The Scribe
11-26-2006, 06:10 PM
Third Region
Mark Mathis
Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer
1. Apollo (25-11) - Tony Hopper coached Apollo to an appearance in the Kentucky high school state championship game that could have best been considered a surprise.
The Eagles were regarded as the third-best team in the 9th District when postseason play began, but they beat Owensboro High School in the first round of the district tournament and continued to survive and advance
while regional favorite and state power Owensboro Catholic fell in the 3rd Region Tournament.
Apollo beat Ohio County in an epic three-overtime regional championship game, then used its veteran guard play to control tempo through three round of the Sweet Sixteen in Lexington.
They finally fell in the title game to a more talented and athletic Jeffersontown team on the last Saturday night of the season.
"I told them that sometimes athletics is not always fair and you have to take your lumps sometimes," Hopper said that March night. "But this isn't too bad a lump to take."
Although Apollo lost guards Doug Denton and Jake Wells, it has one of the state's top juniors with Tyler Brown, who made a big impact at the state tournament.
Brown, a 6-foot-2 player who can create his own shot and has a great touch from outside, could be one of the early favorites for 2008 Mr. Basketball honors. He scored 17 points and nearly seven rebounds a game in the state tournament.
He leads what Hopper calls a nice nucleus coming back. "We may be better offensively since any time I've been here," Hopper said.
The lead candidate to replace Denton at the point is De-Lon Butler, a 5-8 guard who is athletic and can shoot the ball. Justin Little is a 6-3 senior who has improved. Carlos Alas also played a lot last season and could be a surprise in the region. Terrance Johnson had a strong game in the state tournament semifinals against Pleasure Ridge Park.
Center Ben Duvall, who will play football at Purdue, will not come back for his senior season and Logan Robbins will also not return to concentrate on baseball.
There are some questions for the Eagles as they move on from the excitement of last year's 25-11 run.
"You always have got to fight that complacency, that feeling of look at what we've already done," Hopper said. "We've got to find other challenges to try and motivate them. We came up short in the final.We feel we're going to catch everybodies A game. People are going to say look what they did last year and we can knock them off.
"We have to replae leadership. Who is going to step up. That's our biggest thing trying to figure out."
Hopper, a veteran coach in the region with long runs at Central City and Muhlenberg North, is in his third year at Apollo and he doesn't want the Eagles putting all their hopes on Brown.
"I don't think we can be regional contender with one guy doing all of the scoring," Hopper said. "I'm more like share the wealth. It takes the pressure off one guy. But I also firmly believe that the cream comes to the top. When everything else breaks down (Brown) can get some things done."
2. Ohio County (14-15) - Most coaches in the region feel Ohio County is the favorite based on its huge front line of Josh Clemons, Colin St. Clair and Chase Melton.
This could be the most intriguing district in the region with the return of Ohio County's Josh Clemons. The 6-foot-10 senior was severly injured in a car wreck and missed the entire second semester of school. He was granted a fifth-year of eligibility by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association because of medical reasons and could be a force.
Ohio County will be further motivated by the triple overtime loss to Apollo in the regional championship game.
"You better believe it," Ohio County coach Paul Decker said. "We've got some kids whho don't like to lose, like Colin St. Clair, he's very competitive."
"We talk about that a lot. It was a tough one to get over. We used it as motivation when we were in the weight room."
Being in the weight room was a prime focus of Decker's in the offseason. With the big bodies he has inside, added strength could make the Eagles even tougher to contend with this season.
"We really hit the weight room," Decker said. "We wanted our guards to get stronger to help with handling the ball. I thought it would help our program all the way around."
Everything Ohio County does this year will be based on getting the ball inside. Clemons is 6-10, 235 and averaged double-figure scoring before he got hurt.
St. Clair (6-5, 200) is Ohio County's leading returning scorer and rebounder. He averaged 15 points and eight rebounds a game and made 60-percent shooting from the field. Melton (6-9, 250) took over when Clemons was lost for the season.
Both St. Clair and Clemons are offensive minded and can step out to hit the 15-footer.
The Eagles must replace a veteran group of guards who were also good outside shooters.
