article BluegrassPreps.com 10th Region Boys Basketball Preview

10th REGION OVERVIEW

 

Hoops season is right around the corner. The 2017-2018 season - and regional tournament - will have to go some to match the last couple of campaigns. 2015-16 saw Mason County make an improbable run in the tourney with three come-from-behind wins, and last year had a district runner-up come within an eyelash of taking down the eventual state champs in the final four of the Sweet Sixteen.

 

This time around, the Cardinals of George Rogers Clark look to be the preemptive favorite, returning virtually every significant contributor from a season ago - and adding a couple more potential big contributors. But don't sleep on the chances of Mason County, who graduated only one starter; Campbell County, who look to reload after entering the previous two seasons as the regional favorite; Pendleton County, returning arguably the region's most talented player. In addition, Paris and Scott, with dark horses Harrison County and Bishop Brossart having the talent to make some noise as well.

 

Here we go!

 

10TH REGION TEAM RANKINGS

 

1. George Rogers Clark

 

Head Coach - Josh Cook

2016-17 Record - 20-13, 40th District runnerup, lost in first round of regional tournament

Key losses - none

 

Clark County took their lumps a couple of years ago, improved markedly last season, and enter this year as the prohibitive favorites to represent the 10th in Rupp Arena. All five starters return, and the addition of heralded freshman Jared Wellman - who averaged 15 PPG as an 8th-grader for Lawrence County last season - provides added depth and in addition, Brennan Canada - a 6-7 transfer from Montgomery County - should crack the starting five and five the Cardinals a half-dozen all-region candidates when all is said and done. Senior Will Philpot was a 12/10 guy; junior Jordan Graham added 12 and 4 from the guard spot; senior point guard Chase Taylor kicked in 8 and 4; and swingman Ryan Cooper was the Cardinals' leading scorer at 13 PPG. The schedule is conducive to a possible 30-win season; with Waggener and Perry Central providing interest at Rowan County's December tourney - and a preseason scrimmage with the Scott County version of the Cardinals coud be entertaining. Make no mistake - Josh Cook's squad is loaded and has the tools to make some real noise at Rupp.

 

2. Mason County

 

Head Coach - Buddy Biggs

2016-17 record - 17-16, 39th District champions, lost in first round of regional tournament

Key losses - Tyrion Fox

 

The Royals return one of the most explosive backcourts in the 10th. Senior guard Leevi Dunaway had a breakout year at 22 PPG but needs to improve on his three-point shooting (a team weakness as a whole last season); while the return of on again-off again senior Isaiah Garrison - and reports are that he will miss the first five games of the season (St. Patrick, Simon Kenton, Bourbon County, Scott and Bracken County); and steady Jaylen Lofton (12.7/5) will give Coach Biggs' Royals a strong 3-guard starting lineup. Don't be surprised to see a four-guard/one center (6'9"shot-blocker Dalton Perkins) configuration on the floor quite a bit in an effort to speed up the game. The Royals will have to add some size up front to replace Tyrion Fox and help keep Perkins out of foul trouble - if they do, they have an excellent chance at going deep in the regional tournament. The early schedule has a NKY flavor, playing Simon Kenton, Dixie Heights, Scott and Highlands before the holidays; and are slated to compete in the AIT right after Christmas.

 

3. Campbell County

 

Head Coach - Aric Russell

2016-17 record - 30-5 (37th District Champions, lost to Scott in 10th Region finals

Key losses - Garren Bertsch, Cole Hegyi

 

It would seem a daunting task to replace a pair of all-region first-teamers in Bertsch and Hegyi; but don't sleep on this season's Camels. 6-1 swingman Tanner Clos is a tenacious defender and was nearly a double-digit scorer on the season. Joel Day returns as the team's leading three-point shooter at over 46% and will keep opposing defenses honest; and Reid Jolly (6.7/4.5) was the squad's third-leading rebounder last year. Junior guard Drew Wilson (4PPG) saw action in every game last season, and strengthens the backcourt. Early tilts with NKY power Cooper as well as Clark County and Paris will serve as excellent tests during the first two weeks of the season.

 

4. Pendleton County

 

Head coach - Keaton Belcher

2016-17 record - 18-12 (lost in first round of 38th District tournament)

Key losses - Mason Dennie

 

Coach Keaton Belcher fields a senior-laden team this time around, losing only one key player from last year. 6-6 junior swingman Dontaie Allen brings his gaudy 29PPG and 12RPG to the table and is the frontrunner for regional player of the year (all classes). Rumors were swirling regarding Allen's potential move out of the 10th, but it looks like he's here for the duration. A solid upper class of Adam Antrobus (5.1/5/5), Grant Walsh (11.8/5.5), Cody Sullivan (5.5) and Jacob Yelton (5.4) provide solid support, but make no mistake - this is Allen's show. Look for him to take over earlier in games and be even more assertive than last season; and the holiday tournament at Lexington Catholic gives him the opportunity to showcase his talents on the big stage - as does a January trip to 13th-region powerhouse Corbin that features Andrew Taylor.

