Risco Tigers hope remaining core enough for fifth straight district championship

sports@standard-democrat.com

RISCO -- It's been five years since the Risco Tigers basketball team lost a district championship. Although they lose half of the core behind most of those titles, their hoping what's left is enough to bring them No. 5.

"We've been on a great run," Risco head coach Brandon Blankenship said. "I feel like we still have part of that core remaining."

Risco, who finished last season 18-11, lost Caleb McCord, Austin White, Matt Cummins and Hunter Knight to graduation but return their leading scorer and all-state selection in Jordon Pavy.

Pavy led the Tigers with 19.2 points per game last season and is expected to take on that same role as a senior this year.

"He's going to be a big gun coming back for us," said Blankenship.

Returning with Pavy is inside specialist Brandon Bixler.

Bixler finished last year with his best game. He scored 31 points in a loss to Scott County Central during the Class 1 sectional. Josh Earnheart, who was a part-time starter, will return as Risco's point guard.

"We feel like with those three guys we still have a great core and a great nucleus to try and continue what we've been able to do," said Blankenship. "The rest of our guys compliment them nicely."

Seniors Eric Bennett, Shawn Eakins and DJ Young will also see plenty of minutes. Bennett and Akins are expected to help Bixler inside while Young, who was new to the program last season, will give the Tigers another outside threat.

Junior Cody Young will also be a factor as their leading junior varsity player, but will not be eligible until Christmas.

"We look for him to be a big contributor," Blankenship said. "It's going to hurt not having him to start, but he'll be a nice addition after Christmas."

Fellow Junior Luke Simmons will also fold into the mix.

"I think we're going to be in contention again," Blankenship said. "I know we have the target on our back, especially within our conference and teams in our district. They're really gunning for us and it's going to be a battle for us every night."

The Tigers will start the season participating in the First Midwest Bank Current River Challenge Friday by taking on the defending Class 1 state champions -- Eminence.

"Nothing like pairing up with the defending Class 1 state champions the first game of the year," said Blankenship.