Alex Embry could be one of those guards. He is a good shooter who has improved his ballhandling. B.J. Garner is perhaps the most versatile player for the Eagles.
3. Owensboro (17-10) - Owensboro came within a couple of missed free throws of beating the Eagles in the district first round game, and have one of the most powerful players in the region with Jamison Johnson, a 6-foot guard-forward. They have several other athletes, including Johnson, who were with the football team into the second round of the Class 4-A playoffs.
The Red Devils (17-10) will also be making a coaching transition for the second straight year. Wayne Breeden, a long-time assistant coach with Kyle Macy when Macy was head coach at Morehead State, was hired to replace Jimmy Voight. Voight did some good things with the Red Devils last year, but took a job at New Mexico Junior College and took sharpshooting son Brad with him.
Breeden has a long history coaching in Kentucky and in college. He worked as a graduate assistant for Joe B. Hall at the University of Kentucky and was also on Eddie Sutton's staff at UK. Breeden has worked for Texas coach Rick Barnes and former Eastern Kentucky coach Mike Pollio.
Breeden also knows how to get to the finals of the Sweet Sixteen, coaching Ashland Blazer there in 1996 where it lost to Paintsville.
It was hard for Breeden to get a handle on what this OHS team might do because he was only working with a handful of players until the football team was knocked out of the playoffs.
"I know who can block, tackle and run the trap," Breeden said with a laugh.
Muhlenberg North coach Steve Sparks knows how the Devils played last year, with tough defense keying an uptempo offensive style.
"They can really get on you," Sparks said.
4. Meade County (20-9) - Meade County made quite a splash in its first season in the 3rd Region, losing to Apollo in overtime in the regional semifinals.
The GreenWave may have won the regional tournament had Jordan Benock not been lost for the season two weeks before the district tournament with an injury.
"I liked our chances last year, but when you lose 17 points and eight rebounds two weeks from the end of the season that's hard to replace," Meade County coach Jerry Garris said.
Riley Benock is called the best point guard in the region and maybe the state by Garris. Nick Stinnett can be an inside scorer and Chris Roe replaced Jordan Benock when he was knocked out for the season two weeks before district tournaments began.
Rob Williams and Casey Hubbard should start in the backcourt and both will need to score to take some of the load off Riley Benock.
Role players from last year will have to become more effective, but Garris thinks his team should still be good defensively.
"A big key for us will be if we can stay healthy," Garris said. "We are not that deep. Just like a lot of teams, if you can get to the regional, you have a chance."
5. Muhlenberg North (17-12) - Muhlenberg North is always solid with the veteran Sparks running the program. Last year was a rebuilding season for the Stars and they still went 17-12.
Aaron Morris is a 6-2 guard who averaged 16 points a game as a spot-up shooter.He made 69 3-pointers and shot 56 percent from the floor. A key for the Stars will be whether they can get Morris the ball in the best position for him to score.
Scott Wells is a 6-3 inside player who got going late in the season. "He really gave us a good inside presence with rebounding and defense," Sparks said. "He had a great district tournament."
The Stars are greatly anticipating the return of point guard Lincoln Evitts, who tore an ACL halfway through his freshman season. Jordan MacElvain is also working in the backcourt for the Stars. Jake Clark is another sophomore guard who got significant minutes last year.
"We were just so young last year," Sparks said. "We were out there playing sometimes with three freshmen on the floor."
6. Muhlenberg South (16-13) - Muhlenberg South may be ready to be a factor in the regional race. The Suns have an underrated player in 6-2 senior guard Richard Carver, who averaged 15 points a game for Coach Terry Nofsinger.
Logan Diedrich scored 14 points a game and is the school record holder in all 3-point shooting categories. Logan Matheney is a fantastic rebounder who scored 12 points and pulled down eight boards a game.
Ryan Maxwell gives the Suns stability at point guard and averaged six assists a game last season. Tyler Smith was the fourth Sun player to average scoring in double figures with 11 points and six rebounds a game.
"We have very high expectations after winning 12 of our last 13 games and returning all five starters," Nofsinger said. "We feel like we can compete with anyone in the region.