 

 

5. Scott

 

Head coach - Steve Fromeyer

2016-17 record - 23-13, 37th district runnerup, 10th region champion, lost in state semifinals to Bowling Green

Key losses - Jake Ohmer, Vinnie Dumlao, Tim Jolley

 

The Jake is gone - long live The Jake. Last season's 10th region player of the year has moved on to Western Kentucky after a storybook post-season. Coach Fromeyer enters his second year with far from a bare cupboard, however. Jake's younger brother Chad is poised to have a breakout season and should improve significantly on his 9.1/4.1 numbers from a year ago - and he improved on those at Rupp. Seniors Nelson Perrin and Jaycob Pouncey (8.3/2.6 and 6.1/2.2) will continue to run the floor with abandon. No holiday tournaments are currently listed on the Eagles' schedule, but they will be well prepared for the postseason with the likes of Covington Catholic and Cooper on tap as Scott continues to schedule the best NKY squads.

 

 

6. Paris

 

Head coach - Terrence Brooks

2016-17 record - 26-8, 40th district champions, lost to Scott in 10th region semifinals, All-A champions

Key losses - Jekobi Wells, Jordan Davis, Tayjin Cunningham

 

Returning arguably the most dynamic backcourt in the region, the Greyhounds hope that last season's success - including the All-A state championship - wasn't a fluke. Senior guard Eric Johnson is in the player-of-the-tear discussion, and running mate Marcus Ashford (5.4/2.3) is a nice complimentary running mate. But there are lots of holes to fill if Paris is to come close to repeating last season's run. The Hounds play all three district opponents by mid-December.

 

7. Bishop Brossart

Head coach - Mike Code

2016-17 record - 10-20, lost in 37th district to Scott

Key losses - Bryce Kremer

 

Coach Code's Mustangs enter the season having lost only one starter from last year's squad and hope to start a new string of winning seasons. Juniors and seniors dominate the lineup this time around. Senior forward Zach Hamberg averaged 11.8 and 3.5; guard Bryce Donnelly 10.8 and 3.5; center Aaron Bell was the team's leading rebounder at nearly 5 a game. As always, count on defense (the 'stangs gave up 56 points per game) and patience on offense to rule the day. As is customary, Brossart rarely ventures outside NKY and this season is no exception with no home games - Bracken County and Augusta will be the longest trips.

 

8. Harrison County

 

Head coach - Larry Kendall

2016-17 record - 6-26 (38th district champs, lost in first round of regional tournament)

Key losses - Keishon Gilkey

 

Yet another squad returning its starting backcourt, the Thoroughbreds should improve dramatically on last season's record (only 4 wins entering the postseason,with 5 losses of one or two points; one of them being to Clark County). Spencer Free (12.3 PPG, 44% from distance) and Quenton Turley (12.1PPG) anchor an upperclassman-laden squad. Team shooting must improve, as Coach Kendall's squad hit from less than 40% from the field and under 62% from the line. Should Harrison County start winning those close games and gain confidence early on, they have the parts to crack the top 5 or 6 by January.

 

9. Montgomery County

 

Head coach - Matt Daniel

2016-17 record - 7-23, lost in District 40 semis

Key losses - Brennan Canada, Jerryd Jones

 

Coach Daniels' Indians were ravaged by the injury bug last year and never could recover, with Canada and Jones playing in only 11 and 7 games respectively. Jones graduated and Canada traveled a few miles west on I-64, leaving MoCo with a bevy of juniors and seniors with some starting experience (because of injuries, the end-of-season starting five is back) but who will have to shoulder much more of the load this time around. Key returnees include seniors Hayden Chism (7.8/5.5) and Tucker Norris (10.6) as well as (I have to say it - my favorite name in the region) junior Pharoah Davis (7.4, 4.9). Last year's growing pains should result in a nice turnaround record-wise, but it will be a challenge getting to the regional tournament.

 

10. Bourbon County

 

Head coach - Lamont Campbell

2016-17 record - 12-19, lost in 40th District semis

Key losses - Ameryon Blackburn, Kamron Stout, Cameron Wilson

 

New head coach Lamont Taylor has plenty of work ahead of him as the Colonels graduated a bunch of seniors including leading scorer Ameryon Blackburn. In total, last year's seniors contributed 42 points and 23 boards per game. Leading scorer and rebounder (15.3/7.5) Titus Ransom returns for his senior season, and newcomer Jace Wallace is expected to shore up the frontcourt.

