The wait is almost over for the Pioneer basketball program. In two days, the WCHS Pioneers will make their long-anticipated debut on the hardwood and, if last week's scrimmages are any indication, it's going to be must-see viewing any time Danny Fish's team takes the court.
Warren County put a close to its preseason work with a scrimmage with Upperman Thursday, tying the Bees on a buzzer beater by Deashawn Adams after rallying from a 15-point hole earlier in the scrimmage. Adams' layup ended the varsity portion of the workout, but showed WCHS has what it takes to stand toe-to-toe with great teams.
Junior Devin Fish had 19 points in the scrimmage against Upperman, which is coming off a run to the 3A state semifinals last year. Devin is one of many electric guards coach Fish has at his disposal this year and leads a stable on the wing that also includes seniors Aaron Templeton and Nate Turner and juniors Corban Felton and Isaiah Robledo.
Paired with athleticism in the paint, highlighted by human pogo stick Keyton Reno and Adams, coach Fish believes his team is ready to dazzle and delight the always raucous crowds at Charlie Dalton Gym.
"We have added stuff to fit our team. You have the same standards and the same philosophies in ways, but you don't coach every group the same," said coach Fish. "I want people to walk away saying 'They're really exciting to watch.' This team is at its best when it's in transition. We have some high-risers on this team."
Don't be surprised if dunking becomes a nightly occurrence for the Pioneers, who saw a span of almost six years without a ram-rattling two points broken when Devin Fish threw down a dunk in transition last year. Reno has already made a habit of dunking on opponents - and sometimes teammates in workouts during practice - while 6-foot-7 post Chance Whitlock can get above the rim as well.
Running, dunking, shooting from deep and playing lock-down defense is the goal of the Pioneers and they seem to have the personnel to do it. Using the depth at his disposal is something coach Fish believes will be a work-in-progress once the ball is in the air.
"There are times when it feels like we could play 6-7 and sometimes I think we could play 10. We have good size, good length, good shooting - all the pieces. It's all about kids buying into roles and us as coaches helping them identify the roles," said Fish.
Warren County, which has claimed three district titles in the last five seasons, will be playing its final season in District 9-4A. The TSSAA announced new alignments which will begin in the 2025-26 school year, but for this season the Pioneers will continue to battle Coffee County, Columbia, Lincoln County, Shelbyville and Spring Hill for a district crown.
The Pioneers have also beefed up their non-district scheduling as coach Fish hopes to prepare his team for the challenges it could face deeper in the postseason.
"If have a chance to move forward in regionals, we have to be more competitive with our schedule. And sometimes that means ending some relationships and losing some good gates and competitive games, but at the same time we need to see some different looks if we're really serious about progressing in the postseason," said Fish.
The challenges will come right out of the gate for the Pioneers. Warren County opens up at Walker Valley - a 22-win team and sectional qualifier last year - on Tuesday and also faces Notre Dame (DII-A state qualifier last year) on the road Friday. Tip-off for both games is set for 7:30 p.m.
Warren County will make its home debut Monday, Nov. 25 against White County.