7. Grayson County (17-12) - Grayson County may be ready for a regional title run after going 17-12 last year. The Cougars will run behind freshman point guard Travis Johnston. The 5-10 Johnston led the team with 15 points a game as an eighth grader. He hit 52 percent from the field, 41 percent on 3-pointers and averaged four assists and two steals a game.
Josh Smih is a 6-2 forward who finished strong, making both the all-district and all-regional teams. Kyle Skaggs, a 6-3 senior, has been a starter since his sophomore year. He is a very steady and smart player.
Sean Embry is a 5-11 junior forward who is the most athletic player on the team. Hewill return to the lineup in January after an injury but will be a key performer. Lance Boone is a 5-11 forward who plays good defense. A
football injury may slow his progress.
"We return three starters and have some others with starting experience," Grayson County coach Todd Johnston said. "Guard play will be a strength. We should be competitive with most teams in our region."
8. McLean County (9-18) - Coach Andy Groves said he is "tremendously excited about the upcoming season" and he has good reason to be.
The Cougars return Bryson Phillips, a top-20 scorer in the state last year with 21.7 points a game. He has a good medium range jumper, is a 3-point threat and can drive for points. Groves said Phillips can dunk the basketball although he is just 6-foot.
"He will not need to carry so much of the scoring load this season as our team has matured and developed more depth," Groves said.
Tyler Swift and Lance Shutt (6-2) should push their scoring averages to double figures this season.
"We will be an athletic team and one that will have the ability to shoot the basketball," Groves said.
9. Hancock County (15-14) - Hancock County has a lot of experience back for Coach Curtis Shelton. Derek Roach is a slashing player who Shelton wants to see more scoring from.
Guard Mike Mosby is also mentioned as a top junior. Ethan Basham and Garrett Helm are also part of a solid junior calss.
The Hornets could be one of the stronger teams by the time district tournaments begin.
10. Breckinridge County (17-9) - After a good three-year run, Breckinridge County is in a rebuilding mode. The Tigers lost five seniors, including Jon Michael Fletcher, now playing for Kentucky Wesleyan College.
"Our two returning starters (guard James Young and forward Jolhn Kennedy) are solid, but the remainder of the team is very inexperienced and has a lot to prove," Breck County coach David Miller said.
Young averaged 13.5 points and five rebounds a game last year. Kennedy is one of the taller players on the team at 6-4.
Forwards Justin Phillips, Jeremiah Stinnett and Justin Oliver, and guards Mitch Tucker and Justin Reynolds are among those players who have to prove themselves.
"We are rather small, so we hope to utilize our quickness and perimeter play to offset the size disadvantage we have against many of our opponents," Miller said.
11. Daviess County (8-20) - Daviess County is also looking for major improvement after an 8-20 campaign. The Panthers did knock off Apollo during the regular season, but they are looking to gain experience with Coach Charley Broughton.
Alex Stivers could be a building block for the team at guard.
12. Whitesville Trinity (5-20) - Whitesville Trinity struggled to a 5-20 mark last year. Senior Joey Higdon will have to provide leadership.
Sophomores T.J. Payne and Rafe Cecil could also help the Raiders get back on course.
13. Butler County (10-19) - The Bears are looking to senior Nathan Ross for leadership and to try and draw the team closer to a .500 record.
14. Edmonson County (3-20) - Darryl Travis has a challenge in his first year as coach at Edmonson County. The Wildcats were 3-20 last year and have won 12 games over the last two seasons.
15. Owensboro Catholic (25-4) - Owensboro Catholic finished a significant three-year cycle of success, but is now rebuilding from the top down with first-year coach Perry Bailey.
The Aces lost the eight seniors, including Jay Ivey, Andrew Howard and Travis Owsley, who fueled Catholic's 25-4 season in 2006.
Veteran coach Mike Orr also left as head coach after the year. Bailey has coaching experience in other states and has been at the school for several years, but he is starting from scratch.
16. Cloverport (4-22) - Cloverport coach Jeff LaGrange has an abundance of seniors to work with to try and improve on last year's 4-22 record.
Jason Grubbs, Joe Wethington, Drew Melton and Bruce Riley are in that group looking for a winning season.
