2A, Region 5, along with Bell County, Boyle County, Casey County, Clay County, Corbin, East Jessamine, Garrard County, Knox Central, Lincoln County, Mercer County, Rockcastle County, Russell County and Wayne County. A successful high school cross country program, McCreary Central competes against numerous squads.
The Raiders will open the 2019 cross country season later in the month.

Raiders to host McCreary Central Invitational

STEARNS – The McCreary Central Invitational is slated for Saturday, Aug, 24. The early-season high school volleyball tournament will feature teams from multiple regions.
In addition to the host team, the McCreary Central Invitational will include East Jessamine, Barren County, Perry County Central, Williamsburg and Buckhorn.
McCreary Central’s 2019 schedule includes two tournaments. The Raiders are scheduled to travel to Edmonton for the Metcalfe County Slam Jam Tournament on Saturday Sept. 7.
McCreary Central’s 2019 slate features additional matches versus Jellico (Tenn.), Cumberland County, Whitley County, Wayne County, Danville, Danville Christian, Williamsburg, Southwestern, Burgin, Corbin, Casey County and Somerset.
The Raiders will compete in the 48th District Volleyball Tournament in October.
McCreary Central opened preseason practice in July. The Raiders have shown improvement throughout the preseason.
McCreary Central compiled a 16-13 record during the 2018 season but missed out on advancing to the 12th Region Volleyball Tournament.

August 1st, 2019

MCHS softball team hosts inaugural co-ed tournament

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – The McCreary Central High School softball team hosted its inaugural co-ed tournament on Saturday, July 20. Five teams competed in the co-ed softball tournament with the Sticks and Chicks team consisting of Josh Goins, Nathan Goins, Brad Corder, Jamie Bennish, John York, Devin Brown, Arron Vanover, Curtis Head, Darrell King, Grace Jones and Taneisha Tucker finishing undefeated and capturing the title.
In an individual competition, King was crowned the tournament’s home run derby champion.
The McCreary Central softball team extended thanks to all of the teams and players for their participation in the tournament along with a special thank you to Larry’s Mini Mart for its support.
The McCreary Central softball team is under the direction of coaches Megan Gehring and Jennifer Vanover.

Lady Raiders Bake Sale

STEARNS – The McCreary Central High School girls’ soccer team will hold a bake sale at Kroger from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday (Aug. 3).
All proceeds from the bake sale will go to the McCreary Central High School girls’ soccer team.
The Lady Raiders are preparing for the 2019 girls’ high school soccer season.
McCreary Central is slated to kick off the 2019 girls’ high school soccer season at home versus visiting Whitley County on Monday, Aug. 12. Head coach Katlyne King is poised to guide the Lady Raiders.

Nine MCHS student athletes earn KHSAA Triple Threat Award

LEXINGTON – Nine student-athletes from McCreary Central High School earned the KHSAA Triple Threat Award for the 2018-19 schoolyear.
The KHSAA Triple Threat Award winners from McCreary Central were Allyson Anderson (Volleyball, Basketball, Softball), Cody Conatser (Football, Basketball, Track and Field), Blake Corder (Cross Country, Basketball, Baseball), Calob Cox (Football, Basketball, Track and Field), Makenzie Cox (Softball, Basketball, Track and Field, Tennis), Evan Kidd (Golf, Basketball, Baseball), Kendal Kidd (Cross Country, Cheerleading, Track and Field, Tennis), Logan Stephens (Football, Wrestling, Tennis) and Leslie Vanover (Volleyball, Basketball, Softball).
Created by the Commissioner’s office in May of 2018 as a way to continue the national emphasis and the KHSAA’s own efforts to de-emphasize sports specialization in the athletic culture, the Triple Threat Award recognizes those students who participate in high school athletics (sport or sport-activity) at the varsity level year round (fall/winter/spring).
“In these days where some people erroneously believe that a student needs to participate in only one activity year round to succeed, the Triple Threat Award allows us to counter that myth with nearly 1,900 great examples of kids that represent their school all year long as multi-sport student-athletes,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “Every study published continues to prove that much more damage is done by sport specialization than benefit is gained, and we will continue to emphasize that point.”

May 30, 2019 Issue

Lady Raiders fall to East Jessamine in 12th Region Tournament

By Steve LeMaster

stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

McCreary Central’s postseason journey ended in the opening round of 12th Region Softball Tournament at East Jessamine High School earlier in the week. Tournament host East Jessamine pulled away to shut out McCreary Central 8-0 in the 12th Region Softball Quarterfinals on Monday night.

The victory allowed East Jessamine to advance to the 12th Region Softball Tournament Semifinals.

With the loss, McCreary Central ended its season 10-20.

East Jessamine improved to 21-8 with the win.

The Lady Raiders were limited to one hit in the season-ending setback.

Kaylee Terral led East Jessamine to the victory in the pitcher’s circle. Terral pitched a complete game, allowing zero runs on one hit while striking out 18 and walking zero over seven innings.

Celya Kiser took the pitching loss for the Lady Raiders. Kiser pitched six innings, allowing 13 hits and eight runs while striking out one and walking one.

East Jessamine outhit McCreary Central 13-1. Makayla McDowell, Madison Stinnett, Kaley Naylor, Brylee Hage and Mallory McDowell each delivered multiple hits for the Lady Jaguars. McDowell went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead East Jessamine in the hits column.

East Jessamine excelled offensively and defensively, turning in an error-free performance in the field.

Emily Welchel collected McCreary Central’s lone hit when she singled in the fourth inning.

Defensive miscues hurt the Lady Raiders. McCreary Central committed four errors in the loss.

In the other opening round games in the 12th Region Softball Tournament it was West Jessamine 10, Southwestern 6; Garrard County 6, Pulaski County 5 and Boyle County 5, Rockcastle County 1.

---

May 23, 2019

McCreary Central eliminates Wayne County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central dominated at home in its postseason debut, dismantling Wayne County 13-3 in five innings in the semifinals of the 48th District Softball Tournament on Monday.
With the win, McCreary Central improved to 10-18 and advanced to the 48th District Softball Tournament title game.
Wayne County ended its season 10-15 with the loss.
Celya Kiser earned the pitching win for the Lady Raiders. Kiser surrendered three runs on five hits over five innings, striking out six.
Haleigh Criswell suffered the pitching loss for the Lady Cardinals. Criswell surrendered 13 runs on 12 hits over five innings, striking out four.
McCreary Central outhit Wayne County 12-5 and committed only one error.
Several players contributed offensively for the Lady Raiders in the victory.
Macey Welchel, Emily Anderson, Grace Jones and Jayci Bell each collected multiple hits for the Lady Raiders. Welchel went 3-for-3 at the plate and recorded six RBIs to lead McCreary Central to the convincing victory.
Five different Wayne County players connected for one hit apiece in the season-ending setback.
Defensively, Wayne County was sure-handed and didn’t commit a single error in the field.
McCreary Central advanced to meet nemesis Southwestern in the 48th District Softball Tournament championship game on Tuesday evening. Both McCreary Central and Southwestern have qualified for the 12th Region Softball Tournament.

McCreary Central falls to Wayne County in district tournament

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central fell short in a bid to advance in the postseason on its own field over the weekend. Wayne County managed to double up McCreary Central 4-2 in the semifinals of the 48th District Baseball Tournament on Saturday.
With the win, McCreary Central ended its season 10-16.
Wayne County improved to 18-13 and advanced to the 48th District Baseball Tournament title game with the win.
McCreary Central experienced heartbreak in the postseason matchup. The game was tied 2-2 with Wayne County batting in the bottom of the sixth inning when Jayden Keith singled on a 2-1 count to score one run.
Braden Dobbs earned the victory on the hill for the Cardinals. Dobbs pitched seven innings, allowing one hit and two runs while striking out six.
Thaddeus Baird took the pitching loss for the Raiders. Baird surrendered two runs on four hits over one and two-thirds innings, walking zero.
Wayne County recorded seven hits in the winning effort. Keith, Tito Ruiz and Kason Pitman each collected multiple hits for the Cardinals.
In a stellar defensive performance, Wayne County finished the postseason matchup with an error.
Blake Corder went 1-for-3 at the plate to lead McCreary Central in the hits column.
McCreary Central also excelled defensively, finishing error-free in the field.
Wayne County advanced to face Southwestern in the 48th District Baseball Tournament title game on Monday.

May 16th, 2019

McCreary Central downs Wayne
County, 10-6

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central prevailed at home on Wednesday, May 8, defeating Wayne County 10-6 in a 48th District softball game.
Celya Kiser earned the victory in the circle for the Lady Raiders. Kiser pitched a complete game, allowing seven hits and four runs while striking out 11 and walking zero over seven innings.
Alexie Baker took the pitching loss for the Lady Cardinals. Baker allowed 12 hits and 10 runs over six innings, striking out one and walking one.
McCreary Central scored first and never trailed. The Lady Raiders broke open a scoreless game in the bottom half of the third inning, plating five runs.
Both Allyson Anderson and Grace Jones homered for McCreary Central in the victory.
McCreary Central outhit Wayne County 12-7. Kiser, Emily Anderson and Allyson Anderson each managed multiple hits for the Lady Raiders. Pacing McCreary Central at the plate, Allyson Anderson and Emily Anderson each connected for a game-high three hits apiece.
The Lady Raiders fared well offensively and defensively, committing only one error.
Kenzie Upchurch and Haleigh Criswell led former 12th Region title contender Wayne County at the plate, providing two hits apiece for the Lady Cardinals.
The Lady Cardinals struggled defensively, committing five errors.
Both McCreary Central and Wayne County will compete in the 48th District Softball Tournament in less than one week.

48th District Softball Tournament
at McCreary Central High School

Monday, May 20
Semifinals
Wayne County vs. McCreary Central, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 21
Wayne County/McCreary Central winner vs.
Southwestern, 7:30 p.m.

May 9th, 2019

McCreary Central
competes in Williamsburg Meet of Champions

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

WILLIAMSBURG – The McCreary Central boys’ and girls’ track and field teams competed in the Williamsburg First Priority Meet of Champions at University of the Cumberlands on Tuesday, April 30.
The top individual finishes for the Raiders follow.
Aiden Tucker – 1st place, 800 meter run; 2nd place, 1600 meter run.
Justus Whitehead – 9th place, 400 meter dash.
Boys’ 4×800 relay team (Bryson Perry, Peyton Ross, Justus Whitehead, Austin Corder) – 8th place.
The top individual finishes for the Lady Raiders follow.
Makenzie Cox – 9th place, 100 meter dash; 10th place, 200 meter dash.
Kendal Kidd – 3rd place, high jump.
Raven King – 10th place, 1600 meter run.
Girls’ 4×200 meter relay team ((Abby Perry, Makenzie Cox,Kendal Kidd, Alyssa Tucker) – 7th place.

Girls’ 4×100 meter relay team ((Abby Perry, Makenzie Cox,Kendal Kidd, Alyssa Tucker) – 9th place.

McCreary Central claims district win

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – One day after suffering a 10-run loss to Wayne County, host McCreary Central outlasted the Cardinals 5-3 in a 48th District baseball game on Tuesday, April 30.
Thaddeus Baird pitched McCreary Central to the victory. Baird surrendered one run on six hits over four and two-thirds innings, striking out two and walking one as he recorded the pitching win.
Two other McCreary Central pitchers, Connor Campbell and Blake Corder, entered the game out of the bullpen and helped to close out the matchup in relief roles. Corder recorded the last out to earn the save.
Wayne County pitcher Braden Dobbs absorbed the loss. Dobbs allowed six hits and four runs over three and a third innings, striking out two.
McCreary Central outhit Wayne County 9-8. Evan Kidd went 4-for-4 at the plate to lead McCreary Central in the hits column. Kidd drove in two of the Raiders’ five runs.
Baird, Corder, Grant Hamner, Nathaniel Griffis and Carson McKinney contributed one hit apiece or the Raiders in the winning effort.
McCreary Central overcame two errors to claim the district win.
Tito Ruiz, Jayden Keith and Kameron Gehring each provided multiple hits for Wayne County in the setback. Ruiz led Wayne County with three hits in four at-bats.
The Cardinals fared well defensively, committing only one error.
Both McCreary Central and Wayne County will compete in the 48th District Baseball Tournament later in the month.

Lady Raiders drop home game to Whitley County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central fell behind in the opening inning and couldn’t overcame its slow start as visiting Whitley County pulled away to win 5-2 in a high school softball game on Monday.
With the loss, McCreary Central slipped to 6-14.
Whitley County improved to 12-13 with the win.
Lindsey Shope notched the pitching win for the Lady Colonels. Shope pitched a complete game, allowing two runs on three hits and striking out nine over seven innings.
McCreary Central pitcher Celya Kiser suffered the pitching loss. Kiser pitched five and two-thirds innings, allowing three runs on five hits while striking out three and walking zero.
Whitley County outhit McCreary Central 8-3 on its way to notching the win.
Hannah Rains led Whitley County at the plate, finishing with two hits in three at-bats.
Defensively, Whitley County committed two errors.
Kiser, Grace Jones and Cassie Walker each collected one hit to lead McCreary Central at the plate.
The Lady Raiders struggled in the field, committing five errors.
McCreary Central exited the matchup with regular-season games remaining versus Southwestern, Wayne County, South Laurel, Clinton County, Lincoln County, Corbin and Casey County.

