SENATORS BOUNCE BACK WITH THREE WINS

The 2011-2012 West Washington Senators seem to be rewriting the script from last year.  After a tough loss to archrival Salem (1-2), the Senators have bounced back with improved play and three impressive victories over Austin (1-2), Pekin (0-3), and Christian Academy of Indiana (2-1).

On November 29th, Austin came to Dr. T. Kermit Tower Gymnasium, but they brought nothing to stop the hot shooting of the Senators, as West Washington cruised to a 59-44 victory on 75% shooting from the field.  West Washington was paced by Chad Thompson with 25 points, Sophomore Lane Hoover scored 15 points, Clayton Sullivan had 10 points, and Zach Trueblood had 9.



With a short layoff, West Washington was back in action on December 2 against county rival, Eastern Pekin.  Another solid shooting performance lead to a Senator victory, 55-36.  Clayton Sullivan lead the way with 25 points and 9 rebounds on 9-9 shooting from the Free Throw line.  Lane Hoover was also in double digits for the second consecutive game with 11 points.



The Senators travelled to Christian Academy of Indiana for their first road contest of the young season on Tuesday.  A game that seemed very much in hand early in the 3rd period, as West Washington held a 19 point advantage, got very tight very quickly when the CAI Warriors increased the defensive intensity.
"We had a hard time with the defensive pressure that CAI threw at us midway through the 3rd quarter and into the 4th.  We have to get better at handling those situations." commented Coach Dean.

In the end, the Senators held on for a 50-43 win, being led by Clayton Sullivan's 23 points and 9 rebounds.  Chad Thompson did not play due to injury.

On Friday, West Washington, now 3-1,  travels to Paoli to take on the Rams (2-0) in the Senator's first PLAC matchup of the season.

2011-2012 WEST WASHINGTON SENATORS

2011-2012 West Washington Varsity

#34  Clayton Sullivan  6'6  Sr.

#20  Cade Powers  6'0  Sr.

#12  Easton Tuttle  5'8  Sr

# 4  Zach Trueblood  5'11  Sr.

#10  Uriah Cleek  5'11  Sr.

#14  Jordan "The Dawg" Knapp  5'11  Sr.

#24  Chad Thompson  6'2  Jr.

#32  Tyler Stahl  5'11  Jr.

#44  Lane Hoover  6'5  So.

#30  Branson Smith  6'2  So.

#22  Ty Bolton  5'7  So.

2011-2012 West Washington JV

#32  Tyler Stahl  5'11  Jr.

#30  Hunter Davidson  6'0 So.

#10  Brandon Richardson  5'9  So.

#20  Ethan Lintz  5'11  Fr.

#12  Evan Woods  6'0  Fr.

#4  Cody Maudlin  6'1  Fr.

#24  Dustin Lee  5'7  Fr.

#14  Clint Smith  6'0  Fr.

WEST WASHINGTON SENATOR COACHING STAFF
Varsity -- Greg Dean
Varsity Assistant -- Mark Morin
Junior Varsity -- Kyle Stewart
Freshman -- Clark Smith
8th Grade -- Chris Long
7th Grade -- Neil Coyle
6th Grade -- Logan Walker
High School Volunteer Assistant -- Landon Roberts
High School Volunteer Assistant -- Adam Walker

OPENING NIGHT

The 2011-2012 West Washington Senators open up regular season play tonight as arch rival, Salem, visits Dr. T. Kermit Tower Gymnasium.  Senators are led by a handful of seniors, including 6'6 Clayton Sullivan, 6'0 Zach Trueblood, and 5'8 Easton Tuttle.

The Senator C-Team opened up their 2011-2012 with a home loss to Crawford County on Monday night.

West Washington's Junior High is already off to a hot start with both the 7th and 8th grade teams 2-0, defeating Lanesville and Perry Central.

