Thompson brings new level of intensity to a Bulldog club looking to put last year in the rear view mirror

Louisa, Ky, — First year Head Coach Chandler Thompson takes over a Lawrence Co. team that finished 22-8 and returns a ton of experience. 

Thompson, a 2009 Lawrence Co. graduate returns to Louisa looking to guide the Bulldogs back to the 15th Region Tournament after missing out the last two seasons. He will turn to four seniors who are used to winning in Tyler Maynard team high 20 points and 5 rebounds per contest, Chase Sartin 10 points and 5 rebounds per game, Alex Ratliff 4 points and CJ Fairchild 7 points respectively.

Sophomore Cody Maynard hit a team high 70 three pointers and scored 18 PPG. Sophomore Trenton Adkins, Junior Baden Gillispie Sophomore Bryce Blevins, Freshman Kaden Gillispie and Will Lafferty should provide depth for a squad that could go 10 deep on any given night.

The Dawgs will play a tough schedule that includes the Raceland Derby Classic, Prestigious Ashland Invitational Tournament, Boyd Co. Roundball Classic, Johnson Central, Pikeville, Ashland, Martin Co. along with the Class 2A Tournament and 58th District Opponents.

2014-15 = 15 Region Champ 19-13

2015-16 = 15 Region Runner Up 29-5

2016-17 = 22-12

2017-18 = 8-22

2018-19 = 22-8

Total 100-60

“… When the job opened it was definitely intriguing, My family is here, I graduated from here and it’s just a blessing that I’m here. I had one dream job and it was here and I’m so excited to get going. The kids have really bought into what we are trying to do. It’s a really good group of kids that are very tight and that is a big thing.”

“… Our four seniors are  great leaders. They take care of the little things and that makes it easier for us. We pay attention to detail and I couldn’t ask any more of my senior class. They have shown tremendous leadership so far. They have done a remarkable job. Those kids have won in just about everything they have done.”

“… We have a chance to have a deep team. I think we have ten guys that could play at the varsity level. We want to play fast and have a high number of positions but also be efficient on the offensive end. I know our guys will compete that one thing I don’t have to fight. I know we will play hard.”

“… Out schedule is tough early and I’m a big advocate of that I’m hoping that will help us come postseason time. We play in the Boyd Co. Shootout, AIT and the Raceland Derby Classic has a lot of talented teams in it.”

“… Having my Dad on staff is awesome and special to me he coached here when I played and I love the game of basketball because of him. Just to be able to coach  this team with him is exciting.  Coach Pelfrey and Coach Muncy bring a wealth of knowledge to the program and they have been here since the spring. They work hard and are an asset to the team and program.”

“… I expect big things out of our team this season. After getting upset last year it was tough to sit in the locker room after losing and then realizing I only have one more year to accomplish our goal of playing in Rupp Arena it was heartbreaking.”

“… We have three tournaments in December that I’m looking forward to along with Betsy Layne who is ranked above us in the preseason polls. Also looking forward to Johnson Central, Paintsville and Boyd Co. because Coach came from there.”

“… So much more intensity this season, the practices are much harder and we go non stop we have breaks but when we are out there we don’t stand around. We are always moving and doing something.”

“… Defense is going to be our calling card, we want to be more physical and get the 50/50 balls. Looking forward to playing Johnson Central, Paintsville, Martin Co. and the early season tournaments should be fun.”

“… Different kind of animal this season, practices are harder and Coach demands respect along with perfection. Even though I have signed to play Baseball in college, when I’m on the court I don’t think about that I am 100% committed to my team and coaches. I’m ready to play in Rupp Arena.”

“… It has flew by I really can’t believe how fast it has gone. Seems like yesterday we were playing Johnson Central in the Regional tournament and now it’s my Senior year. I’m excited to get started this year. I think we will have a great season and get back to the regional tournament. A lot more discipline and intensity so far Coach expects perfection. Cant wait to play Johnson Central and Paintsville along with the AIT this year.”

“… It’s went really fast, my freshman year got to watch Timmy Dalton score about 40 a game, Sophomore year only won eight games, Last year won 22 games but got upset at home in the District tourney, I stayed in the locker room for about 30 minutes it was a tough loss.”

“… Coach Thompson brings more intensity and practices are harder he also demands perfection. Can’t wait to play Martin Co. in the new gym in the home opener and of course Johnson Central.”