article BluegrassPreps.com 10th Region Boys Basketball Preview

1. George Rogers Clark - The Cardinals lost to only one 10th region team last year and that was to 10th region champion Campbell County, twice. Several key players return from last year’s region runner up team. Jared Wellman (11.4) will be a contender for region player of the year. He is very talented and shoots it well from deep. Lincoln Bush (6.6) rebounds well (6.4 rpg) and provides a good low post presence. He had a big summer and earned MVP honors at the summer HPBC camp in Georgetown. Jerone Morton (6.9) is a really good athlete with high upside. He is one of the best sophomores in central Kentucky. KJ Rucker (4.6) provided a spark last year and will be relied on even more this year. The Cardinals are seeking their first region title since 2012.

2. Bourbon County – The Colonels could easily be in the top spot. They won the prestigious KBC summer tournament in June, beating Henry Clay in the finals. Amirion Joyce (a transfer for Paducah Tilghman) was the leading scorer in the KBC tournament. His athleticism is a game changer for the Colonels. Guard Nakyir Joyce (12.3) attacks the basketball well and, along with his cousin Amirion, gives Bourbon two of the top players in region. Starter guard Nakwan Joyce (6.8) also returns along with 6th man Brycen Collins (5.9).

3. Montgomery County – This ranking is based on potential. Veteran proven coach Steve Wright takes over for the Indians. Two transfers bolster Montgomery County. Rickey Lovette averaged nearly a double double while playing in Florida last year. He is long, athletic and a hard worker. Big man Zach Benton will be a key player for the Indians. He would have been the top returnee for Ryle. Hagan Harrison (5.8) is projected to be one of the top sophomores in central Kentucky. He produces several steals and is ready to fully break out this year. Starter Austin Eichenberger (5.7) also returns. The 40th district is going to be tough. Gaining the one seed will be crucial.

4. Mason County – Alex Schlah (19.7) transfers in from Robertson County and is expected to be one of the top players in the region. He led Black Devils in scoring last year. Outside of the graduated Jaylen Lofton, the Royals return the rest of their starters. Xylon Frey (10.9, 6.6 rpg) will form a nice 1-2 inside punch with Schlah. Other key returnees include Carson Brammer (8.9), Jeremiah Jones (8.6), and Braden May (7.7). Last year was definitely a down season by the Royals standards, but expect them to bounce back behind the veteran returnees and the big addition of Schlah.

5. Campbell County - What a season it was last year for the Camels! Undefeated against 10th region competition, a first round sweet 16 victory over an undefeated John Hardin team and a barn burner last second controversial loss to state champion Trinity in the semifinals are some of the highlights from last season’s team. It was no secret the team played through Reid Jolly last year. The Camels not only lose Jolly to graduation, but several other key pieces graduate as well. All is not lost however. Jordan Gross (4.9) and Dane Hegyi (1.7) played valuable minutes on the biggest stage last year. Gross will be the go to guy this year. A winning tradition and a good mix of young players will serve Campbell County well.

6. Bishop Brossart – The Mustangs played in the All A state tournament last year and played eventual All A champion (University Heights) closer than any other team did in the whole tournament. Their 4 point loss to Campbell County in the district is another indicator of them being able to compete with the best. Key players Ethan Eilerman (13.5) and Carson Schirmer (9.6 ppg) return. Bishop Brossart is always well disciplined and solid defensively.

7. Robertson County – The future looks bright for Robertson County. Sophomore Justin Becker (18.9) is projected to be one of the best big men in state in the 2022 class. He may average 20 and 10 this year. Though Schlah’s transfer to Mason County stings, the combination of Becker and sharpshooter Sebastian Dixon (13.4) gives Robertson enough firepower to make run in the 10th. Expect a big year from these two underclassmen.

8. Paris – The Greyhounds had a rough year last year but do return 3 starters from a team that showed some promise last year with big wins last year at Montgomery County and at Mason County. Most of their firepower will come from the perimeter. Starters Ricqiece Washington (8.5), Caleb Johnson (7.8) and Jamaun Clark (7.2) return.

9. Augusta – There is some reason for optimism at Augusta and rightly so. Coach Jason Hinson returns to Augusta. His son, freshman Kason Hinson scored 11.4 points per game last year as an 8th grader at Bracken County. Several other key players return for the Panthers.

