Coming off of the season openers against Taylor County, the Russell County Lakers and Lady Lakers are preparing for their first district games of the season when they travel to Clinton County on Friday night.
The Lady Lakers will look to bounce back from a season-opening loss to the Lady Cardinals of Taylor County, in which Brett Blankenship’s squad struggled on the offensive end.
But Friday night isn’t expected to be a walk in the park for the Lady Lakers. Clinton County comes in fresh off of a district win to start their season, easily defeating rival Cumberland County 53-32.
Blankenship said Tuesday night that he hopes to have junior Sophie Shearer back for Friday night’s game, which should help the Lady Lakers offensively. Shearer averaged a little more than five points per game last season, but has been expected to take a jump in production as a junior.
The Lady Lakers swept Clinton County 3-0 last year, and will be looking to sustain that success versus the Lady Bulldogs.
The boys face a challenge against the Clinton County Bulldogs Friday night. The Bulldogs have been viewed as the favorite to repeat as 16th District champions and began their season with a 60-53 victory over district foe Cumberland County on Friday.
The Bulldogs had some struggles offensively in that game, but won in large part due to their ability to get to the free throw line and convert. The Bulldogs shot 20-30 from the free throw line.
The Lakers will have to avoid getting into foul trouble early, and clean up turnover issues from their opener against Taylor County if they want to come out with an early season district win.
Remember, you can catch all of the action live on-air at your home for Laker sports, Laker Country 104.9 WJRS.
