10TH REGION: OVERVIEW

 

The 10th Region had its share of drama in 2012-13: Augusta's 39th District Tournament win over Mason County which drew statewide attention. The 37th District's season-long dogfight between Scott, Bishop Brossart, & Campbell County. Numerous individual players reached career milestone scoring marks. In some ways, 2012-13 was every bit as exciting--if not more--than previous seasons.

 

But there was no drama whatsoever at the top of the 10th, as Happy Osborne's Montgomery County Indians were overwhelming from day one. Seventeen times the Indians laced it up against Regional competition and seventeen times they came away victorious by double digits. The Regional Tournament ended up being nothing more than a snapshot of the season as a whole: everybody else playing catch-up with Osborne's talent-laden roster. Had the Indians won any of their Regional tournament games by just one more point, their average margin of victory in the tourney would have been 30 points.

 

Osborne has since relocated back to the college ranks, taking over at Kentucky Wesleyan. Montgomery County has also bid farewell to its all-time leading scorer and one of the 10th Region's finest talents in years: Omar Prewitt. Jason Holland was lured away from Oldham County to replace Osborne and the Indians appear locked and loaded for another Regional run. There isn't a team in the 10th that equals Montgomery for talent, but the gap has most definitely narrowed. Mike Code's Bishop Brossart Mustangs boast the Region's top front court. Campbell County returns a solid nucleus to challenge, not only for a District title, but a Regional one as well. Shawn Johnson is back to lead a Mason County team that will undoubtedly have a chip on its shoulder. Sensational guard Brent Bach is hoping to lead his Augusta Panthers to another storybook season. And Larry Kendall's Harrison County Thorobreds are flying under the radar, poised to make a deep March run.

 

 

10TH REGION: TEAM RANKINGS

 

1. Montgomery County - Gone: A Mr. Basketball finalist/All-State performer/Region Player of the Year/Top scorer in school history (Omar Prewitt). Gone: Super-quick, athletic point guard and team leader in minutes per game (Tyler Jones). Gone: Hall-of-Fame caliber coach who, in just one season, led his school to its second state tournament appearance--and a final four appearance at that (Happy Osborne). Such losses would leave most programs in shambles, relegated to instant rebuilding mode. But the Montgomery County Indians are not most programs. New coach Jason Holland has left his perch at Oldham County, where he won two 8th Region championships in four years, and transitions to Montgomery County where he inherits what is still the most talented 10th Region roster. "We have a deeper team than I thought, our starting unit is really strong and on certain nights can beat anyone. We are capable of playing a lot of different ways," Holland told us.

 

Guard Bryan Wallace was a Sweet 16 All-Tournament selection a season ago and is the Indians top returning player. The 6'0 senior averaged 16.1 ppg, while shooting a sizzling 57.3% from the floor, 40.2% from beyond the arc, & 78.1% from the charity stripe. Also returning is 6'4" senior wing Darius Jones, the team's third leading scorer from last year (10.1 ppg). A freakishly athletic forward, Jones seems destined for a breakout year. Holland was quick to sing the praises of his senior. "His improvement has been amazing. If Darius plays to his potential, no one will be able to guard him." Chase Hall, a 6'3" junior forward, started in 32 games last season and is a player Holland says "could be great by the end of the year." Xavier Piersawl will be counted upon for more production this season. The 6'2" senior is another athletic wing who was a key component to Montgomery's post-season success. A transfer from Chicago, 6'6" senior forward DeAnte Cisero, is what pushes Montgomery County to the top of the 10th's pre-season rankings. "DeAnte is great on the post, but can step out and hit shots too. He is very long, not as athletic as he looks, but is a great leader and an even greater kid," Holland said. "Some nights he will lead us in scoring, and other nights you won't know he's even there. But by the end of the year he could be an All-Region player."

 

Holland acknowledges that his team will face early struggles, due in large part to the regime change, but he also knows he has superior talent. If the individual pieces can blend together, as Holland expects, don't look for the 10th Region crown to leave Mt. Sterling any time soon.

 

2. Bishop Brossart - On paper it would seem that Mike Code's Mustangs enter the 2013-14 season in essentially the same position they ended 2012-13: kings among 10th Region Class "A" schools, lead-dogs in a highly competitive 37th District, & trailing loaded Montgomery County in pursuit of a March trip to Rupp Arena. While none of this has played itself out yet, the 'Stangs will undoubtedly be a major player in the 10th. When asked about championship expectations, a cool Code responded, "We really don't ever talk about it. We just focus on getting better each day."

