The Scribe
11-27-2006, 04:22 AM
16th Region
By Nets
Bluegrasspreps.com
1. Russell Red Devils—The defending 16th region champions have several pieces of the puzzle returning for 2006-2007.
Most importantly the Red Devils have back the 16th regions best overall player in 6’4” Senior guard Jonathan Vanhoose. Vanhoose led Russell to their first 16th regional crown since 1972 and Coach Steve Dodd’s squad has hopes of returning to Rupp for a repeat.
In addition to Vanhoose, the Red Devils have back 6’0” Senior guard Austin Blair, a sturdy guard who is strong with the ball and can score and create. 6’2” jumping jack Scott Gill is perhaps one of the region’s most athletic players and plays much bigger than his height.
6’5” Ross Turner improved greatly throughout the season and was an integral part of the tournament run. Also, the Red Devils got help when Austin Robinson transferred into Flatwoods and could bolster an already strong backcourt.
2. Elliott County—The region’s most interesting team may very well reside in Sandy Hook. The young but extremely talented Elliott County Lions make their highest debut in the 16th regional preseason rankings.
Headlining this group is 6’2” Sophomore Jonathan Ferguson. Ferguson burst onto the regional stage last year pumping in 30+ points in an impressive win over Ashland Blazer in the opening round of the 16th regional tournament last season. He is strong, creates incredible space when getting off his jump shot and leaping abilities are in the same mold as Russell’s Scott Gill. Ferguson is mentioned as one of the region’s toughest match ups for defenses.
The Lions will hold the #2 spot for more reasons than just Ferguson.
Talented identical twins Ethan and Evan Faulkner are a pair of 6’0” guards who can score, defend, and use their athletic ability to push the basketball and score in transition. The Faulkner twins have a high basketball I.Q. and are both capable of huge scoring nights to take the slack off Ferguson if teams become too concerned with his scoring ability.
Also Tyler Maynard is a long range bomber and was among the area’s best FT% leaders at the 90% mark or just above.
3. Ashland Blazer—The Tomcats are always among the regions elite and this season usher’s in a new coach in Buddy Biggs who did a marvelous job building Pendleton County into a state power.
Look for the Tomcats to push the issue with a lot of the responsibility on the shoulders of 6’0” Matt Thomas and 6’3” brute Drew McDavid. They have the athletes to really excel this season and make a lot of noise late in the season.
4. Greenup County—The Musketeers are itching to get back to MSU for another shot at the regional tournament. They advanced to the regional finals last season behind excellent guard play and this year is no exception.
They have talent and experience to take it to another level and could be the sleeper team to win the 16th region.
Tyler Wolfenbarger, Travis Wright, and Mitchell Brown will be key for the Muskies this season in Lloyd.
5. Rowan County—The Rowan County Vikings were the 2005 16th region champions and can debate with anybody that they have the best back court in the region.
Highlighted by 6’4” Senior Matthew Daniel, a scoring machine with unlimited range is also a solid passer of the basketball. His length allows him to create space and pose match up problems.
In addition, Matthew Martin is a strongly built 5’11” senior guard who can get to basket and finish…the lefty can also hit the three and defend with great tenacity. The Vikings are lofted to the 3rd slot with the perception that their guards will be flanked by a strong post game with 6’8” Sophomore Blake Pettit and 6’3” Chris Howard.
Look for the Vikings to rebound exceptionally well and have the ability to score in bunches.
6. Morgan County—5 straight 20 win seasons in West Liberty has made the Cougar program the most productive of any team in the 16th region in that span. Multiple district titles and a regional title have made the Cougars into a traditional regional power.
The Cougars did lose 4 starters off last year’s remarkable 22-4 team, but don’t think the Cougars are out of talent just yet.
6’4” Katlin Haney is perhaps the most diverse offensive player in the 16th…perhaps the strongest, sturidiest and hardest working athletes, Haney is an exceptional shooter and can create.
Look for help from 6’3” Junior Brandon Ferguson, 6’2” sophomore PG Cameron Dunn, 6’0” sophomore Tyler Adkins as well as John Robert Henderson, Wes Montgomery who started 15 games last season.
