In March 8 issue, Russell County News
By Derek Aaron
Russell County News Editor

As the Mighty Lakers made strides toward playing for a regional title after defeating Glasgow Wednesday night, the Russell County faithful, or “Laker Lunatics,” showed up in Western’s Diddle Arena in full force to cheer on the boys in red, white and blue.

“I tell you what, this is a great experience for the kids and to get to the final four in region is special,” said Ronnie McFall, father of Laker guard Bryson McFall, the leading scorer against Glasgow. “They have a tough game Monday night but its not very often you get this type of opportunity.”

McFall said playing against the Purples on Monday as underdogs would be tough but that the fans and parents were going to savor the moment and hope the Lakers can pull off another upset.

Russell County High School Cheerleading Coach Teresa Ellis, mother of Laker 1,000 point scorer Bryon Ellis, said the students and cheerleaders who traveled to Diddle did an excellent job of cheering on the team.

Ellis said the pep bus from the high school had 45 students on it, minus cheerleaders. “We even had to turn some away,” she said. “So, I know next week we’ll probably have to bring two buses.”

The Lakers even had the support of members of the Lady Laker basketball team. Lady Lakers Kyla Thomas, Rachael Miller, Lindsay Ramage and Blair Hoover all said they were happy for the guys to make it to the regional final four.

“It was an awesome win,” said Thomas. “I am very proud of them.”

Thomas said her and some of her friends may have to break out the Laker body paint for the Bowling Green game, the Lakers’ most important of the season. A rowdy Laker atmosphere is something the Lakers need to help them against the Purples.

The support of the fanbase can make a difference in the biggest of games. Laker senior Timmy Coffey said the fan support helped his team during their defeat of Glasgow.

“We just came out and played good ball the last three quarters,” he said.

“We hit the boards and made our free throws in the win.”

Named the Army National Guard Player of the Game against Glasgow, Coffey had his fourth consecutive double-double. He said the work was not done and that the team needed fan support now more than ever.

“We still have two more games to accomplish something and that’s all that’s on my mind right now,” he said.