 

Getting better each day will be a tough task, due primarily to the departure of the outstanding Justin Saunders, whose team-leading 16.5 ppg and big-game production will be difficult to replace. Dependable point guard Ben Uebel is also gone, but Bishop Brossart does return the Region's most imposing front court. Versatile forward Alex Trentman was the team's #2 scorer (12.8 ppg) and top rebounder (7.1 rpg) a year ago. The 6'7" senior also connected on 54.5% of his field goal attempts and swatted 33 blocks in 31 games. Trentman's tremendous athleticism and ability to score in multiple ways make him an impossible matchup for most power forwards. Fellow big man Drew Burns, also a 6'7" senior, was a double-figures scorer (10.9 ppg) and pulled down 5.7 rpg. Several 10th Region schools boast a quality big man, but none of them possess the 'Stangs tandem. Look for senior Jake Jennings to fill the spot vacated by Uebel. Jennings played in all 32 of Brossart's games last year and his aggressive, relentless style will wreak havoc on opposing point guards. Senior forward Erik Rieger, a bit of a defensive specialist, will likely resume his starting spot but will be expected to improve upon his 5.5 ppg from a season ago. Code also noted significant improvement from two other forwards: senior Austin Shannon and junior Spencer Hackworth.

 

In replacing Saunders, Code stated, "Everyone else will need to improve and expand their roles and younger players will need to give us some minutes." Truer words have not been spoken, but if those things come to fruition, the Mustangs may not be trailing anyone in the 10th when all is said and done.

 

3. Campbell County - Somebody had to come out on the short end of the stick in the grueling 37th District last season, and the Campbell County Camels ended up being that team. Aric Russell's bunch battled injuries to key players all season long, namely the dynamic--and now departed--Nate McGovney. After consecutive appearances in the Regional tournament, the Camels were ousted by Scott in the 37th District semis, finishing the season one game under .500 (14-15) and on the outside looking in during the Region's final week.

 

But Russell returns one of the top rosters in the 10th, led by perhaps the Region's best back court. Senior Corey Holbrook (5'11") scored 21 ppg a year ago, stepping up in lieu of McGovney's frequent absence and established himself as one of the premier guards in the Region. "Corey is strong in every aspect of the game," Russell said. "I feel he will be the leader and the main guy to stop for us." Trying to contain Holbrook is one thing, but standing by his side will be back court mate Dre Jackson. A 6'2" junior, Jackson might be the top underclassman in the 10th. Russell, along with several other coaches throughout the Region, recognize that Jackson could be poised for a breakout year in 2013-14. "Deandre is very athletic, can shoot, and get to the rim," Russell said, but added, "He needs to keep improving on the defensive end." Sophomore center Matt Wilson was another Camel that struggled with injuries a season ago and Russell recognizes the importance of keeping his 6'7" youngster healthy. "We haven't been able to see much of Matt because of football, but we need him to be injury free in order to be solid this season." Fellow sophomore Trent McGovney, Nate's younger brother, will see plenty of time at the guard spot.

 

Russell knows his team's strength resides on the perimeter. "Our depth at the guard position and our perimeter shooting--those are the areas where we are strongest. We also have good team quickness and speed." The veteran coach also acknowledges rebounding as a primary weakness. "We need to find strength and rebounding, especially at the 4-spot, to go along with Wilson." The Camels still face the daunting 37th District, but Russell knows if his team can stay healthy and steadily improve, good things will be in store.

 

4. Mason County - From an historic perspective, Mason County is 10th Region royalty (pun intended). So it should come as no surprise that last season was also historic...only for different reasons. What won't be remembered is a respectable 17-10 record. What won't be remembered is a mid-year, season-ending injury to the team's #2 scorer and #3 rebounder. What won't be remembered is a team that played dominating Montgomery County closer than any other 10th Region squad. What will be remembered is a first-round 39th District Tournament loss to Augusta, which not only ended a 12-year reign as District champions, but also kept the Royals from the 10th Region Tournament for the first time since 1997.

 

However, 10th Region fans would be remiss to expect similar results for 2013-14. Unlike some other top contenders in the Region, Mason County doesn't have to fill the sneakers of a departed star. Shawn Johnson, one of the 10th's top performers last year, is back to lead the Royals for his senior campaign. Johnson goes about his business in a quiet manner, but his game speaks volumes. A 6'7" senior, Johnson's average night last season was a double-double (14.5 ppg and 10 rpg). We repeat: that was his average night. Jake O'Mara (9.3 ppg), a junior forward and quarterback for the football team, is the aforementioned player who suffered the season-ending injury after just 12 games. O'Mara's presence adds to an already formidable Royals front court. Another junior post player, Dorian Henry, is believed to have made significant strides from last year to this. His teammate Johnson says, "Dorian has improved his game over the summer and will be a dominant force in games." Guard play will likely be a huge factor in determining Mason County's long-term success. The Royals have a lot of options in the back court, whether it's juniors Cameron Frame, Ryan Johnson, Dareius Johnson, or senior Lucas Greenhill. If the guards can bring consistent production, O'Hearn's bunch will be as strong as any team in the Region. An arduous schedule, which includes a post-Christmas trip to Daytona Beach, as well as road contests with Lexington Catholic, Montgomery County, George Rogers Clark, & long-time rival Fleming County, will aptly prepare Mason County for tournament play.

 

For O'Hearn, it's tough to get a feel for his team's progress due to a number of football players on his roster. He does know that he's hoping for an injury-free season. "We've played over 100 games in the last 4 years without at least 1 starter, so we're due for a healthy season," O'Hearn stated. The accomplished coach then added, "We should have plenty of depth and size, and improved guard play from last season. We hope to compete for District and Regional championships."

