2022 LEGACY NISSAN DRIBBLE DRIVE CHALLENGE PRESENTED BY MARTIN’S PETERBILT

The 2022 Legacy Nissan Dribble Drive Challenge includes eight high-caliber basketball squads from different areas of the state. Teams participating include South Laurel, Green County, Lynn Camp, Louisville Central, Bell County, Owen County, Knox Central, and Cooper.

SOUTH LAUREL (4-3):

The Cardinals of South Laurel are coached by Jeff Davis. Coming into this tournament, Davis feels his team has improved each game thus far. Playing good teams will only help this squad improve with district play right around the corner. “I like how our bench is developing, they are starting to become more comfortable,” said Davis. The South Laurel squad looks to continue growing throughout this tournament. “We are going to be tested in many ways with different styles of play. These three days will test how well we handle mental and physical pressure. Our leaders are going to have to step up and lead our young guys through this, and I know they will”.

GREEN COUNTY (3-5):

Coming off a win against Hart County, Green County will seek to pick up several more wins in the Dribble Drive Challenge. The Dragons are coached by Jordan Gilbert. Hayden Blakeman looks to continue his offensive dominance as his team rolls into London. Green County will face off against South Laurel to kick off the Dribble Drive Challenge.

LYNN CAMP (3-4):

Rodney Clarke’s Wildcats picked up a twenty-nine-point win against Thomas Walker (WV) heading into this tournament. Lynn Camp will open its tournament game against Louisville Central. Senior Micah Engle recently broke the all-time scoring record at Lynn Camp and looks to lead his team throughout this week.

LOUISVILLE CENTRAL (2-5):

Representing Region 7 is the Yellow Jackets of Louisville Central. Coach Douglas Bibby will travel to South Laurel looking to improve their overall season record. Central has lost the last four games but will attempt to reroute their season in these next three games.

BELL COUNTY (1-4):

Coach Brad Sizemore is excited about a great week of basketball at South Laurel High School. “Coach Davis does an excellent job. The hospitality is second to none and we love playing at that venue”. Sizemore is also bringing a young team into this tournament, looking to continue improving throughout the season. “We had several kids step up and play well in their first varsity games. I’m excited to bring our team into the Dribble Drive Challenge where you get the opportunity to play a lot of high-level competition you may not see in the regular season”, exclaimed Coach Sizemore.

OWEN COUNTY (5-2):

The Rebels are on a four-game win streak approaching their first games over the holiday break. Coach Duvall feels his team has solid wins over 8th Region opponents, one being over Grant County (6-1). Two losses on the season have come from an undefeated Collins squad and the highly ranked Jaguars of North Laurel. Duvall stated, “The Nissan Dribble Drive Challenge is a first-class event with very solid competition which will hopefully prepare us for the 8th Region All “A” Tournament the first week of the new year”.

KNOX CENTRAL (0-6):

Head Coach Kris Mills has a young squad but looks for his team to continue working hard to set their own identity. “I can see their improvements every practice and every game that we play. I like my team and it is a joy coaching them,” said Mills. One goal for the Panthers throughout this tournament is to work on becoming more physically, and aggressive mentally. “Seeing different styles of play will help us a lot. I hope our young kids can see the competitiveness it takes to win and close out ball games”.

COOPER (3-4):

Cooper is another team that is looking to find its identity over the course of this challenge. 6’9 senior captain Caleb Brooks who was a three-year starter recently underwent a season-ending injury. Coach Tim Sullivan expects his Jaguar seniors to step up and lead the way. “Our youth are going to be asked to do a lot more and fill prominent roles. With that being said, we have a chance to be a special group come February”. Sullivan looks for his team to become close as a family and learn more about themselves as a group while in town for the tournament. He believes being on the road and spending time together can do a lot for a team.

-Dylan Wilson, SL Basketball Media