SHOE FITTING

Just a reminder, we will be getting fitted for our shoes and clothes tonight at Open Gym.  Please be at the gym by 6 pm.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

KENDAL ROSENBAUM

Parents:  William Ray Rosenbaum & Gina Marlette Rosenbaum-Tragesser


Grandparents:  Gloria & Jerry Rosenbaum, Lola & Lonnie Tincher


Siblings:  8 Step-Siblings  "Way too many steps to write down."  Kendal Rosenbaum

Favorite Class:  Tie between Physics and lunch


College Choice:  Rose Hulman Institute of Technology


Major/Future Plans:  Civil/Environmental Engineering

Something Nobody Knows About Kendal:  "I envy Ike's chest fro... wow is that fantastic!"


Kendal's Favorite Basketball Memory:  Clark Smith's classy antics

Other Sports:  Football, Golf, Ping Pong, Speedwalking


Coach Dean on Kendal:  I really enjoyed Kendal as a competitor this year.  He loved to battle and compete and sometimes he got worked up, but he never crossed that line... he went right up to it and looked across, but he always understood what was best for the team (even at Crawford County).  Kendal also understood his role on our basketball team, and that is a great attribute to have as a teammate.  He came in off the bench and got a lot of rebounds and couple buckets a game and we always knew he was going to be solid as a defender.  And there were some times where he filled starting role and gave us some huge minutes.  Kendal is a smart kid and you could see that on the floor because I think he outsmarted guys a lot of times to gain an advantage, especially as an offensive rebounder.
Kendal also loves "East Bound and Down" and that's A-OK in my book.

SENATORS MOVE BACK TO 1A AND FAMILIAR SECTIONAL

With the move back to 1A, the West Washington Senators knew there would be a change in sectional company.  However, it was unknown until today if the Senators would return to familiar Sectional 61 with PLAC rivals Orleans and Springs Valley or go south with the likes of Borden, Lanesville, and Rock Creek Academy.  The IHSAA put out its 2011-12 and 2012-13 sectional realignment and the Senators are headed back to familiar territory, Sectional 61, consisting of Crothersville, Medora, Northeast Dubois, Orleans, Springs Valley, and Trinity Lutheran.  West Washington was 5-0 against Sectional 61 opponents this year.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

CODY HUFF

Parents:  Chad & Zel Huff

Grandparents: Dallas & Rosemary Huff, Edith Westfall

Siblings:  Dylan Huff (16)

Favorite Class:  Building Trades

College Choice:  Vincennes University

Major/Future Plans:  Diesel Mechanic

Something Nobody Knows About Cody:  "I have saved J-Dawg's (Jordan Knapp) life everytime he has wrecked his truck."

Cody's Favorite Basketball Memory:  "Listening to all of Coach Dean's and Coach Smith's hilarious stories."

Other Sports:  Possum Bashin'

Coach Dean on Cody:  Cody had to fight through a rough year, dealing with a severe ankle injury.  But, he really kept at it and got himself back into shape and was able to come back late in the year and give us a huge spark and some much needed scoring.  It became very apparent, with Cody injured, how valuable he was to our team.  Cody provided us with scoring and especially outside shooting.  When he returned was when we really started playing our best basketball, the last few weeks of the season.  He stretched the defense and opened up a lot of other offensive avenues for our team. 

NICE AND SULLIVAN SELECTED ALL-PLAC

West Washington Senator senior Trevor Nice and Junior Clayton Sullivan were honored by the coaches of the Patoka Lake Athletic Conference Thursday night as they were selected to the 2011 All-Conference Team.  Other players named to the all-conference team were Jordan Newkirk (Crawford County); Sylas Morin (Springs Valley); Alex Baker (Crawford County); Lucas McCullough(Orleans); Sebastian Baggett (Springs Valley); Brandon Owens (Mitchell); Trey Bradley (Orleans); Isaac Bowles (Crawford County); Zach Thomas (Perry Central); and Tanner Cassidy (Perry Central).