 

5. Augusta - The 2012-13 season was one of the most memorable for the Augusta Panthers program. A third consecutive trip to the 10th Region tournament was fine, but it was a 72-61 defeat of mighty Mason County, en route to the school's first District championship since 1982, that was super-sweet. The Augusta faithful have ample reason to anticipate more history being made as a new season approaches. The Panthers return the 10th's top individual talent in 6'1" senior Brent Bach, whose 26.5 ppg made him one of Kentucky's top prep scorers a season ago. But the smooth guard is more than just a scorer. Bach's athleticism is off-the-charts, he possesses superior basketball instincts, and is a tireless worker. "Brent has been such a good teammate to the younger guys and has really pushed our Family idea to everyone. He is a great player and works 24/7 on his game," head coach Jason Hinson said of his star.

 

Hinson faces an obstacle, however, in replacing the production of the team's #2 scorer and top rebounder, Tanner Kelsch. The do-it-all forward was one of the 10th's unsung heroes last year and his presence will be missed. But a trio of sophomores return, all of whom started in multiple games a season ago, and have proven themselves capable. Forward Camryn Snapp (6'3") is a versatile player who will be heavily counted upon in the paint. "Our primary weaknesses are a lack of size and rebounding," Hinson said. Guards Connor Maddox and Owens Crawford both played important roles during Augusta's thrilling post-season run. Maddox in particular shined with his perimeter shooting and big-shot making ability. Another guard, senior Dustin Freeman, broke his ankle at the end of the season last year but had been a staple in the starting lineup until then. "We'll have to make up for our lack of size with quickness," Hinson said. "We're really small, but these guys can get up and down the floor. We have a bunch of shooters and weapons when it comes to scoring."

 

Knowing his team will contend for the Class "A" and District championships, as well as a Regional title, Hinson has beefed up his schedule. In December alone, the Panthers will play in Mason County's Mike Murphy Classic and Lexington Catholic's Republic Bank Classic. The Panthers' final month of the season will see a trip to the King of the Bluegrass, as well as a visit to the Jock Sutherland Classic vs. Dunbar. With Bach's presence, a massive and loyal crowd following, and an energetic young coach, tiny Augusta is primed and ready for an even bigger season.

 

6. Harrison County - Larry Kendall's inaugural season as the Harrison County head coach was a successful one. The Breds enjoyed a 20-win season, regained the 38th District championship in convincing fashion, and reached the semi-finals of the Regional tournament. While Kendall returns considerable talent, he'll have to make due without son Scott, last year's floor general and number two overall scorer. "Scott was a coach's dream and played with great passion," the father said of his son. The second-year head man says he expects junior D.J. Jenkins to fill the void at the point guard position. "D.J. got experience late in the season last year and is one of our top players coming into this season."

 

The Breds also return one of the top ten talents in the Region in 6'3" senior swingman Dillon Pulliam (14.1 ppg). As a four-year varsity starter Pulliam will be expected to lead the Breds throughout the season, but especially during tournament time. Also look for 6'2" senior Grant Carr, whom Kendall labels a defensive stopper, to start at the off-guard position. Junior forward Trenton Thompson, at 6'4", was injured most of last year, but is now healthy and will contribute from day one. Kendall says Thompson is a threat to score on the interior as well as from the perimeter, and goes so far as to say that Thompson possesses "unlimited potential." Athletic 6'2" senior Mason Ritchie will see plenty of minutes and has a nose for rebounding and running the floor.

 

Kendall cites size as his team's strength, saying that the starting lineup might have its smallest player at 6'2" and its tallest at 6'9" (senior Landon Palmer). Excellent perimeter shooting will compliment the size, but Kendall says toughness and depth could work against his team. "We've hit the weight room extremely hard in the off-season to prepare for this year." If the extensive preparation pays off, folks in Cynthiana could be in store for another championship-caliber season.

 

7. George Rogers Clark - After a seven-year run that included three 10th Region championships and just as many runner-up finishes, George Rogers Clark finally experienced an inevitable down season in 2012-13. An already inexperienced roster was hampered with a key injury to start the year, leaving an undersized, youthful group to tackle a brutal schedule. When the dust finally cleared, the win column held but a single digit: 9. The Cards were able to scrape their way to the Regional Tournament, where they suffered a first round loss to Harrison County, their 21st and final defeat of the year.

 

Scott Humphrey returns essentially everyone from last year's team, including bruising big man Khmarkis Blanton, one of the 10th's top ten overall players. At 6'4" and 220 lbs, the senior center will be a physical mismatch for many opponents. If Blanton can avoid foul problems that sometimes plagued him a season ago, he could go from top ten in the Region to top five. Junior forward Luke Sharrock might not possess the talent of some other top players, but you will be hard-pressed to find a more diligent, aggressive worker. A quartet of juniors will man the back court: Malachi Israel, Braxton Greene, Damion King, & Jordan Williams. Senior Riley Caudill saw significant minutes last year & should be expected to increase his numbers. Humphrey also has a promising group of freshmen that could bring some quality production at various spots. "We have several guys battling for playing time," Humphrey said, "but I look for perimeter defense to be our strength because we have several guys who can fill those roles."

