article BluegrassPreps.com 12th Region Tournament Preview

And then there were eight!

 

The district tournaments have wrapped up and the field of eight teams is set for the 12th Region Tournament. Pulaski County is the defending tournament champions and they are back again to defend their title. However, it is not going to be an easy path for the Maroons, as they will have a strong challenge every step of the way on their 12th Region journey.

Mercer County would like to return to Rupp Arena after being there in 2016 but losing in the 12th Region finals last season. The Titans got a favorable draw and could be back in the finals as long as they do not overlook the opponents in their path.

Could Boyle County or West Jessamine spoil the Maroons and Titans plans? Both teams are playing good basketball at the right time and are capable of making a deep run of their own. On the other hand, could a dark horse find their path to Lexington? Coach Woods and the Wayne County Cardinals have made that trek many times in the past and Southwestern is not a stranger to region runs.

Danville and Somerset make their 12th Region return after a few years of watching from the stands and would love to play spoiler. Somerset was last in the tournament in 2013 when they were 12th Region Runner-up. Danville has had a longer dry spell as they are returning for the first time since 2011.

We will find out in a week who cuts down the nets and claims the trophy, but in the meantime enjoy the 12th Region Tournament. It promises to be a good one.

 

 

12th Region Quarterfinal Matchups:

 

 

Boyle County Rebels (19-7) vs Southwestern Warriors (15-14)

 

The opening game of the 12th Region Tournament pits the 45th District Champions Boyle County Rebels versus the 48th District Runner-up Southwestern Warriors. These two teams have played one time this year with Boyle County winning the contest 73-62 back in early February. This game could be a shootout as both teams are solid from behind the arch. Hunter Stevens from Southwestern and Bryce Slone from Boyle County are very good shooters and will need to be on for their team to win. Where Boyle County has the advantage is at the point guard position. Jason Alexander is as good as they come in the 12th Region and for Southwestern to win they will need to keep him contained.

This is the second consecutive year these two teams have met in the first round of region play. Boyle County faced Southwestern last season in the first round of the 12th Region Tournament and the Rebels won in a close game 76-73. This looks to be another good game this week.

Prediction: Boyle County 67 Southwestern 60

 

Boyle County 12th Region Tournament History:

Last Region appearance: 2017

Region appearances since 2006 realignment: 10

12th Region Titles: 2015, 2006, 1999, 1998

12th Region Runner up: 2012, 2007, 1980

 

Southwestern 12th Region Tournament History:

Last Region appearance: 2017

Region appearances since 2006 realignment: 10

12th Region Titles: 2012

12th Region Runner up: 2014, 2011, 2006, 1998

 

 

 

Pulaski County Maroons (21-9) vs West Jessamine Colts (18-10)

 

The Maroons and the Colts will play the second game of the night on Wednesday, February 28th. Pulaski County was the winner of the 47th District and West Jessamine was runner-up in the 46th District. These two teams played one time during the season and the Colts pulled out a tough victory at home 61-59 in the last week of the regular season.

Pulaski County went on a terror in district play showing they are ready to defend their 12th Region title from last season. Both teams they played never came within 30 points of the Maroons and the games were never close. Keep an eye on Mr. Basketball candidate Steven Fitzgerald from Pulaski County. He is one of the top scorers in the state and when he is on, you can only hope to keep him under 40 points.

West Jessamine is also playing good basketball at the right time. They lost to a very good Mercer County in the 46th District Championship by 3 points in a barnburner. Dalton Bruner will be a focus for West, but for the Colts to pull this one off they will need everyone hitting on all cylinders.

Pulaski County and West Jessamine played each other in the first round of the 12th Region Tournament last season and the Maroons easily won 76-61. This year it looks to be a good game but if Pulaski comes ready to play, they will be tough to defeat. I look for the Maroons to get redemption is this game.

Prediction: Pulaski County 71 West Jessamine 60.

