Tuesday, November 13, 2012 11:59 am

By TONY STINNETT

Basketball players at Cannon County will be in a comfort zone at the outset of the 2012-13 season, which opens with a home doubleheader against Cumberland County Tuesday.

Cannon County opens the season with seven straight games at Robert A. Harris Gymnasium beginning with Tuesday’s clash against visiting Cumberland County at 6 p.m. The Lions play 15 minutes following the completion of the girls game. Both teams face Marion County Friday. Both games are TSSAA Hall of Fame games.

“It is rare to have such a long homestand at the start of the season but it worked out and it gives our fans a chance to see our teams and become familiar with them early,” said Michael Dodgen, CCHS athletics director and Lionettes Head Basketball Coach. “It is also a good opportunity for our teams to face good competition on our home floor, where we have played well in recent years. We have great fans at Cannon County and they are a big part of our success.”

The Lionettes return three starters from last year’s Region 4-AA semifinalist, including 2012 Class AA Miss Basketball Finalist Abbey Sissom.

Jordan Hollis is also back at a guard position and Ashley Basham returns in the paint. Expect junior Madison Walkup to have a breakout season in a more significant role.

The Lions return several players but also welcome the addition of several newcomers who could factor heavily into the team’s success. Senior Jarrett Melton and junior Cory Henley are the team’s top returning scorers, but Tommy Mitchell and Tanner Larson have enjoyed strong offseasons. Sophomores Garrett McReynolds, Jacob Nave,  and Corey Ruehlen will make an impact.