 

The Cardinals schedule doesn't seem as trying, though it's still solid, highlighted by road games at defending state champ Madison Central, 16th Region power Ashland, & 9th Region force Holmes. In addition to playing most of the 10th's top teams at least once, the Cards will also play in the Kentucky Bank Challenge and the Lake Cumberland Holiday Classic in December. As with just about all Humphrey-coached teams, you can expect GRC to be its usual, defensive-minded self. But it's on the offensive end where the Cards will need to make lengthy strides in order to improve upon its 52.8 ppg from a season ago. Humphrey is quite aware of this, stating, "The offensive end was a struggle for us last year. We will have to dramatically improve to compete at a higher level." If those improvements are made, keep an eye on the Cardinals come March.

 

8. Scott - Since coming to the 10th Region in 2005-06 the Scott Eagles have yet to miss a 10th Region Tournament, which is an impressive streak considering the strength of District number 37. But it was not until last year that the program found itself still going in the tourney on its final day. While Brad Carr's bunch did not get the showing it wanted, falling to Montgomery County 68-37, it was still a very meaningful accomplishment.

 

As the new season arrives, however, there seems to be tough sledding ahead in order for Scott to maintain its Regional Tournament run. Gone is last year's scoring (16.6 ppg) and rebounding (7.3 rpg) leader, Nick Jackson, who is presently playing his college ball at UC-Clermont. Also gone is the team's number two scorer, Josh Felts (10.8 ppg), along with roughly 80% of last year's production. Despite the significant losses due to graduation, the Eagles were still set up to return nine seniors this year, but the status of guard Josh Castleman remains very much in doubt as of this writing. Football standout Kameron Crim, then, will be the top returnee from a season ago. A ferocious presence in the paint (6'3", 260 lbs), Crim posted averages of 5.4 ppg & 3.1 rpg in 2012-13, but will be called upon to shoulder more responsibility. Guard play will be Scott's strong suit, with 5'11" junior Blake Schneider, 6'1" senior Jeremy Jackson, & 5'9" freshman Jake Ohmer. Jackson saw the most action of the trio last season, appearing in 24 games, but each of the three shoot well from the perimeter and can get deep into the lane off the dribble. Junior guard Darian Witherspoon is a shooter/slasher transfer from Newport and can be an immediate help when he learns Carr's system.

 

It may take a while to get things going, as other sports have prevented the full roster from getting quality practice time, but look for this to be a more traditional Brad Carr coached team. Expect a squad primarily centered around guard play, discipline, and stingy defense. And despite the considerable losses from the previous season, Carr anticipates an athletic group who will be just as deep. It's not an easy road ahead, but with at least eight seniors and Carr's coaching prowess, 10th Region foes will make a grievous mistake if they overlook the Eagles.

 

9. Paris - After a four-year term as the head coach of the Berea College women's team, Terrence Brooks returns to his old stomping grounds at Paris for the 2013-14 season, but this time in a slightly different role. Rather than lead the girls team, as he did with irrefutable success for a number of years, Brooks will be taking over the boys program. During his Lady Hounds tenure Brooks led Paris to a half-dozen 10th Region Class "A" titles, finished runner-up in a Class "A" State Tournament, and even won a 10th Region championship. A Paris alum himself, Brooks hopes the success he enjoyed as the girls coach translates to the boys side. And given the plethora of talent the Greyhounds return, the chances of that success continuing are quite good.

 

All five starters return for the 'Hounds, including a boatload of sophomores with a solid year of experience under their belts. Forward Koebe Garrard averaged 17.2 ppg and 6 rpg a season ago--both averages tops for the team. The 6'2" Garrard also connected on just under 40% of his 3-point attempts. Point guard James Clark, at 5'9", averaged 14.3 ppg and 3.3 apg in 2012-13. A pair of 5'10" guards, Jawan Dumphord & Jawane Dumphord, averaged 5.5 ppg and 5 ppg respectively and round out the top returning sophs. Cameron Downey, a 6'3" senior guard, netted 13.7 ppg and pulled down 5 rpg last year. Downey was an efficient scorer, shooting 54.7% from the field and 38.1% from beyond the arc. Also look for 6'4" junior William O'Bryan and 6'1" freshman Jekobi Wells to be regular contributors for Paris.

 

Brooks is aware of his team's youth, but is quick to mention a year's worth of experience that will benefit his team for the season that lies ahead. While lacking size, Brooks knows he has a fast, athletic bunch. "We're going to be quick and should be able to get after people on defense," the first-year coach stated. "Our goal will be to take care of the basketball better and finish around the basket and use our quickness to cause the opposition to turn the ball over." Like many other programs Paris has had several kids participating in football (six of the top seven players), so it will be a while before the 'Hounds become a cohesive unit. In terms of motivation, Brooks notes that 2002 was the last time the Paris boys program participated in the 10th Region Tournament, with 1987 being the last time the team won a 10th Region tournament game. "But," Brooks says with confidence, "we are looking to change that."

