BRAVES SHOOT FOR 13TH STATE TITLE

No matter the number of starters returning, Scott Country Central boys basketball coach Todd Porter has learned one fact in his three years at the school -- the goal is to always win state.

The Braves have achieved that lofty goal a state record 12 times since 1976.

"You don't need to play if it's not your goal," said Porter.

At the start of the 1997 season, that goal appears exceptionally high with just one returning starter from last year's 18-8 squad.

Scott County lost three all-conference players in Marcus Blissett, Eric Canady and Qwane Andrews. All three were double figure scorers.

But the Braves have been known to reload quickly in the past.

Junior guard/forward John Fort is the Braves' lone returning starter. The 5-foot-10 Fort averaged 16 points per game and nine rebounds in earning all-district and all-conference honors as a sophomore.

In addition, Scott County has four returning lettermen and a high-scoring JV player ready to make the move to the varsity.

Seniors Earl Winfield, a 5-8 guard, Sam Brown, a 6-0 center, and Jason Gipson, a 5-10 forward, return this season along with junior Travis Blackmon, a 5-10 junior.

Sophomore Jreece Johnson, a 5-10 forward/guard, averaged 30 points per game with the JV last season and should help make up for some of the lost scoring. Porter said Johnson can shoot from anywhere.

Fort is also a good shooter who has worked to improve his range.

The Braves have also added Sikeston High transfer Adam Taylor, a 5-9 junior.

But the Braves did not import any height, a much needed commodity. The tallest of the Brave starters will likely be the 6-foot Brown.

"We're not going to be very big," said Porter. "They're pretty athletic and when they work hard they're not bad, and when they don't work hard they're not very good. But that's pretty typical."

He added, "We're going to have to rely on being quick and being in better shape."

Scott County opens the season next week in the Oran Tournament.