The Scribe
11-25-2008, 03:33 AM
11th Region Boys Preview
By Ron Harrison
1. Scott County (20-12): Coach Billy Hicks’ Cardinals graduated several seniors last season but had several talented players transfer in over the summer.
Dakotah Euton, Chad Jackson, and Robbie Barber came from Rose Hill Academy, and Austin Flannery from Boone County. The Cardinals also have some talented returnees including Richie Phares, Ge-Lawn Guyn, and Tamron Manning.
This group of talented performers make Scott County the favorite to capture the region and also will probably be favored to capture the state title.
6-7 Sr. Richie Phares is a versatile scorer and 6-8 Jr. Dakotah Euton can score inside and has excellent range on his jump shot. 6-4 Jr. Chad Jackson can break you down off the dribble and is a very good defender.
6-2 Jr. Ge-Lawn Guyn excels in the transition game and is a versatile scorer. 6-3 Fr. Tamron Manning is an athletic performer who could be special down the road. 6-2 Sr. Aaron Ford is a solid performer who will log quality minutes.
The Cardinals are deep and talented with any combination of the following players capable of making valuable contributions: 6-2 Jr. Austin Flannery, 6-2 Sr. Ryan Walker, 6-6 Jr. Will Schu, 6-0 Jr. Hayden Willoughby, 6-3 So. Robbie Barber, 6-2 Fr. Isiah Ivey, 5-11 Fr. Josh Walls, and 6-0 Fr. Avery Ford. 6-5 So.
Tanner Shotwell transferred back from Lexington Christian Academy but may not be eligible this season. Other players may move into this group and some of these players may play Junior Varsity, which will tell you how deep the squad is this season.
2. Paul L. Dunbar (21-8): Coach Carl “Redd” Hutchinson’s Bulldogs are loaded this season and should be a serious regional contender this season.
5-10 Sr. guard Nick Hudson is a good playmaker and a versatile scorer. The Bulldogs have a very solid frontcourt in 6-7 Sr. Tyler Rogers, 6-4 Sr. De’Vonte Webb, and 6-7 Jr. Bryce With (who missed last year with an injury). 5-11 Jr. guard Brett Waldrop should challenge for a starting position.
Others expected to contribute include 6-1 Sr. Tod Lanter, 5-10 Sr. Marquis Clay, 6-2 Sr. Anthony Hendren, and 6-1 So. Lamont Johnson (a transfer from Bryan Station). Another intriguing possibility is 6-3 8th grader Larry Morton, a very talented performer who could contribute early if he is brought up to the varsity. Dunbar is quick, athletic, and has good size.
3. Franklin County (20-10): Coach Scott Chalk’s Flyers have no graduation losses from last year’s district champions and the experienced and talented Flyers could make a lot of noise this season.
Franklin County has a balanced attack led by 6-3 Sr. Barrett Meyer, who averaged 14.1 ppg and shot over 40% from the three point line. 6-8 Sr. Andrew Donovan averaged 10.4 ppg and 6 rpg. Donovan also has good range on his jump shot. 6-3 Jr. Vance Hall is an impact player at either guard position and averaged 10 ppg.
6-0 Sr. Deron Hicks is jet quick and an excellent defender. 6-5 Sr. Ryan Conner is a gifted athlete who should be a force on the boards. 6-0 Jr. Brandon Jennels is an explosive scoring threat outside, and 6-4 Sr. Oakley Watkins will add depth and scoring in the paint. This talented group of Flyers have size and are battle tested.
4. Bryan Station (30-3): Coach Champ Ligon’s Defenders graduated some key players from last year’s squad but Coach Ligon feels this squad has the opportunity to be very good by tournament time.
5-10 Sr. point guard Montell Morones is jet quick, deadly in transition, and has great range on his jump shot. 6-2 Sr. Charles Ashford and 6-2 Sr. Cameron Richardson are both guards who can shoot the ball. 6-3 Sr. Jeremiah Mabson is a very athletic forward.