 

10. Bracken County - As soon as the results of the 39th District Tournament draw were announced last season, attention throughout the 10th Region shifted almost exclusively on the Augusta/Mason County first round matchup. Chad Persinger's Bracken County Polar Bears, however, very nearly stole the show. After dismissing St. Patrick in the tourney's first round, the Polar Bears controlled the majority of the championship game vs. Augusta, but saw their 4th quarter lead slip away for good in the game's final 40 seconds. Though the Bears lost in the first round of the Regional, no one can deny that Persinger had his team playing its best ball at season's end--winning 7 of its last 10.

 

Bracken County bids farewell to four starters from last year's experienced roster, but returns enough to be a legitimate threat in 2013-14. Impressive freshman Austin Crawford will be the catalyst and top player for the Bears. The 6'1" guard can play either back court position and is arguably the 10th's top frosh. As an 8th grader coming off the bench, Crawford averaged 10.7 ppg in the post-season, and scored a team-high 17 points in the opening round of the District tourney. Crawford's strength, perimeter shooting, driving ability, and athleticism will make him a difficult matchup for many opponents. The only returning starter is senior Nate Haight, a crafty 5'11" guard who has a knack for putting the ball in the basket. 6'2" senior forward Steven Cummins got a lot of clock last season and will likely be a top contributor this year. A couple of senior forwards, Scott Fite & Ryan May, will bring much-needed front court depth. Big man Jarred Lippert, at 6'4", could be a huge asset if he can continue to develop. And don't be surprised to see some production from two other freshmen, Jacob Hamilton & Brady Jones.

 

Persinger likes his team's quickness and depth--two qualities that will allow for defensive pressure. He acknowledges, though, a lack of varsity experience that could be problematic in the early going. But the fifth-year coach likes his team's overall makeup. "We have a nice blend of upperclassmen and younger players," Persinger stated. "The boys are really working hard as the season approaches." And what about the attention still being placed on others? Persinger answers, "We feel we will once again be overlooked by many, but we like that role. If teams aren't prepared and take us for granted, we feel we can sneak up on them and get some quality wins."

 

11. Bourbon County - Matthew Martin enters his first season as the Bourbon County head basketball coach, replacing Robert Goodman who held the position for just one year. The Colonels' 2012-13 campaign started with a bit of promise, winning two of their first three games, but the wheels fell off quickly. Bourbon County had a stretch in December and January where it lost 10 of 11 games and ultimately finished the year at 8-20.

 

Theoretically, there should be some sense of optimism. Senior Snoop Johnson was one of the 10th Region's most prolific scorers a year ago--the lone bright spot of the Colonels season. The athletic 5'11" guard poured in a whopping 48 points in a late-season loss to Western Hills and was expected to pick up right where he left off. But according to Martin, Johnson's status "is still uncertain at this time." Bourbon County will have the services of a pair of transfers. Junior guard Landon Sexton is a proven scorer who transferred from Nicholas County. As a sophomore, the 6'1" Sexton was the Jackets' top scorer. Lafayette transfer, 5'11" senior Gavin Owsley, could also step in immediately and contribute. Should Snoop choose to play this season, the Colonels will have a dynamite scoring back court. Should he choose not to play, Sexton especially will need to produce that much more. Looking further down the roster, senior center Logan Mullins will be an anchor in the post, while the sophomore duo of Chandler Thomas and Austin Rankin will surely battle for starting spots.

 

Martin described it best when he said, "We have no idea what to expect from our team. We are making some progress, but there are a lot of pieces to our puzzle that we are still trying to match up." With the Bourbon County football team likely going deep into the 3A playoffs, it may be a while before Johnson's situation is decided (he's a gridiron standout). The Colonels, as any team, would greatly benefit the inclusion of a player Johnson's caliber, but either way Martin will have his team ready to go when they tip things off on December 7th against Bath County.

 

12. St. Patrick - It's a new era for St. Patrick basketball as former Harrison County graduate (1997) Matthew Taylor returns to the 10th Region for his first head-coaching job. During Taylor's time as a player, he was a part of two Regional championship teams (1996 and 1997), but his coaching experience is equally impressive. The 35 year-old is fresh off a near two-year stint as an assistant under Tim Floyd at UTEP. Taylor has assembled an impressive coaching staff and is bursting with energy and ambition. When asked about the challenges facing him as a head coach Taylor answered, "Cleaning up the previous staff's messes and really focusing on building and enriching a program. I have outstanding relationships with prominent figures in the basketball business at all levels. I am bringing an opportunity to a school where my network will potentially provide basketball scholarships and exposure to players that are deserving of them. Implementing this and acquiring the student athletes interested in these types of options, while obtaining a second to none education is eminent. I am looking forward to a tenure here."