 

11. Nicholas County

 

Head coach - Matt Botner

2016 record - 16-13, lost in 38th District semis

Key losses - Trent Letcher, Wes Sapp, Logan Stafford

 

The Bluejackets are hungry to avenge last years's loss to Robertson County in the district, Forwards Sam Hamilton and Spencer Morris provide a solid nucleus.

 

12. Bracken County

 

Head coach - Jason Hinson

2016-17 record - 17-15, 39th district runnerup, lost in 10th region semis

Key losses - Austin Crawford, Brady Jones, Cooper Engnes

 

The Polar Bears are another squad hard-hit by graduation, with 3,000-point scorer Crawford leading the way. Coach Hinson's Polar Bears will be guard-heavy (a trend in the 10th in '17--18). the backcourt trio of Tanner Fisher, Tad Fisher and Griffin Appleman (a combined 17 PPG) are expected to carry the water.

 

13. Robertson County

 

Head coach - Patrick Kelsch

2016-17 record - 16-15, 38th district runnerup, lost in first round of regional tournament

Key losses - Dakota Moore

 

Leading scorers Mason Burden (23.6) and Alex Schalch (11.1) return, and the Black Devile play in holiday tourneys at Rowan County and Bath County.

 

14. Augusta

 

Head coach - Brian Kirk

2016-17 record - 11-16, lost in 40th District semis

Key losses - Jared Shoemaker, Jack Laycock, Cam Johnson

 

Another squad that lost lots to graduation including feelgood story Jared Shoemaker and his recovery from a near-fatal auto accident; Coach Kirk needs big man Stephen Cordle to protect the paint.

 

15. Calvary Christian

 

Head coach - Dale Brown, Jr.

2016-17 record - 15-17, lost in 37th District semis

Key losses - Akeem Riley

 

Former Eminence coach Dale Brown looks to the Borden boys to keep the double-digit win streak going.

 

16. St. Patrick

 

Head coach - Aaron Rigdon

2016-17 record - 8-23, lost in 39th District semis

Key losses - Josh Walton, Chase Burton

 

It is reported that the Saints' top returning player Ben Swolsky (nearly a double-double last year) is out with a knee for much of the season, leaving senior Baylen Bauer and Jake Swolsky to carry the load until Big Ben's possible return. An early Swolsjy return could boost the Saint's rankings as many as 3 or 4 spots.

 

17. Silver Grove

 

Head coach - Tom Haney

2016-17 record - 5-22, lost in 37th District first round

Key losses - Logan Taylor

 

The Trains had no double-digit scorers on the year last season, but any of the trio of Austin Smith, Elian Turcios and Christian Kersey could change that.

TOP TEN PLAYERS

 

1. Dontaie Allen, Pendleton County. Poised to become the 10th's next 3,000 point scorer, the versatile forward already has a handful of D-1 offers as he enters his junior year.

 

2. Eric Johnson - Paris. MaxPreps' 87th-ranked football player in the Commonwealth hopes to be on the gridiron for a couple more weeks before he takes to the hardwood. Most complete pure guard in the region, and the top senior in region 10..

 

3. Will Philpot, George Rogers Clark. The 6-5 double-double machine has interest from Kentucky Christian. Won't overwhelm you with stats because of the overall skill on the squad, but it seems like every time you look at the stat sheet he has 14, 10 and 3.

 

4. Brennan Canada, George Rogers Clark. Air Force Academy has already been to Winchester to take a look at the 6'7 forward who averaged 17 and 8 in limited (injury) action for Montgomery County as a soph. Very high ceiling.

 

5. Leevi Dunaway, Mason County. The 6-1 senior guard's stats skyrocketed last season as he averaged over 22 points per game and was the second-leading rebounder at 5.6.

 

6. Jordan Graham, George Rogers Clark. Biggest point guard in the region at 6-3 can do it all. Shot 43% from the field and pulled down over 4 boards per game.

 

7. Tanner Clos - Campbell County. Stats from last year are deceiving as the Camels featured two of the 10th's first-teamers. Defensive presence gets him on this year's list.

 

9. Ryan Cooper - George Rogers Clark. Deadly shooter was the Cardinals' leading scorer last year. 44% shooter from beyond the arc and added a handful of boards per game. Zone-buster.

 

9. Titus Ransom, Bourbon County. As good on the gridiron as on the hardwood. Colonels' leading scorer and rebounder from a season ago, could average a double-double in '17-18.

 

10. Isaiah Garrison - Mason County. Breakout game on the big stage was in the 2016 Sweet 16, but must keep in Coach Biggs' good graces to remain on the list.

 

The best of the rest (my apologies if I missed someone).