McCreary Central bashes Williamsburg, 11-1

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

WILLIAMSBURG – McCreary Central rolled past host Williamsburg in a high school baseball game on Friday, winning 11-1 in five innings.
Thaddeus Baird led McCreary Central to the victory on the mound. Baird allowed three hits and one run over five innings, striking out two and walking zero as he claimed the pitching win.
McCreary Central set the tone early, pushing across three runs in the top half of the first inning. Dominant McCreary Central forced Williamsburg to play from behind throughout the high school baseball matchup.
The Raiders led 7-0 at the conclusion of the third inning.
Continuing to dominate the matchup, McCreary Central added three runs during its fourth plate appearance.
Williamsburg pitcher Hunter Brown suffered the loss. Brown allowed six hits and seven runs over two innings, striking out two.
McCreary Central outhit Williamsburg 11-3. Connor Campbell, Blake Corder, Carson McKinney and Riley Richmond paced McCreary Central at the plate, collecting two hits apiece.
The Raiders turned in a perfect performance in the field, finishing error-free. Defensively for McCreary Central, Evan Kidd made the most plays with seven.
Brown was one of three Williamsburg batters to connect for one hit.
Williamsburg committed two errors in the lopsided loss.

May 2nd, 2019

MCMS volleyball team finishes runner-up in conference

Photos courtesy of McCreary County Middle School
The McCreary County Middle School volleyball team finished runner-up in the Southeastern Kentucky Middle School Volleyball Conference.

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – The McCreary County Middle School volleyball team finished runner-up in the Southeastern Kentucky Middle School Volleyball Conference on Saturday.
The Raiders compiled a 2-1 record on the way to the runner-up finish.
McCreary County players Lily Kidd and Emily Swain were honored as players of the game.

Dixon named MSC Men’s Shooter of the Year

The University of the Cumberlands archery team tallied 33 points on 13 podium finishes to capture the Mid-South Conference Outdoor Championship as well as claim its second straight Mid-South Conference title on Saturday afternoon at the UC All-Purpose Field. In addition to the team success, UC’s Brooke Miller earned MSC Female Shooter of the Year and Freshman of the Year honors, while McCreary Central High School graduate Caleb Dixon notched Men’s Shooter of the Year as Jase Boils earned Freshman of the Year accolades.
The Patriots won six goal medals, two silver medals, and five bronze medals to tally with 33 points and win all three phases of the MSC Archery Championships. Josh Isenhoff and Samantha Rayburn teamed up to notch UC’s first gold medal of the day in compound mixed team. The duo opened by winning a shoot-off against Pikeville to advance to the gold medal match, where they defeated Lindsey Wilson 144-142.
Isenhoff followed that up by teaming with Boils and Clint Moore for the men’s compound team event in which they defeated Union in the championship match to take home top honors. Isenhoff, the top-seed, in men’s compound went 3-0 en route to claiming his third gold medal in the vent. After defeating Zachary Mollett of Pikeville, Isenhoff knocked off Bryce Woodrome of Union 144-139 to advance to the finals. In the championship match, the senior posted a 145-143 win over Lucas Roy of Union.
After earning the seventh-seed in qualifying, Miller went 4-0 to capture the gold medal in the women’s compound defeating the one, two, and three seeds in the process. Miller defeated second-seed Ashlyn Scriven of Lindsey Wilson 141-126 in the quarterfinals before knocking off third-seed Hannah Lane 139-136 in the semifinals. In the gold medal match, Miller battled back in the final end to force a one arrow shoot-off with top-seed Jodi Hicks of Union. After tying the first shoot-off, Miller hit the “X” in the second tiebreaker to complete the sweep of the women’s compound division as she won gold in all three legs of the MSC championships.
In women’s recurve, Miranda Lauria cruised to the championship match with a 7-1 win over Elizabeth Jones in the semifinals. Lauria overcame a 5-3 deficit in the gold medal match as she won the last end to force a shoot-off, which she won 8-3 to take top honors.
Cumberlands’ final gold medal came in the women’s bowhunter team as Courtnie Carr, McKenzie Gaines, and Michaela McDonald edged out Union 218-217 in the championship match. Carr also recorded a pair of runner-up finishes in women’s bowhunter and mixed bohunter team where she partnered with Dixon.
Currie (women’s compound), Dixon (men’s bowhunter), and Noah Fields (men’s basic bow) all captured a bronze medal in their respective event. UC’s women’s team compound and mixed basic bow team also took bronze medals.

The Patriots will return to action Thursday, May 16 at the USA Outdoor Nationals in Dublin, Ohio.

Lady Raiders roll past Scott, 18-2

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

HUNTSVILLE, Tenn. – Winning on the road in nearby Tennessee, McCreary Central rolled past host Scott 18-2 in three innings in a high school softball game on Tuesday, April 23.
With the win, McCreary Central improved to 6-12.
The Lady Raiders thrived both offensively and defensively.
McCreary Central pitchers Macey Welchel and Makenna Mann combined to throw a one-hitter.
The Lady Raiders moved ahead early and forced longtime rival Scott to play from behind throughout the high school softball matchup.
McCreary Central outhit Scott 13-1. Welchel, Taylor Sumner, Cassie Walker and Hannah Owens provided two hits apiece for the Lady Raiders in the convincing victory.
Walker delivered a game-high four RBIs while Welchel and Sumner drove in three runs apiece.
Scott committed seven errors in the setback.
McCreary Central claimed its second straight win and won for the third time in four games.
Longtime rivals, McCreary Central and Scott met for the first time in the 2019 high school softball season. The Lady Raiders’ 2019 schedule includes games versus multiple opponents from Tennessee.

Raiders level Lynn Camp, 14-4

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

CORBIN – Visiting McCreary Central moved ahead early and gradually pulled away to defeat Lynn Camp 14-4 in five innings in a high school baseball game on Thursday, April 25.
Making the most of its offensive opportunities throughout the matchup, McCreary Central overcame four errors to win convincingly.
Carson McKinney earned the pitching win for the Raiders. McKinney allowed three hits and four runs over five innings, striking out eight.
Eric Mitchell took the pitching loss for the Wildcats. Mitchell pitched four innings, allowing 11 hits and 14 runs while striking out one.
McCreary Central took a lead and never trailed. The Raiders set the tone early, erupting for five runs in the top half of the second inning.
McCreary Central, which claimed its eighth win in the 2019 high school baseball season, connected for 11 hits in the matchup. Blake Corder, Austin Vanover and Riley Richmond led McCreary Central with two hits apiece..
Lynn Camp, an opponent from the neighboring 13th Region, was limited to three hits in the loss. Three different Lynn Camp players managed to tag one hit apiece in the lopsided setback.
The Wildcats committed three errors in the losing effort.
Familiar foes, McCreary Central and Lynn Camp met for the first time in the 2019 high school baseball season.

April 25, 2019

Tucker leads McCreary Central in Pulaski County meet

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

SOMERSET – Runner Aiden Tucker led the McCreary Central boys’ track and field team in the Pulaski County All-Comers Meet on Tuesday, April 16, winning one event and placing second in another event.
Tucker placed first in the 800 meter run. He finished second in the 1,600 meter run.
Contributing for the McCreary Central boys’ track and field team, Peyton Ross placed sixth in the 110 meter hurdles.
Kendal Kidd was the top finisher for the McCreary Central girls’ team, placing third in the high jump.
Ali Waters placed eighth in the 3,200 meter run.
Contributing a pair of Top 10 finishes, Makenzie Cox placed 10th in the 100 meter dash and ninth in the 200 meter dash.

Lady Raiders level Clinton County, 12-1

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central returned to the win column on Monday, leveling visiting Clinton County 12-1 in five innings in a high school softball game.
With the win, McCreary Central improved to 5-12.
Clinton County slipped to 2-15 with the loss.
The Lady Raiders set the tone early, plating three runs in the bottom half of the first inning.
McCreary Central dominated throughout the matchup, scoring six runs in the bottom half of the second inning to take a commanding 9-0 lead. Emily Anderson, Allyson Anderson, Macey Welchel and Cassie Walker all contributed RBIs for McCreary Central in the second inning.
Celya Kiser led McCreary Central to victory in the pitcher’s circle. Kiser allowed four hits and one run while striking out two and walking zero over five innings.
Clinton County pitcher Madison Claborn absorbed the loss. Claborn pitched one and one-third innings, allowing eight runs on three hits.
McCreary Central recorded 10 hits. Emily Anderson and Kiser led the McCreary Central offensive attack with two hits apiece. Welchel connected for three RBIs while Emily Anderson and Walker drove in two runs apiece.
Brianna Bowlin went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead Clinton County in the hits column.
McCreary Central notched its fourth win in six games.

Lady Raiders shut out Williamsburg, 22-0

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

WILLIAMSBURG – McCreary Central rolled on the road on Tuesday, April 16, shutting out host Williamsburg 22-0 in five innings in a high school softball game.
Two McCreary Central pitchers combined to no-hit Williamsburg.
The Lady Raiders plated 22 runs on nine hits.
McCreary Central took control early, erupting for 11 runs in the top half of the first inning. The Lady Raiders led 14-0 at the conclusion on the fourth inning. In another offensive outburst, McCreary Central pushed across eight runs during its fifth plate appearance, ultimately setting the final score.
Macey Welchel earned the pitching win for the Lady Raiders. Welchel allowed zero hits and zero runs over four innings, striking out three.
Celya Kiser threw one inning in relief out of the bullpen to clinch the shutout and combined no-hitter.
Williamsburg pitcher Allison Caddell suffered the loss. Caddell allowed 22 runs on nine hits and struck out five over five innings.
McCreary Central collected nine hits. Welchel and Cassie Walker each provided multiple hits for the Lady Raiders. Welchel went 4-for-5 with six RBIs to lead McCreary Central offensively. In another solid outing, Walker finished 3-for-4 with three RBIs for the Lady Raiders.
Aiding the McCreary Central offensive effort, Kiser, Jayci Bell and Allyson Anderson drove in two runs apiece.
Williamsburg committed five errors in the lopsided loss.

Raiders drop district game to Southwestern

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

SOMERSET – McCreary Central fell behind early and was unable to battle back as host Southwestern pulled away to win 11-1 in five innings in a 48th District baseball game on Monday.
With the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 7-10 overall and 0-1 in the 48th District.
Southwestern improved to 14-3 overall and 2-1 in the district with the win.
Southwestern set the tone early, plating two runs in the bottom half of the first inning.
McCreary Central scored its lone run in the top half of the second frame.
But Southwestern answered, erupting for five runs in the bottom half of the second inning to move ahead 7-1.
Tanner McKee led Southwestern to the victory on the pitcher’s mound. McKee surrendered one run on three hits over two and two-thirds innings, striking out two as he claimed the pitching win.
Closing the contest on the mound, Tyler Pumphrey threw two and a third innings in relief out of the bullpen for the Warriors.
McCreary Central pitcher Connor Campbell suffered the loss. Campbell tossed two innings, allowing six hits and seven runs while striking out four.
Southwestern outhit McCreary Central 11-3. McKee, Pumphrey and Ethan Jones led the Warriors with two hits apiece.
Southwestern overcame two errors to notch the 10-run win.
Campbell, Evan Kidd and Thaddeus Baird each collected one hit to lead McCreary Central at the plate.
Defensively, McCreary Central committed five errors in the setback.
McCreary Central was hosting Southwestern in another 48th District baseball game on Tuesday. Results from the latest McCreary Central-Southwestern baseball game were unavailable at press time.
McCreary Central has regular-season games remaining versus Lynn Camp, Casey County, Wayne County, Williamsburg, Middlesboro, Clay County, Whitley County, Barbourville, Pineville and Pulaski County.

April 18th, 2019

Raiders top Powell County, 6-2

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

MOUNT STERLING – McCreary Central notched a win on a neutral field over the weekend, topping Powell County 6-2 in a high school baseball game at Montgomery County High School on Saturday.
Thaddeus Baird led McCreary Central to the victory on the pitcher’s mound. Baird pitched a complete game, allowing four hits and two runs while striking out nine and walking one over seven innings.
Powell County pitcher Wyatt Clark took the loss. Clark allowed five hits and six runs over two and a third innings, striking out one and walking one.
McCreary Central scored first and never trailed. The Raiders led 6-0 at the conclusion of the third inning and held Powell County scoreless until its final plate appearance. Powell County managed to push across two runs in the top half of the seventh inning.
McCreary Central outhit Powell County 6-2.
Campbell led McCreary Central at the plate, producing two hits in three at-bats.
Each high school baseball team committed two errors.
High school baseball squads from multiple regions squared off in Montgomery County on Saturday. Prep baseball programs from around the state are either halfway through or nearing the midway points of their regular seasons.

Tennis Update

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

McCreary Central High School tennis players Garrett Strunk, Logan Stephens, Seth Ball, Kobe Perry, Meki Torak and Kelsie Hammons earned wins over opponents from Southwestern High School on Friday, April 12.
McCreary Central edged Southwestern 3-2 in boys’ high school tennis.
In girls’ high school tennis, Southwestern defeated McCreary Central.