CLAYTON SULLIVAN RECEIVES HONOR

Clayton Sullivan has been named one of the Top 150 Underclassmen in the state of Indiana by the Indiana Basketball Coaches' Association (IBCA) in conjunction with the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA).  Clayton will participate in the Indiana High School Boys Basketball Showcase on July 11th, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.  This event is designed to showcase and provide collegiate exposure for the best underclassmen talent that the state of Indiana has to offer.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

ISAAC ROWLAND

Parents:  Greg & Jenny Rowland


Grandparents:  Paul & Wanda Rowland, Ernest & Margaret Snider


Siblings:  Jacob (20), Zach (10)

Favorite Class:  Clark's Class (which Ike isn't in)


College Choice:  Butler University


Major & Future Plans:  Butler University Pharmacy School

Somthing Nobody Knows About Ike:  "I listen to Jimmy Buffett on vinyl before every basketball game."


Ike's Favorite Basketball Memory:  The new soap squirter.

Other Sports:  Ripstikkin


Coach Dean on Isaac:  Ike is a great kid and was such a big part of our basketball team in so many different ways.  On the floor, Ike continually grew and improved as a basketball player, taking care of the ball, finding ways to score, running the team, getting people into the right spots.  But Isaac's niche was definitely at the defensive end.  He was our most natural defender.  Ike had a knack and an understanding for positioning himself on the court and being in helpside, and he is quick enough and athletic enough that he just gave ball handlers fits, very rarely allowing his man to penetrate into the lane.
Off the floor, Ike kept the team loose with his shenanigans, hijincs, and tomfoolery.

SENIOR NIGHT

Thursday, February 24th is Senior Night at West Washington High School.  Please come out and support the Senators and the Seniors as they round out the regular season vs. Mitchell in a PLAC game and prepare for the sectional.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

TREVOR NICE

Parents: Jesse & Vickie Nice

Grandparents:  Junior & the late Cathy Nice, Leonard & Betty Voris

Siblings:  Jeron (29), Kendra (19)

Favorite Class:  Office Practice

College Choice:  Indiana State University (Go Trees)

College Major & Future Plans:  Business & Insurance

Something Nobody Knows About Trevor:  Sometimes I sit in my room and play Pokemon.

Trevor's Favorite Basketball Memory:  Learning how the new soap dispensor in our laundry room works.

Other Sports:  Football, Golf

Coach Dean on Trevor:  I've really enjoyed coaching Trevor this season.  Being the point guard, I've put a lot of pressure on Trevor and he has handled it very well.  He's the leader on the floor and he does a great job getting people where they need to go and reading what the opposing team is doing, which allows us to transition very quickly.  Trevor adds a different element to our team because of his athleticism and scoring ability.  Someone, next year, will have big shoes to fill at the point guard position.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

LOGAN HALL

Parents:  Michael & Jackie Trueblood, the late Rusty Hall

Grandparents:  Jack & Sandy Knapp, Steve & Rita Trueblood, John & Suzie Hall

Siblings:  Caleb (21), Ethan (19), Zach (17), Lane (13)

Favorite Class:  Lunch

College Choice:  University of Southern Indiana

College Major and Future Plans:  Major in Pre-Chiropractic Care

Something Nobody Knows About Logan:  "I love milk!"

Logan's Favorite Basketball Memory:  The Food Fight

Other Sports:  Track, Motocross

Coach Dean on Logan:  Logan provides our team with such an array of options.  He's 6'5, but he's not your typical 6'5 high school basketball player.  He's long and athletic and runs well, which allows us to use Logan in our press and trapping situations.  Logan's athleticism and skills also allow him to play other positions on the floor.  Logan isn't just a Power Forward playing in the paint.  He can pass and dribble and shoot, so he can be moved out on the floor which provides a difficult matchup for a lot of opponents.  Aside from Logan's ability on the basketball floor, he's a great kid with a terrific attitude.  He works hard on the floor and in the classroom. 

7th GRADE SENATORS ADVANCE TO FINALS WITH WIN OVER EASTERN

After losing by 6 points in their previous contest with Eastern, the Senator 7th graders knew what to expect in the first round of this year's County Tournament.

