Reluctant Stephens likely to miss Bryan game - Kentucky Wesleyan College Athletics

Kentucky Wesleyan College Athletics

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It's tough to keep Desmond Stephens off the court.

The Kentucky Wesleyan College senior missed the home-opening victory over Hannibal-LaGrange last week because of problems with his hamstrings.

Stephens needs to rest his legs as much as possible, but he also didn't want to miss practice on Saturday.

So, he took the initiative, and Coach Todd Lee allowed the starting point guard on the court.

He looked to be in good shape, but as a precaution, Stephens will likely not be on the floor tonight when KWC hosts Bryan College at the Sportscenter.

"The doctors told us he needs time off, but he's a tough kid, and he wants to be out there," Lee said. "We're probably going to rest him (against Bryan), because we've got to have him for the two games this weekend."

The Panthers will face Lambuth on Friday night in the Hampton Inn/Worth Insurance Owensboro Classic. They will take on Alaska-Fairbanks on Saturday in the doubleheader with Brescia University at the Sportscenter.

Stephens played until Thanksgiving week last year, then broke a bone in his hand and was out for the rest of the season.

The Panther camp is certainly hoping history doesn't repeat itself.

"You always think about that," Lee said. "They wanted him to stay off it for a week. He may not be able to go tonight."

Stephens just hopes he isn't carrying the injury bug into this season.

"I don't know if it's bad luck or what," Stephens said. "I pulled my hamstrings in the Purdue game. I tried to keep going when I hurt them. I've played with a lot of injuries."

The Panthers (3-1) need a healthy Stephens to be successful throughout the season. He averaged 18 points and 5.5 assists a game.

Chris Williams' development into more than just a shooter has also been apparent for the Panthers. The 6-foot-5 forward grabbed 17 rebounds to notch a double-double. Williams did that work while logging 37 minutes.

Interior depth will be helped when two other players return to the court.

Breland McKnight can help KWC inside with his height and strength (6-7, 285). But he has been hampered with back problems the last couple of weeks.

"We're expecting him to play," Lee said on his radio show Monday night. "He has a good skill set."

Andree' Wilson also missed the home opener because of a suspension. The senior forward will be sitting out the second and final game of the suspension tonight, according to Lee.

Bryan is 5-2 and led by junior forward Scott Newton, who averaged 14 points and 8.5 rebounds a game. Keith Bauer is another Bryan forward who is averaging 14.7 points and 6.5 rebounds a game.

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