Louisa, Ky. — The defending 15th region champion Lawrence County Bulldogs have their sights set on another trip to Rupp Arena.
2025/26 Bulldogs
Front L to R CJ Whitt, Andrew Ratcliffe, Hayden Perry, CJ Waller, Kaiden Harris, Luke Fetherolf, Grant Cochran, Caden Muncy, Isaah Hughes, Kaden Johnson
Back L to R Issac Maynard, Luke Scott, Tristan Howard, Zach Waller, Jay Ransbottom, Colten New, Peyton Muncy, Jamison Ison, Braylen Stumbo, Braden Kitts
The Dawgs went 23-11 last season and were the first team in KHSAA history to lose their first District tournament game and win a Region championship and make it to the State Tournament.
After losing to Prestonsburg in the first round of the 58th District tournament the Bulldogs won four straight games with wins over Johnson Central on the road and victories over Pikeville, Pike Co. Central and Martin County before falling to Montgomery Co. in the first round of the state tournament.
Bulldog Seniors
Luke Fetherolf and Kaiden Harris
The Bulldogs return probable starters in seniors Luke Fetherolf and Kaiden Harris along with juniors Kaden Johnson and Haden Perry and Tolsia transfer CJ Waller and Caden Muncy both juniors who will look for a starting spot. Junior Andrew Ratcliffe along with sophomores Isaah Hughes, CJ Whitt and Johnson Central transfer Grant Cochran will provide depth for the Dawgs.
Bulldog Juniors
Zach Waller, Peyton Muncy, Kaden Johnson, Colton New, Hayden Perry, CJ Waller, Caden Muncy, Andrew Ratcliffe
Lawrence County will open the season with road trips to Morgan Co. on Monday and Lewis Co. on Wednesday before the home opener against District rival Betsy Layne on Friday.
Bulldog Sophomores
CJ Whitt, Isaah Hughes, Grant Cochran, Jay Ransbottom, Jamison Ison
Click for roster and schedule
Bulldog Head Coach Chandler Thompson
COACH’S COMMENTS
“… After the PBurg loss in the District tourney we had a team meeting and just aired some stuff out and let guys get some stuff off their chest and credit to them they got hot at the right time and we rode it to Rupp Arena. I would go just turn a switch on like they did but you know the goal is to get hot at the right time and that is what we did, thank goodness.”
“… That Prestonsburg loss at the time was one the hardest I’ve ever dealt with. Looking back on it now it was a blessing in disguise if that makes sense. Never want to lose a game but man that was an eye opener for all of us. It made us hungry knowing our backs were against the wall. And it was a gauntlet against four really good teams. After each win we got a little bit more confidence in each other and again hats off to that group. Hoping we can keep that taste in our mouths and continue that fight this season.”
“…It’s been great to have everyone together this week. Our football guys made a great run and wish they could have continued on but we are thankful to have them back. We have more numbers this season than we have had in a long time. The energy has been great so far and we are excited to get started with the regular season. The awesome thing about this group is how hard they play. We have great leadership and we don’t ask for much as long as you’re playing hard and giving effort we can’t say a whole lot. We don’t have a ton of time all together but as long as you play hard and obviously it’s early and you’re going to make mistakes and struggle but at least play hard.”
“… We open up for real on Monday and have three games the first week. We will try to be smart about minutes and try to keep guys fresh. We don’t have a ton of time but there is no other team I would rather do this with.”
Bulldog Senior Luke Fetherolf
“… It’s hard playing your last football game, but it was good to get back on the basketball court with my teammates that I grew up with. Last season was great for our school only the second time in history and hopefully we go even farther this year.”
“… Winning the region was probably the best feeling I’ve had so far but I think we can do even better this season. The region will be tough with Martin County, Pikeville, Johnson Central and Paintsville. It’s going to be a gauntlet again. I’m really looking forward to playing Betsy Layne because neither teams like each other.”
Bulldog Senior Kaiden Harris
“… Being a senior makes me feel old. I can’t believe how fast it has gone by. After the PBurg loss we set down and had a meeting and just let it all out. We needed to quit worrying about stuff and just play. We didn’t care who scored we just wanted to win and keep our season alive.”
“… After the final horn went off and we knew we were going to Rupp I had a ton of emotions come out and even shed a few tears. What a great feeling it was, I was so excited for everyone involved. I have watched the state game a bunch of times and I can really appreciate what we did as a team. It’s the coolest thing I’ve ever done, it was hard to take it all in when you’re playing but now I can appreciate it more. I want to get back and do it all over.”
“…Hated that our football guys lost but glad to have them back and we are now at full strength and ready to get going with the regular season.”
