The Scribe
11-25-2007, 08:27 PM
BGP 11th Region Boys' Preview
BY RON HARRISON
Special to Bluegrasspreps.com
The 11th Region should be strong again this season with several challengers having aspirations of dethroning defending state and regional champion Scott County. There was a large coaching turnover this season with Frankfort, Berea, Model, and Tates Creek entering the season under new leadership.
The region consists of 17 teams divided into four districts (41st, 42nd, 43rd, and 44th). The 41st District consists of Frankfort, Franklin County, Western Hills, and Woodford County. The 42nd District consists of Bryan Station, Henry Clay, Sayre, and Scott County. The 43rd District consists of Lafayette, Lexington Catholic, Lexington Christian Academy, Paul L. Dunbar, and Tates Creek. The 44th District consists of Berea, Madison Central, Madison Southern, and Model.
The information included in this preview comes from coaches as well as personal observations from last season and over the summer.
1. Scott County (34-2): Coach Billy Hicks’ Cardinals captured the state championship last season and will be one of the top teams in the state again this year. The Cardinals graduated some key players including 6-3 guard Matt Walls.
Scott County also suffered an unexpected setback when 6-4 Sr. Bud Mackey had some off court problems which will probably prevent him from rejoining the team. Mackey had verbally committed to Indiana and was considered one of the frontrunners for Mr. Basketball.
However, the Cardinals’ cupboard is hardly bare and their lofty goals remain the same. They have several seasoned veterans returning who know how to win. The returning seniors are 6-5 Tyler Portwood, 6-4 Cameron Hundley, 6-7 Jordan Lee, 6-1 Jordan Adams, 6-0 Markus Burchfield, 6-3 Adrian Givens, and 6-5 Tyler Royse. Portwood and Adams are excellent outside shooters and Cameron Hundley is solid in all areas.
Jordan Lee is an athletic frontliner who rebounds and is a defensive stopper. 6-7 Jr. Richie Phares is greatly improved and is poised for a breakout year. 6-0 Jr. Aaron Ford and 5-10 Jr. Ryan Walker will also log minutes. 6-1 So. Ge-lawn Guyn is a transfer from Henry Clay and brings athleticism, quickness, and some excellent guard skills.
The Cardinals also expect a bright future for 6-1 eighth grader Tamron Manning. This team faces intense competition in the region but has the coaching and talent to have a big voice in who captures the crown.
2. Lexington Catholic (23-10): Coach Brandon Salsman has virtually everyone back and has the Knights poised to dethrone Scott County this season.
They have a veteran trio of talented seniors in 6-5 Taylor Stewart, 6-6 Jordan Smart, and 6-5 Nathan Novosel. Stewart is an athletic swingman who can score. Smart is a deadly downtown shooter, and Novosel is the ultimate warrior in the paint.
6-3 Sr. forward Tyler Corvin hits the boards and defends. 6-3 Jr. guard Taylor Botkin, 5-9 Sr. guard John Tribble, 6-1 Sr. guard Will Hicks, and 5-10 Sr. guard Zack Peffer will log quality minutes. Lexington Catholic will also have the services of a talented transfer from Lafayette in 6-3 Jr. guard Vee Sanford.
The Knights will also bring up two of their talented freshmen, 6-3 guards Scott Schuette and Taylor Martin. Coach Salsman appears to have all the pieces necessary to not only challenge for regional honors but also the state championship.
3. Madison Central (23-8): Coach Allen Feldhaus Jr. suffered graduation losses but he has an impressive array of talent returning to challenge for the top spot. Coach Feldhaus feels he has the talent (height, quickness, rebounding, and shooting) and if they achieve leadership and chemistry could be very good.
6-6 Sr. Aaron Morris returns for his senior campaign and is a dangerous scorer both inside and out. 6-2 Jr. Keshawn Simpson is an explosive performer whose athleticism makes him hard to contain. Simpson is also a star on the gridiron.
Other key players include 6-2 Jr. Vince Clay, 5-9 Sr. DeLewis Parks 5-10 Sr. Wes Metcalfe, 6-6 Sr. Ben Lowery, 6-5 Sr. Patrick Ford, 6-2 Jr. Terry Jarvis, and 5-9 Sr. Ricky Rhodes. The Indians will work hard, hit the boards, and should be a dangerous foe down the stretch.