Lady Raiders notch back-to-back wins

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

MONTICELLO – McCreary Central notched back-to-back wins in the Sports Den Round Robin on Saturday, defeating Jellico (Tenn.) and Clinton County.
McCreary Central 10, Clinton County 2: Celya Kiser was the winning pitcher for McCreary Central as the Lady Raiders beat Clinton County 10-2.
Kiser surrendered two runs on seven hits over six innings, striking out four and walking zero.
Clinton County pitcher Makayla Cope took the loss. Cope pitched two innings, allowing eight hits and five runs while striking out one and walking zero.
McCreary Central outhit Clinton County 13-4. Kiser, Macey Welchel and Grace Jones each managed multiple hits for the Lady Raiders. Welchel went 4-for-4 at the plate to lead McCreary Central in the hits column.
Madison Claborn led Clinton County at the plate, providing two hits in three at-bats.
McCreary Central 12, Jellico (Tenn.) 2 (4 innings): McCreary Central dominated in a matchup against a familiar foe from nearby Tennessee, defeating Jellico 12-2 in four innings.
Macey Welchel was the winning pitcher for the Lady Raiders. Welchel allowed one run on three hits and struck out four over five innings.
Helping her pitching cause at the plate, Welchel homered for McCreary Central in the third inning.
McCreary Central outhit Jellico 9-3. Welchel and Celya Kiser provided multiple hits each for the Lady Raiders. Welchel went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead McCreary Central in the hits column.
Jellico committed four errors in the setback.

April 11th, 2019

Lady Raiders, Raiders post Top 10 finishes at Blue Raider Rumble

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

COLUMBIA – The McCreary Central High School girls’ and boys’ track and field teams posted Top 10 finishes in the Blue Raider Rumble at Lindsey Wilson College on Friday. The Lady Raiders finished eighth out of 16 teams while the Raiders placed ninth among 15 squads.
Aiden Tucker and Kendal Kidd led their respective units with first-place finishes. A breakdown of the leading performers for the McCreary Central track and field program from the Blue Raider Rumble follows.
Boys
Aiden Tucker: 1st place, 400 Meter Dash; 5th place 1600 Meter Run
Calob Cox: 2nd place, Long Jump; 3rd place, 100 Meter Dash; 4th place, High Jump.
Christian Williams: 6th place, 3200 Meter Run.
Justus Whitehead: 8th place, 400 Meter Dash.
Peyton Ross 10th place, Triple Jump.
Boys 4×100 Relay Team (Ashton Williams, Kaleb Baird, Cayden Rowe, Riley Foster): 7th place.
Boys 4×200 Relay Team (Kaleb Baird, Jarrod Spradlin, Gavin Roberts, Cody Taylor): 7th place.
Girls
Kendal Kidd: 1st place, High Jump
Makenzie Cox: 3rd place, Long Jump; 9th place, 200 Meter Dash; 10th place, 100 Meter Dash.
Molly Phillips 8th place, 400 Meter Dash
Girls’ 4×100 Relay Team (Alyssa Tucker, Abby Perry, Molly Phillips, Kendal Kidd): 5th place.

Girls 4×200 Relay Team (Alyssa Tucker, Abby Perry, Molly Phillips, Kendal Kidd): 6th place.

McCreary Central trio signs with University of the Cumberlands

Raiders shut out Pineville, 15-0

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central returned to the win column at home on Friday, shutting out visiting Pineville, a rival from the nearby 13th Region, 15-0 in three innings in a high school baseball game.
With the win, McCreary Central improved to 5-8.
Pineville dropped to 3-5 with the loss.
The Raiders landed back in the win column following a loss to Rockcastle County one day earlier.
McCreary Central took control of the high school baseball matchup early, plating three runs in the bottom half of the first inning.
After holding Pineville scoreless in back-to-back at-bats, McCreary Central put the game out of the Mountain Lions’ reach in the second inning. McCreary Central erupted for 11 runs in the home portion of the second inning to take a commanding 14-0 lead.
Thaddeus Baird pitched a one-hit shutout and earned the win. The McCreary Central pitcher recorded two strikeouts.
McCreary Central outhit Pineville 7-1 and turned in an error-free performance in the field.
Riley Richmond led McCreary Central at the plate, finishing 2-for-2 with four RBIs.
Baird, Evan Kidd, Grant Hamner and Austin Vanover added one hit apiece for the Raiders. Vanover contributed two RBIs as McCreary Central, under the direction of Coach Marc Taylor, won convincingly.
Pineville committed two errors in the lopsided loss.
McCreary Central is scheduled to visit Model for its next game on Friday, April 12.

McCreary Central drops games to Rowan County, Clay County

MOUNT VERNON – McCreary Central dropped a pair of high school softball games in the Where’s the Beach Classic at Rockcastle County High School over the weekend, falling to Rowan County and Clay County on Saturday.
Rowan County 10, McCreary Central 5 (5 innings): McCreary Central owned multiple leads before Rowan County pulled away to win 10-5 in five innings in the Where’s the Beach Classic at Rockcastle County High School on Saturday.
Rowan County pitcher Haley Middleton earned the win. Middleton allowed six hits and four runs over three innings, striking out three.
Another pitcher, Macy Jones, threw two innings in relief out of the bullpen for the Lady Vikings.
McCreary Central pitcher Celya Kiser suffered the loss. Kiser allowed nine hits and 10 runs over five innings, striking out two and walking one.
Rowan County edged McCreary Central 9-8 in the hits column.
Bethany Sergent and Macy Jones led Rowan County at the plate, providing two hits apiece.
Kiser and Allyson Anderson paced McCreary Central at the plate, connecting for two hits each.
McCreary Central committed six errors in the five-run loss.
Clay County 11, McCreary Central 0 (5 innings): McCreary Central was held scoreless as Clay County won 11-0 in five innings in the Where’s the Beach Classic at Rockcastle County High School on Saturday.
Emma Hurd earned the pitching win in the circle for the Lady Tigers. Hurd allowed zero runs on one hit, striking out nine and walking one over five innings.
Welchel took the pitching loss for the Lady Raiders. Welchel pitched four innings, allowing 11 hits and 11 runs while striking out three and walking one.
Clay County tallied 11 hits. Hurd, Shelby Phillips and Allie Phillips each collected multiple hits for the Lady Tigers.
The Lady Raiders were limited to one hit. Welchel accounted for McCreary Central’s lone hit in the setback.
Defensively, committed five errors.

April 4th, 2019

Kiser throws no-hitter

McCreary Central shuts out Williamsburg, 15-0

photos courtesy of McCreary Central Schools
McCreary Central pitcher Celya Kiser threw a no-hitter as the Lady Raiders blanked Williamsburg 15-0 in three innings in a high school softball game on Thursday, March 28.

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – Celya Kiser threw a no-hitter as McCreary Central shut out visiting Williamsburg 15-0 in three innings in a high school softball game on Thursday, March 28.
Kiser recorded two strikeouts as she earned the win. The McCreary Central pitcher allowed only one walk in her outing.
Williamsburg pitcher Morgan Prewitt took the loss.
McCreary Central, under the direction of head coach Dwight Ross, moved ahead early, plating one run in the bottom half of the opening inning.
Productive McCreary Central pushed across seven runs in back-to-back plate appearances to force the game to end in three innings via the KHSAA Mercy Rule.
The Lady Raiders scored 15 runs on nine hits. Kiser, Jayci Bell, Allyson Anderson, Grace Jones, Taylor Sumner, Emily Anderson and Abby McCormick contributed one hit each for McCreary Central in the victory. Allyson Anderson and Jones delivered two RBIs apiece for the Lady Raiders.
Excelling defensively, McCreary Central turned in an error-free performance in the field.

Lady Raiders held scoreless in loss to Pulaski County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

SOMERSET – McCreary Central was limited offensively as host Pulaski County pulled away to win 15-0 in four innings in a high school softball game on Friday.
Kaylee Strunk earned the win in the circle for the Lady Maroons. Strunk pitched four innings, allowing zero runs on one hit while striking out nine and walking zero.
Macey Welchel took the pitching loss for the Lady Raiders. Welchel surrendered 15 runs on 15 hits over three and two-thirds innings, striking out one and walking one.
Strunk and Bella Ellis each hit a home run for Pulaski County in the victory.
Helping to pace the host team offensively, Strunk, Ellis, Molli Nelson, Riley Hull and Eva Gover each registered multiple hits for Pulaski County in the shutout win. Ellis led Pulaski County at the plate, finishing 3-for-3.
Abby McCormick collected McCreary Central’s lone hit in the shutout loss.

Raiders defeat Clinton
County, 11-3

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central notched its third straight win in the 2019 high school baseball season at home on Tuesday, March 26, defeating visiting Clinton County 11-3.
The Raiders, under the direction of head coach Marc Taylor, excelled throughout the early-season high school baseball matchup.
McCreary Central pitcher Grant Hamner earned the win. Hamner allowed one hit and three runs over three innings, striking out five. Connor Campbell threw four innings in relief out of the bullpen for the Raiders. Campbell recorded the last 12 outs to earn the save.
Clinton County pitcher Blake Harlan took the loss, Harlan lasted three innings, allowing five hits and six runs while striking out five.
McCreary Central outhit Clinton County 8-3. Campbell and Hamner led McCreary Central at the plate, recording two hits apiece. Hamner drove in two runs for the Raiders.
Thaddeus Baird paced McCreary Central on the basepaths, registering four stolen bases.
McCreary Central entered the week set to visit Clinton County on Tuesday (April 1).

Raiders suffer shutout loss to Rockcastle County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – Host McCreary Central was unable to work its way into the win column at the start of the week as Rockcastle County pulled away to win 5-0 in a high school baseball game on Monday.
Longtime rivals, McCreary Central and Rockcastle hail from neighboring districts.
McCreary Central absorbed its fifth straight loss, slipping to 3-7 as a result of the setback.
Hunter Spivey earned the win for the Rockets. Spivey lasted five innings, allowing one hit and zero runs while striking out seven and walking zero. Another pitcher, Rily Smith, threw two innings in relief out of the bullpen for the Rockets.
Thaddeus Baird took the loss for the Raiders. Baird worked four innings, allowing six hits and four runs while striking out three and walking one.
Rockcastle County outhit McCreary Central 7-2.
Jacob Loudermilk and Zach Taylor led Rockcastle County with two hits apiece.
Following a scoreless first inning, Rockcastle County pushed across two runs in the top half of the second stanza.
Connor Campbell led McCreary Central at the plate, finishing with two hits in three at-bats.

Each high school baseball team committed one error.

Lady Raiders held scoreless in loss to Pulaski County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

SOMERSET – McCreary Central was limited offensively as host Pulaski County pulled away to win 15-0 in four innings in a high school softball game on Friday.
Kaylee Strunk earned the win in the circle for the Lady Maroons. Strunk pitched four innings, allowing zero runs on one hit while striking out nine and walking zero.
Macey Welchel took the pitching loss for the Lady Raiders. Welchel surrendered 15 runs on 15 hits over three and two-thirds innings, striking out one and walking one.
Strunk and Bella Ellis each hit a home run for Pulaski County in the victory.
Helping to pace the host team offensively, Strunk, Ellis, Molli Nelson, Riley Hull and Eva Gover each registered multiple hits for Pulaski County in the shutout win. Ellis led Pulaski County at the plate, finishing 3-for-3.
Abby McCormick collected McCreary Central’s lone hit in the shutout loss.

Raiders participate in Randy Elmore PCI Track Classic

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

SOMERSET – McCreary Central participated in the Randy Elmore PCI Track Classic at Pulaski County High School on Saturday.
A breakdown of the individual and relay results for the McCreary Central track and field program follows.
Calob Cox – 2nd, Long Jump; 2nd, 100 Meter Dash; 6th, High Jump.
Aiden Tucker – 7th, 3200 Meter Run; 8th, 400 Meter Dash.
Kendall Kidd – 5th, High Jump.
Makenzi Cox – 7th – Long Jump.
Boys’ 4×100 Relay Team (Peyton Ross, Noah Burchett, Daniel Loudermilk, Kaleb Baird) – 10th.
Girls’ 4×100 Relay Team (Abby Perry, Molly Phillips, Kendall Kidd, Alyssa Tucker) – 9th.
Girls’ 4×200 Relay Team (Abby Perry, Ali Waters, Raven King, Alyssa Tucker) – 10th.

McCreary Central drops games to Pulaski County, Clay County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central dropped a pair of high school baseball games over the weekend, falling to Pulaski County and Clay County.
Pulaski County 11, McCreary Central 8: McCreary Central was forced to play from behind early and couldn’t catch up as visiting Pulaski County, a longtime 12th Region rival, prevailed 11-8 in a high school baseball game on Saturday.
Pulaski County pitcher Kaleb Adams earned the win. Adams tossed two and two-thirds innings, allowing four hits and four runs while striking out two. Another Pulaski County pitcher, Matthew Pike, threw four and a third innings in relief out of the bullpen.
McCreary Central pitcher Carson McKinney took the loss. McKinney pitched two innings, allowing nine runs on nine hits while striking out two and walking one.
The Maroons outhit the Raiders 12-9.
Pulaski County overcame two errors to notch the win.
Adams, Konner Hargis and Colton Fraley each provided multiple hits for the Maroons in the victory.
Blake Corder, Thaddeus Baird and Austin Vanover paced McCreary Central with two hits apiece.
Clay County 18, McCreary Central 7: Homestanding McCreary Central was limited offensively as Clay County, an opponent from the bordering 13th Region, pulled away to win 18-7 in a high school baseball game on Saturday.
Noah Smith led Clay County to the victory on the pitcher’s mound. Smith pitched four innings, allowing two runs on three hits and striking out three. Two other pitchers, Dalen Couch and John Hubbard, entered the game out of the bullpen and helped to close the contest in relief.
Grant Hamner took the loss for the Raiders. Hamner allowed five hits and six runs over two innings, striking out three.
Clay County outhit McCreary Central 18-6. Smith, Cameron Farmer, Connor Farmer, John Gilbert, Thomas Jackson, Andrew Saylor and Austin Smith each collected multiple hits for Clay County, which overcame four errors to notch the win.
Riley Richmond, Tevon Stephens, Austin Vanover, Blake Corder, Nathaniel Griffis and Connor Campbell registered one hit apiece to lead McCreary Central at the plate. Vanover drove in two of the Raiders’ six runs.
Defensively, McCreary Central committed six errors in the setback.

