Campbell County Camels (21-8)

 

Aric Russell brings Campbell County back to Rupp Arena for the first time since the 2000-01 season. The Camels lost 3 of their last 4 regular season games, but quickly regrouped for a 5-game post-season run, starting with a come-from-behind 65-62 victory over Scott in the semifinals of the 37th District Tournament and ending with a 68-61 10th Region title win over defending champ Montgomery County. Russell himself will be on familiar ground, as he led Newport to the Sweet 16 in 2010, but the fourth-year Camels coach presently has his alma mater primed and ready for the greatest show in hoops.

 

Campbell County is led by the three-headed monster of Deondre Jackson, Corey Holbrook, and Matt Wilson. Jackson, a 6'2" junior, is a gifted combo guard who leads the team in scoring at 18.1 points per game. Holbrook is the team's leader, most experienced player, and number two scorer at 16.2 points per game. A 6'0 senior, Holbrook was sensational in the post-season and in particular the Regional championship game, where he scored a game-high 26 points and willed his team to victory. Wilson is a 6'6" sophomore who controls the paint for Russell's squad and is averaging a double-double on the year at 13.1 points per game and 10.5 rebounds per game. Wilson took off the helmet and pads after quarterbacking Campbell County's football team and has made tremendous strides all season long. His Regional championship performance was also outstanding, as he recorded 12 points, 14 rebounds and 8 blocks. Campbell County has other players who make valued contributions, but this trio is most responsible for the Sweet 16 appearance.

 

Trent McGovney (5'10" Soph) and Blake Losey (5'11" Jr) round out the starting five, essentially giving Russell four guards plus Wilson. For this reason, the Camels aren't as susceptible to defensive pressure and turning the ball over, but can certainly have trouble at times on the glass. 6'1" junior swingman Jake Franzen is one of Russell's top reserves, as is 6'0 senior guard Garrett Geiman.

 

Keeping Wilson out of foul trouble is of vital importance for Russell's bunch, but opposing teams will have problems guarding Jackson and Holbrook on the perimeter. Both can hit the long ball and both are very effective at driving to the basket. If the Camels can keep the momentum going that started when the regular season ended, they're going to be a tough out for anyone.

Nice work RP, as always.

You the man RP...outstanding job!!!

Johnson Central is going to have a SIGNIFICANT size advantage...