The Scribe
11-25-2007, 04:16 PM
BGP First Region Boys' Preview
Special to Bluegrasspreps.com
1. Paducah Tilghman: The defending regional champions return two starters, the explosive and athletic inside duo of 6-4 forward Stefon Perry and 6-5 center Isaac McClure.
Tony Hazard, an athletic 6-3 transfer from Lone Oak, and 6-3 freshman Josh Forrest could share time at the other forward spot, with Forrest able to swing out to guard on occasion.
Guards Jeffery Williams and Bryon Wright move into starting roles after providing quality minutes off the bench last season. Williams, a 5-9 senior, gives the Tornado a 3-point threat at the point, and Wright, a 5-10 junior, has loads of offensive potential. Brock Coughnenour and Kris Jackson, a good defender, will see some minutes off the bench.
Coach Brad Stieg feels this club has the most talented starting lineup of his six-year tenure, but depth — particularly in the low post — is a bit of a question mark. Sophomore Kirk Sanderson (6-5, 250), an offensive lineman on the football team, will get a chance to contribute when he gets into basketball shape.
Tilghman will get a chance to establish its identity early, playing a tough early-December schedule that includes neutral-court games against Jeffersontown and Memphis Briarcrest and a home game with University Heights.
2. Graves County: Terry Birdsong comes over from Calloway County to replace Allan Hatcher, who left after 15 seasons to become the head coach at Perry Central. Birdsong promises the increase the tempo a bit and take advantage of player rotation that could go 9-10 deep.
Ryan Williams, a 6-4 senior, is an athletic forward that could blossom as the Eagles’ first offensive option after serving as the sixth man last year, and 6-6 senior center Cody Harris is Graves’ only returning starter. Cassidy McAlpin could work his way into the lineup at small forward.
Justin Towery was the first guard off the bench for the Eagles’ final four team of 2006 but opted not to play last year. He is back this year and gives Graves a proven and reliable point guard. Spencer Baldwin, Josh Doggett and Lone Oak transfer Tevin Hill will see plenty of time in the backcourt.
3. Marshall County: It may take a while for the Marshals to develop into a regional contender — several players were late arrivals from football and some of those were nursing injuries.
Travis Spiceland is one of the region’s most reliable scorers, and the hope is that juniors Scott McKenty and Josh Madding can provide some offensive punch and take some of the scoring burden away from him. Madding, a receiver and defensive back, battled a separated shoulder most of the fall.
Denver Seay, a 6-4, 210-pound junior, will give the Marshals a physical presence on the inside, but he got mononucleosis late in football season and missed the football team’s playoff run. Logan Holland, a 6-3 senior, was a solid role player last season and should move into a starting role.
Until Seay returns to full health, 6-2 senior Corey York will get a shot to establish himself on the inside. York hasn’t played since his freshman year, but has developed physically and was impressive in preseason workouts.
Stephen Barga, the quarterback on the football team, provides some depth in the backcourt, but he will need some time to shake off the rust. Barga was a hustling reserve that saw some time as a sophomore, but he tore his ACL in a scrimmage last year and sat out the entire season.
4. Lone Oak: The football team’s surprise season means several key players will need some time to make the adjustment to the hardwood.
One that won’t is Luke Shuemaker, a left-handed guard who led the Purple Flash in scoring as a junior. Ryan McKinney, a 6-3 senior, starts at center and guard Colby Pennington has some varsity experience, but several contributors are still involved in football.
Jamarielle Brown, a 6-3 junior, is an exceptional athlete that could be poised for a breakout season in the Flash’s uptempo style. Record-setting quarterback Corey Robinson, a 6-2 senior, didn’t play last season, but his return gives Lone Oak a little size, athleticism, scoring ability and toughness on the inside.
Daniel Edwards started several games at the point last season, and Tad Porter — another receiver on the football team — could see some backcourt minutes.
Lone Oak could take some lumps early, playing in a rugged pre-Christmas tournament at Hopkinsville before the football players have much time to round into form. By the end of the season, though, the Flash could be a tough out in the postseason.
5. Murray: Coach David Fields’ club has made some strides the last two years and will be a top contender in the All A Classic regional tournament.
Kenneth Trice is back at the point, but the quick 5-10 senior might benefit from a move to two-guard if Blake Darnall can take over the playmaker’s role. Brett Gibson gives the Tigers another 3-point threat.
Chess Volp (6-4) is a dependable post player, and Murray’s development could hinge on the consistency shown by athletic forwards Cole Hurt and Aaron Jones.
6. Fulton City: Only Paducah Tilghman can match the Bulldogs’ quickness and athleticism, but Fulton lacks the Tornado’s size. Fulton City will get up-and-down the floor, but needs to improve on the defensive end to make a run in the All A Classic.