 

Pulaski County 12th Region Tournament History:

Last Region appearance: 2017

Region appearances since 2006 realignment: 10

12th Region Titles: 2017, 1992, 1986, 1984, 1979

12th Region Runner up: 1995, 1994, 1983, 1982, 1975, 1971

 

West Jessamine 12th Region Tournament History:

Last Region appearance: 2017

Region appearances since 2006 alignment: 11

12th Region Titles: 2010, 2009

12th Region Runner up: 2008

 

 

 

Wayne County Cardinals (19-13) vs Somerset Briar Jumpers (24-8)

 

The 48th District Champion Wayne County Cardinals will face the 47th District Runner-up Somerset Briar Jumpers. These two teams know each other well. This will be the fourth time Wayne County and Somerset have met this season. Somerset has won two out of the three games they have played 76-69 and 46-39. Wayne County won one game 61-60. Both teams know, of all the games they have played, this is the most important. Players to watch in this game are Jakson Baker for Wayne County and Kross Grundy for Somerset. Baker is one of the top inside players in the region and Grundy is the best at creating his own shot.

The last time Somerset and Wayne County played each other in the post season was in the 2013 12th Region Championship game where the Cardinals won 61-48. This year’s game comes in the first round and looks to be an evenly matched game. Wayne County is playing good basketball at the right time and Somerset is hoping to get back to peek form after struggling the last part of the season.

Prediction: Wayne County 58 Somerset 54

 

Somerset 12th Region Tournament History:

Last Region appearance: 2013

Region appearances since 2006 realignment: 3

12th Region Titles: 1985, 1978, 1963, 1962, 1955, 1952, 1949, 1941

12th Region Runner up: 2013, 1989, 1967, 1951, 1947, 1942

 

Wayne County 12th Region Tournament History:

Last Region appearance: 2017

Region appearances since 2006 realignment: 11

12th Region Title: 2014, 2013, 2011, 2004, 2002, 1997, 1995, 1994, 1989, 1943

12th Region Runner up: 1996, 1991, 1981, 1979, 1960, 1945, 1944

 

 

 

Mercer County Titans (25-5) vs Danville Admirals (15-15)

 

The 46th District Champion Mercer County Titans will be playing the 45th District Runner-up Danville Admirals in the final game of the quarterfinals. They played once this season back in November with Mercer County winning 77-62. Mercer County is led by Mr. Basketball candidate Trevon Faulkner. He is averaging just shy of a double-double this season in points and rebounds.

Danville returns to the 12th Region Tournament for the first time since 2011 and only the second time in 12 years. They will come into this game as the underdogs, but could surprise the Titans if overlooked. The admirals are led by shooting guard Jared Southerland.

You have to go back sixteen years to find when the Titans and Admirals last played in the playoffs. The last time Danville and Mercer County played in the post season was the 2002 regional semifinal game where Danville won 64-63. For Danville to pull off a win they will need a little determination, heart, and a little luck. Mercer County has not lost to a 12th Region team all season and this game should not be their first.

Prediction: Mercer County 73 Danville 60

 

Danville 12th Region Tournament History:

Last Region appearance: 2011

Region appearances since 2006 realignment: 2

12th Region Title: 1990, 1973, 1968, 1954, 1951, 1945, 1939

12th Region Runner-up: 2002, 1985, 1978, 1974, 1970, 1961, 1952, 1940, 1937

 

Mercer County 12th Region Tournament History:

Last Region appearance: 2017

Region appearances since 2006 realignment: 6

12th Region Title: 2016, 2000

12th Region Runner up: 2017, 2010

 

 

 

12th Region Tournament Championship Games (Since 2006)

 

2017: Pulaski County 69 Mercer County 55

2016: Mercer County 76 Casey County 60

2015: Boyle County 48 Lincoln County 46

2014: Wayne County 78 Southwestern 74

2013: Wayne County 61 Somerset 48

2012: Southwestern 76 Boyle County 69

2011: Wayne County 51 Southwestern 35

2010: West Jessamine 51 Mercer County 48

2009: West Jessamine 47 McCreary Central 42

2008: Lincoln County 51 West Jessamine 36

2007: Lincoln County 64 Boyle County 51

2006: Boyle County 67 Southwestern 51

Edited February 27, 2018 by SHS Future

Great write up. My pick is Boyle County. Haven’t seen a more complete team than them this season.