Clark County - Chase Taylor, Jarred Wellman

Mason County - Jaylen Lofton

Campbell County - Reid Jolly

Pendleton County - Grant Walsh

Scott - Chad Ohmer, Nelson Perrin

Paris - Marcus Ashford

Bishop Brossart - Bryce Donnelly, Zach Hamberg

Harrison County - Spencer Free(#11), Quenton Turley

Montgomery County - Hayden Chism, Pharoah Davis

Nicholas County - Sam Hamilton, Spencer Norris

Bracken County - Tad Fisher

Robertson County -Mason Burden

St. Patrick - Ben Swolsky

 

Ten Dates to Circle on Your Calendars:

 

November 28: Campbell County @ Cooper - tough test for the Camels right out of the gate

 

December 5: Montgomery County @ Paris - early preview of the 40th runnerup spot?

 

December 5: Clark County @ Madison Central - shot-blocker Isaiah Cozart will have his hands full with the Cards

 

December 8: Harrison County @ Nicholas County - chance to see if the Jackets have the horses to contend in the 38th

 

December 22: Pendleton County @ Mason County - Mason typically has trouble with teams fielding a legitimate star

 

January 3: Campbell County @ Mason County - region #2 vs.#3

 

January 6: Pendleton County vs. Corbin @ South Laurel - the Allen and Taylor show

 

January 26: Bishop Brossart @ Scott: By this time we may be able to tell if the 'stangs are poised to get back to The Fieldhouse

 

February 2: Mason County @ Clark County - excellent late-season matchup of the preseason #1 and #2

 

Unknown - Bracken County vs. Augusta or St. Patrick

 

 

Ten 10th Region Questions:

1. Can anyone derail the Cardinals? Coach Cook's Cards are the deepest squad on paper, with depth and size to match. They've gone from the runts of the 10th to the real deal. Does Mason, Campbell, Pendleton, or any of the rest have a puncher's chance?

 

2. Will Isaiah Garrison return to the form he exhibited as a soph and early last year?

 

3. Campbell County has been snakebitten in the last two regional tournaments - once by Pig Williams with the shot heard all over Mount Sterling, and again by the Jake last year. Do they turn the tables this time around and take out a favorite?

 

4. There are four new coaches in the 10th. Lamont Campbell is at Bourbon County, St. Patrick HOFer Aaron Rigdon returns to his alma mater, Dale Brown is at Calvary and Tom Haney is at Silver Grove. Who has the best chance to engineer a big turnaround?

 

5. Can Brossart get back to the regional tournament after a three-year absence? Can the 'stangs get by either Campbell or Scott in the 37th this time around?

 

6. Who takes the 10th Region All-A tournament this year? The field will be much more balanced this season, with three and maybe more teams having a legitimate shot.

 

7. Last year The Jake parlayed a spectacular post-season into a D1 offer from WKU. Could it happen again? For example - by all accounts, Clark County is by all accounts a balanced squad which will in all likelihood have different players stepping up every game. Should they make a deep run, can someone - Canada, for example - turn enough heads?

 

8. No need to rehash the issue ad nauseum, but neither Augusta nor St. Patrick graces the regular-season schedule of the Bracken County Polar Bears. However, there is a 2 in 3 chance that they will face one or the other in the 40th District tournament. How will they fare against the Panthers or the Saints? And should they draw the Royals in the semis, will BGP blow a fuse?

 

9. Besides Jared Wellman at GRC, who will be freshmen of influence in 2017-18?

 

10. What will be the effect of the - real or imagined - Mason County Fieldhouse home court advantage come regional tournament time?

Edited November 12, 2017 by mcpapa

Think there's an outside chance that some new additions to Robertson and Augusta could impact their standings. If not this year, more than likely will in the future.

Lamont Taylor still is an assistant at Mason, not Bourbon? Correct? I think it is Campbell.

10th REGION OVERVIEW

 

Hoops season is right around the corner. The 2017-2018 season - and regional tournament - will have to go some to match the last couple of campaigns. 2015-16 saw Mason County make an improbable run in the tourney with three come-from-behind wins, and last year had a district runner-up come within an eyelash of taking down the eventual state champs in the final four of the Sweet Sixteen.

 

This time around, the Cardinals of George Rogers Clark look to be the preemptive favorite, returning virtually every significant contributor from a season ago - and adding a couple more potential big contributors. But don't sleep on the chances of Mason County, who graduated only one starter; Campbell County, who look to reload after entering the previous two seasons as the regional favorite; Pendleton County, returning arguably the region's most talented player. In addition, Paris and Scott, with dark horses Harrison County and Bishop Brossart having the talent to make some noise as well.

 

Here we go!