7. Rose Hill Christian—Another group of incredible young talent. Led by Freshmand 6’8” Dakotah Euton and 6’1” Chad Jackson, the Royals are among the most athletic and dynamic teams in the region. The Royals will rely heavily upon Euton and Jackson and also the development of Chase Jackson, a 6’10” junior.
Look for the Royals to be in the hunt all year, but like many teams in the region they have some unproven talent at the varsity level that will get adapted to spotlight very quickly.
Tony Arthur and Michael Fuller will help round out an athletic squad. The Royals will have added depth and be one of the biggest overall teams in the region.
8. Raceland—Head Coach Shawn Johnson always has a very sound and fundamental team. This year he has Jacob Sparks a 6’5” burly post player and Benji Mullins an outstanding guard to look for big plays.
A strong young team will step up and fill voids left by graduation. Could be big things down the road for the Orange and Black.
9. East Carter—Brandon Baker will have some talented guards to work with this season. Drew Johnson and Van Burge are capable of putting up big numbers.
Always scrappy and defensive, the Raiders will look to use their quickness to their advantage. Look for a good shooting basketball team this winter from the boys from Grayson
10. Boyd County—Billy Blanton will once again carry the load for the Lions. Blanton has been a productive 4 year starter for the Lions and will added help and bulk this season the region’s most secretive team may very well be better than their #10 preseason ranking.
Look for the Lions to move up quickly and make a push to the next tier this season.
11. West Carter—Jeremy Webb returns to Olive Hill as the Comets new head coach. He should have some excitement to build around.
The Comets upset the 16th region favorite Morgan Co. last season in the district tournament and have back creative guard Michael Hollingsworth.
Look for Chris Barker, a hard working post player with touch and athletic Justin Wolfe will help carry the load. Many feel that Boyd Co. and West Carter are the two biggest question mark teams heading into the season that will be better than most people think.
12. Fairview—Perhaps the 3rd most underrated team in this preview are the Eagles from Westwood…the Fairview Eagles. Rex Cooksey’s team will build around the lightning quick Alex Barker.
Look for the Eagles to have plenty of young talent that will contribute.
13. Fleming County—New Head coach Brad Fraser takes over for the storied Panther program. Fleming has a host of young talent and will be replacing key parts off a pesky team last season.
The youth development will be key for success for Fleming Co…but these lean years will be on the quick up and up with a bunch of talent coming up.
14. Lewis County—Head Coach Joe Hampton will be replacing some key players form last year but look for Aaron Sparks to carry the scoring load.
The Lions are well coached and will always battle teams each night. Wouldn’t be surprised to see this team much higher in the mid season.
15. Bath County—Another new coach and new system may take time to develop for the Wildcats. Zach Metz is a brute athlete who can score and Blandon Clemons can do many things.
Allen Trusty also returns for the Wildcats. Bath must be able to rebound and defend to stay alive each night in the 16th.
16. Menifee County—6’5” Cody Howard is among the regions most underrated and talked about players…soft hands/touch and good movement will create issues for teams.
Derrick Ferrell and Bobby Williams will be looked upon for more scoring and the Cats must play some “D” to survive many nights in the 16th.
