Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Casey Roberts 

Contributing Writer

The Lincoln County Middle School girls basketball team, under the leadership of head coach Darren Lane, has kicked off their season with an impressive start, continuing a tradition of excellence that dates back to past championship teams.

Lane, who previously led a team that included standouts like Emma King, Maddy Boyle, and his daughter Anna Lane to state titles in their 6th and 7th grade years, has returned to guide this new group of talented players. This summer, the team attended the CVL camp, where they performed exceptionally well and built strong camaraderie.

“We had awesome turnouts for open gym, with over 40 girls attending, and many more trying out. The excitement is definitely there for the program,” said Lane.

The team’s preseason preparations included a red/white scrimmage, which saw a great turnout from the fan base, followed by a successful series of scrimmages, including wins in all three games against Garrard County. They wrapped up the preseason with a solid showing at the Berea tournament, where the 6th grade team earned a third-place finish.

Lane is particularly proud of the team’s early-season performance, with all three teams starting the regular season 2-0 after victories against West Jessamine and Mercer County. “All three groups are a blast to watch. We press, run, and gun, but we’re also getting better in our half-court sets,” he said.

The program’s future looks bright, with Lane’s daughter Anna Lane now coaching the 6th grade team, and Chansler Gilbert leading the 7th grade squad. Together, they are building a foundation for continued success at Lincoln County Middle School.