The Musketeer jumped out to a quick 11-4 lead before the Senators used a 10-3 run to end the first quarter.  West Washington tied improved their defense and outscored Eastern 13-5 in the second quarter to take a 27-19 lead into the locker room at the half.

After an even third quarter, the Senators closed out the game with a 17-8 fourth quarter on the back of 12-20 free throw shooting that lead to 57-36 victory and a punched ticket to the championship game.

The Senators, with a balanced scoring attack, were paced by Joe Pate with 16 points, Bailey Sullivan and Seth Miller both chipped in 13 points, Lane Trueblood with 12, and Brady Brown with 2.

West Washington, riding a three game winning streak, will see the Salem Lions in the championship game at Borden on Thursday, February 17th at 6 p.m.  These two teams have played once this year, with the Senators victorious 36-21.

SENATORS BREAK 13 YEAR STREAK WITH WIN OVER BULLDOGS

You have to go back to 1998 to find the last time the West Washington Senators beat the Orleans Bulldogs, but that streak ended Tuesday night with a 59-40 victory at T. Kermit Tower Gymnasium.

With exception to a 2-0 Bulldog advantage, the Senators lead from start to finish.  The score was 32-21 at halftime, but that quickly changed to start the 3rd quarter, as the Senators increased the margin to 17 points on their first three possessions and a 21 point advantage at the end of the 3rd period of play.

West Washington continued it's balanced scoring with contributions from eight Senators, three players in double figures.  Clayton Sullivan lead all scorers with 20 points, and he took down 7 rebounds.  Trevor Nice and Logan Hall chipped in 10 points a piece, Chad Thompson 9, Isaac Rowland 5, Kendal Rosenbaum 2, Sterling Springer 2, and Lane Hoover 1.

After a poor defensive performance at Crawford County last week, West Washington bounced back to more familiar territory, holding Orleans to just 40 points for the night, 14 points below their season scoring average, and allowing just one Bulldog player to score double figures, Trey Bradley with 13 points.

With the win, the Senators move their season record to 12-5 and 4-1 in the PLAC.  Orleans drops to 11-6 on the season and 4-2 in the PLAC.
The Senators will be back in action Friday, February 18th as they travel to Henryville to take on the Hornets.  The JV tip off is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Game Note:  Cody Huff returned to competitive play after missing three games with an ankle injury.  "It was nice to have Cody suiting up again, and it was nice to have him in practice, as well for the last week or so.  He adds a scoring option and an outside shooting threat that we need." remarked Coach Dean

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

STERLING SPRINGER

Parents:  Steve Springer & Alis Rosenbaum


Grandparents:  Evan & Nicole Springer, Annie Little


Siblings:  Jerry (24), Chris (20), Kendal (18), Nick (17), Shelby (15)

Favorite Class:  Calculus & Physics


College Choice: Indiana State University


College Major and Future Plans:  Education

Something Nobody Knows About Sterling:  Sterling was born in Germany.


Sterling's Favorite Basketball Memory:  The Great Clark Smith

Other Sports:  Football & Baseball


Coach Dean on Sterling:  Sterling is an extremely knowledgeable young man when it comes to the game of basketball.  For this reason, Sterling is very flexible and can play many positions on the floor for us. He always knows what everyone else's assignments are within the gameplan and particular sets.  I love putting Sterling on the opposing teams good, physical players because I know Sterling understands how to defend and will be just as physical and won't back down.  His hardwork on the court is contagious, and respect and appreciate his leadership for our team.  I think Sterling has a bright future as a teacher and a coach if he chooses to pursue those endeavors.

Senators Too Much For Commodores

The West Washington Senators remained perfect in the Patoka Lake Athletic Conference with a win Friday night against the visiting Perry Central Commodores.  (7-8, 1-3 PLAC)

The Senators, riddled with injury and illness, missing two seniors, Kendal Rosenbaum and Cody Huff, started off slowly, ending the 1st quarter in a 6-6 tie.  However, West Washington jumped to a seven point lead going to the break with a strong 2nd quarter from Logan Hall, who tallied 10 points in the contest.