Top Players
1. Jonathan Vanhoose (Russell)
2. Jonathan Ferguson (Elliott County)
3. Matthew Daniel (Rowan County)
4. Katlin Haney (Morgan County)
5. Dakotah Euton (Rose Hill)
6. Chad Jackson (Rose Hill)
7. Drew McDavid (Ashland Blazer)
8. Alex Barker (Fairview)
9. Tyler Wolfenbarger (Greenup County)
10. Scott Gill (Russell)
11. Ethan Faulkner (Elliott County)
12. Matt Thomas (Ashland Blazer)
13. Austin Blair (Russell)
14. Billy Blanton (Boyd County)
15. Evan Faulkner (Elliott County)
16. Matthew Martin (Rowan County)
17. Drew Johnson (East Carter)
18. Travis Wright (Greenup)
19. Jacob Sparks (Raceland)
20. Cody Howard (Menifee County)
Most Underrated
1. Van Burge (East Carter)
2. Michael Hollingsworth (West Carter)
3. Chris Howard (Rowan County)
4. Mitchell Brown (Greenup County)
5. Benji Mullins (Raceland)
6. Ross Turner (Russell)
7. Aaron Sparks (Lewis County)
8. Chris Barker (West Carter)
Most underrated Teams “Potentially” according to this preview
1. Boyd County—Blanton and Co. could be much stronger
2. Fairview—Quick Barker and youth will mature
3. West Carter—Pulled the region shocker last season
4. Menifee County—Have some size to trump teams with
5. East Carter--Maybe too low for experience coming back
Most anticipated Match-ups
1. Russell Vs. Rowan County—Top teams with top players will be fun
2. Morgan County Vs. Rose Hill—December 12th at Morgan Co. will shed a
lot of light on these teams and their movement up the ladder
3. Elliott County Vs. Ashland—Late season match up will be sizzling
4. EKC Tournament—Early appetizer for 16th lovers could have super final
5. Russell Vs. Ashland—Proximity like Duke and N.Carolina will have place thumping.
Season’s biggest rival games (In no particular order)
1. Morgan Co. Vs. Elliott Co.—Lions want what Cougars have attained and the boarder war got more interesting as they begin year 2 of their district relationship
2. Elliott Co. Vs. Rowan Co.—Last year’s butt whipping will be remembered by Lions. Anticipate better perimeter shooting and great matchups
3. Russell Vs. Greenup—Big Crowd, great atmosphere…H.S. basketball at it’s best.
4. Boyd Co. Vs. Ashland—This traditional battle is always large.
5. East Carter Vs. West Carter—The County divides on these nights.
6. Russell Vs. Ashland—Equivalent to Duke/North Carolina in terms of proximity and atmosphere.
Upset Minded (Look for these schools to pull multiple upsets within the region)
1. Fleming Co.—With the Panthers being under the radar, Flemingsburg is a very tough place to pick up a win. Look for Fleming Co. to take a shot at a big boy or two in the Den.
2. Bath Co—Seems like some of the regional Class A powers have trouble getting away with wins in the long trip to the regional west coast.
3. East Carter—Teams don’t go to Grayson and whip the Raiders, look for the Raiders to pull a shocker
4. Lewis Co—In the last week of February, first week of March….the Lions always roar near tournament time.
5. Raceland—Have a feeling the Rams will win games on the last possession, look for some nail biters and heroic endings possible in big Orange country
By Nets
Bluegrasspreps.com
1. Russell Red Devils—The defending 16th region champions have several pieces of the puzzle returning for 2006-2007.
Most importantly the Red Devils have back the 16th regions best overall player in 6’4” Senior guard Jonathan Vanhoose. Vanhoose led Russell to their first 16th regional crown since 1972 and Coach Steve Dodd’s squad has hopes of returning to Rupp for a repeat.
In addition to Vanhoose, the Red Devils have back 6’0” Senior guard Austin Blair, a sturdy guard who is strong with the ball and can score and create. 6’2” jumping jack Scott Gill is perhaps one of the region’s most athletic players and plays much bigger than his height.
6’5” Ross Turner improved greatly throughout the season and was an integral part of the tournament run. Also, the Red Devils got help when Austin Robinson transferred into Flatwoods and could bolster an already strong backcourt.
2. Elliott County—The region’s most interesting team may very well reside in Sandy Hook. The young but extremely talented Elliott County Lions make their highest debut in the 16th regional preseason rankings.
Headlining this group is 6’2” Sophomore Jonathan Ferguson. Ferguson burst onto the regional stage last year pumping in 30+ points in an impressive win over Ashland Blazer in the opening round of the 16th regional tournament last season. He is strong, creates incredible space when getting off his jump shot and leaping abilities are in the same mold as Russell’s Scott Gill. Ferguson is mentioned as one of the region’s toughest match ups for defenses.
The Lions will hold the #2 spot for more reasons than just Ferguson.
Talented identical twins Ethan and Evan Faulkner are a pair of 6’0” guards who can score, defend, and use their athletic ability to push the basketball and score in transition. The Faulkner twins have a high basketball I.Q. and are both capable of huge scoring nights to take the slack off Ferguson if teams become too concerned with his scoring ability.
Also Tyler Maynard is a long range bomber and was among the area’s best FT% leaders at the 90% mark or just above.
3. Ashland Blazer—The Tomcats are always among the regions elite and this season usher’s in a new coach in Buddy Biggs who did a marvelous job building Pendleton County into a state power.