Top Players
1. Tyler Brown, Apollo, 6-2, guard, junior
Had a huge state tournament and stamped himself as one of the top juniors in the state. Smooth shooter who needs to improve defensively.
2. Josh Clemons, Ohio County, 6-10, center, senior
Gets another year of eligibility suffering severe injuries in a car wreck. With added strength and weight, could be a major force if he becomes more aggressive.
3. Riley Benock, Meade County, 6-3, guard, senior
Could be the best point guard in the region and maybe one of the top guards in the state. His presence makes this team a contender.
4. Jamison Johnson, Owensboro, 6-1, forward-guard, senior
A strong football player was a physical presence for the Red Devils. Could be one of the leaders for a defensive-minded team.
5. Colin St. Clair, Ohio County, 6-5, forward, senior
One of the best athletes in the region, St. Clair is nearly automatic when he gets the ball in the paint.
6. Bryson Phillips, McLean County, 6-foot, guard, senior
Came on strong in the scoring department last year averaging 22 points a game. Can hit the 3 or take the ball inside.
7. Aaron Morris, Muhlenberg North, 6-2, guard, junior
A good shooter who knows where to go on the floor to get his shot.
8. Travis Johnston, Grayson County, 5-10, guard, freshman
Although he is young, Johnston gained valuable experience as an eighth-grader last year and should be even better running this team.
9. Richard Carver, Muhlenberg South, 6-1, guard, senior
Might be the most underrated player in the region. Can score from different spots.
10. James Young, Breckinridge County, 6-foot, guard, senior
Has the ability to both score and rebound for the Tigers. He averaged 13.5 points and five rebounds a game.
11. Justin Little, Apollo, 6-3, forward, senior
A tough player inside who had a couple of big games in the state tournament.
12. Derek Roach, Hancock County, 6-foot, guard, senior
One of the best players on a team that could be a district contender by the end of the year.
13. Logan Diedrich, Muhlenberg South, 6-1, guard, junior
Knows how to shoot the ball from long range.
14. Nathan Ross, Butler County, 6-foot, guard, senior
Solid in the backcourt.
Mark Mathis
Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer
1. Apollo (25-11) - Tony Hopper coached Apollo to an appearance in the Kentucky high school state championship game that could have best been considered a surprise.
The Eagles were regarded as the third-best team in the 9th District when postseason play began, but they beat Owensboro High School in the first round of the district tournament and continued to survive and advance
while regional favorite and state power Owensboro Catholic fell in the 3rd Region Tournament.
Apollo beat Ohio County in an epic three-overtime regional championship game, then used its veteran guard play to control tempo through three round of the Sweet Sixteen in Lexington.
They finally fell in the title game to a more talented and athletic Jeffersontown team on the last Saturday night of the season.
"I told them that sometimes athletics is not always fair and you have to take your lumps sometimes," Hopper said that March night. "But this isn't too bad a lump to take."
Although Apollo lost guards Doug Denton and Jake Wells, it has one of the state's top juniors with Tyler Brown, who made a big impact at the state tournament.
Brown, a 6-foot-2 player who can create his own shot and has a great touch from outside, could be one of the early favorites for 2008 Mr. Basketball honors. He scored 17 points and nearly seven rebounds a game in the state tournament.
He leads what Hopper calls a nice nucleus coming back. "We may be better offensively since any time I've been here," Hopper said.
The lead candidate to replace Denton at the point is De-Lon Butler, a 5-8 guard who is athletic and can shoot the ball. Justin Little is a 6-3 senior who has improved. Carlos Alas also played a lot last season and could be a surprise in the region. Terrance Johnson had a strong game in the state tournament semifinals against Pleasure Ridge Park.
Center Ben Duvall, who will play football at Purdue, will not come back for his senior season and Logan Robbins will also not return to concentrate on baseball.
There are some questions for the Eagles as they move on from the excitement of last year's 25-11 run.
"You always have got to fight that complacency, that feeling of look at what we've already done," Hopper said. "We've got to find other challenges to try and motivate them. We came up short in the final.We feel we're going to catch everybodies A game. People are going to say look what they did last year and we can knock them off.