DaeRon Williams, a 6-1 senior foward, is a solid scorer and rebounder. Aaron Wilson is back at the point and Blake Lawson and Tevin Hobbs can knock down the 3-point shot. The hope is that Donnie Boyce and Cody Taylor, both 6-3, can give Fulton solid minutes onn the block.
7. Calloway County: Longtime assistant Bruce Lane takes over the Lakers, who were gutted by graduation and the loss of a key reserve — 6-6 junior Jamey Gream, who moved out of state.
George Garner, a 6-1 junior, is an athletic forward and a good offensive rebounder that plays bigger. Tyrell Willis (6-3, 230) can be a bull inside. Chris Dobbins and Austin Lilly get first crack at the guard spots, with Lilly providing some perimeter shooting.
The Lakers hope they can get some inside play from 6-4 Joseph Kelly, 6-5 sophomore Grant Williams and 6-7 junior Derek Solomon.
8. Mayfield: Tony Hockett will be the focal point of every opponent’s defense. Hockett can score inside, but will have to take his game to the wing and help an inexperienced crew of guards with ballhandling.
Jared McCuiston (6-2) and Jordan Elliott (6-3) will man the inside.
Sophomore Tyrese Murrell gets first shot at point guard, and classmate Xavier Shelton could earn some time in the backcourt. The hope is that two transfers — shooter Colby Sanderson (Greenwood) and 6-3 forward Lavan Smith (Ohio) — will provide some immediate help.
9. Carlisle County: Point guard Ty Owens is a three-year starter, and he and shooter Luk Nichols give the Comets an experienced backcourt.
Sophomore Caleb Hardy (6-4) could emerge as a double-digit scorer and 6-2 Hunter Burge is back to lend some strength and rebounding ability to a team that’s been woefully undersized the last few years.
10. Heath: The Pirates were gutted by graduation, returning only guards Eric Straub and Matt Poat from the starting lineup. Straub mans the point and both can hit the 3-point shot, and coach Jimmy Long feels he has a solid backcourt rotation.
Tyler Simons (6-2) will start at center but will be playing bigger foes most of the time. Zach Schall (6-4) could be a big scoring threat from the outside.
11. St. Mary: Only sweet-shooting Chad Perrewe is the only major contributor back from a team that battled several key injuries and still made the regional semifinals. Blake Averill takes over at the point and coach Greg Overstreet has several options inside with forwards Mike Meredith and Alex Farrell and centers Darren Smith and Warren Smith.
12. Hickman County: New coach Bradley Nanney inherits a guard-heavy team led by Joseph Daugherty, Josh Burgess and streak shooter Ray Mason. Zach Stroud is back in the post.
13. Fulton County: The Pilots have a new coach in Andrew Clinton and little experience aside from returning starters Malcolm Caldwell and Tony Udley, both exceptional athletes. Shun Udley (6-4) will get a chance to establish himself under the basket.
14. Reidland: Jimmy Johnson came over from Lyon County and is rebuilding around 6-6, 260-pound center Ben Grimm. The Greyhounds can put some shooters around him, including guards Eric Mitchell and Taylor Smith.
15. Ballard Memorial: B.B. Kendrick takes over the reins from a program that is in a rebuilding phase. The hope is a good freshman class, led by Jay Middleton, can lead the Bombers back to respectability.
16. Community Christian: The Warriors move from the Second District to the Fourth District but will have a tough time being competitive.
First Region Players to Watch
1. Stefon Perry, Paducah Tilghman: Developed a mid-range game last year to go with his excellent low-post skills and can take over a game on the offensive end.
2. Travis Spiceland, Marshall County: High-scoring guard knows how to score by penetrating, drawing the defense and getting to the free-throw line.
3. Tony Hockett, Mayfield: Good post player will be asked to become a ballhander and take his game farther outside.
4. Isaac McClure, Paducah Tilghman: Dangerous combination of size and athleticism, can defend several positions and dominate the boards.
5. Luke Shuemaker, Lone Oak: Lefty guard can penetrate and score and won’t have to carry as much of the scoring load this season.
6. Ryan Williams, Graves County: Great around the basket, and his athleticism causes matchup problems on the inside.
7. Justin Towery, Graves County: Trusty point guard returns to run the Eagles and will be asked to look to score more often.
8. Bryon Wright, Paducah Tilghman: Gifted guard can score from the perimeter and is tough in transition.
9. Chad Perrewe, St. Mary: Maybe the region’s best pure shooter, but he will be the target of every opponent.
10. Jamarielle Brown, Lone Oak: Athletic forward could become a force in Lone Oak’s open-court style.
Special to Bluegrasspreps.com
1. Paducah Tilghman: The defending regional champions return two starters, the explosive and athletic inside duo of 6-4 forward Stefon Perry and 6-5 center Isaac McClure.