 

10TH REGION TEAM RANKINGS

 

1. George Rogers Clark

 

Head Coach - Josh Cook

2016-17 Record - 20-13, 40th District runnerup, lost in first round of regional tournament

Key losses - none

 

Clark County took their lumps a couple of years ago, improved markedly last season, and enter this year as the prohibitive favorites to represent the 10th in Rupp Arena. All five starters return, and the addition of heralded freshman Jared Wellman - who averaged 15 PPG as an 8th-grader for Lawrence County last season - provides added depth and in addition, Brennan Canada - a 6-7 transfer from Montgomery County - should crack the starting five and five the Cardinals a half-dozen all-region candidates when all is said and done. Senior Will Philpot was a 12/10 guy; junior Jordan Graham added 12 and 4 from the guard spot; senior point guard Chase Taylor kicked in 8 and 4; and swingman Ryan Cooper was the Cardinals' leading scorer at 13 PPG. The schedule is conducive to a possible 30-win season; with Waggener and Perry Central providing interest at Rowan County's December tourney - and a preseason scrimmage with the Scott County version of the Cardinals coud be entertaining. Make no mistake - Josh Cook's squad is loaded and has the tools to make some real noise at Rupp.

 

2. Mason County

 

Head Coach - Buddy Biggs

2016-17 record - 17-16, 39th District champions, lost in first round of regional tournament

Key losses - Tyrion Fox

 

The Royals return one of the most explosive backcourts in the 10th. Senior guard Leevi Dunaway had a breakout year at 22 PPG but needs to improve on his three-point shooting (a team weakness as a whole last season); while the return of on again-off again senior Isaiah Garrison - and reports are that he will miss the first five games of the season (St. Patrick, Simon Kenton, Bourbon County, Scott and Bracken County); and steady Jaylen Lofton (12.7/5) will give Coach Biggs' Royals a strong 3-guard starting lineup. Don't be surprised to see a four-guard/one center (6'9"shot-blocker Dalton Perkins) configuration on the floor quite a bit in an effort to speed up the game. The Royals will have to add some size up front to replace Tyrion Fox and help keep Perkins out of foul trouble - if they do, they have an excellent chance at going deep in the regional tournament. The early schedule has a NKY flavor, playing Simon Kenton, Dixie Heights, Scott and Highlands before the holidays; and are slated to compete in the AIT right after Christmas.

 

3. Campbell County

 

Head Coach - Aric Russell

2016-17 record - 30-5 (37th District Champions, lost to Scott in 10th Region finals

Key losses - Garren Bertsch, Cole Hegyi

 

It would seem a daunting task to replace a pair of all-region first-teamers in Bertsch and Hegyi; but don't sleep on this season's Camels. 6-1 swingman Tanner Clos is a tenacious defender and was nearly a double-digit scorer on the season. Joel Day returns as the team's leading three-point shooter at over 46% and will keep opposing defenses honest; and Reid Jolly (6.7/4.5) was the squad's third-leading rebounder last year. Junior guard Drew Wilson (4PPG) saw action in every game last season, and strengthens the backcourt. Early tilts with NKY power Cooper as well as Clark County and Paris will serve as excellent tests during the first two weeks of the season.

 

4. Pendleton County

 

Head coach - Keaton Belcher

2016-17 record - 18-12 (lost in first round of 38th District tournament)

Key losses - Mason Dennie

 

Coach Keaton Belcher fields a senior-laden team this time around, losing only one key player from last year. 6-6 junior swingman Dontaie Allen brings his gaudy 29PPG and 12RPG to the table and is the frontrunner for regional player of the year (all classes). Rumors were swirling regarding Allen's potential move out of the 10th, but it looks like he's here for the duration. A solid upper class of Adam Antrobus (5.1/5/5), Grant Walsh (11.8/5.5), Cody Sullivan (5.5) and Jacob Yelton (5.4) provide solid support, but make no mistake - this is Allen's show. Look for him to take over earlier in games and be even more assertive than last season; and the holiday tournament at Lexington Catholic gives him the opportunity to showcase his talents on the big stage - as does a January trip to 13th-region powerhouse Corbin that features Andrew Taylor.

 

 

5. Scott

 

Head coach - Steve Fromeyer

2016-17 record - 23-13, 37th district runnerup, 10th region champion, lost in state semifinals to Bowling Green

Key losses - Jake Ohmer, Vinnie Dumlao, Tim Jolley

 

The Jake is gone - long live The Jake. Last season's 10th region player of the year has moved on to Western Kentucky after a storybook post-season. Coach Fromeyer enters his second year with far from a bare cupboard, however. Jake's younger brother Chad is poised to have a breakout season and should improve significantly on his 9.1/4.1 numbers from a year ago - and he improved on those at Rupp. Seniors Nelson Perrin and Jaycob Pouncey (8.3/2.6 and 6.1/2.2) will continue to run the floor with abandon. No holiday tournaments are currently listed on the Eagles' schedule, but they will be well prepared for the postseason with the likes of Covington Catholic and Cooper on tap as Scott continues to schedule the best NKY squads.