"We have to replae leadership. Who is going to step up. That's our biggest thing trying to figure out."
Hopper, a veteran coach in the region with long runs at Central City and Muhlenberg North, is in his third year at Apollo and he doesn't want the Eagles putting all their hopes on Brown.
"I don't think we can be regional contender with one guy doing all of the scoring," Hopper said. "I'm more like share the wealth. It takes the pressure off one guy. But I also firmly believe that the cream comes to the top. When everything else breaks down (Brown) can get some things done."
2. Ohio County (14-15) - Most coaches in the region feel Ohio County is the favorite based on its huge front line of Josh Clemons, Colin St. Clair and Chase Melton.
This could be the most intriguing district in the region with the return of Ohio County's Josh Clemons. The 6-foot-10 senior was severly injured in a car wreck and missed the entire second semester of school. He was granted a fifth-year of eligibility by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association because of medical reasons and could be a force.
Ohio County will be further motivated by the triple overtime loss to Apollo in the regional championship game.
"You better believe it," Ohio County coach Paul Decker said. "We've got some kids whho don't like to lose, like Colin St. Clair, he's very competitive."
"We talk about that a lot. It was a tough one to get over. We used it as motivation when we were in the weight room."
Being in the weight room was a prime focus of Decker's in the offseason. With the big bodies he has inside, added strength could make the Eagles even tougher to contend with this season.
"We really hit the weight room," Decker said. "We wanted our guards to get stronger to help with handling the ball. I thought it would help our program all the way around."
Everything Ohio County does this year will be based on getting the ball inside. Clemons is 6-10, 235 and averaged double-figure scoring before he got hurt.
St. Clair (6-5, 200) is Ohio County's leading returning scorer and rebounder. He averaged 15 points and eight rebounds a game and made 60-percent shooting from the field. Melton (6-9, 250) took over when Clemons was lost for the season.
Both St. Clair and Clemons are offensive minded and can step out to hit the 15-footer.
The Eagles must replace a veteran group of guards who were also good outside shooters.
Alex Embry could be one of those guards. He is a good shooter who has improved his ballhandling. B.J. Garner is perhaps the most versatile player for the Eagles.
3. Owensboro (17-10) - Owensboro came within a couple of missed free throws of beating the Eagles in the district first round game, and have one of the most powerful players in the region with Jamison Johnson, a 6-foot guard-forward. They have several other athletes, including Johnson, who were with the football team into the second round of the Class 4-A playoffs.
The Red Devils (17-10) will also be making a coaching transition for the second straight year. Wayne Breeden, a long-time assistant coach with Kyle Macy when Macy was head coach at Morehead State, was hired to replace Jimmy Voight. Voight did some good things with the Red Devils last year, but took a job at New Mexico Junior College and took sharpshooting son Brad with him.
Breeden has a long history coaching in Kentucky and in college. He worked as a graduate assistant for Joe B. Hall at the University of Kentucky and was also on Eddie Sutton's staff at UK. Breeden has worked for Texas coach Rick Barnes and former Eastern Kentucky coach Mike Pollio.
Breeden also knows how to get to the finals of the Sweet Sixteen, coaching Ashland Blazer there in 1996 where it lost to Paintsville.
It was hard for Breeden to get a handle on what this OHS team might do because he was only working with a handful of players until the football team was knocked out of the playoffs.
"I know who can block, tackle and run the trap," Breeden said with a laugh.
Muhlenberg North coach Steve Sparks knows how the Devils played last year, with tough defense keying an uptempo offensive style.
"They can really get on you," Sparks said.
4. Meade County (20-9) - Meade County made quite a splash in its first season in the 3rd Region, losing to Apollo in overtime in the regional semifinals.
The GreenWave may have won the regional tournament had Jordan Benock not been lost for the season two weeks before the district tournament with an injury.
"I liked our chances last year, but when you lose 17 points and eight rebounds two weeks from the end of the season that's hard to replace," Meade County coach Jerry Garris said.
Riley Benock is called the best point guard in the region and maybe the state by Garris. Nick Stinnett can be an inside scorer and Chris Roe replaced Jordan Benock when he was knocked out for the season two weeks before district tournaments began.
