Anthony Thompson
Staff Writer
Coach Paul Peck and Chris Starks draw up a play during a timeout in the LWC vs Campbellsville game (Courtesy: LWC Athletics)
The Blue Raiders started the 2017-18 campaign charging through competitors, proving this year is different. Drawing back to the elimination of the Mid-South Conference Championships in 2016-17, Coach Paul Peck had something to change. Following a 21-11 season, the wide range of recruiting and gameplay grew.
The Blue Raiders made history by going 18-0 to start the season. In all of Coach Peck’s 15 years at Lindsey Wilson, the men’s program has not made this happen before. The first quarter of games would consist of many home games, none to challenging until conference play begins. This is the perfect time for Lindsey Wilson to find their swing and attack it.
Two star freshman starters, Jordan Hamlette, Virginia native, and Kel Stotts, who hails from Columbia, have been vital for the Blue Raiders on offense. Both players are averaging over 11.5 points per game.
Lindsey Wilson ranks first in total steals with 229, third in field goal percentage defense (.382), scoring defense per game (64.6) and fourth in blocks per game (4.9). Wallace ranks first in steals (79) and steals per game (3.8). Meanwhile, Bryan Wallace, a senior guard, leads the team with over 18.2 points per game and 3.8 steals.
Getting the on the road to University of the Cumberlands, plans of the undefeated terms soon came to an end. Falling to the Patriots 86-61, many things will be learned after the first loss. “We needed to lose now, yes it feels good to go undefeated all year, but we needed this to let off the stress from being the targets,” said Stotts. The Blue Raiders met their match, a team shooting over 70% from deep in their loss. Pinching down the remainder of season with tough conference play, the Blue Raiders understand how it feels to be knocked off and come back stronger.