Chamber of Commerce 2019 Scholarship Application

The McCreary County Chamber of Commerce each year takes pride in awarding a $500 scholarship to a graduating high school senior. The scholarship criteria is based on the applicant’s scholastic achievement, interest in continuing education, participation and leadership in school and community activities and reputation for good citizenship and moral character.
The McCreary County Chamber of Commerce is awarding one (1) scholarship in the amount of $500.00 in 2019. Application packets may be obtained at the guidance office of McCreary Central High School, Revelo Christian Academy, Pine Knot Job Corps Center, Lower Hickory Grove Christian Academy or on the Chamber Website at www.mccrearychamber.com.
Eligibility
Requirements:
• Student must be a high school senior and resident of McCreary County.
• Student must be in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 and
must. provide a transcript showing that GPA with their application.
• Students must include 2 Letters of Recommendation; one that is school affiliated (i.e. teacher, counselor, coach, principal) and one from outside of school, that is a non-family member (i.e. church/community leader, employer).
• Student must return completed Scholarship Application to the address listed.
•Essay- (300-500 words) If you were a leader in the community, what would you do to get McCreary County off the top five poorest counties list? (Please give a specific response with a detailed explanation)

Application
Procedures:
Applications should be mailed to: McCreary County Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 548, Whitley City, KY 42653 and be post marked no later than April 19, 2019.
The application needs to be complete with everything that has been asked for in this application. If anything requested has been left out, the application will not be considered.

Selection
Procedures:
All applications and supporting documents will be reviewed to ensure that candidates have achieved minimum eligibility requirements.
Applications will be reviewed by the scholarship committee of the McCreary County Chamber of Commerce.
The successful applicant will be notified and funds will be disbursed once proof of enrollment has been shown. The check will be made payable to the applicant.
Winner will be expected to attend our monthly meeting to accept the scholarship award and also our annual banquet in October.

March 28th, 2019

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central claimed its second straight win in the 2019 high school baseball season over the weekend, leveling visiting Berea 17-7 in five innings.
With the win, McCreary Central evened its record to 2-2.
Berea stumbled to 1-3 with the loss.
McCreary Central pitcher Carson McKinney registering the win. McKinney worked three innings, allowing five hits and four runs while striking out two.
Berea pitcher Ben West took the loss. West pitched two and a third innings, allowing seven runs on two hits.
Nathaniel Griffis started the game on the mound for the Raiders. Griffis tossed two innings, allowing three runs on two hits while striking out four.
Evan Kidd led McCreary Central at the plate, finishing with two hits in four at-bats. Kidd drilled two doubles for the Raiders. In addition to his performance at the plate, Kidd recorded a game-high three stolen bases in McCreary Central’s latest triumph.
Four players – Connor Campbell, Nathaniel Griffis, Austin Vanover, Tevon Stephens – added one hit apiece for the Raiders.
As a team, McCreary Central logged 14 stolen bases.
The Raiders overcame three errors in the field.
Berea suffered the lopsided loss despite edging McCreary Central 7-6 i the hits column.
Defensively, Berea committed four errors.
McCreary Central is scheduled to visit Berea for another regular-season baseball matchup on April 15.

McCreary Central knocks off Casey County, 7-5

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

LIBERTY – McCreary Central notched a win on the road on Friday, knocking off 12th Region rival Casey County, an opponent from the neighboring 47th District, 7-5.
The Raiders landed in the win column after opening the 2019 high school baseball season with back-to-back losses to Somerset and Cookeville (Tenn.).
With the win, McCreary Central improved to 1-2.
Casey County dropped to 1-2 with the loss.
Host Casey County led 2-1 at the end of the first inning and owned the same advantage until McCreary Central erupted for five runs in the top half of the fourth frame. The Raiders moved ahead and never trailed again.
McCreary Central pitcher Grant Hamner earned the win. Hamner allowed three hits and four runs over three innings, striking out three. Both Connor Campbell and Carson McKinney entered the game out of the bullpen and helped to close out the matchup in relief roles. Campbell recorded the last 10 outs to claim the save.
Casey County pitcher Conner Wesley took the loss. Wesley allowed six hits and six runs over three and a third innings, striking out three.
McCreary Central outhit Casey County 9-6 in the early-season matchup.
Blake Corder and Evan Kidd collected two hits to lead the Raiders offensively. Corder tallied three RBIs for McCreary Central in the victory.
McCreary Central won despite committing three errors.
Logan Stephens and Zachary Todd paced Casey County with two hits apiece.
Casey County committed two errors in the setback.

The Raiders are slated to host Casey County for a rematch on April 26.

Lady Raiders lose season opener to Corbin

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central plated two runs in the bottom half of the first inning to take an early lead but fell behind during a high school softball season opener versus longtime rival Corbin. Determined Corbin answered with three runs in the game’s following at-bat and never trailed again on its way to winning 14-5 on Monday, March 18.
Corbin pitcher Adrianna Paul tossed a complete game and earned the win. Paul allowed 10 hits and five runs while striking out nine over seven innings.
McCreary Central pitcher Celya Kiser took the loss. Kisser surrendered 11 runs on 10 hits over four and two-thirds innings.
Productive Corbin outhit McCreary Central 14-10.
Alana Reynolds, Kaylee Morales, Halle Grubb, Whitney Trosper and Shelby Stewart each collected multiple hits for the Lady Redhounds.
Homestanding McCreary Central fared well offensively. Emily Welchel belted two home runs and Allyson Anderson added one homer for the Lady Raiders.
Kiser, Welchel and Anderson provided multiple hits for the Lady Raiders. Welchel paced McCreary Central offensively, finishing 4-for-4.
Excelling defensively, Corbin, a contender for the 13th Region softball title, finished error-free.
McCreary Central committed seven errors in the setback.
The Lady Raiders are slated to visit Corbin for a late-season high school softball game on May 14.

Cox signs with Lindsey Wilson College

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central High School senior student-athlete Calob Cox made his future plans known on Monday, signing with the Lindsey Wilson College cross country and track and field programs.
Cox participates in track & field, basketball and football at McCreary Central High School. He plans on majoring in business. Cox extended thanks to his coaches and teammates who prepared him for the opportunity to sign with a college.
Lindsey Wilson College competes in the Mid-South Conference (MSC).
In attendance at the signing were Cox’s teammates, family members, coaches and friends.
Cox is the son of Will and Christina Cox.

Lady Raiders
suffer shutout loss to Whitley County

WILLIAMSBURG – McCreary Central remained in the loss column in its second outing of the 2019 high school softball season as host Whitley County prevailed 10-0 in six innings on Tuesday, March 19.
The game served as a season opener for homestanding Whitley County.
With the loss, McCreary Central slipped to 0-2.
Whitley County pitcher Lindsey Shope earned the win. Shope allowed zero runs on three hits while striking out 12.
McCreary Central pitcher Emily Welchel suffered the loss. Welchel allowed 15 hits and 10 runs over five and a third innings, striking out one and walking zero.
Whitley County outhit McCreary Central 15-3.
Welchel, Grace Jones and Taylor Sumner paced McCreary Central with one hit apiece.
Shope, Hannah Rains, Jezni Huddleston and Baylee Wilson each managed multiple hits for the Lady Colonels.
Whitley County excelled both offensively and defensively, finishing error-free in the field. Allison Neace had 13 chances in the field, the most for the Lady Colonels.
McCreary Central committed six errors in the setback.
The Lady Raiders are due to host Whitley County in a late-season high school softball game on May 6.

March 21st, 2019

MCHS cheerleading squad
captures national championship

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

MYRTLE BEACH, SC – The McCreary County High School cheerleading squad captured a national championship in the Small Varsity Division of the Cheer Ltd. Nationals on Saturday.
Cheerleading teams from numerous states competed in the Cheer Ltd. Nationals over the weekend.
The MCHS squad is made up of the following cheerleaders: Courtney Staley, Jerica Stephens, Sada Kinslow, Christi Stephens Emma Bryant, Kendal Kidd, Charli Pierce, Chantay Pierce, Melody Stevens. Coach Sherry Baker guides the Raider cheerleaders.

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central was unable to limit Somerset in a high school baseball season opener at the start of the week. Visiting Somerset pulled away top defeat McCreary Central 7-3 in a high school baseball season opener on Monday night.
Familiar foes, McCreary Central and Somerset are familiar 12th Region rivals from neighboring districts.
Somerset (47th District) outhit McCreary Central (48th District) 8-3 in the season opener.
Cam Ryan earned the victory on the mound for visiting Somerset. Ryan surrendered three runs on two hits over three and a third innings, striking out two. Dakota Acey threw three and two-thirds innings in relief out of the bullpen for the Briar Jumpers. Acey recorded the last 11 outs to claim the save
Grant Hamner took the loss for homestanding McCreary Central. Hamner worked two and a third innings, allowing two hits and three runs while striking out one.

Kade Grundy went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead Somerset offensively. Another Somerset player, Gavin Stephens, added two hits.
After back-to-back scoreless innings, Somerset and McCreary Central each plated three runs in the third frame.
However, Somerset managed to move ahead, adding two runs in the top half of the Fourth inning. Somerset moved ahead in the fourth inning and never trailed.
Hamner, Austin Vanover and Evan Kidd provided one hit apiece for the Raiders in the setback.
Neither team excelled in the field during the early-season meeting. Each high school baseball team committed four errors in the season opener.

McCreary Central is slated to visit Somerset for another regular-season non-district high school baseball matchup on April 19.

2019 NASP State
Tournament

By Greg Bird
birdman@tmcvoice.com

McCreary Central and McCreary Middle School Archery teams competed last weekend in the 2019 NASP State Tournament in Louisville. Overall MCHS placed 31st out of 107 teams, and MCMS finished 60th. Top scorers for the high school included: Elisha Sheperd, who shot 292 to place 20th out of 3,715 competitors, Bryson Bryant – 280 (263rd), Ally Strunk – 283 (116th out of 3,325 girls) and Chelsey Coffey – 279 (218th). For the middle school Connor Stephens led the boys with a 280 to place 59th out of 1,338, followed by Johnny Trammell – 266 (361st). For the middle school girls Courtney Meadows finished with 275 points (121st out of 1183) and Megan Campbell – 271 (206th).

Lady Raiders finish 11th in 12th Region standings

STEARNS – McCreary Central finished 11th in the final 2018-19 12th Region girls’ basketball standings. The Lady Raiders compiled a 9-21 overall record in the 2018-19 girls’ high school basketball season.
Junior guard Ally Anderson averaged nearly 23 points per game for the Lady Raiders during the 2018-19 hoops campaign.
Anderson, one of the state’s top offensive threats in girls’ high school basketball, averaged a team-high 22.9 points per game for the Lady Raiders in the 2018-19 hoops campaign.
In 30 games for the Lady Raiders, Anderson scored 618 points. She finished 57-of-181 (31.5 percent) from 3-point range. Anderson shot 76.6 percent (167-of-218) from the free throw line.
Sophomore forward/guard Elizabeth Anderson, another productive player for the Lady Raiders, averaged 14.2 points and a team-best 6.2 rebounds per game during the 2018-19 girls’ high school basketball season.
As a team, McCreary Central shot 37.5 percent from the field. The Lady Raiders shot 30 percent from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 65.3 percent from the free throw line.
Ally Anderson remains one of the state’s leading scorers as high school girls’ basketball teams compete in 16 different region tournaments.
The Lady Raiders notched regular-season wins over Garrard County, Jellico (Tenn.), Clinton County, Franklin-Simpson, Scott (Tenn.), Cumberland County, Lexington Christian, Middlesboro and West Jessamine.
Southwestern, the champion out of the 12th Region, finished runner-up to Ryle in the Girls’ Sweet 16. The Southwestern girls’ basketball team exited the 2018-19 season with a 27-6 record.
McCreary Central finished ahead of Boyle County, West Jessamine, Garrard County, Kentucky School for the Deaf and Burgin in the final 2018-19 12th Region girls’ basketball standings.
The Lady Raiders will return to the hardwood for a summer season later in late-spring.

Walker signs with Alice Lloyd College

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central High School senior Cassie Walker is headed to Alice Lloyd College. Walker signed to play for the Alice Lloyd College volleyball and softball programs during a ceremony on Thursday, March 14.
Her mother, Stephanie, as well as teammates, and coaches Amy Goins, Kayla Ridener, Sammy Strunk, Megan Gehring, and Jennifer Vanover were present at the ceremony. Walker plays three sports at McCreary Central High School – basketball, volleyball and softball. She also participates in dual credit classes and is working towards her nurse aide certification.
The Alice Lloyd College volleyball and softball teams compete in the River State Conference. The River States Conference also includes Asbury University (Ky.), Brescia University (Ky.), Carlow University (Pa.), Cincinnati Christian University (Ohio), Indiana University East, Indiana University Kokomo, Indiana University Southeast, Midway University (Ky.), Ohio Christian University, Point Park University (Pa.), University of Rio Grande and WVU Tech.

