With basketball season in full swing and district play ramping up, UCR’s Rusty Ellis and Michael Lindsay have graded each team’s performance to this point. Grades were decided upon using multiple factors including win-loss records, quality of wins and preseason expectations for each school.
Lady Wildcats: A
Overall Record: 12-3
Key Wins: Cookeville, Clarkrange, Pickett County
Reasoning: A successful first half of the season saw LA pick up big wins against the likes of Cookeville, Pickett County and Clarkrange. The Lady Wildcats aren’t showing any signs of slowing down yet.
How to Improve: It’s hard to go up from an A; there are only two A+ reports given throughout the 34 total programs we cover. LA is off to a great start this year and should be commended for it. Livingston has shown the ability to win District 7AAA; go do that to earn an A+. It’s a high standard for a highly capable team.
Wildcats: A+
Overall Record: 14-0
Key Wins: Pickett County, Clay County
Reasoning: The record speaks for itself; Livingston Academy has won every game on the schedule as they sit at 14-0 overall. The win at Pickett was the biggest to date, and few schools make it through their holiday tournament undefeated. We knew Livingston had potential, and the Wildcats are making the most of it.
How to Improve: “Improve” doesn’t fit Livingston as much as “maintain.” The Wildcats are one of two A+ programs in our reports and keeping their fantastic run alive starts at the defensive end. District 7AAA teams are known for their potent offenses, so slowing them down is vital.