Bryan Station has a 1-2 punch in the post in 6-11 Jr. Andrew Adams (a transfer from Wisconsin) and 6-7 350 pound Sr. Chase Blackburn, who returns to the hardwood after sitting out last season.
Other players expected to contribute this season include 6-3 Jr. Kalib Ball, 6-0 Jr. Joe Fain, 6-4 Jr. Tyler Smothers, 6-1 So. Demarcus Wells, and 6-1 Jr. Mike Baffour.
5. Lexington Catholic (32-4): Coach Brandon Salsman’s Knights will have a different look this year. They graduated eight seniors including several key performers. The Knights are a very inexperienced team but will be led by one of the best guard combinations in the state in Vee Sanford and Taylor Botkin. Sanford is a 6-3 Sr. who has excellent all-around skills and is a good defender. 6-2 Sr. Taylor Botkin is a steady veteran poised for a big senior campaign.
6-4 So. Taylor Martin is expected to step up and have a great season. Other key players are expected to be 6-3 So. Scott Schuette, 6-0 Fr. Jaylen Beckham, 6-7 Jr. Tanner Peurach, 6-7 Jr. Hall Conrad, and 5-10 So. William Talbott.
Although this team is inexperienced, they have senior leadership, some talented newcomers, and should improve as the season progresses.
6. Madison Central (17-13): Coach Allen Feldhaus’ squad will be relatively small this season but will have excellent overall team speed and good perimeter shooting. 6-2 Sr. Keshawn Simpson returns this season after missing last year with an injury. Simpson is explosive off his feet and a force in the paint.
6-2 Sr. JaQuentin Jenkins is a tireless worker who attacks the glass. 5-8 Sr. Tyler Mays is a jet quick point guard. 6-2 Sr. Vince Clay averaged 10 ppg last season and has range on his jump shot. 6-2 Sr. Terry Jarvis is another wing player who can shoot the three-ball.
7. Lexington Christian Academy (12-15): Coach Tommy Huston’s Eagles will have size and good outside shooting which could make them a difficult foe this season. 6-6 Jr. Will Evans has good all-around skills and can shoot the ball. 6-4 Sr. Grant Sparks is another versatile player who has steadily improved. 6-2 Jr. Brandon Burdette is a player capable of providing instant offense.
Other players moving up from junior varsity include 5-9 Jr. Will Kindred, 6-0 Sr. Brandon Heilig, 6-1 Jr. Evan Stephens, 6-3 Jr. Charlie Gullette, 6-0 Fr. Taylor Barnette, and 5-11 So. Carter Helton.
8. Tates Creek (14-14): Coach Wayne Breeden takes over as head man of the Commodores this season. Coach Breeden is no stranger to success as he has been to the state tourney the last two years with Owensboro. Tates Creek graduated several key players but return some talented young players and should improve as the season goes on.
6-4 So. Marcellus Barksdale rebounds and scores well on the mid-range jump shot. Barksdale also can score off the dribble and is adding range to his shot. 6-3 So. Ryan Fucci understands the game and can put up big numbers when needed. 6-0 Sr. Jordan Hagan is expected to provide experience to the Commodores this season.
9. Woodford County (18-11): Coach Brad Mefford’s Yellowjackets improved from 10-19 two years ago and have the players returning to continue their improvement.
6-2 Jr. guard Dominique Johnson is an athletic player who led the Jackets in scoring and rebounding and could be a special player. 6-8 Sr. J. D. Miller is greatly improved and should have a good senior campaign. 6-3 Sr. Brandon Raider, 5-10 Sr. Bradley Lucas, and 5-10 Sr. Steven Duckworth are also expected to be key performers.
6-3 Sr. Cameron Mattingly has the talent to have a break-out campaign this season. Coach Mefford has his system in place and Woodford County could be a “sleeper” this season.
10. Henry Clay (15-14): Coach Daniel Brown’s Blue Devils graduated several seniors and most of their size from last season. However, the Blue Devils had a great freshman team and will have ten sophomores on the team this season.