March 14, 2019

HIGH SCHOOL ARCHERY

Tucker captures region title

MONTICELLO – Jessica Tucker led the McCreary Central archery team over the weekend, placing first in the girls’ division of the Region 9 Archery Tournament at Wayne County High School.

Along with McCreary Central and Wayne County, Region 9 includes Boyle County, East Jessamine, Garrard County, Lincoln County, Mercer County, Pulaski County, Rockcastle County, Somerset, Southwestern, West Jessamine and Williamsburg.

The Lady Raiders finished fifth in the Region 9 team standings.

The McCreary Central boys’ archery team placed fourth in the Region 9 Tournament.

The McCreary Central archery program is under the direction of head coach Estle Swain.

The McCreary Central archery squads are slated to compete in the NASP State Tournament in Louisville during the upcoming weekend. Teams and individuals from 11 different regions will compete in the NASP State Tournament.

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McCreary Central student athletes reach milestones

STEARNS – Several McCreary Central student-athletes reached milestones during winter sports seasons.

The McCreary Central wrestling team finished its season strong. Multiple McCreary Central wrestlers excelled as both Ruben Martinez and Seth Steen placed second in their respective weight classes. Triston Conatser finished third while Logan Stephens and Julian Cruz each placed fourth.

Three McCreary Central student-athletes joined points clubs during their latest hoops season. Junior Ally Anderson scored her 2,000 career point for the McCreary Central girls’ basketball team during the 2018-19 girls’ high school basketball season. Also reaching a milestone, sophomore Liz Anderson scored her 1,000th career point. On the boys’ side, senior Nick Longmire scored his 1,000th career point for the Raiders. As a team, the Raiders finished runner-up in the 48th District and advanced to the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament.

In the Region 9 Archery Tournament, McCreary Central’s Jessica Tucker prevailed as the top female competitor. Tucker and her teammates are preparing to compete in the upcoming state tournament.

Numerous McCreary Central student-athletes have been making transitions to spring sports after starring in the winter extra-curricular activities. The McCreary Central baseball ad softball squads are slated to open their seasons in less than one week.

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MCHS Baseball Schedule

Mar 18, 19——————–Somerset—————————away————————–5:30PM

Mar 19, 19 ——————Cookeville, TN ——————–home ————————-6:00PM

Mar 21, 19 ——————Williamsburg ———————-home ————————–5:30 PM

Mar 22, 19 ——————Casey County ———————-away ————————–6:00 PM

Mar 23, 19 ——————Berea——————————-home ————————-12:00 PM

Mar 25, 19 ——————Corbin —————————–away————————– 5:30 PM

Mar 26, 19 ——————Clinton County——————— home ————————-6:00 PM

Mar 28, 19 ——————Whitley County ——————–away ————————–5:30 PM

Mar 29, 19 ——————South Laurel ———————–away ————————–6:00 PM

Mar 30, 19 —————–Clay County ————————home ————————-11:00 AM

Mar 30, 19 —————–Pulaski County——————– home ————————–4:00 PM

Apr 1, 19 ——————-Rockcastle County—————– home ————————-6:00 PM

Apr 2, 19 ——————Clinton County ———————away ————————–5:30 PM

Apr 4, 19 ——————-Rockcastle County ——————away ————————-6:00 PM

Apr 5, 19 ——————-Pineville —————————home —————————-5:30 PM

Apr 12, 19 ——————Mode———————————- laway———————— 5:30 PM

Apr 13, 19 ——————-Montgomery County ——————away ———————-5:30 PM

Apr 13, 19 ——————-Powell County —————————————————–3:00 PM

Apr 15, 19 ——————–Berea ——————————–home ———————-6:00 PM

Apr 18, 19 ——————-Oneida, TN —————————-away ———————-5:30 PM

Apr 19, 19 ——————Somerset ——————————-home ———————–5:30 PM

Apr 22, 19 ——————Southwestern ————————away ————————5:30 PM

Apr 23, 19 ——————-Southwestern ———————-home ————————5:30 PM

Apr 25, 19 ——————Lynn Camp ————————–away ————————–5:30 PM

Apr 26, 19 ——————–Casey County——————— home ————————-6:00 PM

Apr 29, 19 ——————-Wayne County ————————away ———————-6:00 PM

Apr 30, 19 ——————–Wayne County——————— home———————- 5:30 PM

May 2, 19 ———————-Lynn Camp ———————-home ————————–5:30 PM

May 3, 19 ——————–Williamsburg ———————-away —————————5:30 PM

May 4, 19 ———————Middlesboro———————– away————————– 1:30 PM

May 9, 19 ——————–Whitley County ——————-home —————————5:30 PM

May 10, 19 —————–Barbourville ————————home —————————-5:30 PM

May 11, 19 —————–Letcher County ———————Central ————————–1:30 PM

May 11, 19 ——————Clay County———————— away————————— 11:00 AM

May 13, 19 —————-Pineville —————————-away—————————— 6:00 PM

May 14, 19 —————-Pulaski County——————— away —————————-5:30 PM

May 16, 19 ——————-Corbin —————————home —————————-5:30 PM

May 17, 19 ——————-Middlesboro ———————–home————————- 6:30 PM

MCHS Softball Schedule

Mar 18, 19 ——————–Corbin ——————————-home ————————–6:00 PM

Mar 19, 19 ——————-Whitley County———————- away ————————–6:00 PM

Mar 21, 19 ——————-Russell County ———————away —————————6:00 PM

Mar 22, 19 ——————Scott (Huntsville), TN ————-away—————————- 6:00 PM

Mar 25, 19 ——————Clay County ————————-away —————————-6:00 PM

Mar 26, 19 —————–South Laurel————————- away —————————-6:00 PM

Mar 28, 19 —————–Williamsburg ————————home —————————-6:00 PM

Mar 29, 19 ——————Pulaski County ———————away —————————-6:00 PM

Apr 4, 19 ——————-Rockcastle County ——————away —————————–6:00 PM

Apr 6, 19 ——————Clay County at ———————–Rockcastle County————– 1:30 PM

Apr 6, 19 ——————Rowan County at ——————–Rockcastle County ————-10:00 AM

Apr 11, 19—————— Wayne County———————- away—————————— 6:30 PM

Apr 13, 19——————-TBA at —————————–Wayne County

Apr 15, 19 ——————-Pulaski County——————– home—————————– 6:00 PM

Apr 16, 19 ——————Williamsburg ———————-away ——————————6:00 PM

Apr 18, 19 ——————Southwestern———————- home ——————————6:00 PM

Apr 19, 19 ——————Wayne County——————— home—————————— 6:00 PM

Apr 20, 19 ——————-Southwestern ———————away—————————– 2:00 PM

Apr 22, 19——————–Clinton County——————-home

Apr 23, 19 ——————-Scott (Huntsville), TN———– home —————————–6:00 PM

Apr 25, 19 ——————-Clay County ————————home —————————–6:00 PM

Apr 26, 19——————– North Laurel——————— home—————————— 6:00 PM

May 2, 19 ——————-Casey County ———————home ——————————-6:00 PM

May 3, 19——————- Rockcastle County —————-home ——————————6:00 PM

May 6, 19 ——————–Whitley County—————— home—————————— 6:00 PM

May 9, 19 ——————–South Laurel ——————–home ——————————-6:00 PM

May 10, 19—————– Clinton County ——————–away ——————————-5:00 PM

May 13, 19 ——————-Lincoln County—————– home ——————————-6:00 PM

May 14, 19 ——————Corbin ————————–away ———————————-6:00 PM

May 16, 19 ——————Casey County ——————-away ———————————6:00 PM

May 17, 19 ——————–Lincoln County ——————-away—————————— 6:00 PM

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March 7, 2019

Nick Longmire leads Raiders in scoring, rebounding

By Steve LeMaster

stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – Senior guard Nick Longmire led McCreary Central throughout the 2018-19 boys’ high school basketball season, finishing the campaign as the Raiders’ leading scorer and rebounder.

Longmire paced McCreary Central in a pair of pivotal categories, averaging a team-high 17.4 points and 4.7 rebounds per game for the Raiders. In 33 games, Longmire scored 575 points and pulled down 155 rebounds.

Longmire led a duo of double figures scorers for the McCreary Central boys’ basketball team. Alex Heath averaged 10.2 points per game for the Raiders.

Calob Cox ranked as McCreary Central’s third-leading scorer and second-leading rebounder. Cox averaged 7.2 points and 3.8 rebounds for Wade Davis Jr.-coached McCreary Central.

Other key contributors for McCreary Central during the 2018-19 boys’ high school basketball season included Brandon Longmire (7.0 ppg), Blake Corder (6.9 ppg) and Evan Kidd (4.0 ppg).

As a team, McCreary Central shot 45.4 percent from the field during the 2018-19 season. The Raiders shot 36 percent from 3-point range during the same stretch.

As part of its latest campaign on the hardwood, McCreary Central shot 65.4 percent from the free throw line.

The Raiders notched wins over Jackson City, Sunbright (Tenn.), Dayton, Prestonsburg, Russell County, Rockcastle County, Lynn Camp, Cumberland Homeschool and Southwestern during the 2018-19 boys’ high school basketball season. Determined McCreary Central knocked off Southwestern in the opening round of the 2019 48th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament.

McCreary Central finished runner-up to longtime rival Wayne County in the 48th District. Following a 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament appearance which resulted in a loss to familiar counterpart Pulaski County, McCreary Central ended its latest season 9-24.

The Raiders will return to the court during the offseason, competing in a summer basketball campaign.

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Raiders headed into season opener at Somerset

STEARNS – A high school baseball season opener is looming for the McCreary Central Raiders. McCreary Central is slated to open the 2019 high school baseball season on the road at Somerset on March 18.

Under the direction of head coach Marc Taylor, McCreary Central is scheduled to host Cookeville (Tenn.) in a 2019 home opener on March 21.

The Raiders’ 2019 schedule includes games versus Somerset, Cookeville (Tenn.), Wiliamsburg, Casey County, Berea, Corbin, Clinton County, Whitley County, South Laurel, Pulaski County, Clay County, Rockcastle County, Pineville, Model, Montgomery County, Powell County, Oneida (Tenn.), Southwestern, Lynn Camp, Wayne County, Middlesboro, Barbourville and Letcher County Central.

McCreary Central exited its latest campaign one game below the .500 mark, finishing the 2018 season 12-13. The Raiders lost to longtime rival Wayne County in the opening round of the 2018 48th District Baseball Tournament.

McCreary Central finished 10th in the final 2018 12th Region baseball standings, placing behind Mercer County, Wayne County, Rockcastle County, Pulaski County, Somerset, West Jessamine, Southwestern, Boyle County and Danville. The Raiders finished ahead of Garrard County, Burgin, East Jessamine, Casey County and Lincoln County in the 2018 12th Region baseball standings.

Multiple members of the McCreary Central basketball team are now on the diamond, preparing to contribute for the Baseball Raiders.

The Raiders will compete in the 48th District Baseball Tournament in May.

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Stearns Golf Course hosting signups for spring league

By Steve LeMaster

stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – Stearns Golf Course is hosting signups for its spring golf league.

The fee for the Stearns Golf Course-hosted spring golf league is $25 per player. Each golfer must be registered by May 7.

Stearns Golf Course will also start a Thursday night scramble in April in addition to a couples scramble.

Along with the scrambles, Stearns Golf Course will host couples tournaments. To be eligible to compete in the couples tournaments, tandems must participate in the weekly couples scrambles.

Two night scrambles and monthly two-man events will be scheduled at Stearns Golf Course as well.

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Changes proposed for Hunter Education

FRANKFORT – Inviting greater participation in hunting while still stressing the importance of hunter safety is the motivation behind a multipronged proposal that Kentucky’s Fish and Wildlife Commission will consider at its next meeting.

The proposal includes multiple recommendations. Among them, range day would be optional for the state’s hunter education program.

“Range day is where hunter education students familiarize themselves with the operation of a firearm,” said Kentucky Hunter Education Branch Manager Brent McCarty. “This is in addition to the classroom or online training.”

Not everyone needs the range day, however.

“A number of people who take the course – such as veterans – already have proficiency with firearms,” McCarty said. “This proposal allows students to earn hunter education certification just by passing the education and safety portion of the course without having to take the range day component.”

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will continue to offer range day training to any hunter education student who wishes to take it. The department also will offer advanced skills range day courses to supplement the basic course.

If approved, Kentucky would join 21 other states no longer requiring live fire training in order to complete the hunter education certification course. The number of hunting incidents remained consistent or declined among those people who did not take live fire training, according to those states that responded to a Kentucky Fish and Wildlife survey on the topic.

Kentucky, which depends on volunteer instructors to do the bulk of hunter education training, can only offer a limited number of locations and dates for classroom work and range firing. This can form a barrier for people wishing to earn their hunter education certification.

While the state does offer paid online courses in lieu of classroom work, McCarty said the department is working to provide students with a free online course. This course could be available by summer.

