article Bluegrasspreps.com 2nd Region - University Heights Preview

University Heights Blazers

Record: 23-7

Coach: Grant Shouse

Region 2, District 8.

UHA started the year as the third ranked team in Region 2, and district 8. They were considered a dangerous offensive team that couldn’t play defense. That mindset continued into the beginning of the season when Paducah Tilghman put up 88 points on them and Bryan Station put up 82 points. However following the Holiday tournaments, the Blazers seem to find some defense and things began to turn around, but the toughest parts of their schedule still lied ahead.

Late January brought about the All “A” Classic and the Blazers unfortunately drew Lexington Christian in the first round. LCA was ranked in the BGP top 20 and showed why as they dominated the Blazers 68-47. UHA then had to turn around and play a gauntlet of Christian County 2x, Bowling Green, and a much improved Hopkinsville. While they lost two close games to Christian County, they defeated both Bowling Green and Hopkinsville. They wouldn’t lose another game the rest of the year.

UHA ran through the 8th district tournament, one of the toughest in the state, and came out on top after defeating Hopkinsville and Christian County. Many thought they couldn’t beat Christian County again if they faced them in the Region 2 finals. With Coach Cal from UK in the stand, the Blazers found themselves playing disciplined basketball on their way to a 78-70 over Detorrian Ware and Christian County, earning their first trip to Rupp in a decade.

The Blazers are led by one of the best players in Kentucky, KyKy Tandy. Tandy (junior) is an elite talent who can completely change the game. He is not just a pure scorer either. He is an excellent ball handler who is unselfish and gets his teammates the ball very well. Tandy has drawn interest from the University of Kentucky and already has offers from Oklahoma, Florida, and Tennessee to name a few. He averaged 30.5 points a game while shooting 61% from the field including almost 48% from 3 point range (89 for 187). He also involves himself around the basket pulling down 5 rebounds per game even with his 6’1” frame. If there is a player you will want to see at the tournament, Tandy is it.

UHA isn’t just KyKy Tandy. They have some good components to compliment his skill set. Taquan Hollowell has been the presence down low and he has improved all season. He finished the season averaging 7 rebounds per game and almost 12 points per game. Drew McGowan averages a quiet 11.3 points per game and KJ Crump is averaging almost 9 points per game.

One mistake that teams tend to make when playing UHA is they focus on Tandy, which they have too, and forget there is other talent on the team. UHA is not a one man show, they have some very good talent in their starting 5. Their weakness come from their bench. After their starting 5 they get think very fast, so if they get in foul trouble, things can get out of hand quickly.

Roster

33 Crump, KJ

5 Dorsey, Heekwun

4 Hollowell, Taquan

2 Lovan, Malik

11 McGowan, Drew

20 Naylor, Zachary

21 Quarles, DJ

15 Tandy, Dekeyvan

1 Brown, Jaylen

10 Bryan, William

44 Jackson, Cassius

25 Wood, Weston

3 McGee, Amani

12 Shouse, Noah

42 Stone, Trey

30 Davis, Ayden

40 Kabithe, Daniel

Great summary. I'll say that Kwun Dorsey provided some big minutes late in the year. He's their biggest player at 6'4. Nephew of Jerry Dorsey, former hOptown wide receiver and Indiana University receiver. And their 6th man is another freshman guard DJ Quarels. Son of state champion guard "DQ" Quarrels who is also an assistant coach. They have another freshman Guard, Will Bryan, who could probably provide some minutes vs. Campbell County if he needs to.

But you're right. It's a significant step down if any of their starters have to sit too much.

Also, if i'm not mistaken. All 5 starters are averaging in double figures over the last month. Crump has REALLY stepped his game up. he was the primary ball handler for a big chunk of the regional championship game against us.