11th Region Notebook through the first couple of weeks of the season.

 

1. Biggest Early Surprise . Woodford County lost 75 percent of their scoring from last year’s team, but have come out of the gates very strong with a 6-1 record, 6-0 in the 11th Region with wins over Dunbar and Lexington Catholic as well as sweeping the first round of 41st District games. Their only blemish is a loss to Boyle County. Eli Boggess (18 in latest win over Tates Creek) and Chris Honabach have led the way early for Scott Hundley’s Yellowjackets.

2. Scoring Backcourt … Quin Richardson and Trent Gilbert have both come out of the gates to a flying start, averaging right at 20 points a game each in leading Scott County to a 6-1 start. Gilbert outscored Ryle (40 points in 76-36 win) by himself in a game this past Friday. Despite losing two D-1 players, Richardson and Gilbert are showing Scott County will once again challenge for the region’s trip to Rupp.

3. Newcomers ... E.J. Floreal at Dunbar and Chris Honabach at Woodford County are off to the best start of those that weren’t on rosters last year. Floreal, who transferred when his father took the head track coach position at UK, has been a force on the inside for Scott Chalk’s Bulldogs and helped them recover from a 0-3 start. Hundley expected Honabach, who simply made a decision not to play last year, to be one of the team’s leading scorer and he hasn’t been disappointed. Honabach has been a big reason the Yellowjackets are off to such a good start, including 26 points against district rival Franklin County. Center Jordan Tribble, a transfer from Florida, at Scott County is a work in progress but improves every game. Neils Bunschoten, a 6’9” wing from the Netherlands who is enrolled at Scott County, was not ruled eligible by the KHSAA and will not play this season. Bryan Station’s Larry Morton is not a newcomer to the scene, but after getting kicked off the team last year he has returned and had a solid start (including 14 in a recent loss to Dunbar and 14 in a win over Tates Creek) to his senior season in leading Bryan Station to a 3-3 record. All 3 losses have been close, including a 5 overtime loss to Henderson County.

4. Top Wins … Henry Clay knocked off Trinity 53-51 Saturday after falling behind by 16 early. Christen Cunningham led the way with 15 points, including three FT’s in the last minute. Madison Central has beaten 10th Region favorite Montgomery County 78-61 and 8th Region favorite Collins 70-59. Scott County has knocked off a couple of teams that will contend to win their region (Perry County Central – 14th and Pulaski County – 12th).

5. Falling Short ... Every year, the best of the 11th Region match up against the best from other regions. So far this year, Henry Clay, Lafayette and Madison Central all lost to Bullitt East, led by UK signee Derek Willis (although Willis was suspended and didn’t play against Henry Clay). Dominique Hawkins had 29 for Madison Central in their loss to Bullitt East. Scott County, led by Richardson’s 23 points, gave Ballard a run before succumbing in the 4th Quarter in the Cardinals’ season opening loss. Madison Central’s other loss came at the hands of Travis (TX), led by UK signees Aaron and Andrew Harrison.

6. Good Start ... Another team off to a good start is Richmond Model. Coach Wes Scarberry said before the season he one of his best teams and so far he is right on the money as they have started out 5-1. Madison Southern is also hot early with a 5-1 record, with their only loss to Madison Central.

7. Slow Starts ... Lafayette is only 2-4 after after 6 games, but that might be a little deceptive. They have lost to Bullitt East, Dunbar, Madison Central and Bishop O’Connell (VA), while beating Lexington Catholic and Tates Creek in huge district seeding games. Junior Jackson Davis outscored Lexington Catholic’s Jack Whitman 22-16 during the Generals victory. Lexington Christian and Tates Creek, both at 2-5, are finding it difficult to replace key seniors they lost last year.

 

Ranking the Top 5 (as of Dec. 16)

1. Madison Central 6-2

2. Henry Clay 5-1

3. Scott County 6-1

4. Woodford County 6-1

5. Dunbar 4-3

 

Top Upcoming Games This Week

1. Dec. 20 …. Scott County vs. Dunbar at Woodford County Invitational. Dunbar has 4 straight wins (they play Madison Southern Tuesday). Senior wing William Gary missed the first couple of games due to a knee injury, but has played a part during the winning streak. Mike Smith, who had 29 in a win over Lexington Christian, will provide a good challenge for Scott County, who besides the backcourt play of Gilbert and Richardson has gotten 13 points a game over the last three games from senior wing Jalen Haddix as he rounds back into form after returning from football. Besides that matchup, the tournament also includes hosts Woodford County as well as other 11th Region teams Henry Clay and Frankfort. Jeffersontown, Highlands and Clark County round out the top quality field.

2. Dec. 19 …. Madison Central vs. St. Xavier in King of the Bluegrass at Fairdale. Madison Central will be the only 11th Region participant against a field that includes Ballard, Trinity and Bullitt East.

 

Post-Christmas Tournament Action

1. Scott County will participate in the Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle Beach, SC, after Christmas. The Cardinals open up Dec. 27 against Orem, UT. No. 7 nationally Whitney Young will be in the field.

2. Lexington Catholic will host the Republic Bank Classic beginning Dec. 26. Besides Lexington Catholic, other 11th Region teams in the field include Henry Clay and Lexington Christian. Other top teams from KY include Knott County Central, Johnson Central and Louisville Butler.

3. Tates Creek, Bryan Station and Frankfort will be in the Henry County Invitational beginning Dec. 27.

4. Lafayette and Franklin County play in the Gateway Holiday Classic at Montgomery County, which will also have 10th Region favorite Montgomery County and 16th Region favorite Fleming County as well as Covington Holy Cross.

What a great job!!!! Love all these Nootbooks BGP is providing this year. Very in-depth on teams and players.

Rankings look accurate