Rob Williams and Casey Hubbard should start in the backcourt and both will need to score to take some of the load off Riley Benock.
Role players from last year will have to become more effective, but Garris thinks his team should still be good defensively.
"A big key for us will be if we can stay healthy," Garris said. "We are not that deep. Just like a lot of teams, if you can get to the regional, you have a chance."
5. Muhlenberg North (17-12) - Muhlenberg North is always solid with the veteran Sparks running the program. Last year was a rebuilding season for the Stars and they still went 17-12.
Aaron Morris is a 6-2 guard who averaged 16 points a game as a spot-up shooter.He made 69 3-pointers and shot 56 percent from the floor. A key for the Stars will be whether they can get Morris the ball in the best position for him to score.
Scott Wells is a 6-3 inside player who got going late in the season. "He really gave us a good inside presence with rebounding and defense," Sparks said. "He had a great district tournament."
The Stars are greatly anticipating the return of point guard Lincoln Evitts, who tore an ACL halfway through his freshman season. Jordan MacElvain is also working in the backcourt for the Stars. Jake Clark is another sophomore guard who got significant minutes last year.
"We were just so young last year," Sparks said. "We were out there playing sometimes with three freshmen on the floor."
6. Muhlenberg South (16-13) - Muhlenberg South may be ready to be a factor in the regional race. The Suns have an underrated player in 6-2 senior guard Richard Carver, who averaged 15 points a game for Coach Terry Nofsinger.
Logan Diedrich scored 14 points a game and is the school record holder in all 3-point shooting categories. Logan Matheney is a fantastic rebounder who scored 12 points and pulled down eight boards a game.
Ryan Maxwell gives the Suns stability at point guard and averaged six assists a game last season. Tyler Smith was the fourth Sun player to average scoring in double figures with 11 points and six rebounds a game.
"We have very high expectations after winning 12 of our last 13 games and returning all five starters," Nofsinger said. "We feel like we can compete with anyone in the region.
7. Grayson County (17-12) - Grayson County may be ready for a regional title run after going 17-12 last year. The Cougars will run behind freshman point guard Travis Johnston. The 5-10 Johnston led the team with 15 points a game as an eighth grader. He hit 52 percent from the field, 41 percent on 3-pointers and averaged four assists and two steals a game.
Josh Smih is a 6-2 forward who finished strong, making both the all-district and all-regional teams. Kyle Skaggs, a 6-3 senior, has been a starter since his sophomore year. He is a very steady and smart player.
Sean Embry is a 5-11 junior forward who is the most athletic player on the team. Hewill return to the lineup in January after an injury but will be a key performer. Lance Boone is a 5-11 forward who plays good defense. A
football injury may slow his progress.
"We return three starters and have some others with starting experience," Grayson County coach Todd Johnston said. "Guard play will be a strength. We should be competitive with most teams in our region."
8. McLean County (9-18) - Coach Andy Groves said he is "tremendously excited about the upcoming season" and he has good reason to be.
The Cougars return Bryson Phillips, a top-20 scorer in the state last year with 21.7 points a game. He has a good medium range jumper, is a 3-point threat and can drive for points. Groves said Phillips can dunk the basketball although he is just 6-foot.
"He will not need to carry so much of the scoring load this season as our team has matured and developed more depth," Groves said.
Tyler Swift and Lance Shutt (6-2) should push their scoring averages to double figures this season.
"We will be an athletic team and one that will have the ability to shoot the basketball," Groves said.
9. Hancock County (15-14) - Hancock County has a lot of experience back for Coach Curtis Shelton. Derek Roach is a slashing player who Shelton wants to see more scoring from.
Guard Mike Mosby is also mentioned as a top junior. Ethan Basham and Garrett Helm are also part of a solid junior calss.
The Hornets could be one of the stronger teams by the time district tournaments begin.
10. Breckinridge County (17-9) - After a good three-year run, Breckinridge County is in a rebuilding mode. The Tigers lost five seniors, including Jon Michael Fletcher, now playing for Kentucky Wesleyan College.