With two Senator turnovers to start the 2nd half, the Commodores quickly cut the seven point lead to 3.  The Senators settled in, however, behind strong 3rd and 4th quarter performances from Clayton Sullivan and Isaac Rowland.  Rowland had two old-fashioned 3-pt plays and Sullivan had 14 of his 21 points in the second half.  Trevor Nice also contributed mightily with 9 assists and 5 points.

The win moves West Washington's season mark to 11-4 and 3-0 in the PLAC.  The Senators will be back in action Thursday, February 10th when they head to Crawford County High School for a battle of Patoka Lake Athletic Conference unbeatens.  A victory Thursday night will put the winner in sole possession of the conference lead.

WEST WASHINGTON C-TEAM ROLLS OVER RAMS

The Paoli Rams came to West Washington High School last night.  However, they were not greeted well, as the Senators walked away from the Rams with a 31-20 victory.

The Senators trailed by a single point after one quarter of action, but came out in the second quarter and locked down defensively, holding the Rams to only one free throw, going into the half up 15-11.
Coming out of the locker room, the 3rd and 4th quarters proved to be much of the same from the Senator defense. They held the Rams to just 4 points in the 3rd period and 5 points in the closing period to pull away and win by eleven.  "The Rams pressed us in the 4th quarter, but our kids did a nice job of handling the pressure and not turning it over."  commented Coach Stuckey.

West Washington got scoring contributions from six Senators.  Branson Smith and Ty Bolton led the way with nine points a piece.  Tyler Stahl scored five points, Kelby Hash had four points, and Chuck Parks and Hunter Davidson each chipped in a bucket.

With this victory, the Senators up their season mark to 6-3.  They will be back in action Monday, February 3rd when the Trinity Lutheran Cougars come to town.  That game time is 6 p.m.

Coach Dean Selected as HBCA Vice President

In a recent vote held by the members of the Hoosier Basketball Coaches' Association, Coach Dean was selected as the organization's Vice President for the coming two years.  The HBCA is a coaches association that represents players and coaches from all of Southern Indiana.

Coach Dean commented, "I am excited to be a part the HBCA in this capacity.  I'm really looking forward to contributing to the organization and working with incoming President, Josh Thompson, to help the young men and women of Southern Indiana."

Senators Get Two Wins On Homecoming

The West Washington Senators got two wins Friday night over the visiting North Harrison Cougars in front of a large Homecoming crowd.  The Junior Varsity began the winning with a come from behind win, 36-26.  Lane Hoover led the JV Senators in scoring with 13 points and a great second half.

The winning continued between games for one Senator player.  Sterling Springer was crowned Homecoming King and Heartthrob.  Shelby Smith rounded out the Homecoming Court being named 2011 West Washington Homecoming Queen.

The Senator Varsity survived a second half scare, surrendering a 17-point margin, only to regain the lead in the waning minutes.  The Senators struggled to shake off the rust from a long, snow-induced layoff with poor shooting from the field and free throw line.  Stellar Senator defense continued, however, to hold off the Cougars and earn the varsity's 10th win of the year with a 43-42 victory.  This win improves the Senator's season mark to 10-4 and lifts them to 6th in the state in Defensive Average, allowing 40.79 points per game.  West Washington was led in scoring by Center, Clayton Sullivan, with 14 points and Point Guard, Trevor Nice who chipped in 12 points.  Kendal Rosenbaum did an outstanding job defensively on North Harrison standout, Lincoln Jones, holding him to only 9 points for the contest.

West Washington's homestand continues Friday, February 4th, as PLAC opponent Perry Central comes to town.  Perry Central currently has a record of 6-5, with a 1-1 PLAC record after suffering a 68-40 loss to Crawford County Friday night.  The Senators hope to remain unbeaten in conference play. (2-0 PLAC)