BLACK CATS READY TO DO SOME SCRATCHING

Third-year Fredericktown boys basketball coach Don Huff doesn't mind the underdog role, just as long as his team strains at the chain and flashes some teeth.

Huff saw his team do that numerous times last year in a 3-19 season.

"I felt we worked hard last year," said Huff. "We made some comebacks and made some games interesting that we went into as the underdog. And this year we'll probably be underdogs again quite a few times. But I think we can make things interesting and upset a few teams."

Huff liked the competitive nature of last year's team and sees the same hard-working attitude this time around.

"We're working pretty hard in practice and showing signs of improvement," said Huff. "We're doing a little bit better, but we've got a ways to go."

Fredericktown returns two starters, including senior Andy Clark, who has started since his freshman season.

"He can play any position we've got," said Huff of the 6-foot-1 guard. Clark averaged 12 points a game last year and led the team in rebounds.

Senior Ben Cosgrove (6-3) also started last season, averaging six points and six rebounds a game.

The Black Cats' JV squad compiled a 16-3 record last year and six juniors will make the move up to the varsity.

Guard Luke McKinnis (5-10), forwards Brandon Boswell (6-1) and Clay Whitener (6-2) and center Brandon Toppins (6-3) all started on the JV. Boswell was the squads leading scorer while McKinnis played point guard.

Also moving up from the JV are guards Jerry Lutes (5-10) and John Richey (5-11).

"I feel we have offensive balance," said Huff. "We don't have to rely on any one guy."

The Cats have added senior guard T.J. Reed, a transfer from North Carolina, and senior center Dusty Edwards (6-3), who returned after being sidelined with an injury his junior year. Junior center Jim Emlund (6-0) is also out for the first time.

"I think we've got a little bit of depth," Huff said. "I feel we can get up and down the court a little. Our lack of height is going to continue to hurt us, but the kids inside work pretty hard."

Fredericktown tips off the season in next week's Farmington Tournament.