LC boys basketball team opens season with fresh faces

The Lincoln County High School basketball team will look much different this season than last. Seven seniors were lost to graduation, including the team’s top six scorers. That team went 20-11 overall and 11-5 in league play to finish fourth. The team made a run through the regional playoffs to make the championship game and was a state semifinalist.

This team will feature senior shooting guard Conner FitzSimons, junior guard Kavon Almaraz and sophomore forward Daxton Donahue. Lincoln Willingham also returns for his sophomore season, and classmate Layton Stevens is expected to step into a larger role.

LCHS head coach Kevin Smith said Ryder Stoker and Dominic Horlacker could play increasing minutes as they acclimate to the game.

“Ryder and Dominic are brand new to basketball but are athletic and learning quick. Great attitudes,” he said.

Coach Smith is starting the year with a short bench, however, as senior Jacov Viles and Adrian Jackson are both recovering from injuries sustained during the football season. Smith is “hoping to get them up and going in the next few weeks.”

The Lynx opened their season in Overton, falling to Moapa Valley 85-59. They host Water Canyon at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3.