MCLEANSBORO — Hamilton County girls basketball head coach Clint Winemiller knew he had some big shoes to fill on his team this year due to the graduation last year of a talented and successful senior class.

Without a senior on this year’s roster and factoring in all the unknowns of a season during a pandemic, Winemiller wasn’t sure what to expect out of his club in the season opener against West Frankfort.

The Lady Foxes were ready to go from the start, bolting out to a 15-3 lead after one and cruising to a 53-15 win.

“It was quite a relief for this group of kids,” Winemiller said. “We knew coming into the season that we were very young, and we just wanted a chance either take our lumps or grow as a group because we’re gonna have everyone back next year.”

“To actually get to play, there are so many mixed emotions that go into it,” Winemiller added. “We’d kinda given up on the idea that we’d get a chance to play. Luckily cooler heads than I prevailed, and we get a chance.”

Hamilton County junior Jayce Wellen led all scorers with 11. Lexi McLarin led the Lady Redbirds with 9.

Hamilton County will be back home Friday night to take on Gallatin County. West Frankfort is off until Monday night when they will travel to Harrisburg.