(Ketnucky New Era) ELKTON, Ky. — The stands were packed inside the Todd County Central gymnasium Thursday night as the Rebel faithful tipped off the new basketball season with a couple of intrasquad exhibitions.
The Todd Central boys’ and girls’ basketball teams scrimmaged in front of the home fans inside the gym at the annual Meet the Rebels event, with performances from the cheerleading and dance teams along with a couple of warm-ups from the middle school girls’ and boys’ basketball squads.
Todd Central boys’ basketball coach Chris Sullivan is about to begin his first season at TCCHS and was participating in his first Meet the Rebels rally on Thursday. He said he was impressed with the support the community showed his team.
“It was a great turnout,” Sullivan said. “I felt like everything went pretty smooth.”
The Todd County Central Middle School dance team kicked off the event at 6 p.m. with a performance, followed by scrimmages from the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams. After the TCCHS cheerleading and dance teams were introduced and performed routines for the crowd, the high school basketball teams put on a show for the Rebel fans.
The girls’ basketball team, led by second-year coach Steven McGhee, scrimmaged for 20 minutes first. The team was light on reserves, but senior Alicia Salazar led the grey squad to a 25-20 win over their white squad teammates.
The boys’ team followed with a 20-minute exhibition of their own. Led by hot-shooting senior Bradley Case, who connected on several 3-pointers, and smooth junior point guard Travay Henry, the black team cruised to a 44-21 win over the grey squad.
McGhee coached the girls in the first scrimmage and stuck around to watch the boys afterward. He said the event was a success for everyone on the court and in the stands.
“We had a great turnout from the community,” McGhee said. “The girls, we haven’t scrimmaged anybody so this was our first time out and the nerves very easily showed, but the community came out and did great. They supported us really well…. This really gives us some excitement, seeing the community behind us.”
Both Todd Central teams will kick off the regular season on Dec. 1 — the boys’ squad will take on East Robertson (Tenn.) on the road, while the Lady Rebels will host Greenwood. Both games are set to begin at 7:30 p.m.
REACH LUCAS AULBACH at 270-887-3260 or [email protected]