"Our two returning starters (guard James Young and forward Jolhn Kennedy) are solid, but the remainder of the team is very inexperienced and has a lot to prove," Breck County coach David Miller said.
Young averaged 13.5 points and five rebounds a game last year. Kennedy is one of the taller players on the team at 6-4.
Forwards Justin Phillips, Jeremiah Stinnett and Justin Oliver, and guards Mitch Tucker and Justin Reynolds are among those players who have to prove themselves.
"We are rather small, so we hope to utilize our quickness and perimeter play to offset the size disadvantage we have against many of our opponents," Miller said.
11. Daviess County (8-20) - Daviess County is also looking for major improvement after an 8-20 campaign. The Panthers did knock off Apollo during the regular season, but they are looking to gain experience with Coach Charley Broughton.
Alex Stivers could be a building block for the team at guard.
12. Whitesville Trinity (5-20) - Whitesville Trinity struggled to a 5-20 mark last year. Senior Joey Higdon will have to provide leadership.
Sophomores T.J. Payne and Rafe Cecil could also help the Raiders get back on course.
13. Butler County (10-19) - The Bears are looking to senior Nathan Ross for leadership and to try and draw the team closer to a .500 record.
14. Edmonson County (3-20) - Darryl Travis has a challenge in his first year as coach at Edmonson County. The Wildcats were 3-20 last year and have won 12 games over the last two seasons.
15. Owensboro Catholic (25-4) - Owensboro Catholic finished a significant three-year cycle of success, but is now rebuilding from the top down with first-year coach Perry Bailey.
The Aces lost the eight seniors, including Jay Ivey, Andrew Howard and Travis Owsley, who fueled Catholic's 25-4 season in 2006.
Veteran coach Mike Orr also left as head coach after the year. Bailey has coaching experience in other states and has been at the school for several years, but he is starting from scratch.
16. Cloverport (4-22) - Cloverport coach Jeff LaGrange has an abundance of seniors to work with to try and improve on last year's 4-22 record.
Jason Grubbs, Joe Wethington, Drew Melton and Bruce Riley are in that group looking for a winning season.
Top Players
1. Tyler Brown, Apollo, 6-2, guard, junior
Had a huge state tournament and stamped himself as one of the top juniors in the state. Smooth shooter who needs to improve defensively.
2. Josh Clemons, Ohio County, 6-10, center, senior
Gets another year of eligibility suffering severe injuries in a car wreck. With added strength and weight, could be a major force if he becomes more aggressive.
3. Riley Benock, Meade County, 6-3, guard, senior
Could be the best point guard in the region and maybe one of the top guards in the state. His presence makes this team a contender.
4. Jamison Johnson, Owensboro, 6-1, forward-guard, senior
A strong football player was a physical presence for the Red Devils. Could be one of the leaders for a defensive-minded team.
5. Colin St. Clair, Ohio County, 6-5, forward, senior
One of the best athletes in the region, St. Clair is nearly automatic when he gets the ball in the paint.
6. Bryson Phillips, McLean County, 6-foot, guard, senior
Came on strong in the scoring department last year averaging 22 points a game. Can hit the 3 or take the ball inside.
7. Aaron Morris, Muhlenberg North, 6-2, guard, junior
A good shooter who knows where to go on the floor to get his shot.
8. Travis Johnston, Grayson County, 5-10, guard, freshman
Although he is young, Johnston gained valuable experience as an eighth-grader last year and should be even better running this team.
9. Richard Carver, Muhlenberg South, 6-1, guard, senior
Might be the most underrated player in the region. Can score from different spots.
10. James Young, Breckinridge County, 6-foot, guard, senior
Has the ability to both score and rebound for the Tigers. He averaged 13.5 points and five rebounds a game.
11. Justin Little, Apollo, 6-3, forward, senior
A tough player inside who had a couple of big games in the state tournament.
12. Derek Roach, Hancock County, 6-foot, guard, senior
One of the best players on a team that could be a district contender by the end of the year.
13. Logan Diedrich, Muhlenberg South, 6-1, guard, junior
Knows how to shoot the ball from long range.
14. Nathan Ross, Butler County, 6-foot, guard, senior
Solid in the backcourt.