“If we are able to remove the barrier of travel from certification, and if we are able to eliminate the barrier of cost from certification, then we should strive to have every hunter in the woods of Kentucky hunter education certified,” McCarty said.

The proposal also would require children of landowners to obtain hunter education certification. Landowners are license exempt, and currently not required to have hunter education training.

The proposal will be discussed at the March 8 meeting of the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission. The meeting will be held at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern) in the Arnold Mitchell Building on Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s campus at 1 Sportsman’s Lane in Frankfort. The entrance is off U.S. 60, approximately 1 1/2 miles west of U.S. 127.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission meetings are open for the public, with agendas available online at fw.ky.gov.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife has produced a video explaining the hunter education proposal, available on the department’s YouTube channel.

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In the February 28th, 2019 Issue

Grand Champion

Raiders finish runner-up to Wayne County in 48th District

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – After knocking off Southwestern 52-50, McCreary Central finished runner-up to Wayne County in the 48th District. Wayne County held on to edge the Raiders 53-51 in the 48th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament championship game on Thursday (Feb. 21).
With the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 9-23.
Wayne County improved to 23-8 with the win.
Both McCreary Central and Wayne County advanced to the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament at Lincoln County High School in Stanford.
Longtime district rivals, McCreary Central and Wayne County swapped leads throughout the district title matchup.
Determined Wayne County shot 44 percent (22-of-50) from the field. The Cardinals were 7-of-19 (36.8 percent) from 3-point range.
Wayne County shot 50 percent (2-of-4) from the free throw line.
Inside, Wayne County outrebounded McCreary Central 22-19.
Garren Dishman led Wayne County with 15 points. Wayne County featured three scorers in double figures as Aubrey Weaver added 11 points and Nathan Burks netted 10 points.
Kameron Gehring and Thomas Spencer rounded out the Wayne County individual scoring, netting nine points and eight points, respectively.
Burks paced the Cardinals inside, pulling down eight rebounds.
McCreary Central shot 59 percent (23-of-39) from the field. The Raiders were 4-of-8 from 3-point range.
McCreary Central finished only 1-of-5 from the free throw line.
Calob Cox led McCreary Central with 14 points and eight rebounds. Nick Longmire and Blake Corder accompanied Cox in double figures in scoring for the Raiders, adding 10 points apiece.
The other scorers for McCreary Central were Evan Kidd (six points), Nathaniel Griffis (four points), Alex Heath (four points) and Brandon Longmire (three points).
Along with Wayne County and McCreary Central, West Jessamine, Danville, Pulaski County, Somerset, Mercer County and host Lincoln County advanced to the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament.

McCreary Central falls to Pulaski County in region tournament

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STANFORD – McCreary Central’s latest postseason run ended in the opening round of the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament. Pulaski County pulled away to defeat the Raiders 60-38 in the 12th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament Quarterfinals at Lincoln County High School on Monday night.
With the loss, McCreary Central ended its season 9-24.
Pulaski County, a team out of the 47th District, improved to 20-11 and advanced to the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament Semifinals with the win.
Productive Pulaski County pulled away late, outscoring McCreary Central 22-6 in the fourth quarter.
Pulaski County edged McCreary Central 8-7 in the opening quarter.
The Maroons extended their lead in the second period to lead 24-18 at halftime.
KJ Combs paced Pulaski County with a game-high 20 points. Accompanying Combs in double figures in scoring for the Maroons, Grant Oaks tossed in 12 points and Zach Travis added 10 points.
Colton Fraley (six points), Garrett Heath (five points), Caleb Sloan (three points), Logan Bates (two points) and Jacob Combs accounted for the rest of the Maroons’ individual scoring in the victory.
Alex Heath paced McCreary Central with a team-best 14 points. Joining Heath in double figures for the Raiders, Nick Longmire posted 13 points.
Evan Kidd and Blake Corder rounded out the McCreary Central individual scoring, chipping in six points and five points, respectively.
In the opening game of the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament on Monday, Danville edged West Jessamine 57-54.
McCreary Central advanced to the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament after finishing runner-up to Wayne County in the 48th District.

Several members of the McCreary Central boys’ basketball team will now make the transition to spring sports.

Anderson joins the 1,000 Point Club

Anderson averages nearly 23 points per game for Lady Raiders

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central junior guard Ally Anderson averaged nearly 23 points per game for the Lady Raiders during the 2018-19 girls’ high school basketball season.
Anderson, one of the state’s top offensive threats in girls’ high school basketball, averaged a team-high 22.9 points per game for the Lady Raiders in the 2018-19 hoops campaign.
In 30 games for the Lady Raiders, Anderson scored 618 points. She finished 57-of-181 (31.5 percent) from 3-point range. Anderson shot 76.6 percent (167-of-218) from the free throw line.
Sophomore forward/guard Elizabeth Anderson, another productive player for the Lady Raiders, averaged 14.2 points and a team-best 6.2 rebounds per game during the 2018-19 girls’ high school basketball season.
As a team, McCreary Central shot 37.5 percent from the field. The Lady Raiders shot 30 percent from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 65.3 percent from the free throw line.
Ally Anderson remains one of the state’s leading scorers as high school girls’ basketball teams compete in 16 different region tournaments.
McCreary Central concluded the 2018-19 season 9-21. The Lady Raiders notched regular-season wins over Garrard County, Jellico (Tenn.), Clinton County, Franklin-Simpson, Scott (Tenn.), Cumberland County, Lexington Christian, Middlesboro and West Jessamine.

Youth Wrestling banquet

High School Scoreboard

48th District Boys’
Basketball Tournament
at McCreary Central High School

Monday, Feb. 18
Semifinals
McCreary Central 52, Southwestern 50

Thursday, Feb. 21
Championship Game
Wayne County 53,
McCreary Central 51

48th District Girls’
Basketball Tournament
at McCreary Central High School

Tuesday, Feb. 19
Semifinals
Wayne County 73, McCreary Centra 57

Friday, Feb. 22
Championship Game
Southwestern 58,
Wayne County 39

In the February 21st, 2019 Issue

Raiders outlast Southwestern,
advance to district title game

Photos by Jennifer King
With the win Monday night the Raiders automatically advance to the 12th Region Tournament next week.

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central is headed to the 48th District boys’ basketball title game and the 12th Region Tournament. Winning on its home floor, McCreary Central outlasted longtime rival Southwestern 52-50 in the semifinals of the 48th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament on Monday night.
With the win, McCreary Central improved to 9-22, advanced to the 48th District title game and qualified for the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament.
Southwestern concluded its season 13-17 with the loss.
Individual scoring from the McCreary Central-Southwestern boys’ basketball game was unavailable at press time.
McCreary Central, under the direction of first-year head coach Wade Davis Jr., returned to the win column following a loss to Barbourville in a regular-season finale on Friday night.
The Raiders are set to face Wayne County in the 48th District boys’ basketball title game at 7 p.m. on Thursday night.
Both McCreary Central and Wayne County have already qualified for the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament. Eight area teams will come together to compete in the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament next week.
Complete coverage of the 48th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament, including individual scoring from each game, will appear in next week’s edition.

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central halted a three-game losing skid in its regular-season finale, defeating visiting 12th Region rival West Jessamine 75-60 on Friday night.
With the win, McCreary Central improved to 9-20.
West Jessamine slipped to 6-21 with the loss.
McCreary Central shot 47.5 percent (28-of-59) from the field. The Lady Raiders were 6-of-15 (40 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 76.5 percent (13-of-17) from the free throw line.
Alyson Anderson led the McCreary Central scoring attack, registering a game-high 22 points.
Elizabeth Anderson recorded a double-double for the Lady Raiders, scoring 20 points and pulling down 11 rebounds.
McCreary Central featured three scorers in double figures as Kennedy Creekmoore contributed 18 points.
Jayci Bell (eight points), Cassandra Walker (three points), Celya Kiser (two points) and Julia King (two points) accounted for the rest of the Lady Raiders’ scoring in the victory.
West Jessamine shot 36.7 percent (22-of-60) from the field. The Colts were 4-of-14 (28.6 percent) from 3-point range.
West Jessamine shot 60 percent (12-of-20) from the free throw line.
Inside, West Jessamine managed to outrebound McCreary Central 32-24.
Natalie Yost paced West Jessamine with 20 points. Following Yost in the West Jessamine scoring column and recording a double-double, Alleyse Steinkuhl contributed 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Joining Yost and Steinkul in double figures for West Jessamine, Haylee Rutherford added 11 points.
Cidney Jones (six points), Delaysia Thomas (six points) and Aaliyah Edenstorm (three points) accounted for the rest of West Jessamine’s scoring in the setback.

Lady Raiders fall to Wayne County in district tournament

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – Tournament host McCreary Central’s 2018-19 season ended in the opening round of the girls’ high school basketball postseason. Wayne County pulled away to defeat McCreary Central 73-57 on the Lady Raiders’ home floor on Tuesday night.
With the loss, McCreary Central concluded its season 9-21.
Wayne County improved to 21-9, advanced to the 48th District title game and qualified for the 12th Region Tournament with the win.
Individual scoring for the McCreary Central-Wayne County girls’ basketball game was unavailable at press time.
McCreary Central fell on the postseason matchip after defeating 12th Region counterpart West Jessamine in a regular-season finale on Friday night.
Wayne County moved on to meet Southwestern in the 48th District girls’ basketball title game at 7 p.m. on Friday night.
Complete coverage of the 48th District Girls’ Basketball Tournament, including individual scoring from each game, will appear in next week’s edition.

McCreary Central limited in loss to Rockcastle County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

MOUNT VERNON – McCreary Central fell behind early and couldn’t recover from its slow start as host Rockcastle County pulled away to win 72-47 in a late-season girls’ high school game on Tuesday, Feb. 12.
Longtime girls’ high school basketball rivals, McCreary Central and Rockcastle County hail from neighboring regions.
The Lady Raiders were forced to play from behind throughout the matchup.
McCreary Central shot 37.1 percent (13-of-36) from the field. The Lady Raiders were 3-of-13 from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 66.7 percent (18-of-27) from the free throw line.
Junior guard Allyson Anderson led McCreary Central with 16 points. A pair of players accounted for over half of McCreary Central’s scoring as sophomore forward/guard Elizabeth Anderson added 10 points.
Elizabeth Anderson led McCreary Central inside, securing claiming eight rebounds.
The other scorers for McCreary Central were Jayci Bell (six points), Kennedy Creekmore (six points), Celya Kiser (five points), Macey Welchel (two points) and Emily Anderson (two points).
Earlier in the week, both McCreary Central and Rockcastle County were preparing to compete in the 2019 girls’ high school basketball postseason.

MCHS Ping Pong
Tournament Winner

Miller helps Cumberlands capture second straight MSC title

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

BOWLING GREEN – The University of the Cumberlands cheerleading team recorded an 80.8 team score to win their second straight Mid-South Conference Championship, while the Patriots garnered several top MSC awards Sunday afternoon at Bowling Green High School. It marks the first time in program history that the Patriots won consecutive conference titles.

Freshman Meghan Miller (Whitley City), a McCreary Central High School graduate, helped the Cumberlands squad capture the championship.
“I’m so proud of this team,” said Cumberlands Coach Corissa Dyer. “They came out here and competed like it was a normal competition and the morale this week was great.”
In addition to the team championship, Breanna Smith garnered MSC Cheerleader of the Year honors for the second straight year, while Dyer was named the MSC Coach of the Year. Mishaela Feltner and Carter Nelson won the coed stunt group competition.
“It’s unreal, we’ve spent a lot of time and effort into this routine and it was a complete team effort,” said Smith.
Cumberlands was the first team on the match and hit a nearly flawless routine, only losing 0.5 deductions to score an 80.8. UC has averaged an 80.3 over their four events this season, which moves them up one spot as they are now ranked eighth in the NAIA.
The duo of Feltner and Nelson scored a 47.3 to win the stunt group competition. Smith and Feltner were both named MSC First Team All-Conference recipients, while Nelson and Jeremiah McKibben earned Second Team All-Conference honors.
Pikeville finished second with a 73.8, while Georgetown scored 71.65 to place third.
The Patriots will return to the mat on Saturday, Feb. 23, when they travel to Baldwin City, KS for the NAIA Regionals.

Raiders level Cumberland Homeschool

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central dominated in a late-season boys’ high school basketball game on Tuesday, Feb. 12, leveling Cumberland Homeschool 75-33.
The victory allowed McCreary Central to halt a four-game losing skid.
Excelling offensively, McCreary Central shot 61.1 percent (33-of-54) from the field. The Raiders were 5-of-12 (41.7 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central finished 4-of-11 from the free throw line.
Senior guard Nick Longmire led McCreary Central with a game-high 16 points. Longmire connected on eight field goals in the Raiders’ victory.
McCreary Central featured three scorers in double figures. Caleb Cox contributed 12 points and Alex Heath added 11 points as part of the Raiders’ victory.
Brandon Longmire and Thaddeus Baird followed, posting seven points apiece for the Raiders.
The additional scorers for McCreary Central were Seth Ball (five points), Alex Whitehead (two points), Trey Davis (two points), Nathaniel Griffis (two points) and Trent Conatser (two points).
Leading McCreary Central inside, Conatser pulled down five rebounds.
McCreary Central returned to the win column following a 10-point loss to Casey County one night earlier.

