2025-26 Girls Basketball Preview: Comets prepare to speed the game up

Lakin Flatt knows the 62nd District very well.

The former Elliott County star takes over as the new West Carter coach this season. She can relate to what her players go through competing in one of the toughest districts in the region. The transition to Olive Hill has moved forward without a hitch.

“It’s been pretty good,” Flatt said. “I couldn’t ask for a better group of girls and people to work with at West Carter. I’ve come in, and we are figuring out what kind of girls I have and the changes to make as we try to rebuild the program. They haven’t really been successful since Ally Stone was there. We are making sure they are not forgetting the fundamentals that come with basketball and playing the game.”

She inherited a team that won 11 games last year, including four of their last eight. The roster is young, but they have gained a lot of valuable experience.

“We have some young ones, and we’re getting used to the varsity experience,” Flatt said. “We have a deeper bench. They are getting some more playing time and experience playing with varsity players. They did get some experience on the floor last season, but we are still working on the little things.”

Flatt feels she can put five players on the floor at any given time who can play multiple spots. The first-year coach plans on speeding the game up and the Comets are looking to run.

“Most of our girls can play about any position,” Flatt said,” like Sydney Cecil. They are athletic and play numerous spots and are not stuck playing one position. We are running the ball and pushing the ball up the floor. We are really trying to get our looks off of transition.”

West Carter hosts a holiday classic. There will be more tests for her team before district play begins. The All ‘A’ Tournament also starts when the calendar shifts to January.

Flatt’s shift to head coach came with time constraints. She had to jump right in. Flatt didn’t join the team until the school year started.

“It will be a good test to see where we’re at so far at that point playing against that skill level,” Flatt said. “The girls are getting used to my practices and how I run things and what I expect from them. It’s been really great and they’re picking it up well. I’ve seen improvement since I got here. I didn’t get hired until August.”

Nova Hatton led West Carter in scoring last year with a 14.1 average. Flatt said she can score in a variety of ways. She’s become a good leader and Flatt has already labeled her the “general” on the floor.

Maci Holbrook and Cecil both grabbed the majority of rebounds for the Comets last season. Holbrook led the team with 7.3 boards a game. Cecil wasn’t far behind with 6.3. Flatt wants Cecil to add a scorer’s mentality this year.

Kenlie Nolen can handle the rock and looks to increase her offensive role. Maddie Stamper will bring the Comets a defensive presence. Flatt said the point guard is also an excellent passer. Holbrook adds versatility to the offense and will be a major contributor this year. The Comets expect to spread the wealth in Flatt’s new system.