Hunter: Cannon teams head to the hardwood

By DAVID HUNTER

With the exception of the upcoming state meet for the CCHS cross-country team on Saturday the 7th of November, the rest of the fall sports season has concluded for all of the local teams. Now, the transition heads to the hardwood.

The basketball season started last week with six local elementary teams competing in the Border War tournament at Woodbury Grammar School. It was my first up close look at all the action at this level, and I'm really excited for the upcoming season.

I really enjoy watching these early season tournaments, because it gives us a chance to see these young players for the first time. Of course, there're some first game jitters, but each of the teams started the season strong against good competition. It'll only help them improve as the season continues.
Besides the full coverage we'll give the Lions and Lionettes this season (along with watching Abbey Sissom with MTSU under Cannon County Hall of Famer Rick Insell), I'm really excited about what we've planned for the elementary school basketball season.

I didn't join the Cannon Courier until last February, right before the high school district tournament, so I missed the elementary school season. This year will be different in terms of coverage.

Many good athletes play at this level, and I hope to do a good job of showcasing them each week. Looking at the schedule, all six schools play on the same night, but I cannot clone myself to be at all of them.
Instead, we'll pick a "Game of the Night," and I'll try my best to cover every school fairly and equally. So, please bear with us as we try to give consistent coverage to all.

As for the Lions and Lionettes, I'm really pumped this season, especially having experienced last year's postseason. This season should be a good one for both teams as they compete for a trip to Murfreesboro's Murphy Center for the state tourney. The Lions will try to advance to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1985, while the Lionettes will be looking for their fifth trip in six years.

The Lionettes will be under new leadership as Jonathan Odom takes over for Cannon County Hall of Famer Michael Dodgen, who departed to take a similar position at White County. The Lions will be led again by Coach Matt Rigsby.

The hope this season is to bring an end to the drought of State Tourney appearances, after falling one game short last season. Both teams will be very determined to continue the tradition, and I can't wait for the season to start.