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WCHS teams prep for Sonic Shootout
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After a slow start, Megan Patch has come alive in the last two weeks. Patch has scored 10 or more in three of the past five games. - photo by Jeffery Simmons
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Brad Caten could be in line for more minutes as coach Chris Sullens looks for a presence in the paint. - photo by Jeffery Simmons

Before breaking for Christmas, the Warren County High School basketball teams will try to add some hardware to their trophy cases.

Both the Pioneers and Lady Pioneers are scheduled to take part in the Sonic Shootout held in Sparta. Action is set to start early Wednesday morning.

The Pioneers enter the event as the defending champions. Warren County edged White County 75-74 on its home court for the title – part of a 13-2 start last winter.

Most thought the Pioneers would take a step back this season, especially with the losses of Chance Hobbs, Tyree Ladet and Isaiah Grayson – all named all-tournament at last year’s event. Instead, the Pioneers are a solid 9-4 through the first month.

Coach Chris Sullens is hoping this week’s games give the team an idea of how they measure up before district games start in January.

“We get the opportunity to see three district teams live. We also get the chance to play in a tournament setting,” said Sullens. “Winning it all is our goal. We want to continue to improve, especially our offensive execution.

“It’s getting close to time where you play in games that determine your future. Half of the field in this tournament are teams which will be battling for district titles and region seeding soon. It’s why we go to this event every year.”

Warren County will begin its championship defense Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. against Sequatchie County.

The Lady Pioneers are hoping this week’s game is a step in the right direction before an extended break. Warren County has yet to build solid momentum in the early season, with only one set of back-to-back wins while starting 5-8.

Coach Shea Panter wants to see her team bring some fire to the court when the Lady Pioneers match up with Clay County at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

“I am hoping we go there and compete. We want to play four quarters together,” said Panter. “Wining would take us into the break with lots confidence so we can get started out right when we hit the district portion.”

Follow the Southern Standard sports Twitter page @sstandardsports to track each team’s progress through the tournament field this week.