Look for the Tomcats to push the issue with a lot of the responsibility on the shoulders of 6’0” Matt Thomas and 6’3” brute Drew McDavid. They have the athletes to really excel this season and make a lot of noise late in the season.
4. Greenup County—The Musketeers are itching to get back to MSU for another shot at the regional tournament. They advanced to the regional finals last season behind excellent guard play and this year is no exception.
They have talent and experience to take it to another level and could be the sleeper team to win the 16th region.
Tyler Wolfenbarger, Travis Wright, and Mitchell Brown will be key for the Muskies this season in Lloyd.
5. Rowan County—The Rowan County Vikings were the 2005 16th region champions and can debate with anybody that they have the best back court in the region.
Highlighted by 6’4” Senior Matthew Daniel, a scoring machine with unlimited range is also a solid passer of the basketball. His length allows him to create space and pose match up problems.
In addition, Matthew Martin is a strongly built 5’11” senior guard who can get to basket and finish…the lefty can also hit the three and defend with great tenacity. The Vikings are lofted to the 3rd slot with the perception that their guards will be flanked by a strong post game with 6’8” Sophomore Blake Pettit and 6’3” Chris Howard.
Look for the Vikings to rebound exceptionally well and have the ability to score in bunches.
6. Morgan County—5 straight 20 win seasons in West Liberty has made the Cougar program the most productive of any team in the 16th region in that span. Multiple district titles and a regional title have made the Cougars into a traditional regional power.
The Cougars did lose 4 starters off last year’s remarkable 22-4 team, but don’t think the Cougars are out of talent just yet.
6’4” Katlin Haney is perhaps the most diverse offensive player in the 16th…perhaps the strongest, sturidiest and hardest working athletes, Haney is an exceptional shooter and can create.
Look for help from 6’3” Junior Brandon Ferguson, 6’2” sophomore PG Cameron Dunn, 6’0” sophomore Tyler Adkins as well as John Robert Henderson, Wes Montgomery who started 15 games last season.
7. Rose Hill Christian—Another group of incredible young talent. Led by Freshmand 6’8” Dakotah Euton and 6’1” Chad Jackson, the Royals are among the most athletic and dynamic teams in the region. The Royals will rely heavily upon Euton and Jackson and also the development of Chase Jackson, a 6’10” junior.
Look for the Royals to be in the hunt all year, but like many teams in the region they have some unproven talent at the varsity level that will get adapted to spotlight very quickly.
Tony Arthur and Michael Fuller will help round out an athletic squad. The Royals will have added depth and be one of the biggest overall teams in the region.
8. Raceland—Head Coach Shawn Johnson always has a very sound and fundamental team. This year he has Jacob Sparks a 6’5” burly post player and Benji Mullins an outstanding guard to look for big plays.
A strong young team will step up and fill voids left by graduation. Could be big things down the road for the Orange and Black.
9. East Carter—Brandon Baker will have some talented guards to work with this season. Drew Johnson and Van Burge are capable of putting up big numbers.
Always scrappy and defensive, the Raiders will look to use their quickness to their advantage. Look for a good shooting basketball team this winter from the boys from Grayson
10. Boyd County—Billy Blanton will once again carry the load for the Lions. Blanton has been a productive 4 year starter for the Lions and will added help and bulk this season the region’s most secretive team may very well be better than their #10 preseason ranking.
Look for the Lions to move up quickly and make a push to the next tier this season.
11. West Carter—Jeremy Webb returns to Olive Hill as the Comets new head coach. He should have some excitement to build around.
The Comets upset the 16th region favorite Morgan Co. last season in the district tournament and have back creative guard Michael Hollingsworth.
Look for Chris Barker, a hard working post player with touch and athletic Justin Wolfe will help carry the load. Many feel that Boyd Co. and West Carter are the two biggest question mark teams heading into the season that will be better than most people think.
12. Fairview—Perhaps the 3rd most underrated team in this preview are the Eagles from Westwood…the Fairview Eagles. Rex Cooksey’s team will build around the lightning quick Alex Barker.
Look for the Eagles to have plenty of young talent that will contribute.
13. Fleming County—New Head coach Brad Fraser takes over for the storied Panther program. Fleming has a host of young talent and will be replacing key parts off a pesky team last season.
