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Unicoi County High School Basketball Preview • A Special Supplement to The Erwin Record • Nov. 27, 2019
Page 2-C • A Special Supplement to The Erwin Record • Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019

BLUE DEVIL VARSITY


BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Erwin Record Staff Photo by Keeli Parkey


The 2019-20 Unicoi County High School Blue Devil varsity basketball team includes, pictured from left, back row, head coach John Good, assistant coach C.J. Good,
assistant coach Logan Lyle, Boone Reed, Lucas Slagle, Nicholas Lynch, Nicholas Hensley, Caleb Adkins, assistant coach Mike Boyd, assistant coach Michael Smith and
statistician Andy Bennett; front row, manager Ty Johnson, Caleb Swinehart, Mason Barcel, Phoenix Holt, Bryson Peterson, Grant Hensley, Brett Lingerfelt, Zachary Hopson,
Jordan Bridges, Brock Thompson and Robbie O’Dell.

Good expects Blue Devils to compete


By Ezra Wilson and endurance in each player. players. Last year the Blue Devils made with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Pe-
Sportswriter Another essential quality for “I’m really excited to coach this it to regional quarterfinals. Their terson scored 9.
news@erwinrecord.net sporting success is teamwork, a bunch,” he said. conference schedule for this season Later Thursday evening, they
topic on which Good has strong As young athletes mature, they includes games against Elizabeth- defeated University High, 78-74, in
Take a peek inside the Unicoi opinions. When asked what style of gain the edge of experience while ton, Happy Valley, Johnson County, Erwin. Thompson scored 32 and
County High School boys’ basket- play fans can expect at the upcom- still enjoying the raw energy of Sullivan Central, Sullivan East, and had 5 rebounds in the win. O’Dell
ball locker room and you’ll see a sign ing games, he said “fast, tough, and youth. Part of the process of cul- Sullivan South. When asked about had 11. Adkins scored 10 and had
that says “players play but TOUGH unselfish.” tivating success is expecting each the Blue Devils’ upcoming oppo- 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Slagle
players win.” Good’s message is clear. There’s player to contribute in some way. nents, Good was blunt. scored 8 and had 17 rebounds. Pe-
That pretty well sums up the phi- no room for prima donnas in the This is another point that Good “We cannot afford to take any terson scored 7. Lingerfelt had 5
losophy of head varsity coach John world of UCHS basketball. Each stressed in his comments. night off,” he said. “We must com- assists.
Good, as he leads his team into the player uses his particular strengths “If we put a player on the floor, pete each and every night.” Playing at Johnson County on
upcoming season. Good leads a for the good of the entire team. we expect him to have a positive This competitive spirit in no way Saturday, Nov. 22, UCHS defeated
team that includes assistant coach- Last season's 9-24 record gives impact,” he said. “Those who don’t diminishes Good’s respect for the Mount Mission (Virginia), 62-50.
es Michael Smith, C.J. Good, Logan the Blue Devils ample opportunities make it to the floor are expected to Three Rivers Conference. “It’s an Thompson scored 20 and had 6 as-
Lyle, and Mike Boyd. Together they for improvement this time around. have an impact on our practice ses- outstanding conference with good sists and 6 rebounds. O’Dell had 9
have worked overtime to prepare For Good, the secret to future suc- sions.” teams and players and great coach- and had 7 rebounds. Adkins scored
their team for the challenges that lie cess lies in making the most of the Every basketball team has its es,” he said. 8 and had 6 rebounds. Lingerfelt
ahead. present. particular strengths. For the Blue The 2019-20 UCHS varsity bas- scored 7. Slagle scored 6 and had 8
A crucial aspect of their strategy “We don’t have expectations, nor Devils, their outstanding ability is ketball squad includes seniors Caleb rebounds.
is consistent, rigorous focus on the do we make excuses,” Good said. shooting the basketball. This, in Adkins, Nicholas Hensley, Phoe- The Blue Devils opened play in
basics of the game. Training began “We don’t talk about wins and loss- turn, involves a number of special- nix Holt, Brett Lingerfelt, Nicholas a Thanksgiving tournament being
with spring practice, followed by es. We talk about competing. If our ized athletic qualities, including Lynch and Boone Reed. Juniors on hosted by Sullivan East on Tuesday,
camps at Maryville College, Mid- players compete to their maximum balance, focus, and consistency. the team are Mason Barcel, Jordan Nov. 26, against South Greene after
dle Tennessee State University, ability, then the scoreboard will Nurturing these abilities is what Bridges, Zachary Hopson, Rob- The Erwin Record’s press deadline
and UNC Asheville for the varsity take care of itself.” basketball is all about. Good and his bie O’Dell and Brock Thompson. for this issue. They are scheduled
players and an ETSU-based camp Just because the Blue Devils are a assistants are helping to forge the Bryson Peterson is a sophomore to play Unaka in the tournament
for the freshman and junior varsity team doesn’t mean that individuals future, not only of Unicoi County on the team. Freshmen players are on Friday, Nov. 29, at 10:30 a.m. and
players. are unimportant. Each player has a but of our nation as a whole. Grant Hensley and Lucas Slagle. KACHEA at 6 p.m. They will also
These training sessions instilled vital role and an opportunity to ex- Speaking of Unicoi County, Good ••• play Hampton at 3 p.m. on Satur-
in UCHS players the fundamen- cel. was outspoken about the communi- The Blue Devils opened the sea- day, Nov. 30.
tal skills every basketball players “Brock Thompson and Brett Lin- ty in which he works and coaches. son last week with three victories, The Blue Devils will travel to
needs: running, passing, jumping, gerfelt have produced on the varsity “Unicoi County is a special place,” including two on Thursday, Nov. 21. Cloudland on Tuesday, Dec. 3, then
dribbling, and, of course, shooting. level,” said Good. “We expect them he said proudly, “and I have told this First, the team defeated Volun- to North Buncombe High School
Physical conditioning was also a big to continue doing so.” to everyone. Our tradition of local teer, 63-56, on the road. Thompson (North Carolina) on Wednesday,
emphasis at the camps, with group Good also mentioned that this support is what every coach and scored 15 and had 4 rebounds in Dec. 4. On these days, the junior
workout sessions designed to build past summer was a time of growth player desires. There is a tradition the win. O’Dell scored 14 and had 5 varsity team will play at 5 p.m., fol-
a solid core of strength, flexibility, and improvement for many of his here that is second to none.” assists. Slagle had a double-double lowed by the varsity at 8 p.m.