Coach Brown has a capable scorer returning in 5-11 Sr. Prince Stewart who averaged 16 ppg last season. 6-5 Sr. Bradley Tilford improved tremendously over the summer and could have a big impact this season. 6-3 Sr. T. J. Barnes should be very effective in the paint. 6-0 So. Brandon Wilder should be one of the best sophs in the area. Coach Brown expects this team to work hard and feels they can surprise come people this season.
11. Western Hills (15-14): Coach Enoch Welch’s Wolverines graduated their top two scorers in Jay Van and Matt Hyatt but return a group of solid performers. Western Hills returns players at the post and perimeter and should be solid on the defensive end but will need to develop scorers to fill the void left by graduation.
6-8 Sr. center/forward Mike Satterwhite averaged 11 rpg last season. 6-3 Jr. guard J. T. Riddle can penetrate and shoot, averaging 9.5 ppg last season. 5-8 Sr. point guard Darius Reed is a good ballhandler and passer.
5-9 Sr. guard Nolan McGaughey can shoot and defend. 6-6 Jr. center/forward Dylan Curry is a good shot blocker. 6-4 Sr. forward Joe Weber can shoot and rebound. 6-0 Sr. forward Cam Lee can shoot the ball.
Other players expected to log quality minutes include 5-9 So. Marcus Howard, 6-1 So. Jalen Clark, 5-11 So. Jordan Barrass, and So. Jarrett Hyatt.
12. Lafayette (4-21): Coach Damon Kelley’s Generals got a lot of experience last season but could only manage four wins. The bad luck continued this season as they lost 6-5 Sr. forward Deron Linton (15.2 ppg, 9.2 rpg) for the season due to a medical condition. Coach Kelley says the team had a strong offseason but needs some early wins to gain confidence. The team’s lack of size could be offset by quickness and depth.
The key returnees are 6-1 Jr. guard Michael Walker, who averaged 14.7 ppg and 5.1 rpg, 6-1 Sr. guard Tyler Barber (6.4 ppg), 6-3 Jr. forward Micah Miller, 6-3 So. guard Tannier Napier, and 5-9 Jr. guard Wells Lawless. Newcomers include 6-1 So. guard Dee Yarbrough, 6-1 Jr. guard John Burton, and 6-3 So. forward Logan Shaftner.
13. Frankfort (2-21): Coach Mike Allen’s Panthers graduated four seniors from last year’s team but should improve this season. It is especially difficult to evaluate Frankfort until you see who comes out after football and when the footballers get their “basketball legs”.
Players expected to be key contributors include 6-4 Sr. Micah Goff, 5-10 Sr. Keri Metcalf, 5-9 So. Dylan Gilkey, and 5-9 Sr. Jamie Dean. 5-11 Fr. DeAnte Floyd is also expected to provide early help. There are other athletic players who may join the team after football season and would greatly bolster the Panthers’ outlook and opportunity to improve this season.
14. Sayre (14-11): Coach Ted Hall takes over as head coach for the Spartans this season. Sayre returns three starters but the rest of the team is relatively inexperienced. According to Coach Hall, they are a hardworking, unselfish group of players and if they get everyone comfortable with their role it could be an enjoyable season.
The three returning starters are 6-4 Sr. forward/center Tebo Barnett (12.4 ppg, 6.5 rpg), 6-2 Sr. guard Ryan Brady (9.8 ppg), and 6-0 So. point guard Cabot Haggin. Other key returnees include 6-4 Sr. forward/center Alex Gaines, 6-2 Sr. forward Wesley Walker, 5-10 Jr. guard Ward Roberts, 5-7 8th grade guard Mike Smith, 5-10 So. guard Griffin Miller, 6-2 So. guard Griffin Patterson, and 6-3 So. forward Will Park.
15. Madison Southern (6-23): Coach Shane Buttry’s Eagles struggled last season due to inexperience and youth. The Eagles had a good summer and believe they can compete with only one senior and have a bright future.
5-9 Jr. Carrington Roberts averaged 12 ppg last season. 6-4 Jr. Joey Wallace averaged 9 ppg and 6 rpg last season until he broke his arm. 5-10 Jr. guard Rico Brown averaged 7 ppg and is a defensive stopper.
