Bulldogs, Lady Bulldogs seeking successful seasons

By JASON VIOX\Daily Journal Sports Writer

LEADWOOD - After having a 15-10 season record and becoming conference champions for the small-school division, the West County Bulldogs look forward to this year's basketball season. Only this time, the Bulldogs aim to have a better winning record. West County has a well-experienced team for the 2004-2005 season.

"We're just going to take it one game at a time and try to play hard every day," stated head coach Chad Mills about the upcoming season. "We hope the wins will take care of themselves."

One of the biggest challenges Coach Mills is facing right now is finding the perfect team chemistry, and the Bulldogs have plenty of experimentation to do. Senior John Barnett returns after receiving all-conference and all-district honors last season. Barnett was also named to the KTJJ Dream Team. 6'3 junior Sam Luebbers is expected to contribute a lot to West County's cause. Luebbers was also named all-conference last season.

Bulldogs' other senior, Jake Blair, will be playing point guard. Juniors Chris Mosier and Jordan Miller and 6'1 sophomore Travis Graham will gain ample playing time throughout the season. Juniors Brandon Dane, Brandon Mahler, and Colt Brocato will see a fair amount of floor action, too.

"I think we work hard," commented Mills about his team. "Everyday we come to the gym and play with a high level of intensity. Early in the year the timing of our offensive stuff was not maybe where it should be. Hopefully as things progress, our timing and our work ethic will keep on getting better."

The Bulldogs open their season on the road when they take on rival Arcadia Valley Monday at 6:30 p.m. "Our kids are excited," said Mills. "I think our fans are excited. It should be a good time."

After finishing their season with a 4-19 record, some basketball fans may think the West County Lady Bulldogs will have a repeat of last season. The Lady Bulldogs don't think so. With a few returning players and Chris Brewer as their new head coach, West County plans on coming out of their cages faster and harder.

Although it's his first year as head coach, coach Brewer has a pretty good idea of what his team is capable of. "Last year, I coached the 7th and 8th grade girls for West County," stated Brewer. "I always wanted to coach a varsity sport, I didn't think it would be girls basketball."

Emily Rasnick will fill in as guard for the Lady Bulldogs, while Marie Taylor will play as guard. Freshman 5'10" Suzie Wulfert will take point guard for West County, while Diana Simily takes care of the post. Expect Kara Harrison, Melissa Myers, and Lauren Lynch to also have their share of court time.

"In the past year, they had about eight or nine girls," Brewer commented. "This year, we have 15 or 16 girls. We're actually going to have a bench. We should be able to rotate and keep the girls fresh. We should be able to maximize their potential and playing ability."

Coach Brewer has had his fair share of struggles during pre-season. "I'm trying to build a work ethic. I'm trying to make sure we're going to a game ready to play," remarked Brewer. "I'm hoping they can start motivating themselves a little bit and be ready to play."

"We're definitely looking towards making a good showing at conference. When it comes to tournament play, anybody has a chance. I think we're going to be a fun team to watch," Brewer remarked.

The Lady Bulldogs open their season against Kingston in the Valley tournament when they play November 29 at 5:30 p.m.