4. Bryan Station (24-8): Coach Champ Ligon’s Defenders graduated their two leading scorers but have the talent returning to be a contender for the region crown again this season. 6-2 Sr. Shelvin Mack is a combo guard and one of the best players in the state.
6-3 240 pound Sr. center Terrell Combs is a physical inside player with a nice shooting touch. 6-3 Sr. forward Dacoby Burnett could have a breakout year. 6-1 Sr. guard Larry Johnson is very quick.
Montell Morones is a 5-10 Jr. point guard who is an excellent ballhandler and should have a great season. 6-2 Jr. Cameron Richardson and 6-1 Jr. Charles Ashford are both 2-guards with a nice shooting touch. 6-2 Jr. Jeremiah Mabson is a very athletic forward.
The Defenders should be able to go eight deep and strengths include shooting, ballhandling, and athleticism.
5. Henry Clay (16-14): Coach Daniel Brown’s Blue Devils intend to push the tempo this season and have the players returning to have a very successful season. 6-6 Sr. Victor Moses is a wing player who scores and hits the boards. Moses is extremely hard to defend off the dribble.
6-5 Sr. Aaron Boyd is a star receiver on the gridiron and if he returns to the hardwood after the football season will be a valuable asset. Boyd can score off the dribble as well as off the jump shot. 6-5 seniors Ryan Brightwell, D. Q. Gordan, and Mike Gardner all work hard, rebound well, and play defense.
6-0 Jr. Prince Stewart is a guard who works hard and can nail the three point shot. 5-9 Sr. Brian Nichols is a team leader capable of creating havoc on defense. Other players expected to log quality minutes are 6-5 Jr. Samuel Simpson, Sr. Dale Barnett, and Fr. Brandon Wilder.
The team was up and down last season but approach this season with a lot of optimism.
6. Paul L. Dunbar (14-16): Coach Carl “Redd” Hutchinson’s Bulldogs improved throughout the season and should be greatly improved this season. Dunbar returns all their key players and will be a dangerous opponent.
The Bulldogs have an excellent guard combination in 5-10 Sr. Dion Johnson and 5-10 Jr. Nick Hudson. 6-6 Jr. Tyler Rogers improved tremendously last season and is very active around the basket. 6-4 Sr. DeAndre Webb is another talented returning frontliner.
Other key returnees include 6-4 Sr. Aaron Klein, 5-9 Sr. Seth Davis, and 5-9 Jr. Marquis Clay. Dunbar is quick, athletic, and could make a lot of noise in the 11th Region this season.
7. Tates Creek (26-7): Coach Eric Williams takes over as head coach of the Commodores this season. The Commodores graduated a lot of talent in six seniors, but return some talented performers and have some excellent freshmen entering the program.
6-3 Sr. swingman Michael Sparks averaged 16 ppg and 7 rpg last season and has the ability to score both inside and out. 6-0 Sr. guard Michael Spalding averaged 11.5 ppg.
Other key returnees include 6-0 Sr. Carlos Parris, 6-3 Sr. Michael Stone, 6-0 Jr. Darius Walker, and 5-11 Jr. Jordan Hagan. The Commodores also have two freshmen, 6-3 Marcellus Barksdale and 6-1 Ryan Fucci who are capable of early contributions,
This team wants to run when the opportunity is there and vary their defense from pressing to lock-down half court defense. This team will continue to improve as the season progresses.
8. Lafayette (11-17): Coach Damon Kelley’s Generals slipped to 11-17 last season, graduated two key players, and lost a key player, Jr. Vee Sanford, via the transfer route to Lexington Catholic.
However, Coach Kelley has some talent returning to prepare for the 11th Region battles. 5-11 Sr. guard Dante Stewart averaged 15 ppg last season and is one of the best players in the region. Stewart is supposed to rejoin the Generals in January.
6-0 Sr. Tommy Gifford adds three point shooting if he comes out for basketball after the football season. (Gifford is a star receiver on the gridiron.)
Coach Kelley is high on 6-4 Jr. Deron Linton who is strong inside and will play some on the wing. 6-1 Jr. Tony Taylor is a solid point guard and 6-1 Sr. Adi Zaimovic can shoot from the perimeter. 6-3 Sr. Donte Turner transferred from Henry Clay and although he’s new at the game of basketball, he is a tenacious rebounder and defender.
Other key returnees include 6-4 Sr. Bobby Morris and 6-0 Jr. Tyler Barber.
