Fourth Region BGP Boys Basketball Preview


1. Warren Central (25-5) has a coach who knows how to get teams in championship form with Tim Riley, and don’t be surprised if the Dragons return to Rupp Arena, where they were a fixture in late March for much of the past decade.

The Dragons should be one of the most experienced and athletic teams in the region again this season. The last time they have this much returning ability, they made it to the State Tournament semifinals in 2007.

The Dragons return senior guards Jacob King and Troy Halcomb. Martez Boards and Brett Jackson are also part of a big senior class that gives Riley confidence in how Warren Central will perform this season.

George Fant has been a force inside for the Dragons.

2. Bowling Green (26-7) has a good chance to repeat its regional title with one of the top juniors in the country in Chane Behanan. The 6-foot-7 forward is a top-100 player on Rivals.com and has committed to Cincinnati.

All he did last season was average 20 points a game at Aiken High School in Cincinnati, while the Purples broke a regional title drought that stretched back to 1991.

Coach D.G. Sherrill has experience at point guard with senior Tommy Boyce. D.J. Ray should help make BG a strong team inside.

3. Franklin-Simpson (24-9) has been a major postseason contender the last few years.

Terry Bryant kept the Wildcats going while players went down with injuries throughout the season. Bryant is a senior forward and will be reunited with senior guard Mickey Lewis, who missed nearly 20 games.

4. Glasgow (18-6) has one of the best guards in the region returning with Cameron Hill, who was considered the top player in the 4th last season.

Hill has the ability to score in bunches, but the Scotties will need some inside development if they are to excel this season.

5. Russellville (20-10) should make the 13th District challenging for Franklin-Simpson. The Panthers did a lot as sophomores, getting to the regional semifinals.

Damian Elam will be a fourth-year starter at point guard, and he is the top player on a loaded junior class. His teammates include Davonta Bryant, Kevin Temple and D.J. Quarles.

6. Allen County-Scottsville (21-11) was hot and cold late in the season, winning the 15th District title, but losing four times in its last six games.

The Patriots have much to replace for James Willett in his first year with the school.

7. Greenwood (13-16) didn’t handle being defending regional champion very well, posting a losing record. Guards Lane Embry and Cody Stumbo will help an experienced junior class. Senior Dee Anderson also returns looking for a better year.

8. Russell County (23-7) earned significant respect after knocking off Warren Central in the first round of the regional tournament last season.

The Lakers should be able to climb in the region again this season with a huge senior class, led by Bryson McFall, that is eager to prove last season was no fluke.

9. Cumberland County (14-10) also had much to celebrate with its first winning season and district crown in over a decade.

Five senior starters have a lot of promise after Cumberland County pushed Bowling Green through three overtimes before losing in the regional tournament.

Shaun Wheat had an incredible 27 rebounds in that game.

10. Clinton County (17-11) is another team in the deep 4th Region that has an abundance of seniors, including Storm Burchett and Brandon Durham.

11. Todd County Central (10-16) bring back four seniors, led by Robert Sargent and Paul Lacy, to try and make a run to the middle of the regional mix.

12. Logan County (4-21) had a very difficult season, winning just once against regional competition, but the Cougars have seven seniors and look for better production this season.

13. Metcalfe County (6-19) have 40 points and 23 rebounds a game coming back with Trevor Merideth, Grant and Russell Kindred, so that should help the Hornets rise above .500.

14. Warren East (7-20) is looking for continuity in the lead chair after bringing in its third coach in three years. Long-time state coaching traveler Curtis Turley left after just one season, and Casey Simpson comes in to try his hand with the Raiders.

They have back guard Mark Biggs and senior Jordan Majors.

15. Barren County (5-25) will see if everybody coming back from a team that struggled is a positive this season.

16. Monroe County (9-18) have Caleb Sheffield and Neil Wilson back to try and improve on a squad that lost its last six of the season.

TOP 10 PLAYERS

1. Chane Behanan, Bowling Green, 6-7, F, Jr.
2. George Fant, Warren Central, 6-6. F, Jr.
3. Cameron Hall, Glasgow, 6-foot, G, Sr.
4. Jordan Shanklin, Warren Central, 5-11, G, Jr.
5. Tommy Boyce, Bowling Green, 5-10, G, Sr.
6. Terry Bryant, Franklin-Simpson, 6-7, F, Sr.
7. Dee Anderson, Greenwood, 6-foot, F, Sr.
8. Damien Elam, Russellville, 5-10, G, Jr.
9. Shaun Wheat, Cumberland County, 6-2, C, Sr.
10. Grant Kindred, Metcalfe County, 6-7, F, Sr.