5-7 Chastain Schneider transferred from Madison Central and will play the point. Schneider can penetrate to the basket and defend. 6-3 Jr. center Jimmy Freel is a rapidly improving post player with good post moves and is strong on the glass. 6-0 So. Chad Wheaton and 5-7 So. A. J. Jeck both had some starts last season. 6-0 So. guard Aaron Ponder is the best shooter on the team.
6-2 Jr. Phillip Acres is a versatile performer who can play both inside and out. 6-1 Sr. Chas Bowlin transferred from Madison Central and has a nice shooting touch.
16. Model (11-18): Coach Wes Scarberry’s Patriots lost three key players from last year’s team including Devon Gerald (25 ppg) and Merrick Marriott (17 ppg). The Patriots have a solid core of young talent led by their guard play. Coach Scarberry intends to play an up-tempo style of play both offensively and defensively.
Returning starters are 5-11 Sr. guard Michael Daniel and 5-10 Jr. guard Gabe Cormney. Other key players include 6-1 Fr. guard/forward Cody Sizemore (the coaching staff is extremely high on Sizemore), 6-2 Sr. forward Bryce Botts, 5-8 So. guard Dennis Smith, and 6-3 So. forward Tanner Hall. 6-4 Jr. forward Anders Kipp and 6-1 forward Matt Witt are returning to the team after sitting out last year.
17. Berea (13-14): Veteran coach Bill Smallwood returned home to guide Berea to a 13-14 record after the Pirates went 1-27 the previous year. The Pirates graduated several key players from last year’s team. 6-4 Sr. Ryan Smith is solid in the paint was one of the state’s leading rebounders. 6-5 Sr. Jay Callahan, 6-4 Jr. Logan Hutchins, 6-3 Jr. Justin Hubbard, and 6-3 Jr. Bo Brewer will compete for playing time on the frontline.
Berea graduated a lot of their offense in guards Ben Flara and Josh Campbell. 6-5 Jr. Chase Riddle is expected to spend some time at point guard this season. 5-10 Jr. Jeremy Hamilton and Fr. Ben Miller are expected to contribute in the backcourt.
This year’s team has a nice mixture of experience and youth. The Pirates play a tough man-to-man defense, crash the boards, and hope to be a more consistent shooting team this season.
Top Players in the 11th Region
1a. Richie Phares (Scott County) 6-7 Sr. versatile scorer
1b. Vee Sanford (Lexington Catholic) 6-3 Sr. excellent all-around skills
2. Chad Jackson (Scott County) 6-4 Jr. athletic on both ends of court
3. Dakotah Euton (Scott County) 6-8 Jr. can score inside and out
4. Ge-Lawn Guyn (Scott County) 6-2 Jr. excels in transition
5. Nick Hudson (Paul Dunbar) 5-10 Sr. playmaker and scorer
6. Montell Morones (Bryan Station) 5-10 Sr. quick guard, range on shot
7. Andrew Donovan (Franklin County) 6-8 Sr. improving skills, range on shot
8. Keshawn Simpson (Madison Central) 6-2 Sr. explosive to basket
9. Mike Satterwhite (Western Hills) 6-8 Sr. big man, pounds the boards
10. Will Evans (Lexington Christian Academy) 6-6 Jr. can shoot the ball
Observations
Several but not all of the coaches in the 11th Region responded to my request for information, and the consensus was that Scott County is the heavy favorite to claim the title. However, there are some talented squads in the region that could challenge the Cardinals for supremacy.
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. Injuries could play a part and team chemistry is always a key factor in determining who will peak down the stretch.
It was even more difficult to submit a list of the top players. Other players that have to be considered include Taylor Botkin (Lexington Catholic), Barrett Meyer (Franklin County), Dominique Johnson (Woodford County), Tyler Rogers (Paul Dunbar), Marcellus Barksdale (Tates Creek), Michael Walker (Lafayette), and Prince Stewart (Henry Clay).