9. Lexington Christian Academy (10-16): Coach Tommy Huston suffered through a rebuilding season last year, starting an entire new starting five.
However, LCA continued to work hard and despite graduating two key players enjoyed an excellent summer campaign and should continue to improve this season. LCA suffered an early loss when 6-4 Sr. Patrick Nevitt went down with an injury. Nevitt is solid in the paint and finds a way to score. LCA hopes Nevitt will be back in February.
The Eagles have an excellent guard combo in 6-0 Jr. Tyler Townsend, 5-11 Sr. Trace Helton, and 6-0 Sr. Cameron Marshall. 6-4 So. Will Evans has the ability to score both inside and out. 6-5 Jr. Grant Sparks and 6-3 Shane Crain are expected to contribute this season.
Other players including 6-0 Sr. Wes Rogers are expected to log significant minutes. Several other players will contribute because Coach Huston’s uptempo style and hard-nosed defense will necessitate a deep rotation.
10. Western Hills (17-12): Coach Enoch Welch guided the Wolverines to their first district title in 18 years and just the third time ever. Coach Welch took over a team that had went 6-21, went 13-13 in his first year, and continued to improve last season.
The Wolverines graduated four key performers but return their two top scorers and several players who logged quality minutes.
Western Hills will be led by 6-0 Sr. swingman Jay Van (15.2 ppg) and 6-1 Sr. guard Matt Hyatt (11.5 ppg). Other players expected to contribute include 6-3 Sr. forward Ryan Belcher, 6-6 Jr. center Mike Satterwhite, 5-10 Jr. point guard Darius Reed, 5-10 Jr. guard Nolan McGaughey, and 6-2 So. swingman J. T. Riddle.
11. Franklin County (15-12): Coach Scott Chalk’s Flyers only have one starter returning from last season. This team will be relatively inexperienced but will have good size and will be a good shooting team. 6-2 Jr. Barrett Meyer (9.3 ppg) is a returning starter.
Other potential starters include 6-7 Jr. Andy Donovan (transfer from Lexington Catholic), 6-4 Jr. Ryan Conner, 6-0 Jr. Deron Hicks, 6-4 Jr. Oakley Watkins, and 6-2 super-soph Vance Hall.
Four other sophs from last season’s excellent freshman team (Sean Thompson, Jordan Parris, Lyndon McKee, and Bryce Burton) are expected to add depth to the team.
12. Woodford County (10-19): Coach Brad Mefford inherited a team last season that had finished 19-12 but graduated eight key performers. The Yellowjackets took their lumps last season but played a lot of people to gain experience and depth.
The team developed toughness along the way and improved over the summer. 6-6 Sr. Travis Swan averaged 10 ppg and 9 rpg and improved tremendously this summer. 5-8 Sr. Tae Mulder averaged 10 ppg, improved his shooting touch, and is a tenacious defender.
Coach Mefford is very impressed with his 6-2 So. point guard Dominique Johnson, who is very athletic and has a very promising future. The remaining spots will be filled from some of the players who were thrown into the battles last year.
13. Frankfort (10-20): Coach Michael Allen takes over as coach this year and this is the fourth coach in four years for the Panthers. Frankfort graduated some key performers but expects to return some talented players.
5-8 Sr. Mico Wells, 6-2 Sr. E. J. Fields, 6-3 Jr. Micah Goff, and 5-9 Sr. Jordan Morgan are expected to lead the Panthers this season. Frankfort, as with other teams, often has to wait until their footballers get their basketball “legs” before reaching full strength.
14. Madison Southern (16-14): Coach Shane Buttry’s Eagles led the state in three point baskets last season but graduation losses will probably dictate they go inside more this season.
The Eagles will be led by So. guards 5-9 Carrington Roberts (10 ppg) and Rico Brown. 6-3. So. Joey Wallace is expected to be a key contributor. 6-1 Sr. Casey Botkin, 6-2 Jr. Chet Huntoon, and 6-0 Sr. Jay Robinson are also expected to make contributions. Robinson is the Eagles’ best perimeter shooter.
15. Model (8-21): Wes Scarberry takes over as coach of the Patriots this season. Coach Scarberry feels he will have strong guard play and must play great defense and hit the boards to compete on a nightly basis. The returning starters are Sr. guards 6-2 Devon Gerald and 5-11 Nick Dunaway.