“I’m really excited to coach this bunch.”


– Head coach John Good

The Following Sponsors Would Like To


Wish The Blue Devils Good Luck This Season!
Good Luck For The Coming Season!

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Page 3-C • A Special Supplement to The Erwin Record • Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019

BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Caleb Adkins Mason Barcel Jordan Bridges Hunter Clouse Tyler Clouse Eli Hendricks
Senior Junior Junior Freshman Junior Freshman

Grant Hensley Nicholas Hensley Phoenix Holt Zachary Hopson Evan Huff Brett Lingerfelt
Freshman Senior Senior Junior Junior Senior

Nicholas Lynch Robbie O’Dell Branson Peterson Bryson Peterson Boone Reed Eli Riddell
Senior Junior Freshman Sophomore Senior Freshman

Lucas Slagle Isaiah Smith Stone Sparks Caleb Swinehart Brock Thompson Canaan Webb
Freshman Sophomore Freshman Sophomore Junior Freshman

John Good Andy Bennett Mike Boyd C.J. Good Logan Lyle Michael Smith
Head Coach Statistician Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach

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Page 4-C • A Special Supplement to The Erwin Record • Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019

LADY DEVIL PROGRAM


BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Erwin Record Staff Photo by Keeli Parkey


The 2019-20 Unicoi County High School Lady Devil basketball program includes, pictured from left, back row, assistant coach Jeff King, assistant coach Lauren Trivette,
Julie Hensley, Emma Griffith, Laurel Osborne, Ashtan Vance, Caroline Podvin, Jayla Stockfelt, Olivia Bailey, Hannah Shelton, Marissa Soulier, head coach Kerri King and
assistant coach Eric Tilson; front row, Destiny Bridges, Abigail Rush, Riley Tapp, Leah Edney, Kaylia Street, Tenley Holt, Emily Rice, Jocelyn Metcalf and Amanda Miller.