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 as early as midseason. 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
1. Scott County (20-12): Coach Billy Hicks’ Cardinals graduated several seniors last season but had several talented players transfer in over the summer.
Dakotah Euton, Chad Jackson, and Robbie Barber came from Rose Hill Academy, and Austin Flannery from Boone County. The Cardinals also have some talented returnees including Richie Phares, Ge-Lawn Guyn, and Tamron Manning.
This group of talented performers make Scott County the favorite to capture the region and also will probably be favored to capture the state title.
6-7 Sr. Richie Phares is a versatile scorer and 6-8 Jr. Dakotah Euton can score inside and has excellent range on his jump shot. 6-4 Jr. Chad Jackson can break you down off the dribble and is a very good defender.
6-2 Jr. Ge-Lawn Guyn excels in the transition game and is a versatile scorer. 6-3 Fr. Tamron Manning is an athletic performer who could be special down the road. 6-2 Sr. Aaron Ford is a solid performer who will log quality minutes.
The Cardinals are deep and talented with any combination of the following players capable of making valuable contributions: 6-2 Jr. Austin Flannery, 6-2 Sr. Ryan Walker, 6-6 Jr. Will Schu, 6-0 Jr. Hayden Willoughby, 6-3 So. Robbie Barber, 6-2 Fr. Isiah Ivey, 5-11 Fr. Josh Walls, and 6-0 Fr. Avery Ford. 6-5 So.
Tanner Shotwell transferred back from Lexington Christian Academy but may not be eligible this season. Other players may move into this group and some of these players may play Junior Varsity, which will tell you how deep the squad is this season.
2. Paul L. Dunbar (21-8): Coach Carl “Redd” Hutchinson’s Bulldogs are loaded this season and should be a serious regional contender this season.
5-10 Sr. guard Nick Hudson is a good playmaker and a versatile scorer. The Bulldogs have a very solid frontcourt in 6-7 Sr. Tyler Rogers, 6-4 Sr. De’Vonte Webb, and 6-7 Jr. Bryce With (who missed last year with an injury). 5-11 Jr. guard Brett Waldrop should challenge for a starting position.
Others expected to contribute include 6-1 Sr. Tod Lanter, 5-10 Sr. Marquis Clay, 6-2 Sr. Anthony Hendren, and 6-1 So. Lamont Johnson (a transfer from Bryan Station). Another intriguing possibility is 6-3 8th grader Larry Morton, a very talented performer who could contribute early if he is brought up to the varsity. Dunbar is quick, athletic, and has good size.
3. Franklin County (20-10): Coach Scott Chalk’s Flyers have no graduation losses from last year’s district champions and the experienced and talented Flyers could make a lot of noise this season.
Franklin County has a balanced attack led by 6-3 Sr. Barrett Meyer, who averaged 14.1 ppg and shot over 40% from the three point line. 6-8 Sr. Andrew Donovan averaged 10.4 ppg and 6 rpg. Donovan also has good range on his jump shot. 6-3 Jr. Vance Hall is an impact player at either guard position and averaged 10 ppg.
6-0 Sr. Deron Hicks is jet quick and an excellent defender. 6-5 Sr. Ryan Conner is a gifted athlete who should be a force on the boards. 6-0 Jr. Brandon Jennels is an explosive scoring threat outside, and 6-4 Sr. Oakley Watkins will add depth and scoring in the paint. This talented group of Flyers have size and are battle tested.
4. Bryan Station (30-3): Coach Champ Ligon’s Defenders graduated some key players from last year’s squad but Coach Ligon feels this squad has the opportunity to be very good by tournament time.
5-10 Sr. point guard Montell Morones is jet quick, deadly in transition, and has great range on his jump shot. 6-2 Sr. Charles Ashford and 6-2 Sr. Cameron Richardson are both guards who can shoot the ball. 6-3 Sr. Jeremiah Mabson is a very athletic forward.
Bryan Station has a 1-2 punch in the post in 6-11 Jr. Andrew Adams (a transfer from Wisconsin) and 6-7 350 pound Sr. Chase Blackburn, who returns to the hardwood after sitting out last season.