 

 

6. Paris

 

Head coach - Terrence Brooks

2016-17 record - 26-8, 40th district champions, lost to Scott in 10th region semifinals, All-A champions

Key losses - Jekobi Wells, Jordan Davis, Tayjin Cunningham

 

Returning arguably the most dynamic backcourt in the region, the Greyhounds hope that last season's success - including the All-A state championship - wasn't a fluke. Senior guard Eric Johnson is in the player-of-the-tear discussion, and running mate Marcus Ashford (5.4/2.3) is a nice complimentary running mate. But there are lots of holes to fill if Paris is to come close to repeating last season's run. The Hounds play all three district opponents by mid-December.

 

7. Bishop Brossart

Head coach - Mike Code

2016-17 record - 10-20, lost in 37th district to Scott

Key losses - Bryce Kremer

 

Coach Code's Mustangs enter the season having lost only one starter from last year's squad and hope to start a new string of winning seasons. Juniors and seniors dominate the lineup this time around. Senior forward Zach Hamberg averaged 11.8 and 3.5; guard Bryce Donnelly 10.8 and 3.5; center Aaron Bell was the team's leading rebounder at nearly 5 a game. As always, count on defense (the 'stangs gave up 56 points per game) and patience on offense to rule the day. As is customary, Brossart rarely ventures outside NKY and this season is no exception with no home games - Bracken County and Augusta will be the longest trips.

 

8. Harrison County

 

Head coach - Larry Kendall

2016-17 record - 6-26 (38th district champs, lost in first round of regional tournament)

Key losses - Keishon Gilkey

 

Yet another squad returning its starting backcourt, the Thoroughbreds should improve dramatically on last season's record (only 4 wins entering the postseason,with 5 losses of one or two points; one of them being to Clark County). Spencer Free (12.3 PPG, 44% from distance) and Quenton Turley (12.1PPG) anchor an upperclassman-laden squad. Team shooting must improve, as Coach Kendall's squad hit from less than 40% from the field and under 62% from the line. Should Harrison County start winning those close games and gain confidence early on, they have the parts to crack the top 5 or 6 by January.

 

9. Montgomery County

 

Head coach - Matt Daniel

2016-17 record - 7-23, lost in District 40 semis

Key losses - Brennan Canada, Jerryd Jones

 

Coach Daniels' Indians were ravaged by the injury bug last year and never could recover, with Canada and Jones playing in only 11 and 7 games respectively. Jones graduated and Canada traveled a few miles west on I-64, leaving MoCo with a bevy of juniors and seniors with some starting experience (because of injuries, the end-of-season starting five is back) but who will have to shoulder much more of the load this time around. Key returnees include seniors Hayden Chism (7.8/5.5) and Tucker Norris (10.6) as well as (I have to say it - my favorite name in the region) junior Pharoah Davis (7.4, 4.9). Last year's growing pains should result in a nice turnaround record-wise, but it will be a challenge getting to the regional tournament.

 

10. Bourbon County

 

Head coach - Lamont Taylor

2016-17 record - 12-19, lost in 40th District semis

Key losses - Ameryon Blackburn, Kamron Stout, Cameron Wilson

 

New head coach Lamont Taylor has plenty of work ahead of him as the Colonels graduated a bunch of seniors including leading scorer Ameryon Blackburn. In total, last year's seniors contributed 42 points and 23 boards per game. Leading scorer and rebounder (15.3/7.5) Titus Ransom returns for his senior season, and newcomer Jace Wallace is expected to shore up the frontcourt.

 

11. Nicholas County

 

Head coach - Matt Botner

2016 record - 16-13, lost in 38th District semis

Key losses - Trent Letcher, Wes Sapp, Logan Stafford

 

The Bluejackets are hungry to avenge last years's loss to Robertson County in the district, Forwards Sam Hamilton and Spencer Morris provide a solid nucleus.

 

12. Bracken County

 

Head coach - Jason Hinson

2016-17 record - 17-15, 39th district runnerup, lost in 10th region semis

Key losses - Austin Crawford, Brady Jones, Cooper Engnes

 

The Polar Bears are another squad hard-hit by graduation, with 3,000-point scorer Crawford leading the way. Coach Hinson's Polar Bears will be guard-heavy (a trend in the 10th in '17--18). the backcourt trio of Tanner Fisher, Tad Fisher and Griffin Appleman (a combined 17 PPG) are expected to carry the water.

