High school notebook

Date published: 2/14/2008

FROM STAFF REPORTS

Through a rough 1-18 start, Louisa's boys basketball team struggled.

First-year coach Preston Gordon knew this would be a rebuilding year--Louisa did not return much varsity experience, and he was trying to break in a new program.

But things may have changed last Friday, when sophomore Justin Coleman stepped onto the court for the first time this season.

"And that's not to say we can't win without him," Gordon said. "But he definitely changes things big time."

Coleman sat out most of the season working to improve his classroom performance. But Gordon was impressed with the work the sophomore put in.

"He made some changes academically and with his attitude, which made me very proud," Gordon said.

Coleman also had five blocks against the Hornets. On the fifth stuff, he jumped high and pinned the ball against the backboard; when he landed he suffered a high ankle sprain that forced him out of the last minute of that game, as well as a 78-62 loss to Powhatan.

Yet still, Coleman sat with Gordon on the bus to Powhatan, watching film and trying to make up for lost time.

Gordon called Coleman, a 6-foot-3 forward, a slasher, who can beat teams off the dribble and with his shooting.

"He adds a dynamic aspect to our game," Gordon said. "He's a firecracker. Watching him offensively, he does some real amazing things.

"We've got some things to work on defensively, but he changes things for us on offense."

This week's poor weather has delayed the end of the regular season, so Gordon isn't sure when the Jefferson District Tournament will start--it could be Saturday or possibly as late as Monday--or who Louisa's first-round opponent will be.

"I'm just hoping he'll be able to play in the first round," Gordon said.

ORANGE, LOUISA GOING HEAD TO HEAD SATURDAY

The Jefferson District wrestling title found a comfortable home at Louisa High School in 2005 and '06.

Orange took the team title last year, but the Lions hope Saturday will be the start of a new reign.

The district tournament begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Orange High School with finals scheduled for 3 p.m.

Louisa beat Orange, 53-9, in a dual meet in January. They'll have key head-to-head matches in four weight classes that should go a long way to determining the team champion.

Orange's Randon Young beat Louisa's Ethan Faulls at 112 in January. But Louisa had the edge at 145 (Stephen MacCauley d. Brandon Jones), 160 (Logan McNutt d. Schuyler Whelan) and 189 (Chris Harris d. Warren Gallahan).

Louisa's Charlie Elkins (heavyweight) is also ranked in the state and should be favored to win a district title.

"Any head-to-head matchup with Orange will be a key one for us," Louisa coach Chris Whitlow said.

Date published: 2/14/2008