Other players expected to contribute this season include 6-3 Jr. Kalib Ball, 6-0 Jr. Joe Fain, 6-4 Jr. Tyler Smothers, 6-1 So. Demarcus Wells, and 6-1 Jr. Mike Baffour.
5. Lexington Catholic (32-4): Coach Brandon Salsman’s Knights will have a different look this year. They graduated eight seniors including several key performers. The Knights are a very inexperienced team but will be led by one of the best guard combinations in the state in Vee Sanford and Taylor Botkin. Sanford is a 6-3 Sr. who has excellent all-around skills and is a good defender. 6-2 Sr. Taylor Botkin is a steady veteran poised for a big senior campaign.
6-4 So. Taylor Martin is expected to step up and have a great season. Other key players are expected to be 6-3 So. Scott Schuette, 6-0 Fr. Jaylen Beckham, 6-7 Jr. Tanner Peurach, 6-7 Jr. Hall Conrad, and 5-10 So. William Talbott.
Although this team is inexperienced, they have senior leadership, some talented newcomers, and should improve as the season progresses.
6. Madison Central (17-13): Coach Allen Feldhaus’ squad will be relatively small this season but will have excellent overall team speed and good perimeter shooting. 6-2 Sr. Keshawn Simpson returns this season after missing last year with an injury. Simpson is explosive off his feet and a force in the paint.
6-2 Sr. JaQuentin Jenkins is a tireless worker who attacks the glass. 5-8 Sr. Tyler Mays is a jet quick point guard. 6-2 Sr. Vince Clay averaged 10 ppg last season and has range on his jump shot. 6-2 Sr. Terry Jarvis is another wing player who can shoot the three-ball.
7. Lexington Christian Academy (12-15): Coach Tommy Huston’s Eagles will have size and good outside shooting which could make them a difficult foe this season. 6-6 Jr. Will Evans has good all-around skills and can shoot the ball. 6-4 Sr. Grant Sparks is another versatile player who has steadily improved. 6-2 Jr. Brandon Burdette is a player capable of providing instant offense.
Other players moving up from junior varsity include 5-9 Jr. Will Kindred, 6-0 Sr. Brandon Heilig, 6-1 Jr. Evan Stephens, 6-3 Jr. Charlie Gullette, 6-0 Fr. Taylor Barnette, and 5-11 So. Carter Helton.
8. Tates Creek (14-14): Coach Wayne Breeden takes over as head man of the Commodores this season. Coach Breeden is no stranger to success as he has been to the state tourney the last two years with Owensboro. Tates Creek graduated several key players but return some talented young players and should improve as the season goes on.
6-4 So. Marcellus Barksdale rebounds and scores well on the mid-range jump shot. Barksdale also can score off the dribble and is adding range to his shot. 6-3 So. Ryan Fucci understands the game and can put up big numbers when needed. 6-0 Sr. Jordan Hagan is expected to provide experience to the Commodores this season.
9. Woodford County (18-11): Coach Brad Mefford’s Yellowjackets improved from 10-19 two years ago and have the players returning to continue their improvement.
6-2 Jr. guard Dominique Johnson is an athletic player who led the Jackets in scoring and rebounding and could be a special player. 6-8 Sr. J. D. Miller is greatly improved and should have a good senior campaign. 6-3 Sr. Brandon Raider, 5-10 Sr. Bradley Lucas, and 5-10 Sr. Steven Duckworth are also expected to be key performers.
6-3 Sr. Cameron Mattingly has the talent to have a break-out campaign this season. Coach Mefford has his system in place and Woodford County could be a “sleeper” this season.
10. Henry Clay (15-14): Coach Daniel Brown’s Blue Devils graduated several seniors and most of their size from last season. However, the Blue Devils had a great freshman team and will have ten sophomores on the team this season.