Tony Hazard, an athletic 6-3 transfer from Lone Oak, and 6-3 freshman Josh Forrest could share time at the other forward spot, with Forrest able to swing out to guard on occasion.
Guards Jeffery Williams and Bryon Wright move into starting roles after providing quality minutes off the bench last season. Williams, a 5-9 senior, gives the Tornado a 3-point threat at the point, and Wright, a 5-10 junior, has loads of offensive potential. Brock Coughnenour and Kris Jackson, a good defender, will see some minutes off the bench.
Coach Brad Stieg feels this club has the most talented starting lineup of his six-year tenure, but depth — particularly in the low post — is a bit of a question mark. Sophomore Kirk Sanderson (6-5, 250), an offensive lineman on the football team, will get a chance to contribute when he gets into basketball shape.
Tilghman will get a chance to establish its identity early, playing a tough early-December schedule that includes neutral-court games against Jeffersontown and Memphis Briarcrest and a home game with University Heights.
2. Graves County: Terry Birdsong comes over from Calloway County to replace Allan Hatcher, who left after 15 seasons to become the head coach at Perry Central. Birdsong promises the increase the tempo a bit and take advantage of player rotation that could go 9-10 deep.
Ryan Williams, a 6-4 senior, is an athletic forward that could blossom as the Eagles’ first offensive option after serving as the sixth man last year, and 6-6 senior center Cody Harris is Graves’ only returning starter. Cassidy McAlpin could work his way into the lineup at small forward.
Justin Towery was the first guard off the bench for the Eagles’ final four team of 2006 but opted not to play last year. He is back this year and gives Graves a proven and reliable point guard. Spencer Baldwin, Josh Doggett and Lone Oak transfer Tevin Hill will see plenty of time in the backcourt.
3. Marshall County: It may take a while for the Marshals to develop into a regional contender — several players were late arrivals from football and some of those were nursing injuries.
Travis Spiceland is one of the region’s most reliable scorers, and the hope is that juniors Scott McKenty and Josh Madding can provide some offensive punch and take some of the scoring burden away from him. Madding, a receiver and defensive back, battled a separated shoulder most of the fall.
Denver Seay, a 6-4, 210-pound junior, will give the Marshals a physical presence on the inside, but he got mononucleosis late in football season and missed the football team’s playoff run. Logan Holland, a 6-3 senior, was a solid role player last season and should move into a starting role.
Until Seay returns to full health, 6-2 senior Corey York will get a shot to establish himself on the inside. York hasn’t played since his freshman year, but has developed physically and was impressive in preseason workouts.
Stephen Barga, the quarterback on the football team, provides some depth in the backcourt, but he will need some time to shake off the rust. Barga was a hustling reserve that saw some time as a sophomore, but he tore his ACL in a scrimmage last year and sat out the entire season.
4. Lone Oak: The football team’s surprise season means several key players will need some time to make the adjustment to the hardwood.
One that won’t is Luke Shuemaker, a left-handed guard who led the Purple Flash in scoring as a junior. Ryan McKinney, a 6-3 senior, starts at center and guard Colby Pennington has some varsity experience, but several contributors are still involved in football.
Jamarielle Brown, a 6-3 junior, is an exceptional athlete that could be poised for a breakout season in the Flash’s uptempo style. Record-setting quarterback Corey Robinson, a 6-2 senior, didn’t play last season, but his return gives Lone Oak a little size, athleticism, scoring ability and toughness on the inside.
Daniel Edwards started several games at the point last season, and Tad Porter — another receiver on the football team — could see some backcourt minutes.
Lone Oak could take some lumps early, playing in a rugged pre-Christmas tournament at Hopkinsville before the football players have much time to round into form. By the end of the season, though, the Flash could be a tough out in the postseason.
5. Murray: Coach David Fields’ club has made some strides the last two years and will be a top contender in the All A Classic regional tournament.
Kenneth Trice is back at the point, but the quick 5-10 senior might benefit from a move to two-guard if Blake Darnall can take over the playmaker’s role. Brett Gibson gives the Tigers another 3-point threat.
Chess Volp (6-4) is a dependable post player, and Murray’s development could hinge on the consistency shown by athletic forwards Cole Hurt and Aaron Jones.
6. Fulton City: Only Paducah Tilghman can match the Bulldogs’ quickness and athleticism, but Fulton lacks the Tornado’s size. Fulton City will get up-and-down the floor, but needs to improve on the defensive end to make a run in the All A Classic.