10. Scott – Scott lost a lot of production from last year’s exciting team, including Jacob Meyer’s transfer out of the program. Grant Profitt (4.1) is the only returnee with much experience.

11. Harrison County – Last year’s team won 11 games and the top 5 leading scorers have all graduated. However, Harrison County should be able to content for a region tournament appearance.

12. Pendleton County – Dontaie Allen played in only 13 games last year before sustaining a season ending injury. He still scored 558 points, was awarded the prestigious Mr. Basketball award in Kentucky, and committed to UK. Without him, Pendleton County really struggled. New coach Sam Elsbernd takes over.

13. Nicholas County – The bad is that the Bluejackets struggled last year. The good is all the key players return.

14. Bracken County – The Polar Bears won 14 games last year after winning only 5 the year before. They hope to continue the upward trend behind new coach Adam Reed.

15. Calvary Christian – Mason Rusch’s move to North Carolina puts a damper on the Cougars expectations. They will struggle to fill his shoes.

16. St. Patrick – St Patrick has nowhere to go but up, after winning only 1 game last season.

Top 10 Players:

1. Jared Wellman (Jr) George Rogers Clark – Smooth and talented player leads a very balanced GRC attack.

2. Justin Becker (So) Robertson County – Versatile player. One of the top sophomores in the state.

3. Alex Schalch (Sr) Mason County – Big man transfer from Robertson County makes Royals instant contender.

4. Amirion Joyce (Sr) Bourbon County – Transfer from Paducah Tilghman. Named MVP of the prestigious KBA summer tournament.

5. Nakyir “Scrap” Joyce (Sr) Bourbon County – Tenacious player. Finishes well at the rim.

6. Rickey Lovette (Jr) Montgomery County – Transfer from Avon Park, FL. Can score and rebound. Good leaping ability and hard worker.

7. Lincoln Bush (Sr) George Rogers Clark – Solid and dependable force for the Cardinals. Named MVP of the Blue Chip summer camp in Georgetown.

8. Jerone Morton (So) George Rogers Clark – Extremely athletic guard with tremendous upside.

9. Ethan Eilerman (Sr) Bishop Brossart – Clutch player and senior leader.

10. Jordan Gross (Sr) Campbell County – Good shooter and key returnee from last year's state semifinalist.

Ten questions for the 10th region

1. Montgomery, Bracken, Augusta, Nicholas, and Pendleton all have new coaches. Which coach will have the biggest impact?

2. Several teams have a good young core including GRC, Montgomery and Roberstson. Which team is set up best for the future?

3. Bourbon, GRC, and Montgomery should all be good. Who will be left out of the region tournament?

4. There are several key transfers including Alex Schlah (Mason), Amirion Joyce (Bourbon) and Zach Benton and Rickey Lovette (Montgomery). Which transfer will fit in best with their new team?

5. Robertson and Brossart seem to be the All A favorites. Can any other team challenge them?

6. Scott, Pendleton and Harrison lost a lot of firepower. Can they reload?

7. Augusta and Bracken play twice during the regular season. What will the atmosphere be like?

8. Mason won only 15 games last year but return plenty if talent. Can they improve enough to win the region?

9. Campbell is coming off a historic final four season, but they lose several keys players. Can they make it back to Rupp?

10. GRC, Bourbon, Montgomery and Mason all have high ceilings. Can anyone make a deep run at Rupp like Campbell did last year?

Ten Matchups to Watch

Who: George Rogers Clark vs Montgomery County

When: 1/17 at Montgomery County and 1/31 at George Rogers Clark

Why it matters: Always an exciting atmosphere. Should be even more exciting this year.

Who: George Rogers Clark vs Bourbon County

When: 1/21 at George Rogers Clark and 2/4 at Bourbon County

Why it matters: The 40th district is fierce this year, so getting the one seed will be crucial.

Who: Bourbon County vs Montgomery County

When: 12/17 at Montgomery County and 1/7 at Bourbon County

Why it matters: Fresh faces bring even more reason for optimism to these two contenders.

Who: Augusta vs Bracken County

When: 12/6 at August and 1/25 at Bracken

Why it matters: Hinson takes over at Augusta. So excited that these teams are now playing!