 

Taylor describes his first roster as a "senior dominated team where we are full of role players." However, the Saints' top player will be junior big man Andrew Sticklen, whose 6'5" frame will be needed in a Region festooned with stellar post players. While Sticklen will undoubtedly spend a lot of time at the center position, Taylor anticipates molding him into a more versatile player, and the coach is confident that his standout will garner much attention from college coaches over the next two years. Another junior, guard Bailey Jodrey, is a slasher-type who can play around the rim and also be a lock-down defender because of his tremendous speed. Senior forward Andrew Brant is a player that Taylor describes as "pound for pound the most developed athlete probably in the 10th Region." At 6'2" Brant has the desirable combination of great leaping ability and tremendous physical strength. Senior forward William McKay can play four positions, but also brings what Taylor calls "basketball IQ and leadership prowess" to the Saints team. Senior forward C.J. Kellerman is a deadly shooter and sophomore point guard Brennan Bauer has experienced significant progress over the last few months and could find his way into a starting spot. A couple of back court youngsters, sophomore Jarrod McCall and freshman Chase Burton, could also see their share of minutes.

 

Taylor is eager for the season to start and promises a St. Patrick team that will be defined by discipline, defense, and execution--a squad that "is going to be different than it has ever been." While the new coach is concerned about guard play and perimeter shooting, he sees promise because of his roster's size, physicality, depth, and leadership. "If they do as they are told by myself and the staff, then they will find themselves smiling at the end of the year."

 

13. Robertson County - From an outsider's perspective the opening of a beautiful, brand-new school seemed to be last season's highlight for the Robertson County Black Devils boys basketball team. John Brown's inexperienced squad did not manage a victory until the turn of the New Year, and ended the season with a 10th Region-worst 3-26 record. But Brown, now entering his third season as the Black Devils head coach, sees it differently. "Last season we had very little production coming back from the previous season and we were bitten by the injury bug early." The Nicholas County alum believes he can use last year as preparation and motivation for a 2013-14 campaign that contains considerable promise.

 

Unlike a season ago, Robertson County returns all of its production, including four players who averaged double figures in scoring. Guard Dawson Cooper averaged 12 points and 6 rebounds last year. According to Brown, the 6'2" junior "is very athletic and has an ability to get where he wants to go." Additionally, Brown sees Cooper as the team's top defender, capable of guarding multiple positions and sizes. Joining Cooper in the back court is 5'9" senior Tyler Burns. Burns is a deadly perimeter shooter and Brown likes the relentless effort his point guard gives. Darren Edwards (11 ppg), a 6'3" senior, is Robertson County's main man in the paint, but Brown is quick to highlight Edwards' range and ability to put the ball on the floor. Another forward, 6'2" senior Justin Pilosky (10 ppg), is a gritty, hard-nosed player who also has a knack for getting to the basket when he needs to.

 

Brown feels he has a roster of players that can each handle the ball and hit open shots from anywhere on the floor. He hopes this will help compensate for the team's lack of size. As for last season Brown says, "Our guys have a year's experience of playing with each other and we know they can produce. If we can stay healthy all year, we believe we'll have a season that our team and community will be proud of."

 

14. Pendleton County - One of the strangest sights you will see when taking in 10th Region action this season is a Pendleton County Wildcats team sans Mason Monroe. The smooth left-hander has been a staple, not just in Falmouth, but throughout the entire Regional landscape for the last several seasons. Monroe started games as an 8th grader and now six years later he has left an indelible mark, scoring 2,128 career points and dishing out 450 assists. Wildcats head coach Ed Cravens put it very simply, but most effectively: "You never can replace a player like Mason Monroe."

 

Monroe has now taken his talents to Lexington (Transylvania), but Pendleton County has more to replace than just one guy. Says Cravens, "We lost seven seniors, which amounts to 97% of our scoring and 85% of our rebounding." Having lost so much, there are more questions than answers at this point. Senior forward Adam Koeninger is the only returnee who saw major minutes last year. Senior big man Colton Pugh is a decent shot-blocking presence. Junior forward Patrick McCain missed most of last season with injury, but brings quality athleticism to the table. Then there are the guards, and they are aplenty. The sophomore combination of Tanner Pugh & Hunter Wood will see a lot of time, as will sharpshooting senior Lance Jones and fellow senior Jordan Wilson. Eddie Booth is another senior who brings a ton of energy when he's on the floor, but the Wildcats might even see regular contributions from freshman Mike Antrobus over the course of the year. A lot is yet to be determined for Cravens, specifically in terms of lineups and rotations, but he loves the energy he has seen. "We play hard," the second-year coach stated.

 

Pendleton County's schedule has been wisely constructed to suit a team that is undoubtedly the 10th's least experienced. Fifteen games are slated to take place at home, including a February 12th battle with Montgomery County. But the Wildcats do take to the road to do battle with George Rogers Clark, Augusta, Mason County and Campbell County. While the season will be a learning experience for the Cats, it could prove a valuable one come tournament time.

 

15. Nicholas County - The Bluejackets ended the 2012-13 season by breaking a twelve-year 10th Region Tournament drought, as then head coach Kevin Reinhardt led his team to a runner-up finish in the 38th District Tournament, before being dispatched by top-dog Montgomery County in the Regional quarterfinals. Reinhardt's time in Carlisle, however, has come to an end and now the Roger Newton era has begun. Newton was an assistant at Bath County last season and has held several coaching positions in the Commonwealth--many of the assistant coach variety. But now he inherits a deep Nicholas County roster that seems equipped to build on last year's success. "We have depth. I feel like we can play up to 10 guys each night and possibly go a little deeper," the first-year coach said.