Coach Brown has a capable scorer returning in 5-11 Sr. Prince Stewart who averaged 16 ppg last season. 6-5 Sr. Bradley Tilford improved tremendously over the summer and could have a big impact this season. 6-3 Sr. T. J. Barnes should be very effective in the paint. 6-0 So. Brandon Wilder should be one of the best sophs in the area. Coach Brown expects this team to work hard and feels they can surprise come people this season.
11. Western Hills (15-14): Coach Enoch Welch’s Wolverines graduated their top two scorers in Jay Van and Matt Hyatt but return a group of solid performers. Western Hills returns players at the post and perimeter and should be solid on the defensive end but will need to develop scorers to fill the void left by graduation.
6-8 Sr. center/forward Mike Satterwhite averaged 11 rpg last season. 6-3 Jr. guard J. T. Riddle can penetrate and shoot, averaging 9.5 ppg last season. 5-8 Sr. point guard Darius Reed is a good ballhandler and passer.
5-9 Sr. guard Nolan McGaughey can shoot and defend. 6-6 Jr. center/forward Dylan Curry is a good shot blocker. 6-4 Sr. forward Joe Weber can shoot and rebound. 6-0 Sr. forward Cam Lee can shoot the ball.
Other players expected to log quality minutes include 5-9 So. Marcus Howard, 6-1 So. Jalen Clark, 5-11 So. Jordan Barrass, and So. Jarrett Hyatt.
12. Lafayette (4-21): Coach Damon Kelley’s Generals got a lot of experience last season but could only manage four wins. The bad luck continued this season as they lost 6-5 Sr. forward Deron Linton (15.2 ppg, 9.2 rpg) for the season due to a medical condition. Coach Kelley says the team had a strong offseason but needs some early wins to gain confidence. The team’s lack of size could be offset by quickness and depth.
The key returnees are 6-1 Jr. guard Michael Walker, who averaged 14.7 ppg and 5.1 rpg, 6-1 Sr. guard Tyler Barber (6.4 ppg), 6-3 Jr. forward Micah Miller, 6-3 So. guard Tannier Napier, and 5-9 Jr. guard Wells Lawless. Newcomers include 6-1 So. guard Dee Yarbrough, 6-1 Jr. guard John Burton, and 6-3 So. forward Logan Shaftner.
13. Frankfort (2-21): Coach Mike Allen’s Panthers graduated four seniors from last year’s team but should improve this season. It is especially difficult to evaluate Frankfort until you see who comes out after football and when the footballers get their “basketball legs”.
Players expected to be key contributors include 6-4 Sr. Micah Goff, 5-10 Sr. Keri Metcalf, 5-9 So. Dylan Gilkey, and 5-9 Sr. Jamie Dean. 5-11 Fr. DeAnte Floyd is also expected to provide early help. There are other athletic players who may join the team after football season and would greatly bolster the Panthers’ outlook and opportunity to improve this season.
14. Sayre (14-11): Coach Ted Hall takes over as head coach for the Spartans this season. Sayre returns three starters but the rest of the team is relatively inexperienced. According to Coach Hall, they are a hardworking, unselfish group of players and if they get everyone comfortable with their role it could be an enjoyable season.
The three returning starters are 6-4 Sr. forward/center Tebo Barnett (12.4 ppg, 6.5 rpg), 6-2 Sr. guard Ryan Brady (9.8 ppg), and 6-0 So. point guard Cabot Haggin. Other key returnees include 6-4 Sr. forward/center Alex Gaines, 6-2 Sr. forward Wesley Walker, 5-10 Jr. guard Ward Roberts, 5-7 8th grade guard Mike Smith, 5-10 So. guard Griffin Miller, 6-2 So. guard Griffin Patterson, and 6-3 So. forward Will Park.
15. Madison Southern (6-23): Coach Shane Buttry’s Eagles struggled last season due to inexperience and youth. The Eagles had a good summer and believe they can compete with only one senior and have a bright future.
5-9 Jr. Carrington Roberts averaged 12 ppg last season. 6-4 Jr. Joey Wallace averaged 9 ppg and 6 rpg last season until he broke his arm. 5-10 Jr. guard Rico Brown averaged 7 ppg and is a defensive stopper.