Ball-handling, transition key for ladies


By Ezra Wilson graduated,” said King in an inter- team’s inherent strengths. For King, A player's mental outlook also First, the team went on the road
Sportswriter view with The Erwin Record. “Of transitioning is what her girls do plays a decisive role in a game’s and defeated the Volunteer Falcons,
news@erwinrecord.net my current roster, three have floor best. This means the ability to shift outcome. For King, this points out 65-38. Holt had a double-double (17
experience.” from defensive to offensive play in another strength that her girls pos- points, 12 rebounds) as well as 5
All too often, female athletes are This gives her and her staff a an instant, keeping the pressure on sess. steals and 2 assists to lead the way.
the unsung heroines of the sport- ready pool of raw talent with which the other side and enabling multiple “We have no inflated egos on my Podvin scored 16, Shelton scored 8,
ing world. As skilled and devoted as to work. For athletic instructors, points in rapid succession. team,” she said matter-of-factly. Vance had 7, Street and Rush each
their male counterparts, they none- this means a rigorous focus on the “Fans can expect to see a lot of “We do have certain players who scored 5, Metcalf had 3 and Edney
theless must struggle against harm- basic skills that every basketball transition play,” King said of her excel in given roles, such as Ashtan and Stockfelt scored 2 each.
ful stereotypes, shrinking budgets, player must possess, such as drib- team’s style of play this season. Vance, who plays outside, and Car- Later on Thursday, the Lady
and, often, lackluster support from bling, running, and shooting. It also Transitioning is an aggressive oline Podvin, who is an outstanding Devils defeated University High,
the fans. It’s no wonder that many means forging a group of talented style of play that demands a lot of inside player yet versatile as well. 56-24, in their first home game of the
of them have spoken up in recent individuals into a cohesive team. the team. But it’s perfectly suited to But, at the end of the day, we com- season. Podvin had a double-double
years, asking for their fair share of “If I had to name one standout players like the Lady Devils, who pete as a team, not as isolated indi- with 14 points and 12 rebounds. She
recognition. strength that my girls possess,” said benefit from their superior ball-han- viduals.” also had 4 steals. Holt scored 12.
Then there’s Unicoi County, King, “I would say it’s their ability to dling ability. The Lady Devils had a strong re- Metcalf and Vance each had 8. Rush
where our girl basketball players handle the ball.” Basketball is a sport that favors cord last season, ending up 22-8 and scored 3. Edney and Osborne (6 re-
are not only recognized but actively In the world of basketball, this tall players, which is why former making it into the post-season be- bounds) each scored 3. Street and
supported. The outpouring of com- refers to the ability to maintain greats like Yao Ming and Shawn fore being put out by South Greene Shelton each scored 2.
munity spirit they enjoy makes Uni- control of the ball while moving it Bradley earned such accolades in the region tournament. •••
coi County High School girls’ bas- down court, all the while prevent- during their careers. But height The 2019-20 Lady Devil squad in- The Lady Devils played their first
ketball coach Kerri King proud to ing the opposing team from stealing and agility aren’t everything. King cludes senior players Kaylia Street, game in the Thanksgiving tourna-
call this area home. It also explains it away. It’s the strategy behind well- is training her girls to play “small Jayla Stockfelt and Vance. Juniors ment being played at Sullivan East
why she and her team members are known techniques like side-to-side ball,” an approach that uses speed, on the squad are Leah Edney, Emma on Monday, Nov. 25, against Una-
looking forward to the coming sea- and backward dribbling, which can agility, and precision teamwork to Griffith, Tenley Holt and Podvin. ka after The Erwin Record’s press
son. rise to the level of an art form when make up for a lack of stature. Sophomores are Anniston Hensley, deadline for this issue. The Lady
King is in her seventh year as head demonstrated by a gifted player. Every method of play has its Abigail Rush, Hannah Shelton and Devils will continue the tournament
coach for the girls. Prior to that, Effective ball-handling is far from weaknesses. For small ball, the Marissa Soulier. Freshmen players on Wednesday, Nov. 27, against
she coached middle school ball, all a solitary skill, however. It flows drawback stems from the fact that are Olivia Bailey, Jocelyn Metcalf, Greeneville at 3 p.m. They will
while teaching in the classroom. All from a set of more basic skills and defensive players are widely spread Laurel Osborne, Emily Rice and Ri- paly Hampton on Friday, Nov. 29,
in all, she has devoted 30 years of abilities, such as getting a feel for out. King is aware of this fact, which ley Tapp. at noon and Stateline on Saturday,
her life to serving the future leaders the ball. This is why King stresses is why she’s drilling her girls in post UCHS will again compete in the Nov. 30, at 10:30 a.m.
of Unicoi County. the importance of hands-on train- defense. Again, this is an approach Three Rivers Conference with Eliz- The team is also scheduled to
King leads a coaching team that ing during her team’s daily drills. that uses her player’s smaller stat- abethton, Happy Valley, Johnson travel to Cloudland on Tuesday,
includes Jeff King, Lauren Trivette Holding a basketball must become ure to the team’s benefit. Good post County, Sullivan Central, Sullivan Dec. 3, and to North Buncombe
and Eric Tilson. Together they have second nature, if her players are to defenders are able to get low to the East and Sullivan South. High School (North Carolina) on
worked with single-minded dedica- excel. ground, blocking attacking players ••• Wednesday, Dec. 4. On these days,
tion to prepare their players for the But single-player skills alone are near their core, where they’re less The Lady Devils opened the 2019- the junior varsity team will play at 4
season. not enough. Forging a success- able to maneuver away and reach 20 season with two wins on Thurs- p.m. with the varsity playing at 6:30
“Three of my starters recently ful season means building on the the all-important three-point line. day, Nov. 21. p.m.