Other key players are 6-3 Sr. forward Merrick Marriott, 6-1 Sr. forward Brad Trinh, 6-0 Sr. forward Alec Hicks, 5-10 Jr. guard Michael Daniel, 6-0 Sr. guard Mark Little, 5-10 Jr. guard Bryce Botts, and 5-11 So. guard Gabe Cormney.
The Patriots have some definite goals this season including winning the Bluegrass Conference Tournament and going for a winning record.
16. Sayre (19-6): Coach Gene Kirk’s Spartans are coming off a very successful season but graduate a lot of experience and their top three scorers from last year’s squad. The team is expected to be led this year by 6-4 Sr. Quinn Schwartz and 5-10 Sr. Lee Haggin.
Other players expected to contribute include 5-9 Jr. Ryan Brady and 6-3 Jr. Tebo Barnett.
17. Berea (1-27): Coach Bill Smallwood will take over as head coach of the Pirates this year. Coach Smallwood had a very successful tenure here between 1987-2001.
Coach Smallwood has the majority of the team returning from last season. 5-10 Sr. Ben Flara is a good floor general. 6-1 Sr. Tyler Mills is a solid blue collar player with a high basketball IQ. 6-2 Sr. Jarrod Rigsby and 5-9 Sr. Jacob Gilbertson are solid returning veterans.
6-0 Sr. Josh Campbell will add quickness and 6-4 Jr. Ryan Smith is solid in the paint. 6-4 So. Chase Riddle has the ability to shoot the outside shot. 6-5 So. Logan Hutchins is a promising insider with good moves around the basket. 5-9 Jr. Rashad Slaughter may come out after football and adds tremendous quickness.
Coach Smallwood is a veteran coach, familiar with the school and appears to be ready for the challenge of rebuilding the Pirate program.
11th Region Players to Watch
1. Shelvin Mack (Bryan Station) 6-2 Sr. look for large numbers this season
2. Victor Moses (Henry Clay) 6-6 Sr. virtually unstoppable in paint
3. Aaron Morris (Madison Central) 6-6 Sr. scores both inside and out
4. Michael Sparks (Tates Creek) 6-3 Sr. versatile swingman
5. Nathan Novosel (Lexington Catholic) 6-5 Sr. warrior around basket
6. Taylor Stewart (Lexington Catholic) 6-5 Sr. athletic scorer
7. Dante Stewart (Lafayette) 5-11 Sr. excellent floor leader
8. Aaron Boyd (Henry Clay) 6-5 Sr. athletic, good skills
9. Nick Hudson (Paul Dunbar) 5-10 Jr. penetrates, defends, sees floor
10. Keshawn Simpson (Madison Central) 6-2 Jr. athletic, explosive
11. Richie Phares (Scott County) 6-7 Jr. poised for breakout season
12. Jordan Lee (Scott County) 6-7 Sr. athletic frontliner
Observations
Several but not all of the coaches in the 11th Region responded to my request for information, and the consensus was that once again the region has several contenders for the crown.
It seems unlikely that Scott County Mr. Basketball candidate Bud Mackey will be in uniform for the Cardinals this season. Some of the top players in the region are also stars on the gridiron and there is always a chance that some will not come out for basketball.
Scott County and Lexington Catholic appear to be destined to battle for the top spot in the region, but Madison Central and Bryan Station will be serious challengers. It was extremely difficult to pick a top ten absolutely foolhardy to attempt to rank the teams one through seventeen.
Previews are merely a best guess starting point and teams could jockey for position all season as they experiment with different combinations to find new stars to replace graduated seniors.
Several teams have talented squads and, as usual, the champion will probably be the one who achieves team chemistry and peaks down the stretch. Injuries could play a part and a key injury could bring even a favored team back to the pack.
It was even more difficult to submit a list of the top players. Other players that have to be considered include Cameron Hundley, Tyler Portwood, and Ge-lawn Guyn (Scott County), Jordan Smart and Vee Sanford (Lexington Catholic), Terrell Combs (Bryan Station), Dion Johnson (Paul Dunbar), Deron Linton (Lafayette), Jay Van (Western Hills), Travis Swan (Woodford County), Carrington Roberts (Madison Southern), and Michael Spalding (Tates Creek).
Titles are won on the basketball court and not in previews. I agree to do this each year, check my ego at the door, and give it my best shot. I am usually humbled by midseason and vow “never again”. However, that is the way it should be—determined by the players and the coaches and not the writers.
This year is another season and there are a few contenders that could catch fire, peak at tourney time, and make the trip to Rupp Arena in March.