 

13. Robertson County

 

Head coach - Patrick Kelsch

2016-17 record - 16-15, 38th district runnerup, lost in first round of regional tournament

Key losses - Dakota Moore

 

Leading scorers Mason Burden (23.6) and Alex Schalch (11.1) return, and the Black Devile play in holiday tourneys at Rowan County and Bath County.

 

14. Augusta

 

Head coach - Brian Kirk

2016-17 record - 11-16, lost in 40th District semis

Key losses - Jared Shoemaker, Jack Laycock, Cam Johnson

 

Another squad that lost lots to graduation including feelgood story Jared Shoemaker and his recovery from a near-fatal auto accident; Coach Kirk needs big man Stephen Cordle to protect the paint.

 

15. Calvary Christian

 

Head coach - Dale Brown, Jr.

2016-17 record - 15-17, lost in 37th District semis

Key losses - Akeem Riley

 

Former Eminence coach Dale Brown looks to the Borden boys to keep the double-digit win streak going.

 

16. St. Patrick

 

Head coach - Aaron Rigdon

2016-17 record - 8-23, lost in 39th District semis

Key losses - Josh Walton, Chase Burton

 

It is reported that the Saints' top returning player Ben Swolsky (nearly a double-double last year) is out with a knee for much of the season, leaving senior Baylen Bauer and Jake Swolsky to carry the load until Big Ben's possible return. An early Swolsjy return could boost the Saint's rankings as many as 3 or 4 spots.

 

17. Silver Grove

 

Head coach - Tom Haney

2016-17 record - 5-22, lost in 37th District first round

Key losses - Logan Taylor

 

The Trains had no double-digit scorers on the year last season, but any of the trio of Austin Smith, Elian Turcios and Christian Kersey could change that.

TOP TEN PLAYERS

 

1. Dontaie Allen, Pendleton County. Poised to become the 10th's next 3,000 point scorer, the versatile forward already has a handful of D-1 offers as he enters his junior year.

 

2. Eric Johnson - Paris. MaxPreps' 87th-ranked football player in the Commonwealth hopes to be on the gridiron for a couple more weeks before he takes to the hardwood. Most complete pure guard in the region, and the top senior in region 10..

 

3. Will Philpot, George Rogers Clark. The 6-5 double-double machine has interest from Kentucky Christian. Won't overwhelm you with stats because of the overall skill on the squad, but it seems like every time you look at the stat sheet he has 14, 10 and 3.

 

4. Brennan Canada, George Rogers Clark. Air Force Academy has already been to Winchester to take a look at the 6'7 forward who averaged 17 and 8 in limited (injury) action for Montgomery County as a soph. Very high ceiling.

 

5. Leevi Dunaway, Mason County. The 6-1 senior guard's stats skyrocketed last season as he averaged over 22 points per game and was the second-leading rebounder at 5.6.

 

6. Jordan Graham, George Rogers Clark. Biggest point guard in the region at 6-3 can do it all. Shot 43% from the field and pulled down over 4 boards per game.

 

7. Tanner Clos - Campbell County. Stats from last year are deceiving as the Camels featured two of the 10th's first-teamers. Defensive presence gets him on this year's list.

 

9. Ryan Cooper - George Rogers Clark. Deadly shooter was the Cardinals' leading scorer last year. 44% shooter from beyond the arc and added a handful of boards per game. Zone-buster.

 

9. Titus Ransom, Bourbon County. As good on the gridiron as on the hardwood. Colonels' leading scorer and rebounder from a season ago, could average a double-double in '17-18.

 

10. Isaiah Garrison - Mason County. Breakout game on the big stage was in the 2016 Sweet 16, but must keep in Coach Biggs' good graces to remain on the list.

 

The best of the rest (my apologies if I missed someone).

Clark County - Chase Taylor, Jarred Wellman

Mason County - Jaylen Lofton

Campbell County - Reid Jolly

Pendleton County - Grant Walsh

Scott - Chad Ohmer, Nelson Perrin

Paris - Marcus Ashford

Bishop Brossart - Bryce Donnelly, Zach Hamberg

Harrison County - Spencer Free(#11), Quenton Turley

Montgomery County - Hayden Chism, Pharoah Davis

Nicholas County - Sam Hamilton, Spencer Norris

Bracken County - Tad Fisher

Robertson County -Mason Burden

St. Patrick - Ben Swolsky

 

Ten Dates to Circle on Your Calendars:

 

November 28: Campbell County @ Cooper - tough test for the Camels right out of the gate

 

December 5: Montgomery County @ Paris - early preview of the 40th runnerup spot?