“If I had to name one standout strength that my girls possess.


I would say it’s their ability to handle the ball.”
– Head coach Kerri King

The Following Sponsors Would Like To


Wish The Blue Devils Good Luck This Season!

Best Wishes for a Great Season!

Director of Schools John English & the Unicoi County Board of Education
Tyler Engle • Glenn Fisher • Steve Scott • Cathy Thomas • Tammy Tipton • Steve Willis
Page 5-C • A Special Supplement to The Erwin Record • Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019

BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Olivia Bailey Leah Edney Emma Griffith Anniston Hensley Tenley Holt
Freshman Junior Junior Sophomore Junior

Jocelyn Metcalf Laurel Osborne Caroline Podvin Emily Rice Abigail Rush
Freshman Freshman Junior Freshman Sophomore

Hannah Shelton Marissa Soulier Jayla Stockfelt Kaylia Street Riley Tapp
Sophomore Sophomore Senior Senior Freshman

Ashtan Vance Destiny Bridges Julie Hensley Amanda Miller


Senior Freshman Sophomore Sophomore

Kerri King Jeff King Eric Tilson Lauren Trivette


Head Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach

The Following Sponsors Would Like To


Wish The Blue Devils Good Luck This Season!

Good Luck
UCHS Blue Devils
From one great team to another

Achieving Success And Excellence Through Teamwork


Page 6-C • A Special Supplement to The Erwin Record • Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019

BASKETBALL PREVIEW
BLUE DEVIL JUNIOR VARSITY

Erwin Record Staff Photo by Keeli Parkey


The 2019-20 Unicoi County High School Blue Devil junior varsity team includes, pictured from left, back row, head junior varsity coach C.J. Good, Mason Barcel, Stone
Sparks, Caleb Swinehart, Isaiah Smith, assistant coach Logan Lyle and manager Ty Johnson; front row, Jordan Bridges, Zachary Hopson, Canaan Webb, Hunter Clouse,
Evan Huff, Eli Riddell, Eli Hendricks, Branson Peterson and Tyler Clouse.