BY RON HARRISON
Special to Bluegrasspreps.com
The 11th Region should be strong again this season with several challengers having aspirations of dethroning defending state and regional champion Scott County. There was a large coaching turnover this season with Frankfort, Berea, Model, and Tates Creek entering the season under new leadership.
The region consists of 17 teams divided into four districts (41st, 42nd, 43rd, and 44th). The 41st District consists of Frankfort, Franklin County, Western Hills, and Woodford County. The 42nd District consists of Bryan Station, Henry Clay, Sayre, and Scott County. The 43rd District consists of Lafayette, Lexington Catholic, Lexington Christian Academy, Paul L. Dunbar, and Tates Creek. The 44th District consists of Berea, Madison Central, Madison Southern, and Model.
The information included in this preview comes from coaches as well as personal observations from last season and over the summer.
1. Scott County (34-2): Coach Billy Hicks’ Cardinals captured the state championship last season and will be one of the top teams in the state again this year. The Cardinals graduated some key players including 6-3 guard Matt Walls.
Scott County also suffered an unexpected setback when 6-4 Sr. Bud Mackey had some off court problems which will probably prevent him from rejoining the team. Mackey had verbally committed to Indiana and was considered one of the frontrunners for Mr. Basketball.
However, the Cardinals’ cupboard is hardly bare and their lofty goals remain the same. They have several seasoned veterans returning who know how to win. The returning seniors are 6-5 Tyler Portwood, 6-4 Cameron Hundley, 6-7 Jordan Lee, 6-1 Jordan Adams, 6-0 Markus Burchfield, 6-3 Adrian Givens, and 6-5 Tyler Royse. Portwood and Adams are excellent outside shooters and Cameron Hundley is solid in all areas.
Jordan Lee is an athletic frontliner who rebounds and is a defensive stopper. 6-7 Jr. Richie Phares is greatly improved and is poised for a breakout year. 6-0 Jr. Aaron Ford and 5-10 Jr. Ryan Walker will also log minutes. 6-1 So. Ge-lawn Guyn is a transfer from Henry Clay and brings athleticism, quickness, and some excellent guard skills.
The Cardinals also expect a bright future for 6-1 eighth grader Tamron Manning. This team faces intense competition in the region but has the coaching and talent to have a big voice in who captures the crown.
2. Lexington Catholic (23-10): Coach Brandon Salsman has virtually everyone back and has the Knights poised to dethrone Scott County this season.
They have a veteran trio of talented seniors in 6-5 Taylor Stewart, 6-6 Jordan Smart, and 6-5 Nathan Novosel. Stewart is an athletic swingman who can score. Smart is a deadly downtown shooter, and Novosel is the ultimate warrior in the paint.
6-3 Sr. forward Tyler Corvin hits the boards and defends. 6-3 Jr. guard Taylor Botkin, 5-9 Sr. guard John Tribble, 6-1 Sr. guard Will Hicks, and 5-10 Sr. guard Zack Peffer will log quality minutes. Lexington Catholic will also have the services of a talented transfer from Lafayette in 6-3 Jr. guard Vee Sanford.
The Knights will also bring up two of their talented freshmen, 6-3 guards Scott Schuette and Taylor Martin. Coach Salsman appears to have all the pieces necessary to not only challenge for regional honors but also the state championship.
3. Madison Central (23-8): Coach Allen Feldhaus Jr. suffered graduation losses but he has an impressive array of talent returning to challenge for the top spot. Coach Feldhaus feels he has the talent (height, quickness, rebounding, and shooting) and if they achieve leadership and chemistry could be very good.
6-6 Sr. Aaron Morris returns for his senior campaign and is a dangerous scorer both inside and out. 6-2 Jr. Keshawn Simpson is an explosive performer whose athleticism makes him hard to contain. Simpson is also a star on the gridiron.
Other key players include 6-2 Jr. Vince Clay, 5-9 Sr. DeLewis Parks 5-10 Sr. Wes Metcalfe, 6-6 Sr. Ben Lowery, 6-5 Sr. Patrick Ford, 6-2 Jr. Terry Jarvis, and 5-9 Sr. Ricky Rhodes. The Indians will work hard, hit the boards, and should be a dangerous foe down the stretch.
4. Bryan Station (24-8): Coach Champ Ligon’s Defenders graduated their two leading scorers but have the talent returning to be a contender for the region crown again this season. 6-2 Sr. Shelvin Mack is a combo guard and one of the best players in the state.