The youth development will be key for success for Fleming Co…but these lean years will be on the quick up and up with a bunch of talent coming up.
14. Lewis County—Head Coach Joe Hampton will be replacing some key players form last year but look for Aaron Sparks to carry the scoring load.
The Lions are well coached and will always battle teams each night. Wouldn’t be surprised to see this team much higher in the mid season.
15. Bath County—Another new coach and new system may take time to develop for the Wildcats. Zach Metz is a brute athlete who can score and Blandon Clemons can do many things.
Allen Trusty also returns for the Wildcats. Bath must be able to rebound and defend to stay alive each night in the 16th.
16. Menifee County—6’5” Cody Howard is among the regions most underrated and talked about players…soft hands/touch and good movement will create issues for teams.
Derrick Ferrell and Bobby Williams will be looked upon for more scoring and the Cats must play some “D” to survive many nights in the 16th.
Top Players
1. Jonathan Vanhoose (Russell)
2. Jonathan Ferguson (Elliott County)
3. Matthew Daniel (Rowan County)
4. Katlin Haney (Morgan County)
5. Dakotah Euton (Rose Hill)
6. Chad Jackson (Rose Hill)
7. Drew McDavid (Ashland Blazer)
8. Alex Barker (Fairview)
9. Tyler Wolfenbarger (Greenup County)
10. Scott Gill (Russell)
11. Ethan Faulkner (Elliott County)
12. Matt Thomas (Ashland Blazer)
13. Austin Blair (Russell)
14. Billy Blanton (Boyd County)
15. Evan Faulkner (Elliott County)
16. Matthew Martin (Rowan County)
17. Drew Johnson (East Carter)
18. Travis Wright (Greenup)
19. Jacob Sparks (Raceland)
20. Cody Howard (Menifee County)
Most Underrated
1. Van Burge (East Carter)
2. Michael Hollingsworth (West Carter)
3. Chris Howard (Rowan County)
4. Mitchell Brown (Greenup County)
5. Benji Mullins (Raceland)
6. Ross Turner (Russell)
7. Aaron Sparks (Lewis County)
8. Chris Barker (West Carter)
Most underrated Teams “Potentially” according to this preview
1. Boyd County—Blanton and Co. could be much stronger
2. Fairview—Quick Barker and youth will mature
3. West Carter—Pulled the region shocker last season
4. Menifee County—Have some size to trump teams with
5. East Carter--Maybe too low for experience coming back
Most anticipated Match-ups
1. Russell Vs. Rowan County—Top teams with top players will be fun
2. Morgan County Vs. Rose Hill—December 12th at Morgan Co. will shed a
lot of light on these teams and their movement up the ladder
3. Elliott County Vs. Ashland—Late season match up will be sizzling
4. EKC Tournament—Early appetizer for 16th lovers could have super final
5. Russell Vs. Ashland—Proximity like Duke and N.Carolina will have place thumping.
Season’s biggest rival games (In no particular order)
1. Morgan Co. Vs. Elliott Co.—Lions want what Cougars have attained and the boarder war got more interesting as they begin year 2 of their district relationship
2. Elliott Co. Vs. Rowan Co.—Last year’s butt whipping will be remembered by Lions. Anticipate better perimeter shooting and great matchups
3. Russell Vs. Greenup—Big Crowd, great atmosphere…H.S. basketball at it’s best.
4. Boyd Co. Vs. Ashland—This traditional battle is always large.
5. East Carter Vs. West Carter—The County divides on these nights.
6. Russell Vs. Ashland—Equivalent to Duke/North Carolina in terms of proximity and atmosphere.
Upset Minded (Look for these schools to pull multiple upsets within the region)
1. Fleming Co.—With the Panthers being under the radar, Flemingsburg is a very tough place to pick up a win. Look for Fleming Co. to take a shot at a big boy or two in the Den.
2. Bath Co—Seems like some of the regional Class A powers have trouble getting away with wins in the long trip to the regional west coast.
3. East Carter—Teams don’t go to Grayson and whip the Raiders, look for the Raiders to pull a shocker
4. Lewis Co—In the last week of February, first week of March….the Lions always roar near tournament time.
5. Raceland—Have a feeling the Rams will win games on the last possession, look for some nail biters and heroic endings possible in big Orange country