BLUE DEVIL ON THE COVER


FRESHMEN
The 2019-20 Uni-
coi County High
School Blue Devil
freshmen team
includes, pictured
from left, back
row, manager Ty
Johnson, assistant
coach C.J. Good,
Seniors to lead
Eli Hendricks, Eli
Riddell and head UCHS teams
freshmen coach Nine seniors will be looked to
Logan Lyle; for leadership for both the Uni-
front row, Stone coi County High School Blue
Sparks, Hunter Devil and Lady Devil basket-
Clouse, Canaan ball teams this season. Lead-
Webb and Bran- ing the teams will be, pictured
son Peterson. (Er- from left, Phoenix Holt, Boone
win Record Staff Reed, Kaylia Street, Nicholas
Photo by Keeli Lynch, Ashtan Vance, Ca-
Parkey leb Adkins, Jayla Stockfelt,
Nicholas Hensley and Brett
Lingerfelt. Both programs
opened the 2019-20 season
on Thursday, Nov. 21, against
Volunteer in Erwin. This week,
both teams are playing in
a Thanksgiving tournament
at Sullivan East High School.
(Erwin Record Staff Photo by
Keeli Parkey)

The Following Sponsors Would Like To


Wish The Blue Devils Good Luck This Season!
Let’s Go Blue Devils!

Harry M. Lewis, Jr. • Teresa Lewis

123 N. Main Ave. (423) 743-3301


Erwin, TN 37650 (423) 743-8202

We Support The
UCHS Blue Devils!

1414 North Main Avenue · Erwin, Tennessee


Page 7-C • A Special Supplement to The Erwin Record • Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019

VARSITY CHEERLEADERS
BASKETBALL PREVIEW
2019-20 UCHS
BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
Nov. 21 at Volunteer (HOC)

Nov. 21 University High (HOC)

Nov. 23 at Johnson County (HOC)

Nov. 25-30 Sullivan East Tourney TBA

Dec. 3 at Cloudland

Dec. 4 at North Buncombe

Dec. 6 at Happy Valley*

Dec. 7 Chuckey-Doak

Dec. 10 Hampton

Dec. 13 Sullivan South*

Dec. 26-28 Maryville Christmas Tourney TBA

Jan. 3 at Chuckey-Doak

Jan. 7 at Sullivan East*


Erwin Record Staff Photo by Keeli Parkey
The 2019-20 Unicoi County High School varsity cheerleading squad includes, pictured from left, back row, Lexi Jan. 10 Elizabethton*
White, Ashleigh Edwards, Myah Riddell, Makenzi Honeycutt, Kara Jones, Olivia Churnoski and Brylee Johnson;
front row, Faith Tipton, Hannah Collins, Olivia Smith, Lydia McNabb, Jadyn Peterson and Rachel Altemose; not
pictured, Keeli Huskins. Jan. 13 North Buncombe

Jan. 14 Sullivan Central*

JUNIOR VARSITY CHEERLEADERS Jan. 17 Johnson County*

The 2019-20
Unicoi County Jan. 21 Happy Valley*
High School
junior varsity Jan. 24 at Sullivan South*
cheerleading
squad in- Jan. 31 Sullivan East*
cludes, pic-
tured from left,
Feb. 4 at Elizabethton*
back row, Em-
ily Rice, Mad-
ison Braswell, Feb. 7 Johnson County*
Rocio Reynoso,
Hayli Byrd and Feb. 11 at Sullivan Central*
Macy Miller;
front row, Lily Feb. 14 Cloudland
Hollenbeck,
Trinity Buckles,
Victoria Tip- Feb. 15 at Hampton
ton and Leah
Brotherton. Feb. 19-25 District Tournament TBA
(Erwin Record
Staff Photo by Feb. 28-29 Region - First Round TBA
Richard Rourk)
March 2-5 Region TBA

March 11-14 Girls’ State Tournament TBA

March 18-21 Boys’ State Tournament TBA

*Denotes Three Rivers Conference game.

(Unless otherwise noted, game times are as fol-


lows: girls’ JV at 4 p.m.; boys’ JV at 5:10 p.m.; girls’
varsity at 6:30 p.m.; and boys’ varsity at 8 p.m.
Schedule subject to change.)

The Following Sponsors Would Like To


Wish The Blue Devils Good Luck This Season!

HAVE A GREAT SEASON UCHS BLUE DEVILS!


TOWN OF ERWIN
OFFICIALS AND STAFF

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