Dixon, Huddleston headed into outdoor archery season

WILLIAMSBURG – Both Junior Caleb Dixon and freshman Isaiah Huddleston are headed into the 2019 outdoor archery season with the tradition-rich University of the Cumberlands program. Dixon and Huddleston are McCreary Central High School graduates.
The Patriots’ outdoor season is slated to begin on Thursday, April 18 at the South Regional Intercollegiate Championships. Cumberlands will host both the regional and the third leg of the Mid-South Conference Championships on April 20 at the UC All-Purpose Field.

McCreary Central drops
regular-season finale to Barbourville

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central fell short in its bid to exit the regular-season on a winning streak. Instead, Barbourville upended the Raiders 68-60 in a boys’ high school basketball regular-season finale on Friday night.
With the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 9-21.
McCreary Central shot 45.8 percent (22-of-48) from the field. The Raiders were 9-of-17 (52.9 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 70 percent (7-of-10) from the free throw line.
Brandon Longmire led McCreary Central with a game-high 21 points.
McCreary Central featured a trio of scorers in double figures. Nick Longmire netted 12 points while Caleb Cox contributed 11 points for the Raiders.
Narrowly missing double figures in scoring for McCreary Central, Alex Heath finished with nine points as part of the Raiders’ short effort.
Evan Kidd (six points) and Nathaniel Griffis (one point) were McCreary Central’s additional scorers.
The Raiders slipped back into the loss column after dismantling Cumberland Homeschool 75-33 on Tuesday, Feb. 12.
Longtime rivals, McCreary Central and Barbourville met for the second time in the 2018-19 boys’ high school basketball season. Barbourville beat McCreary Central 66-50 in an early-season matchup on December 18.

In the February 14th, 2019 Issue

MCMS cheerleading team named Grand Champion

Photo courtesy of MCMS Cheerleading
The McCreary County Middle School cheerleading team took the title of Grand Champion in its division at the Cheersport Cheerleading Championships on Saturday. The MCMS cheer squad finished with a score of 87.773 out of a possible 89.50 while ending its appearance in the competition with no deductions. Coach Brandon Singleton guides the MCMS cheerleading team.

McCreary Central finishes sixth in region; six Raiders headed to state

Photo courtesy of Shelly Cordell
The McCreary Central wrestling team finished sixth in the Region 7 Tournament over the weekend. Six McCreary Central wrestlers qualified for the state tournament. .

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

LEXINGTON – The McCreary Central wrestling team competed in the Region 7 Tournament February 8-9. McCreary Central finished sixth overall in the final team standings of the Region 7 Tournament and six Raiders qualified for the KHSAA State Wrestling Tournament.
Ruben Martinez and Seth Steen each finished second for the McCreary Central wrestling team. Triston Conatser finished third; Logan Stephens and Julian Cruz both placed fourth and Lee Felix ended the tournament fifth in his weight class for the Raiders.
The six McCreary Central wrestlers, under the direction of head coach Gary Parriman, will compete in state tournament Friday, Feb. 15-Saturday, Feb. 16.

Raiders drop home game to East
Jessamine

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – Host McCreary Central connected on over half of its shots from the field but couldn’t match the opposing team on the scoreboard as East Jessamine pulled away to win 71-56 in a boys’ high school basketball game on Friday night.
East Jessamine shot 57.8 percent (26-of-45) from the field. The Jaguars were 8-of-18 (44.4 percent) from 3-point range.
East Jessamine shot 84.6 percent (11-of-13) from the free throw line.
Controlling the backboards, East Jessamine outrebounded McCreary Central 28-17.
Tyler Pitney led East Jessamine with a double-double, scoring 21 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. Pitney led all players in both scoring and rebounding.
East Jessamine featured four scorers in double figures as Zion Thomas tossed in 16 points, Ben McNew netted 15 points and Kenzel Wadkins contributed 12 points.
Jalen Bietz rounded out the East Jessamine individual scoring, chipping in seven points.
McCreary Central managed to shoot 51.2 percent (22-of-43) from the field. The Raiders were 7-of-19 (36.8 percent) from 3-point range.
Connecting on less than half of its foul shots, McCreary Central shot only 38.5 percent (5-of-13) from the free throw line.
Nick Longmire led McCreary Central with 18 points. Alex Heath accompanied Longmire in double figures for the Raiders, adding 15 points.
Narrowly missing double figures for McCreary Central, Brandon Longmire netted nine points.
Finishing one field goal short of reaching double figures for the Raiders, Evan Kidd added eight points.
The other scorers for McCreary Central were Calob Cox (five points) and Trey Davis (one point).
Kidd paced McCreary Central inside, corralling six rebounds.

Lady Raiders roll past Lexington Christian, 66-45

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central dominated at home on Monday. Feb. 4, defeating visiting Lexington Christian 66-45 in a girls’ high school basketball game.
The Lady Raiders returned to the win column after falling to Wayne County in a 12th District matchup on January 31.
Excelling offensively, McCreary Central shot 56.5 percent (26-of-46) from the field. The Lady Raiders were 5-of-13 (38.5 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 50 percent (9-of-18) from the free throw line.
Elizabeth Anderson led a trio of McCreary Central scorers in double figures. Anderson paced the Lady Raiders with a game-high 23 points, connecting on 10 field goals.
Allyson Anderson added 16 points and Kennedy Creekmore contributed 11 points as McCreary Central won.
Emily Anderson (six points), Makenzie Cox (six points), Jayci Bell (two points) and Macey Welchel (two points) combined for the rest of the Lady Raiders’ scoring.
Lexington Christian shot 32.1 percent (18-of-56) from the field. The Lady Eagles were 3-of-9 (33.3 percent) from 3-point range.
Lexington Christian shot 60 percent (6-of-10) from the free throw line.
Gracie Royalty led Lexington Christian with a double-double, scoring 20 points and pulling down a game-high 12 rebounds. Royalty was the only Lexington Christian player to reach double figures in the scoring column.
Narrowly missing double figures and finishing near a double-double for the Lady Eagles, Jaylin McClanahan added nine points and eight rebounds.
The other scorers for Lexington Christian were Mackenzie Buckler (six points), Sophia Gabbert (four points), Brooke Allison (four points) and Malinda Lemons (two points).

Raiders fall to Clinton County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

ALBANY – McCreary Central fell short on the road as host Clinton County held on to win 55-48 in a boys’ high school basketball game on Monday, Feb. 4.
Clinton County shot 55 percent (22-of-40) from the field. The Bulldogs were 2-of-9 from 3-point range.
Clinton County shot 56.2 percent (9-of-16) from the free throw line.
Jackson Harlan poured in a game-high 29 points and puled down nine rebounds to lead Clinton County to the victory. Harlan was the only Clinton County player to reach double figures in the scoring column.
Caleb Guffey and Evan Dearborn contributed seven points apiece for the Bulldogs. Following Guffey and Dearborn in scoring for Clinton County, Seth Stockton and Chase Stines chipped in six points apiece
McCreary Central shot 48.6 percent (18-of-37) from the field. The Raiders were 7-o-16 (43.8 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 45.5 percent (5-of-11) from the free throw line.
Nick Longmire led McCreary Central with 19 points. Longmire, who drained a trio of 3-point field goals, was the only McCreary Central player to reach double figures in the scoring column.
Narrowly missing double figures for the Raiders, Evan Kidd and Alex Heath netted nine points apiece.
Calob Cox (six points), Trey Davis (three points), Nathaniel Griffis (one point) and Blake Corder (one point) provided the rest of the Raiders’ scoring in the short effort.

Lady Raiders level
Middlesboro, 66-45

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STEARNS – McCreary Central remained in the win column on Thursday (Feb. 7), leveling visiting Middlesboro 66-45 in a girls’ high school basketball game.
The Lady Raiders used multiple runs to pull away from Middlesboro, an opponent from the neighboring 13th Region.
McCreary Central shot 37.1 percent (23-of-62) from the field. The Lady Raiders were 5-of-22 from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 55.6 percent (15-of-27) from the free throw line.
Elizabeth Anderson led McCreary Central to the victory over Middlesboro. Recording a double-double, Anderson scored 21 points and pulled down 13 rebounds, both of which were game-highs.
A pair of McCreary Central players reached double figures in the scoring column. Allyson Anderson added 17 points for the Lady Raiders in the winning effort.
Emily Anderson and Macey Welchel chipped in seven points apiece for the Lady Raiders.
The other scorers for McCreary Central were Kennedy Creekmore (six points), Celya Kiser (four points), Cassandra Walker (two points) and Makenzie Cox (two points).
Middlesboro shot 34.8 percent (16-of-46) from the field. The Lady Jackets were 2-of-11 from 3-point range.
Middlesboro shot 45.8 percent (11-of-24) from the free throw line.
Kailey Owens led Middlesboro with a near-double-double, scoring 20 points and pulling down nine rebounds. Owens was the only Middlesboro player to reach double figures in the scoring column.
Brittany Davis and Baylee Woody chipped in six points apiece for the Lady Jackets in the setback.
Accounting for the rest of Middlesboro’s scoring were Aubrey Sowders (four points), Gracie Gent (three points), Grace Moles (two points), Macey Mink (two points) and Emrey Glover (two points).

Raiders come up short at Casey County

Photo courtesy of Casey County High School
McCreary Central’s Brandon Longmire defended during the Raiders’ game at Casey County on Monday night.

Photo courtesy of Casey County High School
McCreary Central dropped a game on the road at Casey County on Monday night.

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

LIBERTY – McCreary Central came up short on the road earlier in the week as host Casey County pulled away to win 81-71 in a late-season boys’ high school basketball game on Monday night.
With the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 7-21.
Casey County evened its record to 14-14 with the win.
Homestanding Casey County shot 50 percent (26-of-52) from the field. The Rebels were 8-of-13 (61.5 percent) from 3-point range, faring even better beyond the arc.
Casey County shot 75 percent (21-of-28) from the free throw line.
Maxino Reyes poured in a game-high 28 points to lead the Rebels. Joining Reyes in double figures in scoring for Casey County, Micah Pendleton netted 17 points and Spencer Baird added 14 points.
Chance McQueary finished with nine points while Blake Caudill tossed in five points for the Rebels.
Edging out the Casey County individual scoring, Michael Christian and Benjamin McDonald delivered four points apiece.
McCreary Central lost despite shooting 51.1 percent (24-of-47) from the field. The Raiders were 11-of-27 (40.7 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 80 percent (12-of-15) from the free throw line.
Three McCreary Central players reached double figures in the scoring column. Alex Heath led the Raiders with a team-high 18 points.
Finishing one field goal off his teammate’s scoring total, Nick Longmire contributed 18 points for the Raiders.
Accompanying Heath and Longmire in double figures for McCreary Central, Calob Cox posted 12 points.
Narrowly missing double figures for McCreary Central, Brandon Longmire tossed in nine points.
Rounding out the McCreary Central individual scoring, Evan Kidd and Trey Davis added eight points and four points, respectively.

Raiders to face
Southwestern in 48th District Boys’
Basketball
Tournament

STEARNS – McCreary Central is set to host the 48th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament. The Raiders are slated to face Southwestern in the semifinals of the 48th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 18.
Southwestern notched a pair of single digit wins over McCreary Central during the regular-season.
The winner of the McCreary Central-Southwestern matchup will advance to face Wayne County in the 48th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament title game at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 21.
Both the champion and runner-up from the 48th District will advance to the 12th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament.
The schedule for the 48th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament follows.

48th District Boys’
Basketball
Tournament
at McCreary Central High School

Monday, Feb. 18
Semifinals
Southwestern vs.
McCreary Central,
7 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 21
Championship Game
Southwestern/McCreary Central Winner
vs. Wayne County,
7 p.m.

In the February 7th, 2019 Issue

Botts wins state wrestling title

Photo courtesy of MCMS Wrestling
LOUISVILLE – McCreary County Middle School wrestler Blake Botts captured a state title over the weekend. Botts prevailed in his weight class during the Kentucky State Middle School Wrestling Championships at Broadbent Arena on Saturday. Three wrestlers from the McCreary County Middle School wrestling program placed in the state tournament. In addition to excelling on the middle school level, Botts competes for the McCreary County High School wrestling program.

County youth wrestling team wins State Warmup

Photo courtesy of McCreary County Schools
The McCreary County youth wrestling team won the State Warmup in Boyle County on Sunday, Jan. 27.

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

DANVILLE – The McCreary County youth wrestling team, made up of grapplers from Whitley City Elementary School, Pine Knot Elementary School and McCreary County Middle School, won the State Warmup at Boyle County on Sunday, Jan. 27.
The first-place finishers for McCreary County were Kabryn Perry, Carson Phillips, Tatum Watson, Grayson Perry, Kaden Phillips, Logan Crowley, Keegan Musgrove and Elijah Baird.
The second-place finishers for McCreary County were Knox Wilson, Darius Ridener, David Smiddy
The third-place finishers for McCreary County were Kylan Phillips, Tuff Watters, Moses Navarro, Kayden Thompson and Rylan Kidd
The fourth-place finishers for McCreary County were Gage Privett, Calvin Ball and Wyatt Watson.

Photo courtesy of McCreary County Elementary Wrestling
Keegan Musgrove finished first in the Kentucky Youth State Wrestling Championships in Louisville over the weekend.

