If the spirit of men’s basketball coaching legend has watched over Ray County prep sports recently, then he’s probably pleased at what he has seen. Knight, who died Nov. 1 at age 83, preached the importance of preparation, as expressed in the following quote, which also has been attributed with minor changes to pro football coaching legend Vince Lombardi: “The will to win is not nearly as important as the will to prepare to win.” With the start of high school winter sports practices, coaches and student-athletes at Hardin-Central, Orrick and Richmond have continued the preparation to win they began during the offseason. Here are some pictures of the Bulldogs, Bearcats and Spartans in preparation mode, including some preseason jamboree scrimmaging, captured by Richmond News and Excelsior Springs Standard sports editor Shawn Roney.