Beech Tree News Network

For the Butler County Lady Bears' basketball team, a veteran squad is hoping to improve on a 9-16 campaign last year.  The Lady Bears season gets underway tonight on the road at Hancock County.  Head coach Brian Bivens, now in his third year at the helm of the program, is hoping the 2016-17 season will be the "next step" in the development of the Lady Bears' basketball program.    

"We are really looking to take the next step for the Lady Bears basketball program. With as many girls as we have returning and as much experience as we have, we are working very hard to be extremely competitive within our district," said Bivens.  "If we can focus on the task at hand, and work every day to be better than we were the day before, we have a chance to have a very successful season."

Butler County only lost one senior to graduation from last year's team - forward Callie Cardwell.  

Although he has several experienced players returning, Bivens said the Lady Bears will miss Cardwell.

"Callie was a great shooter and loved to play the game.  We are going to miss having her around," added Bivens.

Looking to the upcoming season, Coach Bivens sees a plethora of players vying for playing time - most of whom contributed significantly last season.

"We return six girls that contributed last year and should be the bulk of our production this year," said Bivens.  "Chloe Flener, Addison Hall, and Maddy Murphy all return as inside threats while Allie Easley, Cheyenne White, and Karson Inscoe return on the perimeter. We're looking for some of our younger girls to step up and contribute when needed and, at this point in the year, it looks as though Maddie Cardwell and Kasidy Graham are willing to be in those spots."

The Lady Bears expect to be tested early with several tough opponents on the schedule, including a Christmas tournament at Marshall County High School set for December 19-21.  

"We're also very excited to go play in a holiday tournament hosted by Marshall County High School," said Bivens.  "There will be some very good competition there and it should be a great 'mid-season' test to tell us where we stand heading into district play in January."

The season won't get any easier for Butler County when 12th District play begins in January. Butler County's district opponents are Edmonson County, Grayson County, and Trinity (Whitesville).  The Lady Bears are in the Third Region.  

"Our district is going to be tough again this year," said Bivens.  "While Grayson and Edmonson lost a few players to graduation, they have some very good returning players that we are going to have to work very diligently to contain. Trinity has some very good young talent that could cause us fits if we were to take them lightly," added Bivens.

The Lady Bears fell 51-34 to Edmonson County in the first round of district play.  

Joining Bivens on the sidelines are a core of familiar faces - Lexie Smith, Barry Frazier and Madeline Drake.  

"Lexie Smith, who is invaluable to our program, will be our JV and freshman head coach, as well as assisting with varsity. Barry Frazier will return as an assistant for our varsity and JV programs and has been a tremendous asset to the performance of our young ladies," said Bivens.  

One new face to the coaching ranks isn't really a new face at all - former Lady Bear Madeline Drake, who joins the staff as a volunteer assistant coach.  

"Madeline will primarily be helping Coach Smith with the freshman team, but will also help with other aspects of the program as needed," said Bivens.

Coach Bivens said he was looking forward to the junior varsity and freshmen seasons as well. 

"We're excited about the JV season for two reasons; it's a great way for the younger girls to get game experience and it gets them ready to play at the varsity level," said Bivens.  "Our JV roster will include sophomores Dixie Garnier, Aubrey Hall, Allie Cox, and Kari McClelland, as well as freshmen Hannah Chaney, Shaylyn Bratcher, Evyn Frazier, Jacie Ward, Ashley Thacker, Emma Easley, and Kailie Beasley.:

Players freshmen and below will have an opportunity to play on the freshmen team and that includes a league composed of team from across the Third Region. 

"We will also be taking part in the Third Region Freshman League again this year, which will give those freshmen and any 8th graders that choose to play up,  more game experience at the high school level," said Bivens. 

BCHS 2016-17 Lady Bears' Roster:

BCHS 2016-17 Schedule: 

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Click on the link below to view the Butler County Lady Bears 2016-17 schedule on the KHSAA website:

https://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/khsaa/kygbk16/?id=50005

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Note:  A total of 12 girls games, 12 boys games, and 8 boy-girl double-headers will be broadcast live on WLBQ 101.5 FM - The New Q.  Also, be sure to visit www.beechtreenews.com for complete coverage of BCHS Bears and Lady Bears basketball.