Tyler Smithhart has a simple game plan for his Henderson County Colonels as they try and win the school’s first region title in 21 years. He wants his team to be more physical and aggressive in the paint this year.
The Colonels lost All-Region guard Corey Stewart and his 17 points per game but return several playmakers from a team that went 16-12 and lost to Madisonville in the region semifinals.
“We were last in the region in rebounding and did not get to the free throw line as much as our opponents. These two areas have been a point of emphasis for our team over the summer and in our preseason work,” Smithhart said.
6-2 Junior Mykel Sanners led the Colonels in rebounding and will be the inside guy for the Colonels in 2019-20.
6-4 junior Koby Reed, and 6-2 junior StePhan McGuire will see increased time for the Colonels this year.
“They each played in over 20 games for us last season and will be counted on more heavily this season,” Smithhart said.
The backcourt seems set with the return of senior Daymian Dixon and junior Edmund Brooks. Dixon averaged 10 points and three rebounds last year, while Brooks scored just under eight points a game and led the team in steals and assists while shooting 66-percent from the field.
Junior Holden Raley averaged 8.1 points while hitting 53 three-pointers, and senior Luke Fulkerson scored four points and give the Colonels the leadership Smithhart is looking for.
Juniors Noah Curry, Brayden Lyons, and Xavier Bugg also give the Colonels some depth at guard.
“Our guys play hard and they play together. We will bring energy and rotate a number of different players into the game this season,” Smithhart said.
Henderson County opens their season Tuesday at Christian County.