5-7 Chastain Schneider transferred from Madison Central and will play the point. Schneider can penetrate to the basket and defend. 6-3 Jr. center Jimmy Freel is a rapidly improving post player with good post moves and is strong on the glass. 6-0 So. Chad Wheaton and 5-7 So. A. J. Jeck both had some starts last season. 6-0 So. guard Aaron Ponder is the best shooter on the team.
6-2 Jr. Phillip Acres is a versatile performer who can play both inside and out. 6-1 Sr. Chas Bowlin transferred from Madison Central and has a nice shooting touch.
16. Model (11-18): Coach Wes Scarberry’s Patriots lost three key players from last year’s team including Devon Gerald (25 ppg) and Merrick Marriott (17 ppg). The Patriots have a solid core of young talent led by their guard play. Coach Scarberry intends to play an up-tempo style of play both offensively and defensively.
Returning starters are 5-11 Sr. guard Michael Daniel and 5-10 Jr. guard Gabe Cormney. Other key players include 6-1 Fr. guard/forward Cody Sizemore (the coaching staff is extremely high on Sizemore), 6-2 Sr. forward Bryce Botts, 5-8 So. guard Dennis Smith, and 6-3 So. forward Tanner Hall. 6-4 Jr. forward Anders Kipp and 6-1 forward Matt Witt are returning to the team after sitting out last year.
17. Berea (13-14): Veteran coach Bill Smallwood returned home to guide Berea to a 13-14 record after the Pirates went 1-27 the previous year. The Pirates graduated several key players from last year’s team. 6-4 Sr. Ryan Smith is solid in the paint was one of the state’s leading rebounders. 6-5 Sr. Jay Callahan, 6-4 Jr. Logan Hutchins, 6-3 Jr. Justin Hubbard, and 6-3 Jr. Bo Brewer will compete for playing time on the frontline.
Berea graduated a lot of their offense in guards Ben Flara and Josh Campbell. 6-5 Jr. Chase Riddle is expected to spend some time at point guard this season. 5-10 Jr. Jeremy Hamilton and Fr. Ben Miller are expected to contribute in the backcourt.
This year’s team has a nice mixture of experience and youth. The Pirates play a tough man-to-man defense, crash the boards, and hope to be a more consistent shooting team this season.
Top Players in the 11th Region
1a. Richie Phares (Scott County) 6-7 Sr. versatile scorer
1b. Vee Sanford (Lexington Catholic) 6-3 Sr. excellent all-around skills
2. Chad Jackson (Scott County) 6-4 Jr. athletic on both ends of court
3. Dakotah Euton (Scott County) 6-8 Jr. can score inside and out
4. Ge-Lawn Guyn (Scott County) 6-2 Jr. excels in transition
5. Nick Hudson (Paul Dunbar) 5-10 Sr. playmaker and scorer
6. Montell Morones (Bryan Station) 5-10 Sr. quick guard, range on shot
7. Andrew Donovan (Franklin County) 6-8 Sr. improving skills, range on shot
8. Keshawn Simpson (Madison Central) 6-2 Sr. explosive to basket
9. Mike Satterwhite (Western Hills) 6-8 Sr. big man, pounds the boards
10. Will Evans (Lexington Christian Academy) 6-6 Jr. can shoot the ball
Observations
Several but not all of the coaches in the 11th Region responded to my request for information, and the consensus was that Scott County is the heavy favorite to claim the title. However, there are some talented squads in the region that could challenge the Cardinals for supremacy.
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. Injuries could play a part and team chemistry is always a key factor in determining who will peak down the stretch.
It was even more difficult to submit a list of the top players. Other players that have to be considered include Taylor Botkin (Lexington Catholic), Barrett Meyer (Franklin County), Dominique Johnson (Woodford County), Tyler Rogers (Paul Dunbar), Marcellus Barksdale (Tates Creek), Michael Walker (Lafayette), and Prince Stewart (Henry Clay).
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 as early as midseason. 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.