Senior Zavy Bumphus is Caldwell's top returning scorer.
Caldwell County has quite a bit of experience returning in 2022-23, but it’s difficult to ignore what is gone from last season.
The Tigers lost a strong senior group that was highlighted by 2nd Region Player of the Year Jabrion Spikes, who is now at Georgetown College after getting 30.7 points and 11.9 rebounds a game last year to help Caldwell go 18-11.
Returning is senior guard Zavy Bumphus, who was second on the team in scoring at 10 points a game last season. He figures to become an even-bigger focus of the offense this year.
Also back in the starting lineup is junior guard Carter Whittington and sophomore swingman Collin Whittington. The younger Whittington missed nine games late last season with an ankle injury. Collin scored 8.5 points a game while Carter netted 6 points a night.
Junior guard-forward Demaurius Thompson also has starting experience and averaged 5.7 points a game a year ago.
“We’ve got six or seven guys that could be in the starting five,” noted Caldwell head coach Daniel Kukahiko, who begins his 11th season on the Tiger bench. “We still have a lot of work to put in before we have to play, but I’d say six or seven guys could all start at some point.”
Seniors Weston Phelps, Blake Bard and Cannon Littlejohn add some depth at forward while juniors Jack Englebright and Ryan Hammett provide help in the backcourt.
Another player to keep an eye on is 6-6 sophomore newcomer Jaydarius Wilson, who could develop into a difference-maker inside.
“He’s a talented young man, but his learning curve is going to have to be pretty quick,” said Kukahiko. “But he definitely has potential.”
Sophomores Luke Parker, Cade Rowland and Luke Maddox will also try to work their way into the mix.
District-wise, Madisonville-North Hopkins continues to be the team to beat until someone finally ends the Maroons’ lengthy championship string.
“That’s the best way to describe it,” said Kukahiko. “They’re a solid team and Central is going to be solid. And Dawson’s got some guys coming back that are going to be pretty good.”
The Tigers earned the No. 2 seed in the 7th District last season, but then fell to third-seeded Hopkins County Central in the district semifinals and missed a chance to play in the regional tournament.
Caldwell’s goals this season include getting back to the district final and earning a spot in the regional.
The Tigers tip off the new season at home on Thursday against 3rd Region school Muhlenberg County.