6-3 240 pound Sr. center Terrell Combs is a physical inside player with a nice shooting touch. 6-3 Sr. forward Dacoby Burnett could have a breakout year. 6-1 Sr. guard Larry Johnson is very quick.
Montell Morones is a 5-10 Jr. point guard who is an excellent ballhandler and should have a great season. 6-2 Jr. Cameron Richardson and 6-1 Jr. Charles Ashford are both 2-guards with a nice shooting touch. 6-2 Jr. Jeremiah Mabson is a very athletic forward.
The Defenders should be able to go eight deep and strengths include shooting, ballhandling, and athleticism.
5. Henry Clay (16-14): Coach Daniel Brown’s Blue Devils intend to push the tempo this season and have the players returning to have a very successful season. 6-6 Sr. Victor Moses is a wing player who scores and hits the boards. Moses is extremely hard to defend off the dribble.
6-5 Sr. Aaron Boyd is a star receiver on the gridiron and if he returns to the hardwood after the football season will be a valuable asset. Boyd can score off the dribble as well as off the jump shot. 6-5 seniors Ryan Brightwell, D. Q. Gordan, and Mike Gardner all work hard, rebound well, and play defense.
6-0 Jr. Prince Stewart is a guard who works hard and can nail the three point shot. 5-9 Sr. Brian Nichols is a team leader capable of creating havoc on defense. Other players expected to log quality minutes are 6-5 Jr. Samuel Simpson, Sr. Dale Barnett, and Fr. Brandon Wilder.
The team was up and down last season but approach this season with a lot of optimism.
6. Paul L. Dunbar (14-16): Coach Carl “Redd” Hutchinson’s Bulldogs improved throughout the season and should be greatly improved this season. Dunbar returns all their key players and will be a dangerous opponent.
The Bulldogs have an excellent guard combination in 5-10 Sr. Dion Johnson and 5-10 Jr. Nick Hudson. 6-6 Jr. Tyler Rogers improved tremendously last season and is very active around the basket. 6-4 Sr. DeAndre Webb is another talented returning frontliner.
Other key returnees include 6-4 Sr. Aaron Klein, 5-9 Sr. Seth Davis, and 5-9 Jr. Marquis Clay. Dunbar is quick, athletic, and could make a lot of noise in the 11th Region this season.
7. Tates Creek (26-7): Coach Eric Williams takes over as head coach of the Commodores this season. The Commodores graduated a lot of talent in six seniors, but return some talented performers and have some excellent freshmen entering the program.
6-3 Sr. swingman Michael Sparks averaged 16 ppg and 7 rpg last season and has the ability to score both inside and out. 6-0 Sr. guard Michael Spalding averaged 11.5 ppg.
Other key returnees include 6-0 Sr. Carlos Parris, 6-3 Sr. Michael Stone, 6-0 Jr. Darius Walker, and 5-11 Jr. Jordan Hagan. The Commodores also have two freshmen, 6-3 Marcellus Barksdale and 6-1 Ryan Fucci who are capable of early contributions,
This team wants to run when the opportunity is there and vary their defense from pressing to lock-down half court defense. This team will continue to improve as the season progresses.
8. Lafayette (11-17): Coach Damon Kelley’s Generals slipped to 11-17 last season, graduated two key players, and lost a key player, Jr. Vee Sanford, via the transfer route to Lexington Catholic.
However, Coach Kelley has some talent returning to prepare for the 11th Region battles. 5-11 Sr. guard Dante Stewart averaged 15 ppg last season and is one of the best players in the region. Stewart is supposed to rejoin the Generals in January.
6-0 Sr. Tommy Gifford adds three point shooting if he comes out for basketball after the football season. (Gifford is a star receiver on the gridiron.)
Coach Kelley is high on 6-4 Jr. Deron Linton who is strong inside and will play some on the wing. 6-1 Jr. Tony Taylor is a solid point guard and 6-1 Sr. Adi Zaimovic can shoot from the perimeter. 6-3 Sr. Donte Turner transferred from Henry Clay and although he’s new at the game of basketball, he is a tenacious rebounder and defender.
Other key returnees include 6-4 Sr. Bobby Morris and 6-0 Jr. Tyler Barber.
9. Lexington Christian Academy (10-16): Coach Tommy Huston suffered through a rebuilding season last year, starting an entire new starting five.