Who: Campbell County at George Rogers Clark

When: December 6 at George Rogers Clark

Why it matters: Cardinals look for revenge after falling to Camels in 10th region finals last year.

Who: Campbell County at Mason County

When: January 16 at Mason County

Why it matters: Two traditional powerhouses will battle it out.

Who: Bourbon County vs Paris

When: December 13 at Bourbon and February 8 at Paris

Why it matters: Because this local rivalry is always fun.

Who: George Rogers Clark at Robertson County

When: January 2 at Robertson County

Why it matters: Several underclassmen stars will be on display.

Who: Beechwood (9th region) at Bishop Brossart

When: December 9 at Bishop Brossart

Why it matters: Let’s see how the Mustangs go about trying to slow down Scotty Draud (22.7 ppg).

Gateway Holiday Classic

When: December 27-29 at Montgomery County

Why it matters: Robertson, Mason, and Montgomery compete in this 8 team tournament.

GRC's last regional title was 2012, not 2014.

I find it interesting that 6 of the top 7 players ranked in the top 10 have transferred in from somewhere else. Where is the loyalty anymore?

GRC's last regional title was 2012, not 2014.

 

I find it interesting that 6 of the top 7 players ranked in the top 10 have transferred in from somewhere else. Where is the loyalty anymore?

My mistake about the dates. Thanks for pointing that out.

GRC's last regional title was 2012, not 2014.

 

I find it interesting that 6 of the top 7 players ranked in the top 10 have transferred in from somewhere else. Where is the loyalty anymore?

Agreed, it's just todays culture, no more loyalty.

It's strange to see Scott so low.

How many key 10th region ballers are playing football?

Nakwan Joyce and Amirion Joyce from Bourbon are playing football. Austin Eichenburger from Montgomery is playing football. Those are a few that I know of.

Nakwan Joyce and Amirion Joyce from Bourbon are playing football. Austin Eichenburger from Montgomery is playing football. Those are a few that I know of.

He was at Frederick Douglass his sophomore season (2017-18).

I find it interesting that 6 of the top 7 players ranked in the top 10 have transferred in from somewhere else. Where is the loyalty anymore?

Agreed, it's just todays culture, no more loyalty.

I disagree on the idea of loyalty when it comes to high school student-athletes. I don't believe kids/parents owe anything to any school and schools certainly don't "own" any children based on geography. In short, I think parents/kids all need to lookout for number one and if they believe it is in their best interests to transfer from one school to another more power to them.

If Calvary Christian had held on to Mason Rusch, along with the other seniors they have returning, that team MIGHT have been top 8 in the region. Without him, a lot changes.

I look for the Camels to surprise some folks this year. With a great coach and some special young talent (to go with Gross), they may struggle early but will certainly be in the mix come the Regional tourney.

The 10th Region will conduct a "Media Day" on Sunday, November 17th at Robertson County High School.

The teams will be introduced by district with the 37th - Calvary Christian Scott, Campbell County and Brossart available for interview in ten minute segments from 1:05pm through 1:45pm.

1:45pm to 2:25pm - 38th District - Pendleton County, Nicholas County, Harrison County, and Robertson County

2:25pm to 2:55pm - 39th District - St. Patrick, Augusta, Mason County, and Bracken County

2:55pm to 3:25pm - 40th District - George Rogers Clark, Montgomery County, Paris, and Bourbon County.

If Calvary Christian had held on to Mason Rusch, along with the other seniors they have returning, that team MIGHT have been top 8 in the region. Without him, a lot changes.

Agree that losing a player the caliber of Mason Rusch certainly leaves a void for the Cougars. However, they still have a nucleus of veteran players who will represent them well. Josh Moran is a fine, multi-talented player who led the Calvary soccer team to the 10th Region Soccer Championship.

I look for the Camels to surprise some folks this year. With a great coach and some special young talent (to go with Gross), they may struggle early but will certainly be in the mix come the Regional tourney.

I've been impressed with the shooting talents of Junior Garret Beiting over the past two years. He could become a "bookend" 3-Point threat along with Gross.

Brossart and Campbell County on Friday, January 3rd at the Campbell County Middle School will certainly be a game to watch.

This annual crosstown event always draws a huge crowd, and is one of the few games played all year that duplicates a regional tournament atmosphere in a regular season contest.