Dawgs off to a nice start, Lady Dawgs look promising

Weather experts have been saying for awhile that we could be in for a rough winter, and if the end of this fall season – which lasts for the next 10 days or so – is any indication, we might very well be in trouble.

We’ve only tipped into the first week of high school basketball season so far, and already two slots on the schedule have been impacted due to weather.

The Lady Dawgs had to postpone the season opener at Warren East last Friday night when impending weather looked as if the western portion of the state might get hit with snow, sleet or ice, then on Saturday, what had been planned as a four-game event was trimmed to a varsity double-header only with an earlier than normal start as we played host to Franklin-Simpson.

Still, on Friday Coach Darrell Thompson was able to get his 2013-14 season underway, and although our Lady Dawgs suffered a 53-44 loss, there was promise a plenty.

The Lady Dawgs got off to a slow start, and I’ll write that off to first-game jitters (the F-S Lady Wildcats had two games under their belts when they walked into the Castle). When we finally settled down, we were an altogether different looking team, and for awhile, Franklin-Simpson had plenty to worry about.

After holding a halftime lead, Clinton County fell behind midway through the third quarter, but we were right there all the way to the end.

These may be the same girls that we watched last year, but this certainly is not the same team. These Lady Dawgs will win games and I’m betting the coaches on hand scouting us Saturday left with a whole new set of things to worry about.

As for the Bulldogs – off to a 3-0 start after the Saturday win against Franklin-Simpson, and again Coach Todd Messer was able to reach way down the bench early to eventually wear the Wildcats out and jog to an 81-64 winning finish.

Four starters in double figures and some really sticky – and fun to watch – defense on the part of the Bulldogs made for a fun afternoon basketball game to watch.

Like I said this week – this is going to be fun, get in on the ride early.

Bring some extra popcorn money – the refs are keeping us in the gym

In keeping with the directive the NCAA issued to game officials in that venue, the KHSAA has told it’s officials to also get stricter on touch fouls and all contact on the floor.

Get ready for some longer nights – at least until the players readjust and learn to keep their hands to themselves.

In the two games played here Saturday, we suffered through over 100 personal fouls – in some 64 minutes of action. By comparison, in a double-header played during this same week last season, there were 69 personal fouls called in the two games.

The Sharks are coming

Clinton County plays host to an overseas opponent this Saturday when the Sharks of Southern Peninsula, Australia come to town.

Part of the Aussie Basketball Travellers organization, the Bulldogs will be facing some highly touted Australian basketball players taking part in this special tour that enables them to showcase their skills in front of college coaches in the United States, with the hopes of landing college scholarships here.

Past visits by the Australians have proved to be a fun and educational / cultural experience for everyone who attends.

The Sharks and Dawgs will tip it off Thursday at 7:30.

Remaining games this week see both varsity squads headed to Metcalfe County on Friday night for an important 16th District match-up with the Lady Hornets and Hornets. On Saturday afternoon, action returns to the local hardwood when the Lady Dawgs play host to the Lady Gators of Greenwood. Junior varsity tips at 3:00, varsity at about 4:30.