However, LCA continued to work hard and despite graduating two key players enjoyed an excellent summer campaign and should continue to improve this season. LCA suffered an early loss when 6-4 Sr. Patrick Nevitt went down with an injury. Nevitt is solid in the paint and finds a way to score. LCA hopes Nevitt will be back in February.
The Eagles have an excellent guard combo in 6-0 Jr. Tyler Townsend, 5-11 Sr. Trace Helton, and 6-0 Sr. Cameron Marshall. 6-4 So. Will Evans has the ability to score both inside and out. 6-5 Jr. Grant Sparks and 6-3 Shane Crain are expected to contribute this season.
Other players including 6-0 Sr. Wes Rogers are expected to log significant minutes. Several other players will contribute because Coach Huston’s uptempo style and hard-nosed defense will necessitate a deep rotation.
10. Western Hills (17-12): Coach Enoch Welch guided the Wolverines to their first district title in 18 years and just the third time ever. Coach Welch took over a team that had went 6-21, went 13-13 in his first year, and continued to improve last season.
The Wolverines graduated four key performers but return their two top scorers and several players who logged quality minutes.
Western Hills will be led by 6-0 Sr. swingman Jay Van (15.2 ppg) and 6-1 Sr. guard Matt Hyatt (11.5 ppg). Other players expected to contribute include 6-3 Sr. forward Ryan Belcher, 6-6 Jr. center Mike Satterwhite, 5-10 Jr. point guard Darius Reed, 5-10 Jr. guard Nolan McGaughey, and 6-2 So. swingman J. T. Riddle.
11. Franklin County (15-12): Coach Scott Chalk’s Flyers only have one starter returning from last season. This team will be relatively inexperienced but will have good size and will be a good shooting team. 6-2 Jr. Barrett Meyer (9.3 ppg) is a returning starter.
Other potential starters include 6-7 Jr. Andy Donovan (transfer from Lexington Catholic), 6-4 Jr. Ryan Conner, 6-0 Jr. Deron Hicks, 6-4 Jr. Oakley Watkins, and 6-2 super-soph Vance Hall.
Four other sophs from last season’s excellent freshman team (Sean Thompson, Jordan Parris, Lyndon McKee, and Bryce Burton) are expected to add depth to the team.
12. Woodford County (10-19): Coach Brad Mefford inherited a team last season that had finished 19-12 but graduated eight key performers. The Yellowjackets took their lumps last season but played a lot of people to gain experience and depth.
The team developed toughness along the way and improved over the summer. 6-6 Sr. Travis Swan averaged 10 ppg and 9 rpg and improved tremendously this summer. 5-8 Sr. Tae Mulder averaged 10 ppg, improved his shooting touch, and is a tenacious defender.
Coach Mefford is very impressed with his 6-2 So. point guard Dominique Johnson, who is very athletic and has a very promising future. The remaining spots will be filled from some of the players who were thrown into the battles last year.
13. Frankfort (10-20): Coach Michael Allen takes over as coach this year and this is the fourth coach in four years for the Panthers. Frankfort graduated some key performers but expects to return some talented players.
5-8 Sr. Mico Wells, 6-2 Sr. E. J. Fields, 6-3 Jr. Micah Goff, and 5-9 Sr. Jordan Morgan are expected to lead the Panthers this season. Frankfort, as with other teams, often has to wait until their footballers get their basketball “legs” before reaching full strength.
14. Madison Southern (16-14): Coach Shane Buttry’s Eagles led the state in three point baskets last season but graduation losses will probably dictate they go inside more this season.
The Eagles will be led by So. guards 5-9 Carrington Roberts (10 ppg) and Rico Brown. 6-3. So. Joey Wallace is expected to be a key contributor. 6-1 Sr. Casey Botkin, 6-2 Jr. Chet Huntoon, and 6-0 Sr. Jay Robinson are also expected to make contributions. Robinson is the Eagles’ best perimeter shooter.
15. Model (8-21): Wes Scarberry takes over as coach of the Patriots this season. Coach Scarberry feels he will have strong guard play and must play great defense and hit the boards to compete on a nightly basis. The returning starters are Sr. guards 6-2 Devon Gerald and 5-11 Nick Dunaway.
