By Allen Hamrick
Basketball is up and running at CCHS and CCMS, and wrestling is just hitting the mats. From what I’ve seen at practice and early scrimmages, it may just be banner years for the teams. The CCHS Panthers lost some key players from last season and their shoes will be tough to fill. However, with some fresh faces coming in from the middle school team, they will be fast and hopefully great shooters. With the freshman team from last year moving up into varsity ranks, the team will be stacked with talent. If they can pull together as a team, they will be tough to beat. The Panther basketball season last year was a whirlwind and this year may be a repeat. The Lady Panthers will return to the courts with some new speed and strength under the glass. With the addition of some new players, these ladies look ready to win with an aggressive attitude and high standards of play.
The CCMS teams look like they have plenty of players to choose from and will also be a force on the hardwood. They will be tough to beat and hopefully return to the championship circle again this year. The Lady Mustangs will return with a strong team to take their shot at the CWVAC Championship trophy. New head coach Phil Dobbins will be at the helm as he takes the Lady Mustangs to the next level. They will have some good talent returning from last year’s team as well as some new that will give some good depth off the bench. The girls have some big spots to be filled after some of last year’s team moved up to the Lady Panthers, but they have the talent to do so. The CCMS Mustangs, under new head coach Dean Rogers, look as though they will have the team to beat. They have the speed and height, and it could possibly be the year for a double championship from the CCMS basketball teams. They’re due; it’s time. It is still too early to tell how this season will play out, at least until the first games are under their belts. Only time will tell. Basketball fans from all over the county will be there to root on CCHS and CCMS in their bids for championship glory.
The CCHS wrestling team is also gearing up for what may be their glory year; they will be stacked with good wrestlers that could win it all. The team has been down in the ranks for a couple of years but look to possibly have a full team this year. With a full team on the mats, they may take their place at the top of the food chain in the tournaments, but again, only time will tell. So Clay County sports fans, get set, it looks to be gearing up for a great season.
Schedules are as follows: CCHS Panther basketball begins on December 13 at home against Braxton. Lady Panther basketball will begin on November 29 away at Charleston Catholic High School. At CCMS, the Mustangs will begin their season on November 29 at Ravenswood then at home against Webster on the November 30. The Lady Mustangs will start their season on November 30 away at Webster and then on to South Harrison Middle. I’m not sure about the CCMS and the CCHS wrestling teams as the schedules have not been posted as of the writing. Good luck to all the teams this season. Please remember, these schedules could change at any time depending on weather, so make your plans to come out and support the teams.