Lauderdale County Returns All Five Starters

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Lauderdale County HS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Class 3A Area 16&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Head Coach: Whitney Owens</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Last Season Record: 9-15&nbsp;(According to maxpreps.com)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: lc_tiger_basketball</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Key Players:</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Calvin Watkins</strong> (6'1/G/'26/Lauderdale Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Calvin returns as the Tigers' most experienced player, now entering his third year at the varsity level. His size, strength, and athleticism allow him to defend multiple positions (1–5), while his speed in transition makes him a constant threat in the open court. Calvin's leadership, toughness, and two-way versatility make him the heartbeat of this group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2889583' first='Jayden' last='Sears']</strong> (6'0/PG/'29/Lauderdale County High School)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: Jaydensears5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @Jayden_sears5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Jayden is a dynamic floor general with really good ball-handling and passing ability that elevates those around him. His improved perimeter shot now makes him a true three-level scoring threat, and his ability to read defenses allows him to consistently create opportunities. On the defensive end, Jayden sets the tone as he is a relentless on-ball defender with great instincts in the passing lanes, often turning defense into offense. Despite his youth, he plays with the confidence and poise of a seasoned leader.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Connor May</strong> (6'3/F/'27/Lauderdale Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Connor brings size, versatility, and skill to the Tigers' frontcourt. He has the ability to stretch the floor with his shooting touch, attack mismatches off the bounce, and finish around the rim. Offensively, he continues to expand his scoring repertoire, becoming more assertive in the paint. Defensively, Connor is a high-IQ help defender, consistently in the right spot and impacting possessions with his positioning and awareness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Key Role Players to Watch:</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">The Tigers return their entire roster from last season, a group that gained invaluable experience and continuity heading into the year. In addition to the core trio, expect several players to take on expanded roles and contribute in key moments. Each of these players brings something unique to the rotation, and their continued growth will be instrumental to the Tigers' success this season. Those players are:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <li class="has-medium-font-size">Cayden Holden</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <li class="has-medium-font-size">Easton Hammell</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <li class="has-medium-font-size">Asa Butler</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <li class="has-medium-font-size">Ty Sharpley</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <li class="has-medium-font-size">Cyler Parker</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <li class="has-medium-font-size">Brady Owens</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <li class="has-medium-font-size">Keyshawn Bowling</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <li class="has-medium-font-size">Braden Perkins</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <li class="has-medium-font-size">Camden Hill</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <li class="has-medium-font-size">Richard Green</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Returning Starters:</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">All 5 starters return from last season:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <li class="has-medium-font-size">Calvin Watkins (G/12th Grade)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <li class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='2889583' first='Jayden' last='Sears'] (G/9th Grade) </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <li class="has-medium-font-size">Connor May (G/11th Grade) </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <li class="has-medium-font-size">Cayden Holden (G/10th Grade) </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <li class="has-medium-font-size">Easton Hammell (G/10th Grade) </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>New Additions:</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>What To Expect From The Tigers This Season:</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">The Tigers plan to play fast, aggressive, and disciplined basketball on both ends of the floor. Their athleticism and depth make them dangerous in transition, while their defensive pressure will be a staple of their identity. For Lauderdale County to maximize its potential, ball security and rebounding will be key focus areas. As the season progresses, the team's depth and developing chemistry should become major strengths, allowing them to wear down opponents and peak at the right time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>What Will It Take for The Tigers To Win State?</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">For the Tigers, it all comes down to team chemistry. Coach Owens emphasizes it daily: <em>“Be concerned with team success and buy in to being a small part of something big.” </em>If this group stays united, selfless, and committed to their identity on both ends, they will have every opportunity to make a serious run at a state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->