 

The top returnees for the Jackets will be a pair of seniors--center Scott Keaton and forward Logan Fryman--who will butter their bread in the low blocks. Newton expects another senior post player, Josh Mitchell, will see plenty of time and also hopes to soon add sophomore Elijah Barnett, who is currently nursing an injury. The back court is where Newton believes his depth will show itself most. The junior class alone boasts five perimeter-oriented players--Ben Duncan, Tyler Newton, Devin Trussell, Christian George, and Drake Vice--and they will be joined by two seniors in Austin Shepherd and Brady Saunders. Says Newton, "We not only have depth, but we have several guys who can play multiple positions on the floor. This will also help us be pretty good defensively."

 

Newton explained that he inherited the bulk of his schedule, which includes early tests against George Rogers Clark, Harrison County, and LaRue County. The Jackets will also participate in Bracken County's annual Christmas Tournament, and their regular season will conclude with a couple of battles against 10th Region powers--at Mason County on February 11th and vs. Montgomery County eight days later. "I'm hoping with our draw, we can compete for an All 'A' Regional title, but we also hope to earn another 10th Region tournament bid this year."

 

16. Silver Grove - Bobby Aldridge's first season as head coach of the Big Trains got off to a difficult start. From the start of the season through January 4th, Silver Grove managed just one victory out of fourteen attempts. However, the new year brought with it a reversal of fortune as the Trains managed to go .500 through the season's end, finishing the year with an 8-20 record that ended in a 37th District Tournament loss to Calvary Christian.

 

Silver Grove has said goodbye to its top scorer and rebounder from a season ago, the graduated Dallas Dunaway, but Aldridge will return a nice crop of players who bring some experience to the table. Junior swingman Billy Miller is the most prolific scorer returning for the Trains in 2013-14. A pair of seniors, forward Zac Louden and wing player Billy Govan, are the team's most experienced returnees. Five other juniors return, all of which logged quality time a season ago, and also look out for sophomore guard Randy Kuntz to possibly emerge as a break-out type of player.

 

The Trains will again play a schedule that mostly consists of 9th and 10th Region foes. The team's first road game of the season will be against Aldridge's alma mater St. Henry and they will play four of the 10th Region's Class "A" participants prior to the All "A" Regional, including a December 30th home game against its first-round opponent St. Patrick. It's all but impossible for a school like Silver Grove to find post-season success in a frequently loaded 37th District, but Aldridge's group is experienced and will compete on a daily basis.

 

17. Calvary Christian - The 2012-13 season was an uphill battle for Chris Douthitt and Calvary Christian. The team lost 80% of its games (6-24) and tied Paris for the second lowest win total among 10th Region teams. There was a bit of a positive note at season's end, though, as the Cougars managed a 37th District Tournament win over Silver Grove before being bounced out by eventual District champion Bishop Brossart.

 

As Douthitt prepares for his second season as the Calvary head coach, he'll have to find a way to replace his two top scorers from last season, Jake Lamb (12.2 ppg) and Nick Whitt (11.4 ppg). Sharpshooting point guard Riley Worstell, a junior, will be one of the first players Douthitt looks to for points. As a sophomore, Worstell averaged 5.6 ppg & connected on 36% of his 3-point attempts. Fellow junior Zac Valandra will give the Cougars some firepower down low. Senior forward Bradley Leichter appeared in 26 games last year and will need to raise his scoring from the 1.7 ppg he averaged a year ago. Junior forward Quinn Varnado should also find himself a front court position in the starting lineup.

 

Losing roughly two-thirds of last year's scoring production will be a tough task for the Cougars and the schedule isn't the easiest, especially early on. Calvary will tip its season off at home on December 3rd against District foe Scott, and then three days later will take a trip to Alexandria to battle Aric Russell's Campbell County squad. Douthitt's team is opposite Paris in the 10th Region Class "A" Tournament, but the Cougars will find several opportunities for wins in the season's final two months.

 

10TH REGION: PLAYER RANKINGS

 

1. Brent Bach- 6'1" Sr. (Augusta)- Electrifying guard is the 10th's most prolific scorer; superior athlete with exceptional shooting range.

 

2. Alex Trentman- 6'7" Sr. (Bishop Brossart)- Athletic forward can play inside and out; could easily be a double-double guy in 2013-14.

 

3. Bryan Wallace- 6'0 Sr. (Montgomery County)- Explosive guard has what it takes to lead MoCo back to Rupp.

 

4. Shawn Johnson- 6'7" Sr. (Mason County)- Royals big man is not flashy, but double-double average last year is flashy.

 

5. Corey Holbrook- 5'11" Sr. (Campbell County)- Camels top guy is a sensational scorer and fearless competitor.

 

6. Darius Jones- 6'4 Sr. (Montgomery Couty)- Expect big things from arguably the 10th's premier athlete.

 

7. Khmarkis Blanton- 6'4" Sr. (George Rogers Clark)- Football wide-body can dominate the paint; very physical player.

 

8. Dillon Pulliam- 6'3" Sr. (Harrison County)- Smooth shooter, but can beat you in a variety of ways.

 

9. Drew Burns- 6'7" Sr. (Bishop Brossart)- Size and strength make the Brossart big man a front court force.

 

10. DeAnte Cisero- 6'6" Sr. (Montgomery County)- Versatile newcomer from Chicago will be a good compliment for Jones.

 

10TH REGION: CIRCLE THESE 10 DATES

 

Dec. 6th - Paris @ George Rogers Clark...We've got our eyes on the Greyhounds as a possible 10th Region sleeper. A trip to Winchester for a showdown with GRC will give an indication where both teams stand early on.

