Feb. 20, 2013 —
A banner hangs in the John “Hop” Brown Court rafters that says “Comets: 16th Region Finalists 1985.”
It hangs as a constant reminder of the history of West Carter Basketball. The Comets have not reached the title game in 28 years, and only getting out of the first round of the regional tournament five times in that span.
The Comets, led by the school’s all-time leading scorer in Kyle Brown, looks to cement his legacy in his final season.
“It means a lot and it’s hard to believe it’s already here,” Brown said. “I’ve been here for five years and time flies.”
West struggled out of the gate this season, with just a 1-12 record after the first 13 games. Since then, the Comets have strung together several wins since the calendar year turned over.
“We haven’t had the season we wanted to have but we have progressed from the start of the season,” West Carter Boys Coach Jeremy Webb said. “That’s difficult for a young and inexperienced team to keep their confidence and to their credit they kept a good attitude and kept working.”
And that confidence has West believing in themselves that they have a shot to do something special.
“The region is wide open,” Brown said. “Any given night any team can heat up and play good defense. Anything can happen. It’s going to take a lot more intensity and focus. We’re going to have to buckle down and keep the eye on the prize and get shots to fall.”
“The guys are starting to feel a little better about themselves,” Webb said. “Hopefully that momentum will carry us into the postseason.”
With a supporting cast like Dustin Black, Dalton Spurlock, Jacob Nunley and Tristan Mitchell and others, the experience they have received going through this season gives them the type of squad that could throw a wrench in the 16th Region plans if they get out of the district.
A team that fights and scratches for every loose ball, picks other teammates up when they are
down is the way a roster should play going into postseason.
The Comets will face off with their rivals to the east in the Raiders of East Carter in the first round of the 62nd District Tournament in Grayson on Wednesday.
The Comets know the first step toward achieving their goal that was set back so long ago when
their predecessors made their run in 1985 is to get a win over East.
“It’s a goal to win that first-round game and hopefully a district championship,” Webb said. “Try to get to Morehead and see if we can win a few games.”
“Everyone wants to win and get that first game to for sure get to Morehead and the Region,” Brown said.
MacKenzie Bates can be reached at mbates@journal-times.com or by telephone at 1-800-247-6142.
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Related Photos
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Comets senior Dustin Black provides patience for the West Carter offense. Photo by MacKenzie Bates
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West Carter junior Dalton Spurlock dribbles on the near side. Photo by Grant Stevens
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