MCHS archery team wins Martin’s Peterbilt Bullseye Tournament

Photo courtesy of MCHS Archery
The McCreary Central High School archery team won the Martin’s Peterbilt Bullseye Tournament in London on Saturday.

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

LONDON – The McCreary Central High School archery team won the Martin’s Peterbilt Bullseye Tournament on Saturday.
Ally Strunk led the way for the McCreary Central archery team, finishing first in the High School Female division. Strunk ranks as one of the area’s top high school archers.
In other individual results in the High School Female division, Allie Strunk, placed first, Chelsey Coffey finished fourth while Wendy Swain placed fifth.
As a team, McCreary Central won ahead of North Laurel, South Laurel, Corbin, Rockcastle County and Clay County. The Raiders prevailed with a team score of 3,300.

MCMS archery team places second in tournament

Photo courtesy of McCreary County Middle School

The McCreary County Middle School archery team placed second in the Martin’s Peterbilt Bullseye Tournament in London.

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

LONDON – The McCreary County Middle School archery team placed second in the Martin’s Peterbilt Bullseye Tournament over the weekend.
The Raiders placed second with a team score of 3,170.
McCreary Central excelled both as a team and individually.
Individually for the McCreary County Middle School archery team, Connor Stephens placed fourth overall with a score of 280.

Raiders level Lynn Camp, 80-46

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

CORBIN – McCreary Central halted a four-game losing skid on the road on Thursday (Jan. 31), leveling host Lynn Camp 80-46 in a boys’ high school basketball game.
In a dominant performance, McCreary Central forced Lynn Camp to play from behind throughout the contest. The Raiders moved ahead early and never faltered, pulling away to win convincingly.
Nick Longmire led McCreary Central with a near-double-double, pouring in a game-high 30 points and pulling down nine rebounds.
McCreary Central shot 52.6 percent (30-of-57) from the field. The Raiders were 9-of-17 (52.9 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 73.3 percent (11-of-15) from the free throw line.
Excelling inside, McCreary Central claimed 35 total rebounds.
Three McCreary Central players reached double figures in the scoring column. Alex Heath netted 16 points and Blake Corder contributed 10 points for the Raiders in the winning effort.
Evan Kidd (six points), Brandon Longmire (five points), Calob Cox (five points), Nathaniel Griffis (two points), Trent Conatser (two points) and Cody Conatser (two points) and Seth Ball (two points) accounted for the rest of McCreary Central’s scoring.
Rivals from neighboring regions, McCreary Central and Lynn Camp met for the first time in the 2018-19 boys’ high school basketball season.

Lady Raiders drop district game to Wayne County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

MONTICELLO – McCreary Central was unable to notch its second straight win on the road in a 48th District girls’ basketball game. Instead, host Wayne County pulled away to defeat the Lady Raiders 57-41 in a 48th District girls’ basketball game on Thursday night (Jan. 31).
With the loss, McCreary Central dropped to 0-4 in the 48th District.
Wayne County improved to 2-2 in the district with the win.
Homestanding Wayne County forced the Lady Raiders to play from behind – especially late.
Wayne County shot 42.9 percent (24-of-56) from the field. The Lady Cardinals were 2-of-14 from 3-point range.
Wayne County shot 87.5 percent (7-of-8) from the free throw line.
Dominating inside, Wayne County outrebounded McCreary Central 41-17.
Macey Blevins and Mallory Campbell led Wayne County with 18 points apiece. Blevins recorded a double-double, pulling down 13 rebounds.
Jade Turner (six points), Amber Jones (six points), Mariah Bowlin (five points) and Kenzie Upchurch (four points) combined to round out Wayne County’s individual scoring.
McCreary Central shot 31 percent (13-of-42) from the field. The Lady Raiders were 1-of-10 from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 70 percent (14-of-20) from the free throw line.
Allyson Anderson led McCreary Central with a team-high 15 points. Elizabeth Anderson was the only other McCreary Central player to reach double figures in the scoring column, netting 12 points.
Kennedy Creekmore (five points), Makenzie Cox (four points), Julia King (two points), Celya Kiser (two points) and Emily Anderson (one point) accounted for the rest of the Lady Raiders’ scoring.
McCreary Central entered the week with regular-season games remaining versus Lexington Christian, Middlesboro, Pulaski County, Casey County, Rockcastle County and West Jessamine.

In the January 31st, 2019 Issue

Lady Raiders knock off
Cumberland County, 65-47

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

BURKESVILLE – The McCreary Central Lady Raiders halted a three-game losing skid on the road over the weekend. McCreary Central pulled away to defeat host Cumberland County 65-47 in a girls’ high school basketball game on Saturday.
With the win, McCreary Central improved to 6-16.
Cumberland County slipped to 3-16 with the loss.
The Lady Raiders forced Cumberland County to play from behind in multiple quarters. McCreary Central gradually pulled away to win convincingly.
The Lady Raiders dealt 4th Region member Cumberland County its ninth straight loss.
McCreary Central shot 54.8 percent (23-of-42) from the field. The Lady Raiders were 7-of-14 from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 54.5 percent (12-of-22) from the free throw line.
Kennedy Creekmore scored a game-high 22 points to lead McCreary Central to the victory. Creekmore connected on a trio of 3-point field goals in the Lady Raiders’ winning effort.
Three McCreary Central players reached double figures in the scoring column. Elizabeth Anderson netted 12 points and Emily Anderson added 10 points for the Lady Raiders.
Hannah Neal (five points), Julia King (five points), Celya Kiser (five points), Jayci Bell (five points) and Makenzie Cox (one point) accounted for the rest of McCreary Central’s individual scoring.
Cox and Elizabeth Anderson ranked as McCreary Central’s top two rebounders in the victory, hauling in seven rebounds and six rebounds, respectively.
McCreary Central entered the week with regular-season games remaining versus Wayne County, Lexington Christian, Middlesboro, Pulaski County, Casey County, Rockcastle County and West Jessamine.

McCreary Central drops district game to Southwestern

McCreary Central fell behind early and was unable to recover from its slow start as visiting Southwestern pulled away to win 61-30 in a 48th District girls’ basketball game on Friday night.
With the loss, McCreary Central slipped to 5-16 overall and 0-2 in the 48th District.
Southwestern improved to 17-3 overall and 4-0 in the district with the win.
The 48th District girls’ basketball frontrunner, Southwestern shot 39.3 percent (24-of-61) from the field. The Lady Warriors were 7-of-26 (26.9 percent) from 3-point range.
Southwestern shot 60 percent (6-of-10) from the free throw line.
Kennedy Harris led a balanced Southwestern offensive effort, scoring 11 points. Kallie Sheron was the only other Southwestern player to reach double figures in the scoring column, finishing with 10 points and a game-high 16 rebounds.
Marissa Loveless tossed in eight points while McKayla Noritis and Alexa Smiddy added five points apiece for the Lady Warriors.
Leading Southwestern in another key offensive category, Noritis dished out a game-high five assists.
Allyson Anderson, Elizabeth Anderson, Kennedy Creekmore and Emily Anderson combined to lead the Lady Raiders in the district setback.

Both McCreary Central and Southwestern will compete in the 48th District Girls’ Basketball Tournament in February.

Photo submitted
MCHS archers earned 3rd place against some of the top ranking schools in the state during the Regional Warm-Up tournament in Pulaski County. Bryson Bryant and Ivan Vanover (left) represented the Raiders and received the 3rd place trophy for the team.

Photo courtesy of McCreary County Schools
Lee Felix was named the McCreary Central Wrestler of the Week on Monday. A freshman, Felix is a first-year wrestler for the Raiders.

Raiders fall to Lincoln County

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

STANFORD – McCreary Central was unable to knock off an 12th Region rival on the road as host Lincoln County pulled away to win 67-45 in a non-district boys’ åhigh school basketball game on Tuesday, Jan. 22.
Lincoln County dealt McCreary Central its third straight loss.
Homestanding Lincoln County shot 47.1 percent (24-of-51) from the field. The Patriots were 6-of-17 (35.3 percent) from 3-point range.
Lincoln County shot 76.5 percent (13-of-17) from the free throw line.
Controlling the backboards, Lincoln County outrebounded McCreary Central 34-19.
Jaxon Smith and Blake Smith led Lincoln County with 17 points apiece. Lincoln County featured three scorers in double figures as Baylor Mattingly added 11 points.
Elijah Frye chipped in eight points and Darius Napier netted six points for the Patriots in the hard-fought win.
Riley Bodner and Bryson Yaden rounded out the Lincoln County individual scoring, contributing four points apiece for the Patriots.
Bodner led Lincoln County around the goal, securing 10 rebounds.
McCreary Central shot 34.8 percent (16-of-46) from the field. The Raiders were 5-of-14 (35.7 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 80 percent (8-of-10) from the free throw line.
Calob Cox paced McCreary Central with a team-high 12 points and six rebounds. Accompanying Cox in double figures for the Raiders, Blake Corder scored 10 points.
Following Corder in the McCreary Central scoring column, Alex Heath tossed in seven points while Nick Longmire finished with six points and Brandon Longmire tallied five points.
Nathaniel Griffis and Evan Kidd rounded out the McCreary Central individual scoring, registering three points and two points, respectively.
Griffis added three rebounds for the Raiders in the setback.

Raiders suffer three point loss to Cumberland County

Photo courtesy of McCreary County Schools
Blake Corder is a junior point guard for the McCreary Central boys’ basketball team. Corder and his McCreary Central teammates are set to host Wayne County in a 48th District boys’ basketball game on Friday, Feb. 1.  

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

BURKESVILLE – McCreary Central nearly returned to the win column on the road over the weekend. However, Cumberland County prevented visiting McCreary Central from claiming a victory, edging the Raiders 67-64 in a non-district boys’ high school basketball game on Saturday.
With the loss, McCreary Central slipped to 5-16.
Cumberland County, a team out of the 4th Region, improved to 5-16 with the win.
Homestanding Cumberland County shot 46.7 percent (21-of-45) from the field. The Panthers were 6-of-19 (31.6 percent) from 3-point range.
Cumberland County shot 61.3 percent (19-of-31) from the free throw line.
Dawson Smith led Cumberland County with a team-best 20 points. Smith was 8-of-10 from the free throw line.
Trent Gilbert accompanied Smith in double figures for Cumberland County, scoring 11 points.
Narrowly missing double figures in scoring for the Panthers, Joseph Johnson netted nine points.
Sam Rice added eight points while Coy Pruitt and Landan Basham finished with six points apiece.
The other scorers for Cumberland County in the winning effort were Grant Thrasher (three points), Isaiah Dyer (two points) and Cameron Owsley (two points).
McCreary Central shot 46.8 percent (22-of-47) from the field. The Raiders were 4-of-18 (22.2 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 61.5 percent (16-of-26) from the free throw line.
Nick Longmire scored a game-high 22 points to lead visiting McCreary Central in the near-win. Joining Longmire in double figures in scoring for McCreary Central, Alex Heath added 11 points.
Brandon Longmire exited the contest one field goal short of double figures for the Raiders, registering eight points.
Trey Davis (five points), Cody Conatser (five points), Nathaniel Griffis (four points), Blake Corder (four points), Calob Cox (three points) and Evan Kidd (two points) accounted for the rest of the Raiders’ scoring.
Heath paced McCreary Central inside, grabbing five rebounds.
McCreary Central entered the week with regular-season games remaining versus Lynn Camp, Wayne County, Clinton County, East Jessamine, Casey County, Cumberland Homeschool and Barbourville.

Photos courtesy of University of the Cumberlands
McCreary County natives Caleb Dixon and Isaiah Huddleston helped the University of the Cumberlands archery team win the Mid-South Conference Indoor Championship in January.

In the January 24th, 2019 Issue

Raiders win Archery Tournament

Photo courtesy of MCHS Archery
Pictured above are members of the MCHS Raiders Archery team with their first place winning trophy from Saturday’s tournament. Starting with the back row (L-R): Dalton Daugherty, Devin Vanover, Hayden Tilley, Bryson Bryant. Front row (L-R): Elisha Shepherd, Dylan Kidd, Coach Estle Swain, Wendy Swain, Nate Howard. (Not pictured participating team members were Grant Stephens, Allie Strunk, Ivan Vanover, Jessica Tucker, Addison Stephens, Dawson Gibson, Elly Ball, Heaven Campbell, Chelsey Coffey, Conner Vanover, Kelli-Ann Baird, Ryan McCollom, Emily Watters, Rayley Stephens, Melanie Spradlin, Alison Heath)

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

SOMERSET – The McCreary Central High School archery team claimed another title over the weekend, winning the Somerset Christian Archery Tournament.
The Raiders finished out in front of five teams in the Somerset Christian-hosted event.
The individual high scorers for the McCreary Central archery team in the Somerset Christian Archery Tournament were as follows: 1st – Dylan Kidd, 2nd – Wendy Swain, 2nd – Nate Howard, 3rd – Elisha Shepherd, 4th – Ally Strunk, 4th – Grant Stephens.
The McCreary Central archery team has excelled throughout its 2018-19 season.

MCMS wrestling team
finishes third in region

Photo courtesy of MCMS
The McCreary County Middle School wrestling team finished third in the 2nd Region Tournament over the weekend. During the regional event, several MCMS wrestlers qualified for the middle school wrestling state tournament.

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

CAMPBELLSVILLE – The McCreary County Middle School wrestling team finished third in the 2nd R