TRIO TO LEAD WHITLEY

The Whitley County Colonels Senior Triple Threat – Jeremy Daniels, Michael Crawford and James Lebanion have high expectations for the 2009-10 season as they anticipate winning their district and competing in the regional tournament.

"Jeremy, Michael and James as seniors will be our team leaders this year," Whitley County Coach Baker said. "They’ve all been varsity members for four years which is kind of a rarity in high school basketball nowadays."

Coach Baker said his senior triple threat have gained a lot of experience during the last four years and have seen the program through the bad times as well as the good times.

"We had our first winning season since 2001 last year," Baker added. "I believe last season we had the most wins since 1996."

"Last year was the first time we had a winning since in awhile," James Labanion explained. "Personally, looking back on the years that is a big highlight for me but we expect to win even more games this season."

Coach Baker spoke about highlights, games and experiences the Triple Threat have had during the last four years.  

"Jeremy Daniels has been very quiet and very steady," Baker said. "He has been a team player throughout his whole career. He blossomed this summer into what we feel is a great high school basketball player and he’s emerged as one of our leaders."

Baker said that one of the most memorable characteristics about Daniels is that he never complains about playing times or strategies. Baker also claimed that Daniels been one of the most ‘coach-able’ players that’s came through the program in a long time.

"This year you’re going to see Daniels have a really good year," Baker added. 

According to Baker, Michael Crawford averaged 13 or 14 points per game as a freshman and has struggled since but has recently made major strides to become a more complete player.

"Jamie Lebanion is an explosive athlete," Baker said. "He can do so much and he stands out."

Attesting to Lebanion’s talent Baker spoke about a game were Lebanion made three spectacular, unanswered plays in the fourth quarter that gave the Colonels a victory against Rockcastle County during a Christmas tournament at South Laurel.

"We gained a really hard work ethic over the years," Michael Crawford said. "We haven’t accomplished a whole lot but we’re starting a program were we’re building a good, strong work ethic for the underclassman to follow."

"These boys are hungry," Baker concluded. "Their eager for more and their eager to be the leaders of this team. They’ve really embraced their leadership roles and I’m really proud of them. I’m proud to coach them and I expect big things from them this year."