DaeRon Williams, a 6-1 senior foward, is a solid scorer and rebounder. Aaron Wilson is back at the point and Blake Lawson and Tevin Hobbs can knock down the 3-point shot. The hope is that Donnie Boyce and Cody Taylor, both 6-3, can give Fulton solid minutes onn the block.
7. Calloway County: Longtime assistant Bruce Lane takes over the Lakers, who were gutted by graduation and the loss of a key reserve — 6-6 junior Jamey Gream, who moved out of state.
George Garner, a 6-1 junior, is an athletic forward and a good offensive rebounder that plays bigger. Tyrell Willis (6-3, 230) can be a bull inside. Chris Dobbins and Austin Lilly get first crack at the guard spots, with Lilly providing some perimeter shooting.
The Lakers hope they can get some inside play from 6-4 Joseph Kelly, 6-5 sophomore Grant Williams and 6-7 junior Derek Solomon.
8. Mayfield: Tony Hockett will be the focal point of every opponent’s defense. Hockett can score inside, but will have to take his game to the wing and help an inexperienced crew of guards with ballhandling.
Jared McCuiston (6-2) and Jordan Elliott (6-3) will man the inside.
Sophomore Tyrese Murrell gets first shot at point guard, and classmate Xavier Shelton could earn some time in the backcourt. The hope is that two transfers — shooter Colby Sanderson (Greenwood) and 6-3 forward Lavan Smith (Ohio) — will provide some immediate help.
9. Carlisle County: Point guard Ty Owens is a three-year starter, and he and shooter Luk Nichols give the Comets an experienced backcourt.
Sophomore Caleb Hardy (6-4) could emerge as a double-digit scorer and 6-2 Hunter Burge is back to lend some strength and rebounding ability to a team that’s been woefully undersized the last few years.
10. Heath: The Pirates were gutted by graduation, returning only guards Eric Straub and Matt Poat from the starting lineup. Straub mans the point and both can hit the 3-point shot, and coach Jimmy Long feels he has a solid backcourt rotation.
Tyler Simons (6-2) will start at center but will be playing bigger foes most of the time. Zach Schall (6-4) could be a big scoring threat from the outside.
11. St. Mary: Only sweet-shooting Chad Perrewe is the only major contributor back from a team that battled several key injuries and still made the regional semifinals. Blake Averill takes over at the point and coach Greg Overstreet has several options inside with forwards Mike Meredith and Alex Farrell and centers Darren Smith and Warren Smith.
12. Hickman County: New coach Bradley Nanney inherits a guard-heavy team led by Joseph Daugherty, Josh Burgess and streak shooter Ray Mason. Zach Stroud is back in the post.
13. Fulton County: The Pilots have a new coach in Andrew Clinton and little experience aside from returning starters Malcolm Caldwell and Tony Udley, both exceptional athletes. Shun Udley (6-4) will get a chance to establish himself under the basket.
14. Reidland: Jimmy Johnson came over from Lyon County and is rebuilding around 6-6, 260-pound center Ben Grimm. The Greyhounds can put some shooters around him, including guards Eric Mitchell and Taylor Smith.
15. Ballard Memorial: B.B. Kendrick takes over the reins from a program that is in a rebuilding phase. The hope is a good freshman class, led by Jay Middleton, can lead the Bombers back to respectability.
16. Community Christian: The Warriors move from the Second District to the Fourth District but will have a tough time being competitive.
First Region Players to Watch
1. Stefon Perry, Paducah Tilghman: Developed a mid-range game last year to go with his excellent low-post skills and can take over a game on the offensive end.
2. Travis Spiceland, Marshall County: High-scoring guard knows how to score by penetrating, drawing the defense and getting to the free-throw line.
3. Tony Hockett, Mayfield: Good post player will be asked to become a ballhander and take his game farther outside.
4. Isaac McClure, Paducah Tilghman: Dangerous combination of size and athleticism, can defend several positions and dominate the boards.
5. Luke Shuemaker, Lone Oak: Lefty guard can penetrate and score and won’t have to carry as much of the scoring load this season.
6. Ryan Williams, Graves County: Great around the basket, and his athleticism causes matchup problems on the inside.
7. Justin Towery, Graves County: Trusty point guard returns to run the Eagles and will be asked to look to score more often.
8. Bryon Wright, Paducah Tilghman: Gifted guard can score from the perimeter and is tough in transition.
9. Chad Perrewe, St. Mary: Maybe the region’s best pure shooter, but he will be the target of every opponent.
10. Jamarielle Brown, Lone Oak: Athletic forward could become a force in Lone Oak’s open-court style.