 

December 5: Clark County @ Madison Central - shot-blocker Isaiah Cozart will have his hands full with the Cards

 

December 8: Harrison County @ Nicholas County - chance to see if the Jackets have the horses to contend in the 38th

 

December 22: Pendleton County @ Mason County - Mason typically has trouble with teams fielding a legitimate star

 

January 3: Campbell County @ Mason County - region #2 vs.#3

 

January 6: Pendleton County vs. Corbin @ South Laurel - the Allen and Taylor show

 

January 26: Bishop Brossart @ Scott: By this time we may be able to tell if the 'stangs are poised to get back to The Fieldhouse

 

February 2: Mason County @ Clark County - excellent late-season matchup of the preseason #1 and #2

 

Unknown - Bracken County vs. Augusta or St. Patrick

 

 

Ten 10th Region Questions:

1. Can anyone derail the Cardinals? Coach Cook's Cards are the deepest squad on paper, with depth and size to match. They've gone from the runts of the 10th to the real deal. Does Mason, Campbell, Pendleton, or any of the rest have a puncher's chance?

 

2. Will Isaiah Garrison return to the form he exhibited as a soph and early last year?

 

3. Campbell County has been snakebitten in the last two regional tournaments - once by Pig Williams with the shot heard all over Mount Sterling, and again by the Jake last year. Do they turn the tables this time around and take out a favorite?

 

4. There are four new coaches in the 10th. Lamont Taylor is at Bourbon County, St. Patrick HOFer Aaron Rigdon returns to his alma mater, Dale Brown is at Calvary and Tom Haney is at Silver Grove. Who has the best chance to engineer a big turnaround?

 

5. Can Brossart get back to the regional tournament after a three-year absence? Can the 'stangs get by either Campbell or Scott in the 37th this time around?

 

6. Who takes the 10th Region All-A tournament this year? The field will be much more balanced this season, with three and maybe more teams having a legitimate shot.

 

7. Last year The Jake parlayed a spectacular post-season into a D1 offer from WKU. Could it happen again? For example - by all accounts, Clark County is by all accounts a balanced squad which will in all likelihood have different players stepping up every game. Should they make a deep run, can someone - Canada, for example - turn enough heads?

 

8. No need to rehash the issue ad nauseum, but neither Augusta nor St. Patrick graces the regular-season schedule of the Bracken County Polar Bears. However, there is a 2 in 3 chance that they will face one or the other in the 40th District tournament. How will they fare against the Panthers or the Saints? And should they draw the Royals in the semis, will BGP blow a fuse?

 

9. Besides Jared Wellman at GRC, who will be freshmen of influence in 2017-18?

 

10. What will be the effect of the - real or imagined - Mason County Fieldhouse home court advantage come regional tournament time?

 

 

One stat that is never mentioned much is assists. Papa maybe you could do some research and give us some stats on the teams and players with high assists. This is a very important stat. IMO.

 

Canada should crack the starting lineup, but I see Wellman as playing JV mostly and coming off bench some for Varsity.

 

 

 

Jared Wellman is the player that has interest from KCU.

 

Wil Philpot has college interest from: Huntingdon College in Montgomery AL, Center College and UPIKE

 

Ryan Cooper, UPIKE, Center College also a good golfer.

 

NKU is looking at both Canada and Graham.

 

Canada also has interest from University of Illinois and as you stated Air Force.

 

A couple of games to circle on your calander:

 

Dec 8th GRC @ Pendleton Co

 

Dec 9th #3 Campbell Co traveling to #1 GRC.

 

Playing the top player in the region and then turning around the next night and playing #3 Campbell Co would be challenging for any team. Good thing is we play Campbell Co at home.

 

Can't wait till season starts.

 

Thanks Papa for the preview. I know how much work goes into it. I will give you a :thumb: :lol2:

Edited November 12, 2017 by gold sunrise

I believe the bourbon co coach is Lamont Campbell

I believe the bourbon co coach is Lamont Campbell

 

You are correct. Senioritis on my part!

@mcpapa it happens to the best of us!

You are correct. Senioritis on my part!

 

You are not the only one. I need to make a correction from my post. Taylor is the golfer not Cooper and Taylor made All Region Golf Team.

Another really good regional review on BGP. Love reading them.

The only date I'd add for must see games is the annual Brossart/Campbell co. game. Year to year, one of the better sporting events in NKY.

Excellent work Methuselah C! :thumb:

Think there's an outside chance that some new additions to Robertson and Augusta could impact their standings. If not this year, more than likely will in the future.

 

I wouldn't sleep on this bunch. The talent in the younger classes will push them up these rankings a few spots.

Nice work, Papa.

Good preview @mcpapa

All world breakdown. Really liked the " ones to watch", dates & questions .

Robertson County does have a new addition which will probably knock them into the Top 10.