 

Dec. 7th - Campbell County @ Dixie Heights...Good early test for Aric Russell's Camels. Oh yeah, Corey Holbrook vs. Brandon Hatton.

 

Dec. 10th - Augusta @ Bracken County...So much to like here: Long-time county rivals, rematch of last year's 39th District championship thriller, 10th's top senior (Brent Bach) vs. 10th's top freshman (Austin Crawford).

 

Dec. 14th - Montgomery County vs. Henderson County (@ Bourbon County)...How good is Montgomery County under new coach Jason Holland? A neutral court battle with 2nd Region contender Henderson will answer some questions.

 

Jan. 3rd - Bishop Brossart vs. Campbell County (@ Campbell County Middle)...Ring in the New Year with the most bitter rivalry in the 10th Region. You could circle this game just about every year, but we expect this one to be extra special with sugar on top. Think we can get the two rivals to join hands for a post-game singing of Auld Lang Syne?

 

Jan. 11th - Augusta vs. Bishop Brossart (@ NKU's Regents Hall)...Did you hear the one about the two best teams who drew each other in the opening round of their Region's Class "A" Tournament?

 

Jan. 25th - Wayne County @ Montgomery County...Couple of Sweet 16 hopefuls & Top 25 caliber teams do battle in the Joe B. Hall Prep Classic.

 

Feb. 17th - Harrison County @ Holmes...The Breds travel to Covington where Beetle Bolden and the Bulldogs await. Very good test for Harrison County with tournament play right around the corner.

 

Feb. 18th - Mason County @ Bishop Brossart...Just days prior to the start of the post-season the 10th's top two big men, Alex Trentman and Shawn Johnson, go mano-a-mano in Alexandria.

 

Feb. 24th-27th - 39th District Tournament (@ Bracken County)... Might we see Augusta vs. Mason County Part III? The Thrilla In Brooksvilla?

 

10TH REGION: 10 PRESSING QUESTIONS

 

1. Jason Holland: Will Montgomery County's new main man be able to mold all that talent into a title team?

 

2. Bishop Brossart: Can the 'Stangs find the production to replace Justin Saunders & mount a championship run?

 

3. Augusta: Bach is back, along with a talented group of sophomores, but can the Panthers replace what glue-guy Tanner Kelsch brought to the table?

 

4. Aric Russell: Will the Camels coach find the size and strength he needs to make Campbell a contender?

 

5. Mason County: How motivated will the Royals be after missing the 10th Region Tournament for the first time in sixteen years?

 

6. Dillon Pulliam: Will the long-time Harrison County standout have a supporting cast to challenge for a Regional championship?

 

7. Terrence Brooks: Can the first-year Paris coach duplicate the success he enjoyed while overseeing the school's girls program?

 

8. Scott: Will last year's Region runner-up continue to succeed despite the loss of Nick Jackson & a host of others?

 

9. Khmarkis Blanton: Will the GRC big man get the offensive help he needs to lead the Cards back to championship contention?

 

10. Bracken County: Can the Polar Bears build on last year's late-season surge & play the spoiler role in the 39th District?

Edited November 29, 201312 yr by Randy Parker

FYI...while I am the one posting this, please understand this is far from a solo effort. My good friends gold sunrise & mcpapa join me in covering the 10th Region for BGP. We also had the assistance of a few others who will remain nameless, but you know who you are & we thank you very much. :thumb:

 

Enjoy the preview & by all means, tell us where we're wrong. :thumb:

Well done RP!!

Phenomenal work everyone!

Great stuff!

Great job by everyone! Looking forward to the season.

Now that's some information right there Jack! Well done.

Enjoyed reading this ... a job well done!

Very nice job. Look forward to an exciting season.

Look forward to an exciting season.

 

Can't wait! :thumb:

Excellent!

FYI...while I am the one posting this, please understand this is far from a solo effort. My good friends gold sunrise & mcpapa join me in covering the 10th Region for BGP. We also had the assistance of a few others who will remain nameless, but you know who you are & we thank you very much. :thumb:

 

Enjoy the preview & by all means, tell us where we're wrong. :thumb:

 

Really enjoyed working on this with you. Agree that with the help of our resources is what made it possible to get as much exposure to all the teams and players of our region.

 

Can't wait for b-ball season to start!!!!!

Excellent synopsis of the region. You set the bar high for the other regions.

Well done RP!!

 

Should have said, well done RP and buddies!

Love the format at the Randyisms. You need to write for more regions!