Feb. 20, 2013 —
The boys in Grayson are tough. They have endured a tough season with injuries and heartbreaking losses but they continue to make strides to get into the postseason.
East Carter is without three players, all starters because of the injury bug, but they are not using that as an excuse to hang their heads. Instead, they are pulling together to hope for one more run at glory.
“We’ve played well at times and we’ve played poor at times,” East Carter Coach Brandon Baker said. “Our main concern is getting healthy. It’s out of our control and we have players doing what they can do to get better but the healing process has to take its course.”
Behind the hot shooting of Connor Greene and Trenton Welsh, the Raiders are hoping an explosive offense can carry them deep into the postseason. Compound that with the toughness of Quinn Huddle and Bradley Marsh, the Raiders feel they have found the formula for success and it starts with veteran leadership.
“Being in the postseason before and all the possible situations helped me,” Huddle said. “I’ve learned from great leaders in the past to hopefully lead this team.”
Baker said his squad has the confidence to compete in the district and hopefully the regional tournament.
“We’re looking forward to the postseason,” Baker said. “It’s just a matter of seizing the moment and mentally preparing ourselves for a game plan for what we want to do to give us a chance.”
“Our record doesn’t show how good we can be,” Huddle said. “We’ve had a tough schedule and some unlucky breaks. But we have a great coaching staff for the postseason and when it comes time for the district tournament, we’re going to be ready.”
Some of the upperclassmen for this Raider team have been to Rupp Arena before, winning the 16th Region in 2010.
They learned from that experience and the adversity that season brought and now they get one last chance to make their mark on the Raider program.
The Raiders' map to Lexington begins Tuesday night in the 62nd District Tournament against arch-rival West Carter. The Raiders and the Comets split their regular season match ups on opposite floors, with the Raiders defeating the Comets 75-67 in Olive Hill.
Tipoff for Tuesday's contest is set for 7 p.m.
MacKenzie Bates can be reached at mbates@journal-times.com or by telephone at 1-800-247-6142.
Local Sports
Related Photos
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Junior Cole Brammer puts up a shot over a defender. Photo by MacKenzie Bates
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Senior Quinn Huddle gets the jumpshot to go early in the season against West Carter. Photo by MacKenzie Bates
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