Other key players are 6-3 Sr. forward Merrick Marriott, 6-1 Sr. forward Brad Trinh, 6-0 Sr. forward Alec Hicks, 5-10 Jr. guard Michael Daniel, 6-0 Sr. guard Mark Little, 5-10 Jr. guard Bryce Botts, and 5-11 So. guard Gabe Cormney.
The Patriots have some definite goals this season including winning the Bluegrass Conference Tournament and going for a winning record.
16. Sayre (19-6): Coach Gene Kirk’s Spartans are coming off a very successful season but graduate a lot of experience and their top three scorers from last year’s squad. The team is expected to be led this year by 6-4 Sr. Quinn Schwartz and 5-10 Sr. Lee Haggin.
Other players expected to contribute include 5-9 Jr. Ryan Brady and 6-3 Jr. Tebo Barnett.
17. Berea (1-27): Coach Bill Smallwood will take over as head coach of the Pirates this year. Coach Smallwood had a very successful tenure here between 1987-2001.
Coach Smallwood has the majority of the team returning from last season. 5-10 Sr. Ben Flara is a good floor general. 6-1 Sr. Tyler Mills is a solid blue collar player with a high basketball IQ. 6-2 Sr. Jarrod Rigsby and 5-9 Sr. Jacob Gilbertson are solid returning veterans.
6-0 Sr. Josh Campbell will add quickness and 6-4 Jr. Ryan Smith is solid in the paint. 6-4 So. Chase Riddle has the ability to shoot the outside shot. 6-5 So. Logan Hutchins is a promising insider with good moves around the basket. 5-9 Jr. Rashad Slaughter may come out after football and adds tremendous quickness.
Coach Smallwood is a veteran coach, familiar with the school and appears to be ready for the challenge of rebuilding the Pirate program.
11th Region Players to Watch
1. Shelvin Mack (Bryan Station) 6-2 Sr. look for large numbers this season
2. Victor Moses (Henry Clay) 6-6 Sr. virtually unstoppable in paint
3. Aaron Morris (Madison Central) 6-6 Sr. scores both inside and out
4. Michael Sparks (Tates Creek) 6-3 Sr. versatile swingman
5. Nathan Novosel (Lexington Catholic) 6-5 Sr. warrior around basket
6. Taylor Stewart (Lexington Catholic) 6-5 Sr. athletic scorer
7. Dante Stewart (Lafayette) 5-11 Sr. excellent floor leader
8. Aaron Boyd (Henry Clay) 6-5 Sr. athletic, good skills
9. Nick Hudson (Paul Dunbar) 5-10 Jr. penetrates, defends, sees floor
10. Keshawn Simpson (Madison Central) 6-2 Jr. athletic, explosive
11. Richie Phares (Scott County) 6-7 Jr. poised for breakout season
12. Jordan Lee (Scott County) 6-7 Sr. athletic frontliner
Observations
Several but not all of the coaches in the 11th Region responded to my request for information, and the consensus was that once again the region has several contenders for the crown.
It seems unlikely that Scott County Mr. Basketball candidate Bud Mackey will be in uniform for the Cardinals this season. Some of the top players in the region are also stars on the gridiron and there is always a chance that some will not come out for basketball.
Scott County and Lexington Catholic appear to be destined to battle for the top spot in the region, but Madison Central and Bryan Station will be serious challengers. It was extremely difficult to pick a top ten absolutely foolhardy to attempt to rank the teams one through seventeen.
Previews are merely a best guess starting point and teams could jockey for position all season as they experiment with different combinations to find new stars to replace graduated seniors.
Several teams have talented squads and, as usual, the champion will probably be the one who achieves team chemistry and peaks down the stretch. Injuries could play a part and a key injury could bring even a favored team back to the pack.
It was even more difficult to submit a list of the top players. Other players that have to be considered include Cameron Hundley, Tyler Portwood, and Ge-lawn Guyn (Scott County), Jordan Smart and Vee Sanford (Lexington Catholic), Terrell Combs (Bryan Station), Dion Johnson (Paul Dunbar), Deron Linton (Lafayette), Jay Van (Western Hills), Travis Swan (Woodford County), Carrington Roberts (Madison Southern), and Michael Spalding (Tates Creek).
Titles are won on the basketball court and not in previews. I agree to do this each year, check my ego at the door, and give it my best shot. I am usually humbled by midseason and vow “never again”. However, that is the way it should be—determined by the players and the coaches and not the writers.
This year is another season and there are a few contenders that could catch fire, peak at tourney time, and make the trip to Rupp Arena in March.